Axial Seamount: Awakening on the Ocean Floor
Located 300 miles off Oregon, this active underwater volcano is showing signs of a major new eruption.
Breaking the 2015 Silence
After nearly a decade of quiet since its 2015 blast, scientists detect rising magma levels and seismic shifts.
Predicting the Next Surge
Monitoring the seafloor height helps researchers forecast exactly when the caldera will reach its limit.
A Swelling Giant Underwater
The seafloor has been rising steadily, indicating the magma chamber is refilling at a predictable rate.
The OOI Cabled Array
High-tech sensors provide real-time data, making Axial one of the best-monitored volcanoes on Earth.
Life in the Danger Zone
Eruptions create new habitats for unique deep-sea species that thrive on volcanic heat and minerals.
Waiting for the Big Event
As the pressure builds, the global scientific community watches for the next spectacular seafloor show.