Hundreds of thousands of Americans are preparing for potential disaster as scientists forecast an imminent eruption from a nearby volcano.
Mount Spurr, standing at 11,070 feet in Alaska and located near Anchorage, the state’s largest city, appears poised for an eruption. This comes despite the fact that there are 169 volcanoes across the United States classified as “active.”
Mount Spurr is nearly 2,000 feet taller than the Yellowstone supervolcano and can be seen by residents of Alaska from 81 miles away on clear days. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), which oversees the monitoring of 90 out of the 140 volcanoes in the state, reported that over 100 earthquakes have been recorded weekly beneath Mount Spurr during February and March. Furthermore, since April 2022, more than 3,400 earthquakes have occurred in the vicinity of the volcano.
In an interview with Alaska Public Media, AVO scientist Matt Haney discussed the likelihood of an eruption. He noted that while residents of Anchorage might not hear an eruption similar to those in 1953 and 1992, individuals closer to the volcano would likely be able to. However, he cautioned that being in proximity to the volcano during an eruption would not be advisable.
Eruptions that produce ash can generate volcanic lightning within the ash cloud due to the friction between ash particles. This lightning can create thunder that can be heard from a distance.
“Typically, we experience explosive eruptions that fragment magma and propel ash up to 50,000 feet into the atmosphere,” Haney explained.
Mount Spurr erupted three times in 1992—in June, August, and September—compared to just one eruption 39 years earlier.
“The second of those eruptions occurred on August 18, 1992, when winds were directed toward Anchorage, resulting in ashfall over the city,” Haney added.
Given that the last significant eruption took place approximately 43 years ago, it is likely that ash will fall over Anchorage and surrounding communities.Residents of Alaska near Mount Spurr have started to collect safety goggles, latex gloves, face masks, gas masks, and an ample supply of water in anticipation of the impending eruption.
The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) warns that inhaling volcanic ash can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate severe asthma, and cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
