Volcanologists [scientists who study volcanoes and volcanic activity] have reported an increase in earthquake activity at Mount Spurr since April of 2024. Mount Spurr is an active volcano located near Anchorage, Alaska—the state’s largest city. In addition to several small earthquakes, the volcano has been swelling, volcanic gases are being emitted, and the snow and ice at the peak of the mountain are starting to melt.
These are all warning signs of a potential eruption. They are caused by magma [melted rock below Earth’s surface] rising toward Earth’s surface. In February, experts thought the chances of eruption were only about 50/50. However, warning signs are increasing. Now they are saying that the volcano is more likely to erupt than not.
There are additional warning signs that volcanologists look for to predict eruptions. There are 11 stations located around the volcano that are monitored for earthquake activity. Since April 2024, they have been detecting several small, short earthquakes. When these earthquakes change to longer shaking events, the chances of eruption increase.
Mount Spurr most recently erupted in 1992 and 1953. In both eruptions, a layer of ash blanketed Anchorage. Following the 1992 eruption, the Anchorage airport had to shut down temporarily due to the ash. The biggest disruption from an eruption is likely to be the ash that could impact air quality and global air travel.
Volcanologists are keeping a close eye on the volcano. They continue to monitor the volcano and update the warning system as conditions change. The current alert level is an advisory, just one step above normal.
What Can You Do? How can you prepare for a volcanic eruption?
Photo Credit: Christina Neal, U.S. Geological Survey
