250,000-Year Dormant ‘Zombie’ Volcano Awakens, Scientists Warn of Eruption

Dormant Bolivian Volcano Shows Signs of Life, Threatening Nearby Communities
(Include image: Uturuncu volcano with caption: "Uturuncu, a ‘zombie’ volcano in Bolivia, exhibits seismic unrest and gas emissions, raising eruption fears.")

Uturuncu, a long-dormant stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, is stirring after 250,000 years of silence. Scientists from the University of Oxford warn that rising seismic activity, gas emissions, and a unique “sombrero” ground deformation pattern—where the volcano’s center lifts while surrounding areas sink—signal potential eruption risks. Located 25 miles from three towns and midway between La Paz, Bolivia, and Santiago, Chile, an eruption could devastate nearby communities with lava flows and blanket regions of Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile in ash.

Unprecedented Activity Beneath the Surface
Uturuncu, towering over 19,700 feet, sits atop the largest known magma reservoir in Earth’s crust. Researchers used seismic tomography—a technique akin to medical imaging—to map its interior, revealing upward-moving fluids and gas-rich chambers causing the ground to rise. While the likelihood of a full eruption remains low, co-author Matthew Pritchard of Cornell University notes these methods could help monitor other “zombie” volcanoes globally—dormant giants showing sudden activity.

(Include image: Ground deformation diagram with caption: "The ‘sombrero’ deformation pattern shows the volcano’s center rising as magma shifts below.")

Global Threats from Sleeping Giants
Uturuncu isn’t alone. California’s Long Valley Caldera and Yellowstone, both dormant supervolcanoes, are also classified as “zombie” volcanoes. Yellowstone’s last eruption occurred 70,000 years ago, but its sheer size—spanning Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana—keeps scientists vigilant. Meanwhile, Alaska’s Mount Spurr, near Anchorage, is under close watch after recent seismic spikes and gas emissions. An eruption here could disrupt global air travel, as ash clouds pose severe risks to aircraft engines and navigation systems.

(Include image: 1992 Mount Spurr eruption with caption: "Mount Spurr’s 1992 eruption darkened Alaskan skies; a new event could halt air travel.")

Anchorage’s Vulnerability
Mount Spurr lies just 78 miles from Anchorage, home to 300,000 residents and a critical cargo hub. Its 1992 eruption shut down airports for 20 hours, coating the city in ash. A repeat could paralyze air traffic, disrupt supply chains, and endanger flights worldwide. The Alaska Volcano Observatory continues to monitor frequent small earthquakes, though eruption timing remains uncertain.

(Include image: Anchorage skyline with caption: "Anchorage, Alaska, faces ash-related disruptions if Mount Spurr erupts.")

Why Monitoring Matters
While Uturuncu’s eruption isn’t imminent, its unrest underscores the need for advanced volcanic surveillance. As Pritchard emphasizes, understanding fluid movements beneath these giants could save lives—proving even “dead” volcanoes can awaken with catastrophic consequences. With over 1,400 active volcanoes globally, preparedness remains key to mitigating disaster.

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