Things are heating up hundreds of miles off the coast of Oregon, where a large undersea volcano is showing signs of impending eruption, scientists say. The volcano, known as Axial Seamount, is located nearly 1 mile (1.4 kilometers) underwater on a geological hot spot, where searing gushes of molten rock rise from Earth’s mantle and into the crust. Hotspot volcanoes are common on the seafloor. But Axial Seamount also happens to be located on the Juan de Fuca Ridge — an area where two massive tectonic plates (the Pacific and the Juan de Fuca plates) are constantly spreading apart, causing a steady buildup of pressure beneath the planet’s surface. The frequency of earthquakes has recently picked up dramatically as the volcano inflates with increasingly more magma, signaling an eruption could be near, according to researchers at the National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative Regional Cabled Array, a facility operated by the University of Washington that monitors the activity of Axial Seamount. “At the moment, there are a couple hundred earthquakes a day, but that’s still a lot less than we saw before the previous eruption,” said William Wilcock, a marine geophysicist and professor at the University of Washington School of Oceanography who studies the volcano. “I would say it was going to erupt sometime later (this year) or early 2026, but it could be tomorrow, because it’s completely unpredictable,” he said. What happens during an eruption? During the volcano’s last eruption in April 2015, the team observed about 10,000 small-scale earthquakes in a 24-hour period, and the same can be expected for the next one, Wilcock said. Magma — molten rock beneath Earth’s surface — oozed out of Axial Seamount for a month and trailed about 25 miles (40 kilometers) across the seafloor, he added. The magma chamber at the heart of the volcano has also collapsed several times in the past, creating a large crater called a caldera. There, sea life thrives off the mineral-rich gases that exit through hydrothermal vents, which are like underwater hot springs. Streams of hot fluid containing billions of microbes and clumps of waste billow up from cracks in the caldera’s surface, creating white plumes called “snowblowers.” During previous eruptions, the small plants and animals living on the hydrothermal vents were scorched by lava flows, but just three months later, their ecosystem was back and flourishing again, said Debbie Kelley, director of the Regional Cabled Array. “I think it’s one of the biggest discoveries we’ve made,” said Kelley, a professor of marine geology and geophysics at the University of Washington, in a statement. “Life thrives in these inhospitable environments, and volcanoes are probably one of the major sources of life in our oceans.” While neighboring marine life such as fish, whales and octopuses may feel the heat and rumble of seismic shifting, they are unlikely to be harmed. And people on land probably won’t notice the eruption at all, Kelley told CNN. “It’s not a very explosive event. You won’t see the ash clouds above water, anything like that,” she said. “It’s like if you put a mile of seawater on top of Kilauea … you may see some fountaining, but that’s it.” In fact, most of the planet’s volcanic activity takes place within underwater spreading centers such as the Juan de Fuca Ridge, which experiences multiple, small volcanic eruptions each day, Kelley said. “The magma’s pretty close to the surface. It’s about a mile beneath the surface, which is very shallow compared with a lot of land volcanoes, where it may be 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) deep,” Kelley said, adding that the viscosity, or thickness, of the magma can affect how much pressure builds up in the magma chamber. Like a thick tomato sauce cooking on the stove, air bubbles within high-viscosity magma rupture more dramatically than Axial Seamount’s thinner, runnier magma. How to watch Luckily, the relative mildness of Axial Seamount makes it perfect for close human observation. The next time the volcano erupts, the observatory even plans to publicly livestream the event, which has never been done before, Kelley said. Observing an undersea volcanic eruption is no easy task. Scientists only directly witnessed one in action for the first time on April 29. In the Pacific Ocean, about 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) west of Costa Rica, researchers partnering with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, or WHOI, were on a routine submersible dive to collect data on the East Pacific Rise when they noticed the once-vibrant Tica vents were no longer teeming with sea life. Instead, the team found a charred “tubeworm barbeque,” as WHOI Emeritus Research Scholar Dan Fornari put it. Flashes of orange lava leaked through the seafloor before hardening in the freezing water, indicating an eruption was taking place. “It’s quite a significant development,” Fornari said. “It’s a very understudied environment, because it’s hard to reach and because we have to use clever technology to understand it. … At the heart of it, we are watching (the) ways in which this planet gets built, gets constructed by volcanism on the seafloor.” As above, so below Unexpectedly, close observation of Axial Seamount has revealed the timing of its eruption isn’t just about what’s bubbling beneath the surface — it also has to do with what’s above. All three of the most recent eruptions — in 1998, 2011 and 2015 — have occurred between January and April, the time of year when Earth is moving away from the sun. “I don’t think we fully understand why that is, but it may be related to the (gravitational) forces from the moon influencing the volcano,” Wilcock said. The moon orbits Earth each month, and its gravitational pull moves ocean tides up and down, causing pressure variations on the seafloor. As the volcano’s magma chamber reaches critical mass, these pressure changes put more stress on the caldera, the crater of the volcano created by previous eruptions. The pressure of high tide also causes more frequent earthquakes, slowly stressing the chamber to its breaking point, Kelley said.
An underwater volcano off the coast of Oregon could erupt soon, scientists say
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scientists Warn of Potential Eruption at Axial Seamount Off Oregon Coast"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Scientists have reported that Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located approximately one mile beneath the surface off the coast of Oregon, is exhibiting signs that suggest an impending eruption. This volcano sits atop the Juan de Fuca Ridge, an area characterized by the tectonic divergence of the Pacific and Juan de Fuca plates. As magma accumulates beneath the surface, there has been a notable increase in seismic activity, with hundreds of earthquakes occurring daily. William Wilcock, a marine geophysicist from the University of Washington, indicated that while the current seismic activity is less intense than before previous eruptions, it is still significant and could indicate an eruption within the next year or so. The last eruption in April 2015 was marked by about 10,000 small earthquakes in just one day, followed by the release of magma that spread across the seafloor for approximately 25 miles. The volcano's magma chamber has a history of collapsing, leading to the formation of a caldera rich in marine life that thrives on the minerals released through hydrothermal vents.
The nature of the upcoming eruption is expected to be less explosive compared to land-based volcanoes, with little to no impact on marine life or coastal communities. Debbie Kelley, director of the Regional Cabled Array, explained that the eruption would not produce ash clouds visible from the surface, as the underwater environment provides a barrier. Interestingly, research has indicated a potential link between the timing of eruptions and the gravitational influences of the moon, which may affect tidal pressures on the seafloor. This relationship could explain why past eruptions have predominantly occurred in the early months of the year. As scientists prepare to monitor the volcano closely, they plan to livestream the next eruption, marking a significant milestone in the study of underwater volcanic activity. The ongoing research at Axial Seamount not only enhances our understanding of volcanic processes but also reveals the resilience of life in extreme underwater environments, offering insights into the complex interactions between geological forces and marine ecosystems.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent article highlights the potential for an underwater volcano off the coast of Oregon, known as Axial Seamount, to erupt soon. Scientists from the University of Washington are observing increased seismic activity, suggesting that an eruption could occur in the near future. The article serves to inform the public about geological phenomena and potential hazards, while also raising awareness of the ongoing research in this area.
Purpose of the Article
The primary goal of this news piece appears to be raising awareness about the scientific monitoring of the Axial Seamount and the potential hazards associated with volcanic eruptions. By detailing the geological context and recent seismic activity, the article aims to inform the public and prompt discussions about natural disaster preparedness, especially in coastal regions.
Public Perception
The article may evoke a sense of urgency and concern among the public regarding volcanic activity and its potential impacts. It could also foster interest in geological sciences and the importance of monitoring natural phenomena. The emphasis on unpredictability may lead to heightened anxiety about the safety of coastal communities, but it also highlights the proactive approach of scientists in monitoring potential threats.
Information Discrepancies
While the article provides factual information about the volcano and its current state, it is crucial to note that it does not delve into potential governmental or industry responses to such an eruption. This omission may create a perception that there is a lack of preparedness or a response plan for local communities, which could lead to speculation or fear.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other news articles about geological events, this one stands out due to its specific focus on a single volcano and the scientific monitoring involved. However, broader discussions about climate change, natural disasters, or geological activity are often interconnected in media narratives, potentially indicating a larger discourse on environmental issues.
Impacts on Society and Economy
The potential eruption of Axial Seamount could have various implications for local communities, including tourism, fishing, and emergency preparedness. If an eruption occurs, it could disrupt local economies and necessitate government intervention, impacting public policy and funding for disaster management.
Target Audiences
This article is likely to resonate with communities living near the coast, those interested in science and geology, and environmental activists. It may also attract the attention of policymakers focused on disaster preparedness and response strategies.
Market Implications
In terms of financial markets, this news could influence sectors related to environmental monitoring, geological research, and emergency management. Stocks in companies involved in these sectors may see increased interest as the public and investors react to the potential risks associated with volcanic eruptions.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article primarily discusses a geological event, it does not directly address geopolitical issues. However, natural disasters can have far-reaching effects on regional stability and resource management, which can indirectly relate to current global events.
Use of AI in the Article
It is possible that AI models were utilized in drafting the article, particularly in analyzing data trends regarding seismic activity. The tone is informative and straightforward, suggesting an objective presentation of facts rather than opinion-driven content.
Potential Manipulation
There are subtle elements that could be viewed as manipulative, such as the emphasis on unpredictability, which may induce fear. This could lead to a narrative that prioritizes sensationalism over balanced reporting, although the scientific basis of the information remains intact.
In conclusion, while the article is grounded in factual reporting and scientific observation, it may also evoke heightened anxiety about natural disasters without addressing broader implications or community preparedness strategies. Its reliability is bolstered by the involvement of credible scientific institutions, but the presentation could benefit from a more rounded discussion of potential responses to the risks posed by volcanic activity.