A huge volcano in Alaska appears to be “moving closer to an eruption,” scientists monitoring it have said.
Mount Spurr, located 81 miles (130 kilometers) west of Anchorage, is now releasing abnormal levels of volcanic gases near its summit and from a flank vent that last erupted in 1992. The 11,000-foot (3,370 meters) volcano has seen an increase in earthquakes and snow and ice melt on its slopes in the past year, indicating magma movement under the surface.
According to scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), it is now highly likely that this activity will result in an eruption. The observatory’s last assessment in February had indicated that an eruption was equally likely as the volcano simmering down. However, observations of increased carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions have shifted the balance towards an eruption.
Scientist-in-charge of the AVO, Matt Haney, stated that the current unrest will most likely result in an explosive eruption similar to those that occurred in 1953 and 1992, both at the Crater Peak flank vent. The last eruption at the summit crater was likely over 5,000 years ago, so any eruption is expected to occur at Crater Peak.
If magma movement continues, the next sign of an eruption will likely be volcanic tremor, a long-lasting shaking indicating magma rising and an imminent eruption. In 1992, volcanic tremor preceded the eruption of Mount Spurr by about three weeks.
It is important to monitor the volcano closely for any signs of further progression towards an eruption to ensure the safety of nearby areas.
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