Mount Spurr Activity on Yellow Alert
Mount Spurr volcano, 129 kilometers (80 miles) from Anchorage, is registering elevated activity, which has alarmed the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Eruptions in 1953 and 1992 covered Anchorage with ash. Seismologist John A. Power, Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, believes the situation may repeat itself now.The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has increased the monitoring of Mount Spurr and its volcanic alert level from “green” (normal activity) to “yellow” (elevated activity warning), which is the step prior to “orange” (to watch) and “red” (severe situation) alerts.
Seismologist John A. Power believes that both the 1953 eruptions, as well as the three eruptions in 1992, caused a significant ash fall in Anchorage and surrounding communities. Now, “there is concern about a major eruption,” he says, although “there is no indication that we should expect that at this time. The most likely outcome would be an eruption comparable to those of 1953 and 1992, and the biggest danger is volcanic ash.” On March 31, seismicity remained “elevated, with numerous small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano. No activity is detected in satellite or webcam data.” “The AVO monitors activity at Mount Spurr, looking for signs that the volcano is approaching an eruption,” Power says. “Based on previous eruptions, changes from current activity in earthquakes, ground deformation, summit lake conditions, and fumarolic activity would be expected if magma began to approach the surface. Therefore, if an eruption were to occur, it would be preceded by additional signals that would allow for a warning.” A major damage from a new eruption would be economic, due to the disruption of air traffic. In addition, the estimated cost of volcanic ash cleanup in 1992 was $2 million, according to Power. AVO is staffed by about 30 people. Trump thought about shutting down AVO, but for now he is not going to do it. Alaska Republican Rep. Nick Begich has been quick to take credit for canceling the closure. But Power declines to comment, “I’m not authorized to comment.” Buying bottled drinking water, canned goods, and medicines are some tips being disseminated to the people of Anchorage, who can find more recommendations on www.avo.alaska.edu. |