Axial Seamount is a shield volcano, similar to Mauna Loa, the world's most active volcano located in Hawaii. Shield volcanoes typically produce runny lava flows that result in gentle slopes.

Covering an area of around 5,100 square kilometers (1,969 square miles), Mauna Loa is just about 1.6 percent the size of Tamu Massif, but it’s significantly taller.

Although Mauna Loa is active and will erupt again in the future, there is no immediate threat.The volcano's alert level is currently normal, with no signs of activity visible on webcams.