Just 80 miles away from Anchorage, Alaska, something could be waking up, and it’s causing a lot of concern among scientists and researchers alike. Scientists have noticed an increase in seismic activity and gas emissions in Mount Spurr, a volcano. This behavior is worrisome, as it could indicate that the volcano could erupt soon.
Mount Spurr
Mount Spurr is in a region known for volcanic activity. The region’s last eruption occurred in 1992, having affected air traffic as smoke and ash filled the sky. Looking at the volcano’s history could lead to crucial insights about when it could next erupt.
Increased Activity
Researchers at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) have noticed more seismic activity around the volcano than usual. With more earthquakes reported, it could mean that there’s magma flowing underneath the ground. The tremors must be studied in order to accurately predict when the volcano could erupt.
Gas Emissions
The increased seismic activity also comes with elevated levels of sulfur dioxide and other gas emissions. These increased gas levels mean that magma is rising inside the volcano. Monitoring these factors could help scientists understand just how much magma there is and how big an eruption could be.
Ash Cloud
The concern surrounding Mount Spurr’s eruption is mostly the devastating ash clouds that could form in the air. Volcanic ash has a mixture of glass and rock particles in it that is very abrasive and devastating to aircraft. The 1992 eruption impacted air traffic significantly.
Keeping A Close Eye
The AVO is keeping a close eye on the volcano with advanced equipment including gas sensors, seismomoters, and satellite imagery which helps them get a good idea of what’s going on without going out in the field. All of this data combined is essential in predicting what the volcano’s next move is.
Community Impact
Mount Spurr sits in a relatively remote region. Despite this, there’s a chance for an eruption to still have a devastating impact on local communities. Ashfall could contaminate water sources, damage infrastructure, and cause respiratory issues in many people and wildlife. Anchorage could be vulnerable to interruptions in air traffic control if the ash cloud is big enough.
Wildlife Impact
The eruption wouldn’t just affect people, but also wildlife in the surrounding region. As water sources and vegetation become contaminated by the ashfall, herbivores may struggle to find viable food sources. Predators like wolves would be negatively affected is their prey populations diminish. This would impact the local biodiversity in the region.
How To Prepare
Ashfall can be a serious health risk, and residents should know how to mitigate its effects. People should stay indoors and try their best to keep the contaminated air out by sealing all doors and windows. They should also have a supply of food and water so they can avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
Aviation Protocols
There are aviation protocols for ash clouds to minimize the risk to passengers and aircraft. Flights are usually rerouted to avoid the area, and warnings are issued to pilots and other faculty. If absolutely necessary, flights will be grounded, ensuring everyone’s safety.
Preparing As A Community
A well informed community will have a much easier time navigating potential ashfall. Emergency plans should be established and prepared for in the event of an eruption. These plans could include evacuation routes and stockpiling essential supplies.
Living In The Shadow Of Volcanoes
Volcanoes have been on the planet for much longer than the human race has, and they must be respected. They need long-term monitoring and a lot of research hours in order to minimize the risk of an unexpected eruption. Understanding the risks of living in the shadow of a volcano is essential to well-informed living.
Stay Aware
The increased activity in Mount Spurr is a reminder that nature cannot be controlled and needs to be adapted to. The researchers do not know exactly when the volcano could erupt, and it could be weeks or even years. There is no guarantee it will erupt at all, and awareness is crucial for local communities.
