Underwater volcano off West Coast could erupt soon, scientists say

An underwater volcano off the coast of Oregon is gearing up for an eruption, according to volcanologists who are monitoring for activity.

The Axial Seamount -- an underwater volcano located about 300 miles off the coast of Oregon and 4,900 feet below the surface -- has been displaying behavior that indicates an eruption is imminent, researchers at Oregon State University say.

Since the beginning of the year, the volcano has been inflating "like a balloon" as molten rock accumulates within, William Chadwick, research associate at Oregon State University, told ABC News in January.

Now, seismic activity near the volcano is ramping up as well. In June, more than 2,000 earthquakes were recorded in a single day, according to Oregon State University .

The rate of earthquake activity has b