EXPERT: U.S. volcano could erupt in a matter of weeks
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Scientists are on high alert for a potential eruption of Mount Spurr, a massive volcano in Alaska, following signs of significant unrest. Located just 80 miles from Anchorage, home to 300,000 people, the volcano has shown increased seismic activity, with earthquake rates rising from 30 per week in April 2024 to 125 per week, particularly intensifying in early October. This seismic surge, combined with ground deformation indicating magma movement, has led experts at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) to warn that an eruption could occur within weeks or months, though it is not guaranteed.
The current unrest is centered around Mount Spurr’s Crater Peak side vent, mirroring activity that preceded its last eruption in 1992, which covered Anchorage in ash and disrupted air travel. An eruption could produce explosive ash plumes, potentially reaching 65,000 feet, posing severe risks to aviation, as well as triggering destructive mudslides (lahars) and pyroclastic flows. While no communities are directly in the path of these flows, the ash could cause significant health issues, including respiratory problems and exposure to cancer-linked toxins, particularly threatening Anchorage’s population.
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New updates emphasize the uncertainty of the situation, with the AVO elevating Mount Spurr’s alert level to yellow, signaling increased activity above normal. Despite the heightened risk, experts stress that the seismic activity could still subside without an eruption, as the volcano’s behavior remains unpredictable. The AVO has deployed additional monitoring equipment to track developments, and while Anchorage’s mayor has downplayed immediate danger, the potential for widespread disruption remains a critical concern.