Seismic Activity Under Alaskan Volcano May Indicate Imminent Eruption

Small earthquakes beneath Alaska’s Mount Spurr suggest that the volcano may be nearing an eruption. Located about 3,370 meters (11,070 feet) above sea level, the mountain has experienced a surge in seismic activity recently, with thousands of minor earthquakes reported.

Increased Chances of Eruption

Matthew Haney, a volcano seismologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory, informed ABC News that the likelihood of an eruption is currently about 50-50, following a significant rise in activity over the past 10 months.

The proximity of Mount Spurr to Anchorage, just 130 kilometers (80 miles) away, means the eruption could pose a serious risk to life. If the volcano erupts, ash could cover the city, just like it did during a previous eruption.

Footage from a 1953 eruption of Mount Spurr shows the damage caused by the volcano’s ash cloud, which reached more than 10,000 meters above sea level. The cloud blanketed the city, leading to headlines like “City ‘Digging Out’,” though there were no fatalities.

According to a recent update from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), seismic activity continues beneath Mount Spurr, with numerous shallow earthquakes detected. The northern side of the volcano’s summit vent centers these quakes, and the tremors have steadily increased over the last day.

Previous Eruptions and Impact

The volcano’s previous eruption occurred in 1992, in the form of three separate eruptions over several months. These events forced Anchorage’s airport to close for 20 hours due to ash clouds. One fatality was reported, a heart attack brought on by shoveling ash, and there was significant damage estimated at several million dollars. Like the current activity, there were months of escalating seismic activity leading up to that eruption.

In addition to the earthquakes, scientists have observed that the volcano has been swelling by about 6.4 centimeters (2.5 inches), which could signal that pressure is building beneath the surface, potentially leading to an eruption.

However, it’s not yet time for emergency actions. Similar seismic activity was noted in 2004 and 2012 but did not result in eruptions, suggesting that this may be a similar situation.

Possible Early Warning Signs of Eruption

USGS experts also note that an eruption would likely be preceded by more seismic activity, including around the volcano’s fumaroles or vents. This could provide ample warning if an eruption is imminent.

According to the USGS, if magma moves closer to the surface, we would expect noticeable changes in the seismic activity, ground deformation, and activity around the summit lake and fumaroles. This would give scientists advance warning of a potential eruption.

Volcanologists are monitoring Mount Spurr closely to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, as these eruptions can be significant, as demonstrated by previous events.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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