Mount Spurr Showing Signs of Unrest as Earthquakes Shake Alaskan Volcano
Scientists are closely monitoring Alaska’s Mount Spurr after a swarm of earthquakes rattled the region—raising concerns about a potential eruption.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported over a dozen quakes within a 30-mile radius of the volcano in recent days. These tremors, experts say, are likely caused by magma pushing toward the surface, creating pressure and fractures in the rock below.
One of the strongest quakes, a magnitude 3.1, struck Wednesday night about 30 miles from the volcano. Additional smaller tremors were detected Thursday, some even closer to the summit.
In a public update, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) confirmed the growing activity, stating: “Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano.”
The increasing seismic activity has scientists on high alert as they continue to track the volcano’s behavior for signs of an imminent eruption.
Mount Spurr Shows Growing Signs of Eruption: Experts Warn of Potential Ash Clouds and Dangerous Mudflows
Scientists are sounding the alarm as Mount Spurr, the 11,000-foot-tall volcano in Alaska, exhibits increasing seismic activity, with small volcanic earthquakes detected beneath its surface over the past day. A recent photo of the volcano revealed a massive steam plume, likely a result of magma heating underground water—a potential sign of an impending eruption.
Experts believe that Mount Spurr could erupt within weeks or months, though they caution that volcanic activity is unpredictable. Should it erupt, the consequences could be dramatic. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has warned that the explosion could send ash clouds soaring as high as 50,000 feet into the atmosphere. Each ash event could last for up to four hours, with plumes potentially blanketing Anchorage and surrounding areas in volcanic dust.
In addition to the ash, the eruption could trigger destructive mudflows and volcanic debris avalanches, which may race down the volcano’s slopes at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. However, no communities are within the immediate danger zone, as noted by AVO scientist-in-charge, Matt Haney. Despite this, the city of Anchorage, home to around 300,000 people, has been preparing for the worst by stockpiling food, water, and safety supplies.
While an eruption had been expected earlier this year, the AVO reported a lull in volcanic activity since March, with ground deformation slowing and ice remaining intact around the crater. The AVO’s most recent update indicated that although seismic activity remains high, no new data suggests the volcano is closer to eruption.
However, scientists are continuing to monitor the situation closely. As magma rises beneath the surface, it fractures surrounding rock, causing earthquakes—an important sign of ongoing volcanic movement. Over the past 24 hours, a dozen shallow earthquakes were recorded near Mount Spurr, signaling the continued upward push of magma.
For now, AVO scientists are focused on monitoring gas and steam emissions, ground deformation, and shallow earthquakes. They believe the next indication of a possible eruption would be a volcanic tremor, a prolonged period of shaking that can last anywhere from minutes to days.
If an eruption occurs, experts expect it to resemble past events, such as those in 1992 and 1953. These eruptions were marked by explosive events lasting several hours, producing ash clouds that traveled hundreds of miles and left minor ashfall across southcentral Alaska. The 1992 eruption caused significant disruption, including $2 million in damages and widespread office closures.
The eruption would not only affect local areas but also disrupt global air travel. Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport, a major international hub, would likely face extensive delays and cancellations, impacting flights throughout the world. With over 8,000 cargo flights passing through Anchorage each month, the effects on the global supply chain would be felt far beyond Alaska.
In 1992, the eruption led to a 20-hour shutdown of ANC, causing ripple effects across the international aviation industry. As Mount Spurr’s activity continues to intensify, scientists and officials are on high alert, bracing for potential eruption in the coming weeks or months.