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Heightened Seismic Activity Detected at Alaska’s Mount Spurr Volcano
Multiple minor earthquakes have been registered beneath Mount Spurr, a massive Alaskan volcano, this week, prompting expert warnings that it may be nearing an eruption. Located approximately 81 miles from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, the 11,000-foot Mount Spurr volcano has been under increased scrutiny by scientists in recent months due to escalating signs of volcanic unrest.
Increased Volcanic Unrest at Mount Spurr
Over the past few months, Mount Spurr has exhibited heightened seismic activity, ground deformation, and increased gas emissions. These are recognized by scientists as potential indicators of an approaching eruption. Seismic activity commenced around Mount Spurr in April 2024. Notably, in October, the frequency of earthquakes surged from an average of 30 per week to approximately 125 per week, signaling a significant escalation in subterranean movement.
Recent Seismic Updates from Alaska Volcano Observatory
In an update released on Tuesday, specialists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) stated: “Unrest at Mount Spurr volcano persists. Seismic activity remains elevated, with intermittent small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano in the last 24 hours.” The AVO is actively monitoring Mount Spurr for indications that suggest the volcano is progressing towards an eruption, continuing diligent surveillance to assess the evolving situation.
Hundreds of Tremors Recorded
Since the beginning of the month, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has recorded hundreds of minor tremors within a 30-mile radius of Mount Spurr. Adding to concerns, on April 2nd, a more substantial magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred near Petersville at 11:44 am, roughly 30 miles northwest of Mount Spurr. This particular quake originated at a depth of 65 miles below the surface, a depth typically associated with tectonic plate movement rather than volcanic activity. However, due to the concurrent volcanic unrest at Mount Spurr, a possible connection to rising magma from deep within the Earth’s mantle cannot be ruled out.
Potential Eruption Scenarios and Timeline
Scientists speculate that an eruption of Mount Spurr could occur within the coming weeks or months, considering the sustained seismic activity, elevated gas emissions from its summit crater and a side vent since March 7th, and ground deformation. These combined factors have placed scientists on high alert.
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Crater Peak: The Likely Eruption Site
While Mount Spurr’s summit crater has remained dormant for an estimated 5,000 years, its side vent, known as Crater Peak, last erupted approximately 30 years ago. Experts suggest that if Mount Spurr erupts again, Crater Peak is the most probable location. Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at the AVO, previously indicated that an eruption from Crater Peak “would be explosive,” potentially ejecting multiple ash plumes reaching altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. Such an event could blanket Anchorage in a layer of volcanic ash.
Impact of a Potential Mount Spurr Eruption
Each explosive episode capable of producing ash could last for three to four hours, and the resulting ash cloud has the potential to envelop Anchorage and surrounding communities in a thick layer of dust. Furthermore, an eruption could trigger destructive mudslides and avalanches of volcanic debris, surging down the volcano’s flanks at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. Fortunately, these destructive flows are not expected to affect populated areas.
Anchorage Emergency Preparedness
On March 20th, Anchorage officials elevated the emergency planning level to Level 2. This signifies an intensification of public communication regarding the potential threat, and public safety agencies are actively preparing to initiate eruption response protocols. The last Mount Spurr eruption in 1992 serves as a reference point, with scientists anticipating a potentially similar event in the near future.
The 1992 Mount Spurr Eruption: Lessons Learned
During the 1992 eruption, Mount Spurr deposited an eighth of an inch of ash across Anchorage. The ash cloud was so substantial that it obscured daylight in the middle of the day, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was forced to cease operations for 20 hours. Crater Peak experienced two subsequent eruptions in August and September of the same year. The Municipality of Anchorage reported nearly $2 million in damages, encompassing office closures and cleanup expenses from the August eruption, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While no direct fatalities occurred during these events, two heart attacks, one of which was fatal, were attributed to individuals shoveling volcanic ash in Anchorage.
Health Hazards of Volcanic Ash
Inhaling volcanic ash presents significant health risks. The fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating conditions for individuals with respiratory ailments such as asthma or bronchitis. Experts like Haney advise that if Mount Spurr’s activity continues its upward trend, a volcanic tremor will likely be the next precursor to an eruption.