Mount Spurr in Alaska Shakes Things Up with 22 Earthquakes — What’s Next for the Volcano?
Scientists at Mount Spurr, an active volcano in Alaska, have hit a snag in their research efforts due to a series of earthquakes that have rocked the area. Over the past month, the volcano has experienced 22 earthquakes, making it tough for researchers to gather crucial volcanic data. However, authorities are suggesting that the chances of an eruption are not as high as they once thought.
Standing tall at 11,000 feet, Mount Spurr is located about 80 miles west of Anchorage. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported that since April 10, the seismic activity has hindered their ability to monitor volcanic gas levels accurately, primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions.
In a recent statement, AVO noted, “Based on the recent modest changes in monitoring data and the inability to measure gas for the last month, the outcome of the current unrest is less certain.” They emphasized that once the weather clears up, they will be able to collect new gas data, which will help refine their assessment of the situation.
Since March 21, cloudy skies have grounded AVO's planes, helicopters, and satellites, preventing them from collecting vital data. Despite the ongoing seismic activity, AVO has observed a slowdown in ground deformation, which is a key indicator of magma movement beneath the surface.
Before the weather took a turn for the worse, AVO had detected significantly elevated levels of volcanic gas emissions around Mount Spurr, which initially raised alarms about a potential eruption. This increase in emissions is typically linked to magma pushing its way into the Earth’s crust beneath the volcano.
In March, the situation was serious enough for AVO to label an eruption at Mount Spurr as “likely, but not certain.” However, they have since revised their outlook, stating that the likelihood of an eruption has decreased since last month. “Overall, the likelihood of an eruption has decreased from March, but the volcano remains at an elevated level of unrest,” AVO explained. They also noted that an explosive eruption similar to those in 1953 and 1992 is still a possibility.
Should an eruption occur, AVO expects to see a rise in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating beforehand, which could provide days to weeks of warning for local residents.
Mount Spurr is not just any volcano; it’s located a mere 80 miles from Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, which is home to over 286,000 people. The volcano has erupted twice in modern history, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1992. That eruption sent massive ash plumes soaring into the sky, with ash being recorded as far as 260 miles away from the volcano.
Interestingly, the 1992 eruption did not significantly disrupt air travel outside the immediate area, according to AVO. The eruption had a “10-month crescendo,” giving residents ample time to prepare and take necessary precautions.
In light of the recent seismic activity, some locals are already gearing up for the possibility of an ash cloud. Reports indicate that residents are purchasing respirator masks and goggles to protect themselves and their pets from potential volcanic fallout.
As of now, the Alaska Volcano Observatory has not responded to requests for further comments on the situation. The community remains on alert, keeping a close eye on Mount Spurr as scientists continue to monitor the volcano's activity.
