Scientists are closely monitoring Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano off the coast of Oregon, as it shows increased signs of activity and a potential eruption in 2025. Located approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers) from the Oregon coast and nearly a mile beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface, Axial Seamount is considered the most active volcano in the Northeast Pacific.
The volcano's activity is marked by hundreds of micro-earthquakes daily and a swelling surface, indicating magma is accumulating beneath the structure. Experts, including volcanologist Bill Chadwick, suggest the volcano's surface has reached nearly the same height as it had before its last eruption in 2015.
While an eruption is likely, scientists say it poses no tsunami threat or danger to coastal communities due to its depth and distance from shore. The monitoring of Axial Seamount provides valuable insights into underwater volcanic processes and helps refine models for forecasting eruptions of other volcanoes worldwide.