- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 26 Apr 2025 03:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Scientists tracking Alaska's Mount Spurr volcano have struggled to obtain important data for more than a month amid increased seismic activity. But officials now think the possibility of an eruption is lower than originally estimated. The cloudy weather has kept monitoring planes grounded and restricted satellite observations since March 21, said the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO). This has kept the agency from getting good measurements of levels of volcanic gases surrounding Mount Spurr, an 11,000-foot active volcano roughly 80 miles west of Anchorage."According to the latest modest changes in monitoring data and the failure to measure gas over the past month, the future of the ongoing unrest is uncertain," AVO stated in an official statement.
Earthquake Activity Reduces, Ground Deformation Slows
At least 22 earthquakes have hit Mount Spurr since April 10, AVO said. Despite the continuing seismic activity, researchers have noticed a deceleration in ground deformation — a process that normally indicates magma movement under a volcano's surface. Earlier this March, high volcanic gas emissions were observed, which led AVO to classify an eruption as "likely, but not certain." Gas emissions are usually a vital warning sign that magma is ascending through the Earth's crust. Although the threat of an eruption is lower this month than last month, AVO warned Mount Spurr continues at an "elevated level of unrest." The agency also mentioned that a possible explosive eruption, such as those that took place in 1953 and 1992, cannot be ruled out. “We expect to see increases in seismic activity, gas emissions, and surface heating before an eruption, if one were to occur. Such stronger unrest may provide days to weeks of additional warning,” AVO stated.
Historical Eruptions And Public Preparations
Mount Spurr's last eruption was in 1992, producing huge plumes of ash 260 miles north of the volcano. Air travel outside the immediate area was little affected by the size of the eruption. Since Mount Spurr is so close to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, with a population of more than 286,000, some people have already started preparing. People have stocked upon respirator masks and goggles, even for their animals, in order to protect themselves from possible ashfall.
Although existing indicators point toward decreased short-term danger, specialists insist on continuing to monitor. The last eruption of Mount Spurr was preceded by a slow increase over 10 months, giving authorities time to warn people and take precautions. The Alaska Volcano Observatory remains closely monitoring the volcano but so far has not answered recent media requests for new evaluations.
