Seismic activity and elevated gas emissions at Alaska's Mount Spurr have heightened concerns about an imminent volcanic eruption.
Mount Spurr, situated 75 miles from Anchorage, Alaska, is exhibiting signs that indicate a possible eruption in the near future, the Daily Mail reported.
Located close to Anchorage, which is home to nearly 300,000 people, Mount Spurr is one of Alaska's 53 active volcanoes. Given its proximity to such a large population center, the consequences of an eruption are a serious concern for both local and regional safety.
Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) have recently observed an alarming increase in the levels of volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide around Mount Spurr. These elevated emissions are typical indicators of new magma moving beneath the surface of a volcano.
The AVO has documented significant seismic activity, including more than 3,400 earthquakes since April 2024. Most of these earthquakes have been shallow, with magnitudes up to 2.7, suggesting movement of magma under the volcano.
Alongside the increase in gas emissions, there has been noticeable ground deformation. These geological changes often precede volcanic eruptions, serving as critical data points for scientists monitoring the volcano.
This bundle of signs points to the increasing likelihood of an eruption, which could occur within weeks or months. Scientists continue to monitor Mount Spurr closely, looking for any further increase in seismic activity or additional signs of volcanic activity.
If Mount Spurr were to erupt, it could have devastating effects. Expected hazards include mudslides, avalanches of hot gas, and fast-moving lava flows, all of which pose significant risks to life and property.
The potential ash cloud from an eruption is of particular concern. Such clouds can travel hundreds of miles and have severe consequences for air travel and public health. Past eruptions of Mount Spurr, like the ones in 1953 and 1992, produced ash columns that reached heights over 50,000 feet and led to widespread ashfall in south-central Alaska.
In 1992, Anchorage experienced ashfall approximately a quarter-inch thick, which disrupted air traffic and required extensive cleanup and public safety measures. Volcanic ash, known for its angular and sharp nature, poses serious risks to aircraft, including the potential to cause jet engines to shut down.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists have emphasized the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity. They noted that while additional changes in monitoring data are expected before an eruption, it is also possible that an eruption could occur with little or no warning.
"There was basically nothing coming out before, and now there’s a lot of gas, particularly CO2 coming out, which usually, when we’ve seen this at volcanoes in Alaska and across the world, it means that eruption is getting more likely," explained David Fee, a coordinating scientist with the Alaska Beacon.
AVO's response continues to be proactive, with repeated flights over the volcano to measure the levels of various gases. These measurements help provide a clearer picture of the changes occurring beneath the surface and are critical for updating the community and preparing for possible evacuation scenarios.
The history of eruptions at Mount Spurr provides valuable lessons for current preparedness strategies. Understanding the impacts of previous eruptions helps refine evacuation plans and public health advisories in preparation for a similar event.
Authorities are closely coordinating with local communities to ensure that everyone remains informed and ready to act if evacuation becomes necessary. Such preparedness is essential in mitigating the risks associated with volcanic eruptions and safeguarding public health and safety.
As Mount Spurr continues to show unsettling signs of activity, the region remains on high alert. The community's safety hinges on the vigilant monitoring efforts by scientists and the adherence to safety protocols established based on past volcanic events in Alaska.
