Biology at Axial Seamount

Graneledone Octopus at Axial

Cataloging the Inhabitants of a Deep Sea Volcano

Axial Seamount is the most volcanically active deep-sea volcano on the Juan de Fuca spreading ridge having erupted in 1998, 2011, and again in 2015. It also hosts numerous vigorously venting hydrothermal vent fields. Because of this, it was chosen as a key site for NSFs' Ocean Observatories Initiative Cabled Array. The summit of the volcano is at a water depth of 1500 m, and its base at 2600 m.  Lava flows and hydrothermal vents provide habitats for a diverse assemblage of organisms in the volcano's summit caldera, while a thick layer of pelagic mud offers a far different habitat for biological communities at Axial's base. View the information, images and video related to the many different biological organisms that have been observed over the years of Cabled Array expedition cruises.

View the Biology at Axial Seamount Videos.

This catalog is designed as a growing archive. We hope that knowledgeable individuals will help to improve the quality of the information presented here. Have an addition or revision? Please fill out our revision form.

Special thanks to all those who contributed their time and knowledge to this endeavor.                                                  View the Contributors.
Related Stories