Scientists Warn: Unprecedented Activity Signals Imminent Eruption of Giant Underwater Volcano

Scientists are closely watching a volcano called Axial Seamount, found about 300 miles off the California coast. This underwater volcano, sitting nearly a mile below the ocean, has become very active, raising concerns that it could erupt by the end of the year.

The last eruption happened in 2015. Since then, seismic activity has spiked dramatically. Recently, there were over 2,000 earthquakes in one day, and hundreds of smaller quakes have continued ever since. According to William Chadwick, a geophysicist at Oregon State University, the volcano is inflating fast, similar to what happened before its last eruption.

Magma rises through cracks in the volcano, causing it to inflate like a balloon and triggering tiny earthquakes in the surrounding rock. While this activity gives scientists clues about possible eruptions, Chadwick warns that volcanoes can be unpredictable and might erupt without any warning.

These earthquakes are generally too small for people to feel, averaging only a 1 or 2 on the Richter scale. However, when Axial does erupt, experts predict a surge of seismic activity—possibly increasing daily quakes from about 100 to as many as 10,000 within 24 hours, according to Interesting Engineering.

Chadwick noted that the nature of Axial Seamount’s eruptions differs from other well-known volcanoes like Mount St. Helens or Mount Rainier, which tend to have more explosive eruptions due to the gas trapped in their magma. Axial’s lava flows are much more fluid, allowing gases to escape without causing explosions.

The possibility of eruptions from a crack or dike could mean that magma moves sideways rather than directly to the ocean floor. Emilie Hooft, a geophysicist from the University of Oregon, mentioned that this could lead to eruptions in unexpected places.

Fortunately, this underwater volcano won’t directly threaten people on the West Coast. Its depth and distance from shore mean that an eruption will have little to no effect on land. As Chadwick observed, Axial is always active, suggesting that if it’s not currently erupting, it’s gearing up for the next one.

Recent monitoring efforts include installing advanced sensors and underwater seismometers to track every tremor. Insights from Axial Seamount could prove beneficial in forecasting eruptions from other dangerous volcanoes, like Mount Rainier, which is much closer to urban areas.

In summary, while Axial Seamount appears to be on the verge of another eruption, there’s no immediate danger to nearby populations. The scientific community continues to learn valuable lessons from its activity, which could enhance our understanding of volcanic behavior in the future.

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