A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Mount Spurr in Alaska, sparking concerns about the volcano’s potential eruption. The US Geological Survey detected the quake at a depth of 52 miles north of Skwentna, with reports of shaking felt as far away as Anchorage, over 100 miles from the epicenter.
Mount Spurr is currently under an ‘Advisory’ due to low-level unrest and occasional small earthquakes. A recent study found that most volcanoes, especially those showing signs of unrest like Mount Spurr, can be triggered to erupt by nearby earthquakes.
The Alaska Earthquake Center reported widespread shaking in Anchorage, with some residents feeling the quake at 10:38 a.m. local time. The USGS has received nearly 200 reports of shaking from the area.
An eruption is not imminent, but volcanologists are monitoring the situation closely. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) noted that ‘fluctuations in unrest are common at volcanoes and eruptive activity remains possible, but unlikely.’
The volcano’s last eruption occurred in 1992, producing ash plumes rising as high as 50,000 feet into the air. Authorities warn of destructive mudslides and avalanches of volcanic debris racing down the volcano’s side during an eruption.
Residents have been closely watching Mount Spurr since March, when scientists predicted an imminent eruption. The USGS is keeping a close eye on the situation, urging residents to remain vigilant about potential seismic activity in the region.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14977313/Earthquake-strikes-volcano-anchorage-alaska.html