Experts warn that a volcano near Alaska’s largest city, Mount Spurr, is showing signs of unrest, with an increased likelihood of an eruption in the coming weeks or months. The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported on Wednesday that recent overflights detected significantly higher volcanic gas emissions, signaling the potential for an eruption, though it remains uncertain.
The observatory stated that further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating could be expected before any eruption, which might provide days or even weeks of additional warning.
Mount Spurr, standing at 11,070 feet (3,374 meters), is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Anchorage. It is one of 53 active volcanoes in Alaska and has two main vents.
The last eruption from Mount Spurr occurred over 5,000 years ago, while the Crater Peak vent erupted in 1953 and three times in 1992. Although the volcano has had periods of increased activity since then, no eruptions have occurred. Last October, the observatory raised its alert level for Mount Spurr from green to yellow due to heightened seismic activity and ground deformation detected in satellite data.
If an eruption does take place, experts predict it may resemble the 1953 and 1992 events, which lasted between three and seven hours, sending ash columns over 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) into the sky and affecting areas in south-central Alaska. Ashfall from the 1992 eruptions caused Anchorage residents to remain indoors and wear masks. The ash cloud even reached Greenland.
Volcanic ash is sharp and angular, potentially causing jet engines to shut down, and has been known to disrupt local airports, such as Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, one of the busiest cargo hubs globally. Airport closures can be especially problematic in Alaska, where many communities are not connected by road.
