Mysterious Undersea Volcano Near California Could Erupt by End of 2025

Scientists Monitor Axial Seamount, One of the Most Active Submarine Volcanoes on Earth

California — May 20, 2025
Scientists are closely watching Axial Seamount, a highly active undersea volcano located nearly a mile beneath the Pacific Ocean, approximately 700 miles northwest of San Francisco. Experts now believe this submarine volcano could erupt before the end of 2025, based on a rise in seismic and volcanic activity.

Location and Geological Background

Axial Seamount lies on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, a mid-ocean ridge where the Pacific and Juan de Fuca tectonic plates are pulling apart. This geological setting creates a hotspot for frequent undersea volcanic eruptions as magma rises to fill the gap between the plates.

Discovered in the 1980s, Axial Seamount has already erupted three times in recent history: in 1998, 2011, and 2015. With its fluid lava, the volcano typically produces non-explosive eruptions, making it unlikely to cause tsunamis or threaten coastal cities.

Rising Seafloor and Volcanic Pressure

Scientists, including Dr. Bill Chadwick of Oregon State University and Dr. Scott Nooner of UNC Wilmington, have been tracking a pattern of inflation and deflation on the volcano’s surface. The seafloor swells as magma builds up and sinks when it's released during an eruption.

Following a slow inflation period in 2023, the volcano’s floor began rising again in early 2024, reaching levels comparable to just before the 2015 eruption. Based on this, researchers forecast an eruption window extending through late 2025.

Increased Earthquake Activity Signals Magma Movement

Alongside the rising seafloor, scientists have recorded hundreds of small earthquakes per day near Axial Seamount—an indication that magma is on the move. While current seismic activity is below the peak levels seen before previous eruptions, it has increased enough to raise concerns among geologists.

However, experts emphasize that predicting the exact eruption date is still not possible, even with these indicators.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems, Not Humans

Despite its size and activity, Axial Seamount poses no direct threat to human life due to its remote location and the nature of its underwater eruptions. There is no risk of tsunamis or coastal damage.

Still, eruptions can significantly impact the deep-sea environment. The volcano is home to hydrothermal vents that support unique marine ecosystems. Studies show that marine life in the region often recovers quickly after eruptions, with some species even thriving on the new seafloor terrain.

Nearby marine animals may detect changes in heat or vibrations, but they're unlikely to suffer lasting harm.

A Natural Laboratory for Volcanic Science

Axial Seamount serves as a critical research site for scientists studying undersea volcanism and earthquake forecasting. Its consistent activity helps researchers better understand how pressure builds beneath the seafloor and how marine ecosystems respond to volcanic disruptions.

Summary

• Axial Seamount, located off the Pacific Northwest coast, may erupt again by late 2025.

• The volcano is highly active but non-explosive, posing no risk of tsunamis or coastal hazards.

• Scientists have observed seafloor inflation and rising seismic activity, key indicators of an impending eruption.

• The eruption would have little to no impact on people, but may temporarily affect marine ecosystems.

• Researchers continue to monitor the site as a window into the Earth's geological activity beneath the sea.

Sources:

• Los Angeles Times, USA Today, CNN, IFLScience, NBC News, NPR

• United States Geological Survey (USGS)

• Oregon State University & University of North Carolina Wilmington Research Teams