Scientists monitor undersea volcanic eruption off Oregon coast

newsdock:

By Courtney Sherwood PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) - An undersea volcano about 300 miles (480 km) off Oregon’s coast has been spewing lava for the past seven days, confirming forecasts made last fall and giving researchers unique insight into a hidden ocean hot spot, a scientist said on Friday. 

Researchers know of two previous eruptions by the volcano, dubbed “Axial Seamount” for its location along the axis of an underwater mountain ridge, Oregon State University geologist Bill Chadwick said on Friday. 

Last year, researchers connected monitoring gear to an undersea cable that, for the first time, allowed them to gather live data on the volcano, whose peak is about 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) below the ocean surface. “The cable allows us to have more sensors and monitoring instruments than ever before, and it’s happening in real time,” said Chadwick, who also is affiliated with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://dlvr.it/9g3V1z