US Volcano Signals Explosive Eruption Within Weeks, Scientists on High Alert
Alaska’s Mount Spurr Shows Signs of Impending Eruption
Scientists are closely monitoring Alaska’s Mount Spurr, an 11,000-foot stratovolcano 81 miles west of Anchorage, as it exhibits alarming activity suggesting a potential eruption within “weeks or months.” The volcano, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, began releasing elevated levels of gas from its summit and Crater Peak vent in early March, following a year of escalating unrest marked by small earthquakes and surface swelling.
[Image: Aerial view of Mount Spurr emitting gas. Caption: Mount Spurr’s Crater Peak vent, last active in 1992, is releasing increased gas, signaling possible eruption.]
Unrest and Warning Signs
Since April 2024, Mount Spurr has experienced persistent seismic activity—a sign of magma rising toward the surface. By March 2024, scientists detected heightened sulfur dioxide emissions, prompting the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) to elevate the alert level to “advisory.” Matt Haney, a USGS scientist, noted that an eruption at Crater Peak would likely be explosive, sending ash plumes up to 50,000 feet. Each blast could last hours, blanketing Anchorage (population: 300,000) in ash and disrupting air travel.
Potential Impacts
An eruption could trigger destructive mudflows and avalanches racing downhill at 200+ mph, though nearby communities are spared direct threats. The greater risk lies in ashfall, which poses respiratory hazards and infrastructure challenges. In 1992, Crater Peak’s eruption shut down Anchorage’s airport for 20 hours and caused $2 million in cleanup costs. Fine ash particles can penetrate lungs, worsening conditions like asthma.
[Image: Ash-covered Anchorage streets from 1992 eruption. Caption: Anchorage faced major disruptions during Spurr’s 1992 eruption, with ash causing health and travel crises.]
Historical Context and Monitoring
Crater Peak last erupted in 1992 after 10 months of tremors, darkening skies and coating the region in ash. Similar precursors—earthquakes, gas spikes, and ground deformation—are now observed. Scientists use gas measurements and seismic data to predict timelines, but uncertainty remains. A key indicator would be sustained volcanic tremors, signaling imminent magma movement. Past eruptions at Spurr and nearby volcanoes had tremor lead times ranging from weeks to months.
Preparedness and Uncertainty
While Haney stresses that Spurr’s main crater hasn’t erupted in 5,000 years, Crater Peak remains the likely source. The AVO continues 24/7 monitoring, including aerial gas surveys and seismic networks. Residents are advised to stay updated via official channels, as ash preparedness kits and N95 masks are critical for safety.
Though the exact eruption timeline is unclear, Mount Spurr’s heightened activity underscores the volatile nature of Alaska’s volcanic landscape. Scientists remain vigilant, aiming to provide timely warnings to mitigate risks for Anchorage and beyond.
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