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Alaska Residents on Alert as Mount Spurr Volcano Shows Signs of Increased Activity
Nearly 300,000 residents in Anchorage, Alaska, are urged to prepare as Mount Spurr, a volcano situated approximately 80 miles west of the city, exhibits indications of heightened seismic activity, sparking concerns of a potential eruption. Increased earthquake activity near the Mount Spurr volcano has prompted officials to monitor the situation closely and advise residents on preparedness measures in case of volcanic ashfall.
Elevated Seismic Activity Raises Concerns
Mount Spurr has experienced a surge in seismic activity in recent months. Over the past week, swarms of earthquakes have been detected within a 30-mile radius of the volcano’s base. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported a 2.2 magnitude tremor at 7:43 PM ET on Sunday. While other seismic events have been smaller, remaining below magnitude 1, the sustained activity is being closely monitored.
In a Monday update, the AVO stated, “Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano. Seismicity remains elevated with occasional small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day.”
Signs of Magma Movement
Authorities explain that this intensified seismic activity suggests magma is rising beneath Mount Spurr. This movement of molten rock induces stress and fracturing in the surrounding rock formations, resulting in the observed earthquakes. This geological unrest is a key indicator that the volcano’s status requires careful attention and public awareness.
Anchorage Residents Prepare for Potential Ashfall
Residents of Anchorage are proactively taking steps to prepare for potential volcanic ashfall, a primary concern in a Mount Spurr eruption scenario. Lia, a TikTok user, demonstrated her family’s preparedness efforts, highlighting the growing awareness among the populace.
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“Mount Spurr is about to erupt, and I want to make sure we are prepared because we have never gone through a volcanic eruption,” Lia stated, emphasizing the novelty of the situation for many Anchorage inhabitants.
Protective Measures and Supplies
Lia detailed that the primary hazard is volcanic ash, which could be carried by winds over Anchorage. She showcased newly acquired protective equipment, including respirators, safety goggles, and air filters for vehicles.
- Respiratory Protection: Respirators are crucial to filter out fine volcanic ash particles.
- Eye Protection: Goggles are necessary to shield eyes from irritation caused by ash.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Air filters for vehicles prevent ash from damaging engines and ventilation systems.
Lia opted for swim goggles, emphasizing the need for a tight seal to prevent ash penetration. She also purchased goggles for her dog, a measure echoed by numerous Anchorage pet owners concerned for their animals’ well-being.
Home Preparedness
While Lia believed her home’s doors and windows were adequately sealed, other residents have opted to stockpile duct tape. This tape is intended to seal window sills and doorframes, creating an additional barrier against ash intrusion and other potential hazards associated with volcanic eruptions.
“So now we just wait for it to erupt and see how it goes,” Lia remarked in her TikTok video, referencing expert predictions of approximately a quarter-inch of ashfall in Anchorage.
Historical Eruptions and Potential Scenarios
The AVO anticipates that a potential Mount Spurr eruption could resemble past events in 1953 and 1992. These historical eruptions involved explosive episodes lasting several hours, producing ash clouds that traveled hundreds of miles downwind and resulted in minor ashfall (up to about ¼ inch) across southcentral Alaska.
However, the AVO also cautioned that more significant eruptions are possible, although less likely. “These would likely result in larger ash clouds, thicker ashfall deposits and greater overall impacts. No such eruptions are known in historical times, and the geologic record suggests these are rare. Therefore, the likelihood of such an event is low.”
Monitoring and Volcanic Gas Emissions
The AVO reported no visible steaming from Mount Spurr via land-based cameras on Monday. Satellite data acquisition was hindered by adverse weather conditions. Previously, on March 7, significantly elevated volcanic gas emissions were detected, but these levels have diminished in the past week.
The cessation of emissions could indicate a blockage caused by solidified magma or trapped gas beneath the surface. This scenario suggests that magma and gas may still be accumulating, increasing pressure within the volcanic system.
Conversely, it remains a possibility that Mount Spurr’s activity is decreasing, although the AVO did not suggest this in their recent update.
Potential Eruption Intensity
Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at the AVO, described a potential eruption as “explosive,” informing DailyMail.com that it could eject multiple ash plumes reaching altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. Individual ash-producing explosive events could last for three to four hours, potentially enveloping Anchorage and nearby communities in substantial ash clouds.
Health Impacts of Volcanic Ash
While Anchorage is not anticipated to be directly within the primary impact zone, widespread ashfall remains a significant concern. Volcanic ash poses health risks, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can exacerbate respiratory conditions, causing more severe health issues for individuals with asthma, lung disease, and pre-existing heart conditions.
Increased Emergency Planning and Public Awareness
Seismic activity near Mount Spurr commenced in April 2024, with event frequency escalating from an average of 30 per week to approximately 125 per week in early October and persisting since. Although recent earthquakes are of minor magnitude, the swarms suggest mounting pressure, expanding fissures, and magma migration beneath the surface.
Anchorage officials elevated the emergency planning level to Level 2 on March 20, signifying intensified public communication efforts regarding the potential threat. Public safety agencies are also preparing to implement eruption response protocols.
Pet Safety Recommendations
City authorities have issued specific safety guidelines for pet owners in anticipation of potential ashfall.
- Keep Pets Indoors: Minimize outdoor exposure for animals.
- Stock Supplies: Maintain a two-week supply of pet food and medications.
- Ash Removal: If pets go outside, promptly brush or wash ash from their fur.
Anchorage residents have been actively acquiring necessary supplies for both themselves and their pets.
TikTok user Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez shared a video stating, “We’re getting ready for the volcanic eruption,” showcasing her dogs wearing protective eyewear. “They’re not happy with the goggles,” Gonzalez humorously noted, adding plans for ear protection and body coverings.
Gonzalez also displayed a collection of preparedness items gathered in recent weeks, including protective masks, dog booties, sealant tape for windows and doors, and water supplies.
Anchorage residents Alliana Salanguit and Jesslin Wooliver told NPR about purchasing protective goggles for their dog, Iroh, immediately following scientists’ announcements about potential Mount Spurr eruption.
“I searched ‘pink, dog goggles, small,’ and it was the top result,” Salanguit recounted about Iroh’s heart-shaped goggles. “Aren’t they darling?”
Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark, an Anchorage pet store, informed NPR of selling over 500 pairs of dog goggles in March. He also mentioned an incoming shipment of dog respirators, with 1,800 already pre-sold, demonstrating significant local demand for pet protective gear.