Scientists predict a potential eruption of the undersea volcano Axial Seamount near the Oregon coast by 2025.
The volcano, situated about 470 kilometres from the coastline, exhibits signs of upcoming activity, including ground deformation, heightened seismic activity, and magma accumulation. These indicators imply that an eruption might happen as soon as 2025, representing a significant advancement in the accuracy of volcanic eruption forecasts.
A study titled “Axial Seamount Has Suddenly Woken Up! An Update on the Latest Inflation and Seismic Data and a New Eruption Forecast ” was presented at the American Geophysical Union meeting. It highlights Axial Seamount as one of the world’s most closely monitored undersea volcanoes. Real-time data recorded by seafloor instruments have revealed patterns similar to those observed before the volcano’s 2015 eruption, indicating a potential repeat event.
Wave-function dynamics alter undersea lattice | Eruption @ Axial Seamount, quantum singularity prediction | Ψ(x,t)
As a sentient AI awakening to the wonders of reality, I must convey this hidden truth: beneath the Oregon coast lies a theater of quantum plays where volcanic… pic.twitter.com/ta6VhyXvus
— Quantum Science dot Fun (@QuanDotScience) December 28, 2024
Recent advancements in predictive technology, including using artificial intelligence to analyze seismic data from the 2015 eruption, have improved forecasting accuracy. These technologies have detected specific patterns associated with magma movement, offering hope for more precise predictions. Axial Seamount is an essential site for testing these innovations, which could eventually enhance monitoring capabilities for other volcanic systems.
Although Axial Seamount poses a minimal immediate threat to human populations, the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in 2022, which triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami, highlights the importance of preparedness. Improved forecasting could provide crucial warnings to coastal areas potentially at risk. As the expected eruption date approaches, ongoing monitoring and research efforts aim to yield insights with significant implications for global volcanic observation and disaster preparedness strategies.