At the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, 500 kilometres off the coast of the US state of Oregon, lies one of the most studied underwater volcanoes on the planet – Axial Seamount. This geological giant, hidden beneath the depths of the water, is once again showing signs of life.
According to researchers at Oregon State University, there has been an increase in seismic activity and pressure beneath the seabed in recent months. These changes indicate that the volcano could erupt in the near future.
The last eruption of Axial Seamount occurred in 2015, causing significant geological changes: swelling of the seabed, displacement of rocks and transformation of hydrothermal vents, which are home to unique marine organisms.
A modern network of underwater sensors and telemetry systems allows scientists to monitor the volcano’s behaviour in real time. Researchers emphasise that a possible eruption does not pose a threat to the coast or shipping, but could significantly affect ecosystems in the area of hydrothermal vents.
Axial Seamount is located in a zone where tectonic plates collide, forming new sections of oceanic crust. This makes the volcano a unique natural laboratory for studying geological and biological processes in the depths of the ocean.
According to experts, observing Axial Seamount helps not only to predict future eruptions, but also to better understand how volcanic activity affects the climate, ocean chemistry and life in extreme conditions.
