Undersea Volcano Axial Seamount's Potential Eruption

SOURCE www.msn.com
Scientists predict that the undersea volcano Axial Seamount off the Pacific Coast could erupt by the end of the year. Despite being highly active, its eruptions are non-explosive, posing no risk of tsunami. The volcano's unique oozing lava style makes its eruptions unnoticed on land but impactful underwater.

Key Points

  • Axial Seamount is located nearly a mile deep and about 700 miles northwest of San Francisco
  • The volcano's eruptions are characterized by oozing lava, similar to Kilauea in Hawaii
  • Scientists have observed a pattern of seafloor inflation and deflation before eruptions

Pros

  • Scientists are closely monitoring Axial Seamount, making it the best-monitored underwater volcano
  • The volcano's non-explosive eruptions reduce the risk of significant damage to human life or property

Cons

  • Eruptions could harm sea life and damage scientific equipment around the volcano