Pressure is building in the depths of the Northeast Pacific. The Axial Seamount volcano has been showing very high and increasing seismic activity for several months.
This activity is mobilizing the international scientific community. The site, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, offers a unique window into underwater volcanic dynamics and the associated extreme ecosystems. Researchers are closely monitoring the inflation of its magma chamber, a key indicator for predicting its next awakening.
Representation of the bathymetry of the Axial Seamount (summit in yellow at the center) and its surroundings (vertical scale exaggerated).
Image NOAA. A unique seafloor observatory
Axial Seamount benefits from unprecedented continuous monitoring. A fiber-optic network directly connects the volcano to the coast of Oregon in the United States. This cable powers a multitude of sensors placed on the ocean floor.
This observatory provides real-time data on ground deformation and seismic activity. The journal
IFLScience reports the uniqueness of this permanent installation. It allows for a detailed study of the processes at play before an eruption.
A natural laboratory for the origin of life
The hydrothermal vents of the volcano are of particular interest to biologists. These chimneys release hot, mineral-rich fluids, creating oases of life in the abyssal environment. The site serves as a model for studying the adaptation of life to extreme conditions.
According to research cited by
IFLScience, these environments could shed light on the earliest forms of terrestrial life. Thermophilic microorganisms use the chemical energy from the fluids to thrive. Their metabolism relies on compounds such as sulfur or iron.
The next eruption will provide a rare opportunity to observe recolonization after a major disturbance. Scientists will study the resilience of these unique microbial ecosystems. These observations could also inform us about the impacts of potential anthropogenic (human-caused) disturbances.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND