Week Four--Volcano--Axial Seamount

Axial Seamount Submarine Volcano

The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease, 

And the Active Volcano gets the Grant Funding 

Although some of the most devastating volcanoes to human kind have been towering giants that measure many thousands of feet above the earth, 75% of volcanic activity occurs below the surface of the ocean. The Axial Seamount lies a few hundred miles beyond the Oregon coast along a curve that is known as the Ring of Fire. It is so called for the almost continuous geographical ring of underwater volcanoes which is located in the Pacific. Like land volcanoes, underwater volcanoes spew hot gas and occasionally erupt with hot, molten magma which then cools as it travels along the ocean floor.

Diagram of the Axial Seamount (University of Washington, 2015)

The experience of visiting the Axial Seamount has been captured on video by the recent explorations of this natural wonder. This particular location has a rectangular caldera which is drastically different from the usual circular shaped ones. Because of the particularly thin crust, this volcanic area is particularly active and occasionally experiences a series of numerous eruptions and earthquakes. However, scientists now believe that the data is pointing to a slowing down period for the volcano to swell back to its pre-eruption status. This volcanic area has expanded over time on the Cobb-Eikelberg Seamount Chain. 

Actual Video Footage of samples taken at the Axial Seamount (Earth-Oceans Interaction Program, 2017)

Although it seems like an unlikely place, the area surrounding the gaseous hydrothermal vents are home to a whole ecosystem of underwater life. The animals that live in this place in between extremes include fish, worms, crabs, and spiders. While reviewing the tapes of the robotic mechanism placing and retrieving data collection devices, it is hard to ignore the population of life juxtaposed with this seemingly abrasive environment of smoking hydrothermal vents. The surface of rock surrounding the volcano is extremely varied in nature. It is partly rolling hills, pocked craters, and fissures. Visiting this volcanic structure is like visiting an underground extreme nature park. The wildlife is exciting, but slightly terrifying. The ground geology will always catch you off guard. And the constant reminders that this is one of the most active volcanoes in the area perpetuate a constant supply of adrenaline to the nervous system. 

Sources

Earth-OceansInteraction Program. (2017, October 10). Dive J2-966 highlights. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZwHYpNBxpM&index=2&list=PLgxHFq3fMoN-AgwjAtUjmfqtmOCznHH94

Lutgens, F. K., Tarbuck, E. J., & Tasa, D. (2016). Essentials of Geology (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, & Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. (2017). Axial Seamount. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/eoi/axial_site.html

Opatkiewicz, A. D., Butterfield, D. A., & Baross, J. A. (2009). Individual hydrothermal vents at Axial Seamount harbor distinct subseafloor microbial communities. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 70(3), 413-424. doi:10.1111/j.1574-6941.2009.00747.x

University of Washington. (2015). Axial Seamount. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://interactiveoceans.washington.edu/story/Axial Seamount

US Department of Commerce, & National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2011, July 05). The Depths Below - Ring of Fire. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ringoffire/