Is a Volcano About to Erupt near Anchorage?

You might have heard about increasing seismic activity at Mount Spurr, a volcano located about 75 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. That’s right, there’s a slight possibility that it could erupt soon!

Over the past ten months, scientists have been recording small earthquakes around Mount Spurr. Recently, this activity has picked up, with the earthquakes shifting towards Crater Peak, a side vent of the volcano. This movement could be a sign that magma, the molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface, is on the move.

The odds of an eruption at Crater Peak are about 50%, but don’t worry, the chances of an eruption from the main crater are much lower.

What Could Happen?

If Mount Spurr does erupt, it could have some consequences. We’re talking about things like pyroclastic flows (superheated gas and ash explosions), lahars (volcanic mudflows), and ashfall.

While no towns are directly in the path of these dangers, an eruption could cause some major problems for air travel. Remember the 1992 eruption of Crater Peak? It forced Anchorage’s airport to close, and ash covered parts of the city. With the amount of air traffic that passes through Alaska today, a similar event could cause huge disruptions.

Staying Informed

Thankfully, scientists are keeping a close eye on Mount Spurr. They are looking for any signs of prolonged seismic tremors, which could be a sure sign that an eruption is on the horizon.

So, what can you do? Stay informed! Keep an eye out for news and updates from the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

Let me know what you think about this! Would you be worried about a potential eruption near Anchorage?