Scientists have warned that Alaska’s Mount Spurr, located 77 miles west of Anchorage, has a 50-50 chance of erupting in the near future. The volcano has been experiencing an unusual surge in seismic activity over the past 10 months, increasing from 30 earthquakes per week to 125 by early October.
Experts attribute this escalation to new magma churning beneath the volcano, indicating that an eruption may be imminent. Potential hazards include explosive plumes of ash, pyroclastic flows, and destructive mudslides. However, there are no communities directly in the path of these hazards.
A similar pattern occurred 30 years ago, with heightened seismic activity preceding a 1992 eruption. This eruption sent an ash column soaring 65,000 feet into the sky, causing air travel disruptions and forcing residents to stay indoors or wear protective masks.
Scientists now closely monitor the increasing seismic activity, which has migrated two miles downslope to the Crater Peak side vent—a sign that an eruption similar to 1992 could be on the horizon. However, experts caution that these earthquakes do not guarantee an eruption.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) considers this scenario the least likely outcome. Instead, they believe the most likely outcomes are either no eruption or an eruption from the Crater Peak side vent, both equally probable. To determine if an eruption is imminent, scientists monitor Mount Spurr for additional changes in seismic patterns and other indicators.
Currently, AVO experts are prepared to respond swiftly should warning signs emerge again, similar to 1992. With Mount Spurr under watch, residents can expect increased monitoring and alerts should the volcano show signs of activity.
Source: https://www.newsx.com/world/us-volcano-hit-by-a-swarm-of-earthquakes-will-it-erupt-now