In Alaska, Mount Spurr, a towering volcano northwest of Anchorage, is exhibiting signs of increased activity, prompting scientists to warn of a potential eruption. Observations by the Alaska Volcano Observatory have documented significant increases in volcanic gas emissions during recent aerial surveys. This heightened activity suggests that an eruption could occur in the coming weeks or months, although it remains uncertain.
The volcano is expected to display further increases in seismic activity, gas discharge, and surface heating before any eruption, according to the observatory’s statement. These signs could provide advance warning, offering days to weeks’ notice before an eruptive event.
Mount Spurr stands at an elevation of 11,070 feet (3,374 meters) and is located approximately 80 miles (129 kilometers) from Anchorage. This snow-capped giant is one of Alaska’s 53 active volcanoes within the last two and a half centuries. It possesses two principal vents: the summit vent and Crater Peak.
Historically, the summit vent last erupted over 5,000 years ago. Meanwhile, the Crater Peak vent has seen activity more recently, with eruptions documented in 1953 and three separate incidents in 1992. The Crater Peak vent lies about 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the south of the volcano’s summit.
There have been previous phases of increased seismic activity, notably between 2004 and 2006, without subsequent eruptions. In October of the prior year, Mount Spurr’s alert status was upgraded from green to yellow due to noticeable seismic fluctuations and ground deformation detected via satellite.
According to the observatory, any forthcoming eruption is likely to be comparable to those in 1953 and 1992. However, there is also a possibility of the activity subsiding without an eruption, or a smaller eruption occurring.
Historically significant eruptions, like those in the last century, have lasted from three to seven hours, sending ash plumes over 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) high and distributing ash over communities in south-central Alaska. The 1992 eruption forced Anchorage residents to remain indoors or use masks due to ash accumulation of about a quarter-inch.
Volcanic ash, known for its abrasive, angular properties, poses serious risks, including the potential to cause jet engines to malfunction. In 1992, the resultant ash led to temporary airport closures, including in Anchorage. Such closures are particularly disruptive in Alaska, where many communities depend on air travel due to limited connectivity to the state’s main road network. Moreover, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ranks as one of the globe’s busiest cargo hubs, highlighting the far-reaching implications of any airport shutdowns following an eruption.
