Mount Spurr, a prominent volcano located 81 miles west of Anchorage, is displaying signs of increased unrest, according to scientists. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported that the volcano is releasing unusual levels of volcanic gases near its summit and from a flank vent that last erupted in 1992. These emissions of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide have heightened concerns about a potential eruption.
The AVO has raised the risk assessment for an eruption at Mount Spurr, noting that the current risk level is higher than it was earlier this year in February. Despite this, the possibility remains that the volcano could simmer down without erupting. Scientists have observed an uptick in earthquakes and snow and ice melt on the volcano's slopes over the past year. While these earthquakes are brief and small, they contrast with the long, continuous shaking known as volcanic tremor, which indicates active magma movement beneath the surface.
"If we see [tremor], that will be the next sign that Spurr is further progressing toward an eruption." – Matt Haney
In 1992, volcanic tremor was observed about three weeks prior to Mount Spurr's last eruption. Historically, the peak of Mount Spurr last erupted over 5,000 years ago. Any future eruptions are anticipated to occur at Crater Peak, a flank vent situated approximately two miles from the summit.
Current observations reveal that Mount Spurr is emitting higher levels of volcanic gases, which have tipped the balance toward the possibility of an eruption. This increase in emissions is being closely monitored by volcanologists. The presence of these gases indicates that magma might be moving upwards within the volcano, adding to the potential threat.
"This time period of unrest will eventually most likely end in an explosive eruption like the ones that happened in 1953 and 1992," – Matt Haney
While the situation remains uncertain, experts continue to monitor seismic activity around Mount Spurr. The AVO emphasizes that volcanic tremor would be a critical indicator of imminent eruption activity. Such tremor signals would suggest that magma is not settling down and could lead to an eruption similar to past events.
