A volcano near Anchorage, Alaska, is showing signs of increased activity, raising concerns about a potential eruption at Mount Spurr. The Alaska Volcano Observatory recently reported that during flights over the area, scientists detected significantly higher emissions of volcanic gases. This increase suggests that an eruption could happen in the coming weeks or months.
The observatory is closely monitoring the situation. They expect to see more seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating if an eruption is imminent. This could give residents a warning period of days to weeks.
Mount Spurr stands at 11,070 feet (3,374 meters) and is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Anchorage. It is one of 53 volcanoes in Alaska that have been active in the last 250 years. The last eruption from its summit vent occurred over 5,000 years ago, while the Crater Peak vent erupted in 1953 and multiple times in 1992.
Since the last eruptions, there have been periods of increased seismic activity, particularly between 2004 and 2006, but no eruptions occurred. Last October, the observatory raised its alert status from green to yellow due to noticeable seismic changes and ground deformation detected by satellites.
Experts believe that if an eruption does occur, it might resemble those from the 1950s and 1990s. However, there is also a chance that the current unrest could settle down without an eruption, or that a smaller eruption might take place.
If Mount Spurr does erupt, it could have significant impacts. Previous eruptions have produced ash columns that reached over 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) into the atmosphere, affecting communities in south-central Alaska. In 1992, ashfall in Anchorage led residents to stay indoors or wear masks to avoid inhaling ash, which even drifted as far as Greenland. The ash can be harmful, especially to jet engines, and has led to airport closures in the past, causing major disruptions in a state where many communities rely on air travel.
As the situation develops, residents and authorities are urged to stay informed and prepared for any potential changes.