In the depths of the Pacific Ocean, 470 kilometers off the Oregon coast, a drama is unfolding. Axial Seamount, one of the most active underwater volcanoes in the world, is swelling with magma. Scientists believe it will erupt before the end of 2025—a bold prediction,

This volcano is the highlight of a chain of underwater mountains known as the Juan de Fuca Ridge (center of above image). These peaks straddle the North American and Pacific tectonic plates. As the plates move apart,