Experts Alert: Underwater Volcano Poised to Erupt, Threatening to Unleash Millions of Tons of Lava!

An underwater volcano off the West Coast, Axial Seamount, may erupt soon, and you can watch it live. Located about 300 miles off the coast of Oregon, this volcano sits deeper than 4,900 feet underwater and is the most active in the Pacific Northwest.

Scientists set up a camera to stream the volcano’s activity. You can catch the live feed daily at 2:00, 5:00, 8:00, and 11:00 ET. The camera focuses on a unique 14-foot tall formation known as the “Mushroom,” which is part of the ASHES vent field. This area is rich with life, featuring white bacterial mats and small tube worms that thrive in warm fluids seeping through the seafloor.

Axial Seamount last erupted in 2015, a significant event that caused around 8,000 earthquakes and resulted in dramatic lava flows and the seafloor collapsing by nearly eight feet.

Volcanologist Bill Chadwick from Oregon State University recently noted, “It’s at or almost at that inflation threshold where it erupted last time. So, we think it’s ready.” His research shows the volcano’s activity mirrors that of Hawaiian volcanoes, with magma rising and causing the seafloor to swell like a balloon ready to pop.

Recently, a surge in seismic activity has been detected beneath the seamount, with the number of underwater earthquakes steadily increasing. Current estimates suggest that if an eruption occurs, the number of quakes could spike from several hundred each day to up to 10,000 in a single day, as magma pushes toward the surface.

In the years leading up to 2023, scientists monitored a slowdown in the swelling of the seafloor, which complicated predictions for Axial’s next eruption. However, recent observations show that swelling has picked up again, causing concern and excitement in the scientific community.

Historically, Axial has shown a pattern of eruptions, with significant events recorded in 1998, 2011, and 2015. The 2015 eruption was notable not only for its power but also for the real-time monitoring capabilities it showcased, allowing researchers to enhance prediction models for future events.

According to Chadwick, “It is probably the best-monitored submarine volcano in the world.” This extensive monitoring provides critical data that enhances our understanding of underwater eruptions, which are notoriously harder to track than their terrestrial counterparts. While the upcoming eruption might be dramatic, experts assure that it won’t threaten human communities, as its location is too deep and isolated to pose any risk.

This situation offers an incredible opportunity for scientists and the public alike. By watching Axial Seamount, we can better appreciate the planet’s power and learn more about volcanic activities beneath the ocean.

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