Scientists Uncover Giant Lava Fields From an Active Underwater Volcano

MBARI researchers mapped and sampled extensive lava fields at Axial Seamount using AUVs and ROVs.

They identified three lava flow fields each covering 65–100 km² and up to 130 m thick, plus a network of deep connected lava ponds.

Evidence shows flows inflated, fractured, and collapsed as molten rock drained through dikes from the summit magma chamber.

The team published the results in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems on 23 January 2026.