Mount Spurr in Alaska Shows Signs of Possible Eruption
Mount Spurr in Alaska is experiencing heightened seismic activity, indicating a potential eruption in the near future. Historical eruptions in 1953 and 1992 produced significant ash clouds. There are several scenarios for future activity, including mild eruptions or magma movement without eruption. Continuous monitoring is in progress to ensure public safety and assess flight disruptions due to potential ash clouds.
Geologists are currently observing heightened volcanic activity at Mount Spurr, located in Alaska’s Aleutian Arc. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported that an eruption could occur in the near future. This stratovolcano features a snow and ice-covered landscape and has a history of eruptions in 1953 and 1992, both originating from the Crater Peak flank vent rather than the main summit.
The eruptions of Mount Spurr produced relatively small but explosive volcanic ash clouds dispersing across central and southeastern Alaska. The US Geological Survey highlights that these past eruptions caused significant ash drift, with the 1992 ash cloud reaching the North Atlantic within days. Additionally, volcanic debris flows from these eruptions have been known to block waterways, creating temporary dams along the Chakachatna River.
Since April 2024, seismic activity has intensified beneath Mount Spurr, recording about 30 earthquakes weekly. This number surged to around 125 per week between October 2024 and early February 2025, with a notable quake on January 2 registered at magnitude 2.9. AVO suggests that current seismic unrest may indicate the intrusion of new magma into the crust beneath the volcano.
AVO outlines several potential scenarios: the magma might not reach the surface, resulting in a gradual decline in earthquake activity; there could be a moderate eruption akin to past events, leading to ash clouds and hazardous flows; or, albeit less likely, an explosive summit eruption could occur, potentially melting glacial ice and generating lahars.
Fortunately, Mount Spurr is situated away from populated areas that could be affected by pyroclastic flows or lahars. However, AVO’s lead scientist, Matt Haney, noted that any eruptive activity could disrupt regional air travel. The observatory is utilizing various monitoring techniques, including seismic and infrasound sensors, to gather more data on the volcano’s behavior and assess eruption likelihood.
In summary, Mount Spurr shows signs of imminent volcanic activity with increasing seismic events underneath the volcano. Geological assessments indicate that both moderate eruptions and non-eruptive outcomes are possible scenarios. Continuous monitoring and analysis are essential to further understand the situation and mitigate potential impacts, particularly on air travel due to ash dispersal.
Original Source: www.iflscience.com
