Scientists closely monitor Mount Spurr, an active volcano located 75 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. Increased seismic activity, surface inflation, and melting snow and ice indicate a potential eruption. The volcano last erupted in 1992, causing significant ashfall and airport closures in Anchorage. Authorities warn residents to stay informed about potential hazards.
An active volcano near Alaska 's most populated city could be on the brink of eruption, according to scientists who are constantly monitoring a potential threat. Signs of unrest at Mount Spurr -- located in the Aleutian Arc in southern Alaska about 75 miles west of Anchorage -- have increased over the past 10 months, according to volcanologists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
Small earthquakes have been occurring above ground at Mount Spurr since April, leading to odds of eruption of about 50%, Matthew Haney, scientist in charge of the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage, told ABC News. In addition, the surface of the volcano is inflating or swelling, with GPS sensors measuring about 2.5 inches of outward motion, he added. Snow and ice at the summit of Mount Spurr are also starting to melt, which are clear indicators of increasing unrest, Haney said. The last time Mount Spurr erupted, in 1992, similar earthquake activity occurred for about nine months before eruption, Haney said. Due to its proximity to the most populated city in Alaska, volcanologists are constantly monitoring for potential threats from the stratovolcano, a steep-sided volcano comprised of hardened lava and tephra. There are 11 remote seismic stations situated around Mount Spurr. Once the researchers begin to detect volcanic tremor -- a continuous shaking that can last for several minutes rather than short, small earthquakes -- they will likely raise the alert level because it is a 'clear indication' that unrest is increasing, Haney said. In 1992, during the August event, an eighth of an inch of volcanic ash dusted the city of Anchorage, carried there by an eastward wind event, Haney said. The last eruption occurred in September 1992. While the ash was mostly a nuisance for the majority of residents, the Anchorage airport was forced to shut down for 20 hours as a result of the wind and ash event. Mount Spurr is considered one of the highest-threat volcanos out of the dozens in Alaska due to its proximity to Anchorage and ability to potentially disrupt or endanger daily life for residents, Haney said. In the most recent event, there has not been any indication that volcanic gas is being emitted in the region, which adds to the uncertainty, Haney said
VOLCANO ERUPTION ALASKA ANCHORAGE MOUNT SPURR SEISMIC ACTIVITY ASHFALL NATURAL DISASTERS VOLCANIC TREMOR GEOLOGICAL MONITORING
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Volcano eruption near Anchorage possible but not imminentThe Alaska Volcano Observatory says new magma is likely the cause of volcanic unrest at Mount Spurr.
Read more »
Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson Named Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ManagerDave Bronson, former mayor of Anchorage, Alaska, has been appointed as the new Airport Manager for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Bronson brings over 40 years of aviation experience, including serving as a B-52 pilot in the U.S. Air Force, a commercial airline pilot for Northwest and Delta Airlines, and a maintenance officer and C-130 pilot in the Alaska Air National Guard.
Read more »
Anchorage Assembly member named in wrongful termination civil suit filed against Anchorage Coalition to End HomelessnessA former executive with the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness has filed a civil suit against the nonprofit’s leadership, alleging unlawful practice and wrongful termination.
Read more »
Alaska Volcano Observatory monitoring increased activity at Mount Spurr west of AnchorageHundreds of earthquakes have been detected beneath Mount Spurr in the past week, increasing the odds of an eruption.
Read more »
Man Shot and Killed by Officer in Anchorage Holding Weapon Near TrafficAnchorage police shot and killed a man identified as Rochon on Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly brandished a weapon near traffic. Witnesses reported seeing Rochon with a gun and acting erratically. Police responded to multiple calls about the incident and attempted to de-escalate the situation. The officer involved fired his weapon after Rochon allegedly refused to comply with commands to drop the gun.
Read more »
Anchorage Rally Shows Continued Support for Palestine Amidst Ceasefire DelaysProtesters in Anchorage, Alaska, rallied in support of Palestine on Wednesday, despite an announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The rally, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation Anchorage, emphasized the need for sustained support for the Palestinian cause and expressed concerns that the ceasefire may not be a lasting solution.
Read more »