Underwater Volcano Off Oregon May Soon Erupt, Scientists Warn
Geologists are closely monitoring Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano nearly a mile beneath the ocean surface off the Oregon coast, as it shows signs of an imminent eruption. Located on the Juan de Fuca Ridge—a tectonic boundary where plates are pulling apart—the volcano is rapidly inflating with magma.
Researchers from the University of Washington’s Ocean Observatories Initiative have detected a sharp rise in daily earthquakes, a key indicator of volcanic activity.
“It could erupt later this year or in early 2026—but it might also happen tomorrow,” warned marine geophysicist William Wilcock.
