After many decades of being inactive, Mount Spurr is starting to show signs of eruptions. The stratovolcano is located 81 miles west of Anchorage in Alaska. For a long time, it stayed out of sight, with its white peak not attracting much notice. However, researchers are currently monitoring the mountain since it is displaying possible signs of erupting.
More than 3,400 earthquakes have been registered by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) near Mount Spurr within one year. There were more than 100 earthquakes every week during the period between February and March. It is clear magma is rising beneath the Earth’s surface as a result of these earthquakes.
News about the volcano has appeared in the past. There were three eruptions of Mount Spurr in 1992. Air travel was disrupted and there were difficulties for people’s health due to the ash clouds filling the area. Even now, many residents are still left with memories of that chaos.
Now, Alaskans are once more getting ready for the storm surge. They are getting masks, goggles, and air purifiers. Emergency kits are being packed. Many are listening in to hear any news, wondering how the volcano will behave. At the moment, there is a lot of uncertainty and tension.
.Many Earthquakes Occur, Causing People to Become More Concerned
It is hard to ignore the recent earthquakes happening at Mount Spurr. AVO scientists say that the volcano has sent out thousands of tremors within the past year. Such seismic activity usually means magma is moving underground and might bring about a volcano eruption.
Magma moving upward causes the stress seen in each earthquake. They often have different sizes and depths, but all of them form a concerning picture. The types of events are the same as those seen before the 1992 eruption.
While the volcano is still at a moderate alert, scientists are now carrying out more checks. Seismometers are capturing ground motion. Satellites are used by scientists to notice any changes in the shape of volcanoes. Increased levels of gas such as sulfur dioxide might suggest an eruption is getting closer.
In the year 1992, the volcano sent ash up as high as 12 miles into the atmosphere. Flights were canceled. Homes, schools, and businesses were covered with ash because of the eruption. Due to the type of quakes being observed, experts believe there is a chance of another volcanic eruption.
For now, the region is still on alert. People on the campus are being monitored around the clock, and an alert will be issued when necessary.
People Could Experience Health Problems If There Is Another Ashfall
If you have breathing troubles, volcanic ash can be very dangerous for your health. In 1992, the eruption of the volcano produced lots of fine ash that caused many to feel unwell. The particles are uncomfortable and hard, in contrast to the soft fireplace soot.
The act of inhaling ash may irritate the lungs, nose, throat, and eyes. It may lead to asthma and other respiratory problems getting worse. Therefore, health specialists are advising people to prepare ahead of an eruption.
Thus, people in the area are getting more N95 masks and eye protection. There are those who are putting up insulation on windows and doors. There are also people who are getting ready to stay inside as soon as ash begins to fall.
Ash doesn’t just harm people. It can harm automobiles, clog up the engine, and make the water not safe for drinking. It also decreases the amount of light, so driving can be difficult and unsafe.
Local health workers encourage everyone to get ready for emergencies. Being inside, using air filters, and putting on protective clothing helps a lot. If proper planning is carried out, many of the most serious effects of a volcano can be prevented.
What happened in the past eruptions of Mount Spurr can help us understand what may happen next. There were eruptions in 1953 and three other times in 1992. Whenever it occurred, people’s lives and property were put at serious risk. In 1992, the cloud of ash was higher than 12 miles. Flights were canceled. Many homes, schools, and businesses were covered with ash after it fell in Anchorage. It was required for everyone to remain inside and not travel by car.
The region of a volcano plays a role in the risk involved. Even being across Cook Inlet, strong winds may transfer ash to the opposite side. During a volcanic eruption, Anchorage, the biggest city in Alaska, is still in harm’s way.
Data about previous eruptions is being used for making predictions. They look at the ash layers, seismic information, and emissions of gases. The goal is to learn about the possible outlines of future eruptions.
The region is using the lessons from the past for its preparation. It is impossible to say exactly when or how, but the indications are clear. Mount Spurr has a history of volcanic activity and can erupt in the future.
Communities Pay Attention As Scientists Monitor the Problem
Many kinds of natural hazards are familiar to those living in Alaska. Dealing with earthquakes, snow, and fires is common here on a regular basis. If a volcano starts erupting, people can see and hear the changes.
Officials in charge of emergencies are cooperating with scientists to update the public. People are receiving advice on how to stay safe and up-to-date information. Care has been given as communities put plans together for what to do in the event of a volcano eruption.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is still monitoring all signs of activity. Gas detectors, cameras, and satellite information are some of the tools the team uses. If there is a change in the volcano’s activity, they immediately inform the public.
Things seem a little cautious, but everyone is calm. People in the community are aware but not causing a panic. Businesses and schools continue to operate, but people are making sure to check the news regularly.
A person living near a volcano needs to be curious and considerate at the same time. Individuals want to find out what is going on. They are also making sure to take precautions to protect themselves. Someone local commented, “To us, listening to what the ground says is important.”
The Calm Before the Eruption?
Mount Spurr appears to be still and calm, but there are signs that things may be getting worse underground. The fact that there are many earthquakes and signs of magma leads scientists to predict that an eruption could take place. It’s difficult to pinpoint when exactly, but the signs are very clear.
The use of modern technology and understanding of local issues has led to safer Alaska. The public is being responsive and acting on the problems promptly. If Mt Spurr erupts, it will not be a surprise for the pilots.
In the meantime, the mountain soars up, covered in snow, keeping a restless heart beneath. Even if a volcanic eruption happens tomorrow or later on, we will pay attention to it now.