An earthquake was detected just miles away from a massive volcano in Alaska that scientists have warned could erupt in the next few weeks.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) detected a 3.7 magnitude quake at 11:44am ET near Petersville, which sits about 30 miles northwest of Mount Spurr.
Mount Spurr, an 11,000-foot-tall volcano, has experienced increased seismic activity and ground surface displacement, which are signs of an eruption that scientists believe will happen in the next few weeks or months.
The USGS detected hundreds of smaller tremors within the 30-mile radius of the volcano that sits around 80 miles from Anchorage— the state’s largest city, home to nearly 300,000 people.
Seismic activity near Mount Spurr kicked off in April 2024, and the rate of events has increased from an average of 30 per week to an average of 125 per week by early October.
Tuesday’s earthquake hit 65 miles below the surface, which would typically be related to tectonic plate movement.
But since Mount Spurr is showing signs of unrest, the quake may be linked to magma rising from deeper in the mantle.
Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) have warned that Mount Spurr is ‘moving closer to an eruption’ that could happen in ‘weeks to months.’
This is a developing story…. More updates to come.
The USGS received on two reports of shaking felt in the region, but that was likely due to it being sparsely populated.
The 3.7 magnitude quake struck seven hours after a 2. 5 magnitude quake hit in the same area. These were preceded by a 3.0 magnitude detected on Monday at 6:56pm a few miles away.
But the USGS’ website shows hundreds within the area. The agency only reflects 2.5 magnitude or higher quakes on the main dashboard.
Anchorage officials raised the emergency planning level to Level 2 last week, which means that they will ramp up communication with the public about the threat and public safety agencies will prepare to launch into eruption response protocols.
