Deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles off the coast of Oregon, a massive underwater volcano called Axial Seamount shows signs it may soon erupt. Perched nearly a mile beneath the ocean’s surface, this undersea giant sits atop a volatile intersection where two tectonic plates—the Juan de Fuca and the Pacific—are pulling apart. The result? A hotspot of magma buildup and a growing swarm of earthquakes.
Scientists at the University of Washington’s Ocean Observatories Initiative have reported a surge in seismic activity — hundreds of daily earthquakes — suggesting the volcano is inflating with magma and gearing up for an eruption. But timing remains uncertain. “It could be tomorrow or next year,” says marine geophysicist William Wilcock.
When Axial last erupted in 2015, it unleashed molten rock across 25 miles of seafloor, triggering 10,000 quakes daily. These underwater eruptions don’t produce towering ash clouds — instead, they release rivers of lava and columns of mineral-rich fluid through hydrothermal vents. These vents, sometimes nicknamed “snowblowers,” spew out hot, white plumes filled with microbes and minerals, creating bizarre underwater ecosystems.
Despite the extreme conditions, life quickly rebounds. Within months of a lava flow, the seafloor is teeming with creatures again.
Fortunately, Axial Seamount’s eruptions are unlikely to harm marine life or coastal communities. But for scientists — and curious observers — it’s a rare chance to witness Earth rebuilding itself in real time. Next time it erupts, the team plans to livestream it for the first time.
Want to follow the action? Keep an eye on the Regional Cabled Array for real-time updates.
