Volcanic Activity Heating Up in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands
Active Volcanoes
Four remote volcanoes in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands are currently active, with three erupting or emitting steam and ash. The fourth, Cleveland, is showing signs of unrest with elevated surface temperatures.
The most active volcano is Pavlof, located on the peninsula. It has been emitting low-level ash and experiencing minor explosions. Great Sitkin, another stratovolcano with a caldera and dome, is also erupting with a lava fountain at its summit.
Semisopochnoi, an uninhabited island volcano, has been erupting intermittently, sending ash plumes 10,000 feet into the air. Cleveland, located on Chuginadak Island, has low seismic activity and elevated surface temperatures.
Monitoring and Safety
Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) are closely monitoring the volcanoes for changes or increases in activity. The threat level for Pavlof, Great Sitkin, and Semisopochnoi has been set to “orange,” indicating eruptions are underway. Cleveland is currently at “yellow” due to signs of unrest.
All four volcanoes are located in remote areas, and no communities are currently at risk. However, Pavlof can be a “sneaky” volcano, according to geologist Chris Waythomas, and can erupt without much warning.
Other Volcanoes under Watch
Alaska is not the only place with active volcanoes. Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, located on the big island of Hawaii, has experienced a series of earthquakes but has not yet erupted. Pagan, a volcano near Guam in the South Pacific Ocean, has also shown signs of activity with earthquakes and smoke emissions.
Understanding Volcanic Activity
Volcanoes are formed when magma from the Earth’s interior rises to the surface. When the pressure becomes too great, the magma erupts, sending ash, lava, and gases into the atmosphere.
Volcanic eruptions can range from small, steamy emissions to explosive eruptions that can devastate entire regions. Factors that influence the severity of an eruption include the type of volcano, the composition of the magma, and the amount of pressure buildup.
Importance of Volcano Monitoring
Monitoring volcanoes is crucial for public safety and disaster preparedness. Scientists use a variety of tools to track volcanic activity, including seismometers to detect earthquakes, webcams to observe eruptions, and satellite imagery to measure surface temperatures.
This information helps scientists assess the threat level and provide early warnings to communities in the event of an eruption. By understanding volcanic activity, we can better prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with these natural hazards.