Scientists warn one of America’s most dangerous volcanoes is gearing up for a major eruption
Officials reported increased levels of volcanic gases around the crater
Located about 75 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska, within the Tordrillo Mountains, is Mount Spurr – an 11,000-foot-tall volcano. And officials fear it could be heading toward an eruption.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory wrote that they are ‘monitoring activity at Mount Spurr for signals indicating that the volcano is moving closer to an eruption.’
They reported that seismic activity remains ‘elevated with numerous small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano.’ After observation flights flew over the volcano in early March, scientists reported increased levels of volcanic gases around the summit crater and the crater peak vent.
Officials warn that Mount Spurr in Alaska is getting ready to erupt (Gallo Images / Contributor / Getty)
“So, that was that caught everyone’s attention at the observatory, because that’s the vent that the most recent eruptions came from,” said Matt Haney, a scientist-in-charge at the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
However, an eruption isn’t imminent. Experts say they expect to see more warning signs first, like ground deformation and increased steam activity as a result of magma rising closer to the surface. “If an eruption occurred, it would be preceded by additional signals allowing warning,” the officials said.
That said, people in South Central Alaska are being advised to start preparing and familiarise themselves with the possible dangers associated with an eruption. Ashfall, for example, would be a threat to surrounding communities.
Scientists reported increased levels of volcanic gases around the summit crater and the crater peak vent (Salvatore Allegra Photography / Getty)
