A massive underwater volcano off the Oregon coast, known as Axial Seamount, is showing signs of an impending eruption, according to geologists. Located nearly a mile below the ocean surface on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, the volcano sits where two tectonic plates are pulling apart, allowing magma to rise and build pressure.

Researchers from the University of Washington’s Regional Cabled Array have observed a surge in earthquakes—hundreds daily—as magma accumulates. Though the exact timing is uncertain, experts believe an eruption could occur anytime between now and early 2026.

Axial Seamount last erupted in April 2015, releasing magma across 25 miles of seafloor. That eruption was marked by more than 10,000 tremors in one day. While the event scorched local marine life, ecosystems around hydrothermal vents recovered within months.

Debbie Kelley, director of the Regional Cabled Array, emphasized how life thrives even in these extreme conditions. “Volcanoes may be one of the major sources of life in our oceans,” she said.

Fortunately, this undersea eruption is not expected to impact human populations. “It’s not explosive. You won’t see ash clouds,” said Kelley. The eruption will likely go unnoticed on land.

Interestingly, eruptions tend to align with Earth’s position relative to the sun and the moon’s gravitational pull, which affects ocean tides and pressure on the seafloor.

For the first time, researchers plan to livestream the eruption, offering a rare window into Earth’s deep-sea geological activity. This event highlights the critical role of underwater volcanoes in shaping our planet.