Mount Spurr Volcano in Alaska Showing Signs of Potential Eruption
A volcano near Anchorage, Alaska, called Mount Spurr, has been showing signs of potential eruption. The U.S. Geological Survey and Alaska Volcano Observatory have issued an alert indicating an increasing chance of eruption within weeks or months. Scientists are monitoring seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating as indicators of an imminent eruption.
Alaska is known for its seismic and volcanic activities, with over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields. The state is located within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped region stretching 25,000 miles and encompassing 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 75% of dormant and active volcanoes. The movement and collisions of tectonic plates have led to the creation of over 750 active or dormant volcanoes along the U.S. West Coast.
Mount Spurr, an 11,070-foot-tall stratovolcano with two main vents, last erupted in 1992, sending ash and dust 50,000 feet into the air. The expected eruption this year is anticipated to be similar to past events in 1953 and 1992. While the volcanic ash from Mount Spurr may travel into the Pacific Northwest if erupted, it is not expected to compare to the massive eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980.
In addition to the volcanic activity, the Inland Northwest, including Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, has experienced one of the driest starts to March in recorded history. Recent storm systems have brought some much-needed rain and snow, but seasonal precipitation totals are still below normal. Long-range weather models predict more moisture feeding into the western U.S., potentially bringing the region closer to seasonal precipitation norms by early April.
For further information, contact Randy Mann at randy@longrangeweather.com.
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Photo credit cdapress.com
