Over the past year, Mount Spurr in Alaska has experienced dozens of mini-earthquakes, causing scientists to worry that the 11, 000-foot mountain may be about to experience a major eruption.
At least 30 small quakes, some of which formed” swarms,” were recorded by the Alaska Volcano Observatory ( AVO ), which indicated rising magma beneath the surface and increased pressure inside the volcano.
Officials warn that if Mount Spurr erupts, the occasion may be “explosive,” spewing many clouds of dust as high as 50, 000 foot into the atmosphere. According to Daily Mail,” Each ash-producing violent episode may last three to four hours,” according to Matt Haney, scientist in charge at the AVO. ” Anchorage and local communities, including Anchorage, would be ensconced in a massive dust cloud,” Haney continued.
Anchorage, which is a town with more than 300,000 people and is only 81 kilometers from the mountain, has been placed on an immediate call.
The area increased its emergency planning degree to Level 2 on March 20 as a result of public consultation and preparations to start erupting protocols. People have been urged to hoard everything, including food, water, pet products, and protective gear, according to officials. Many people now opt to purchase N95 faces, protective goggles, and perhaps ventilators for pets.
Problems that date back to April 2024, when Mount Spurr started to show signs of turmoil, are amplified by the latest seismic activity. By October 2024, fuel emissions from both the mountain and a side outlet, known as Crater Peak, had considerably increased, rising from 30 to 125. The final explosion, which covered Anchorage in ashes and shut down the state’s airport for 20 hours, took place in that vent, which is notable.
Scientists have also observed higher levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, indicating that lava is heating water and gas beneath the surface, a process that serves as a precursor to an eruption, according to Live Science. Haney warned that” this time span of upheaval may finally most likely end in an explosive eruption.”
According to experts, sustained geological tremor, a persistent geological rumble that could last for days, would be the next sign of an immediate eruption if the volcano kept on its present course. According to Haney,” Spurr is more advancing toward an eruption” if we see tremor.
Local firms are adapting in the meantime. In March, anchor pet shop AK Bark reported selling more than 500 pair of safe dog sunglasses, and it has already pre-sold 1, 800 puppy respirators. People have posted videos of their pets wearing full ash, including defensive clothing, boots, and goggles, on social media.
Crater Peak, more lively and with easier access to the floor, next erupted three days in 1992 only, but Mount Spurr’s mountain volcano hasn’t erupted in more than 5, 000 ages. Researchers anticipate that a new explosion will probably result from Crater Peak once more, with a similar-sized effect on Anchorage and nearby towns.
The US Geological Survey and the National Transportation Safety Board continue to closely track the crater.
According to Daily Mail, the area has already issued formal instructions, particularly for pet owners, to plan for at least two months of upheaval in case of a major eruption.
