Pavlof Volcano in Alaska Ready to Erupt Again?

Alaska's Pavlof Volcano just revealed some significant seismic activity which suggests a possibility of an eruption any time soon, since seismic movement recently increased within the region.

Local witnesses report a steady plume of steam emitting from the mountain, as state authorities announced a raised alert level in the region to an advisory status or yellow alert.

The most recent eruption occurred mid May of this year, after experiencing a separate volcanic activity two months before.

According to a report last Saturday, July 2, from the Alaska Volcano Observatory, this seismic activity level found in the Pavlof Volcano is still slightly elevated, but yesterday was lower than what was recorded. Satellite views reveal nothing significant yet over the past day as web camera views are also largely obscured by cloud formations, revealing just one view of a possible small steam emission. To date, an AVO field crew has been working near the volcano yesterday, with reports of minor gas emissions from the summit vent.

After an eruption last March, seismic activity continued since then, suggesting a possible chance of an eruption before the year ends.

This stratovolcano is located less than 600 miles from southwestern Anchorage, as it stretches for almost 4.5 miles across. The volcano is covered in snow and ice, as its volcanic vents are also found near the summit, specifically near the eastern and northern sides of the mountain.

Ever since geologic record keeping began, Mount Pavlof erupted for more than 40 times already, which is also considered to be one one of the most active volcanoes in Alaska. Past eruptions emitted ash pillar plumes of almost 50,000 feet above sea level, which can disrupt aerospace travel.

On the occasion that volcanic ash becomes sucked in by jet engines, this heat can melt immediately into hard glass that can destroy aircraft machinery.