An underwater volcano off the coast of Oregon is showing signs of imminent eruption, researchers say. The Axial Seamount, located about 300 miles (over 480 km) west of Oregon and nearly a mile (about 1.5 km) beneath the ocean’s surface, has been steadily inflating “like a balloon” as molten rock builds up inside.
In June, scientists at Oregon State University recorded more than 2,000 earthquakes in a single day near the site, indicating rising seismic activity. The volcano, considered the most active submarine volcano in the northeast Pacific, has erupted three times since monitoring began in 1998.
While the eruptions occur deep underwater and are not expected to endanger human life or property, scientists stress that studying Axial Seamount could improve eruption forecasting on land, where the risks to communities are much higher.
Volcanic eruptions are as terrifying as they are beautiful. In addition to their extreme temperatures, they can release toxic gases and ash and even cause earthquakes. But which American volcanoes are truly the most dangerous?
Check out the list of volcanoes to watch out for, according to the United States Geological Survey.