History of Axial Seamount in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 10, 2025

Axial Seamount is a submarine volcano situated on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, approximately 480 km west of Oregon. It's the youngest volcano and current eruptive center of the Cobb-Eickelberg Seamount chain, rising 1,100 m from the ocean floor. This geologically complex seamount lies at the intersection of a hotspot and a mid-ocean ridge, resulting in poorly understood origins. It features a rectangular caldera and rift zones extending northeast and southwest. Its flanks are marked by fissures, vents, sheet flows, and pit craters. The seamount's geology is further complicated by its intersection with surrounding smaller seamounts.

1981: First Bathymetry

In 1981, the first bathymetry of Axial Seamount was compiled by the NOAAS Surveyor during SeaBeam trials. The survey aimed to link seafloor hydrothermal activity to geomorphic features and found areas of increased temperature concentration.

1983: Low-Temperature Venting Discovery

In 1983, dives at the northern rift zone of Axial Seamount found extensive low-temperature venting.

1983: Discovery of Black Smoker Vents

In 1983, submersible dives with Pisces IV and DSV Alvin led to the discovery of the first active black smoker vents in the north Pacific.

1983: Canadian American Seamount (CASM) Expedition

In 1983, the Canadian American Seamount (CASM) expedition visited Axial Seamount's summit caldera and discovered a vibrant hydrothermal vent community.

1984: Further Discoveries of Black Smoker Vents

In 1984, submersible dives with Pisces IV and DSV Alvin led to further discoveries of active black smoker vents in the north Pacific.

1987: Deployment of Volcanic Systems Monitors

Beginning in 1987, pressure, tilt, and temperature sensors, along with seismometers, were deployed on Axial Seamount as part of the Volcanic Systems Monitors (VSN) program.

1987: Deployment of Bottom Pressure Recorders

From 1987, bottom pressure recorders deployed on Axial Seamount recorded instances of deflation in the summit surface, indicating lava movement.

1991: Seismic Activity

Between 1991 and 1996 Axial Seamount experienced a single earthquake swarm of over 50 events.

1991: Bathymetric Detailing by NOAAS Discoverer

In 1991, the NOAAS Discoverer conducted further bathymetric surveys of Axial Seamount, detailing the seamount further.

1991: NOAA Access to SOSUS

In 1991, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gained access to the United States Navy's SOSUS system to monitor seismic activity.

1992: End of Bottom Pressure Recorders Deployment

By 1992, bottom pressure recorders deployed on Axial Seamount recorded five instances of deflation in the summit surface, indicating lava movement.

1992: Continuation of Volcanic Systems Monitors Deployment

Continuing until 1992, more pressure, tilt, and temperature sensors, and seismometers were deployed on Axial Seamount as part of the Volcanic Systems Monitors (VSN) program.

1992: Sensor Deployment

Throughout 1992, a large package of sensors was deployed on Axial Seamount to monitor its activity.

1993: NOAA Real-time Monitoring System

Since 1993, the NOAA has maintained a real-time monitoring system that alerts the organization whenever an event occurs.

1996: Seismic Activity

Between 1991 and 1996 Axial Seamount experienced a single earthquake swarm of over 50 events.

1996: Establishment of NeMO

In 1996, the New Millennium Observatory (NeMO) was established on Axial Seamount to study volcanic perturbations and their effects on hydrothermal communities.

1996: Establishment of the New Millennium Observatory

In 1996, the New Millennium Observatory was established on the flanks of Axial Seamount.

November 1997: Increased Seismic Activity

Between May and November 1997, seismic activity at Axial Seamount increased markedly, with SOSUS recording five earthquake swarms. By 29 November 1997 the swarm had moved south by 50 km.

January 1998: Submarine Eruption

In January 1998, a submarine eruption was detected at Axial Seamount, marking the first time such an event was detected and monitored in situ. This event garnered significant scientific interest.

January 1998: Eruption and Earthquake Swarm

In January 1998, around the time of the eruption, a massive 11-day, 8247-quake event occurred at Axial Seamount.

February 1998: First Post-Eruption Expedition

On 12 February 1998, the RV Wecoma conducted the first post-eruption expedition to Axial Seamount, performing conductivity, temperature, depth, and optical casts.