The Alaska Volcano Observatory has detected increased volcanic activity at Mount Spurr, an active volcano located near the most populated region in the state. Scientists have observed significantly elevated emissions of volcanic gas, elevated earthquake activity, ground deformations, and newly activated gas vents at the volcano’s Crater Peak. These signs indicate a higher probability of an eruption in the near future.
Since April, small earthquakes have been occurring above ground at Mount Spurr. Recent measurements show a significant increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from the summit vent, indicating that new magma has entered the Earth’s crust beneath the volcano. While an eruption is not certain, it is currently the most likely outcome of the ongoing unrest.
The volcano alert level for Mount Spurr is currently at “yellow” or “advisory,” signifying elevated unrest above the normal background level. Primary hazards during eruptions at Mount Spurr include far-traveled airborne ash clouds and ashfall, which could impact communities in south-central Alaska.
Volcanologists will continue to monitor seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating to determine if an eruption is imminent. The detection of volcanic tremor, a continuous shaking that can last for several minutes, would prompt an increase in the alert level.
When data indicates that an eruption may occur soon, the observatory will increase its alert level to orange or red. Volcanologists state that Mount Spurr in Alaska is moving closer to an eruption as unrest intensifies. This information was first reported on abcnews.go.com.
