Nature & Environment

Alaska's Most Active Volcano Is Waking Up Again, According To Scientists

Brooke James
First Posted: Jul 04, 2016 08:56 AM EDT

The highly active Pavlof Volcano in Alaska may be waking up. The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported that seismic activity can be detected from the mesa, and satellite imagery showed what may be hot gas emissions.

Pulse Headlines said that to confirm the possible seismic activity, a field group was dispatched, and smoke and gas emissions can be seen from the summit. However, by July 3, the monitoring team noted that the seismic activity recorded was lower than that of the previous day.

Pavlof volcano is located on the southern end of the Alaskan Peninsula, and one of the most active in the state, with over 40 recorded eruptions so far. Eruptive volcano activity could occur with little to no warning, so scientists, according to the Christian Science Monitor, are studying the volcano closely.

"Pavlof is one of those volcanoes that can erupt without very much in the way of precursory activities," geophysicist David Schneider said. "It's very easy for the magma to arise in the volcano and make it out. So even subtle signs of unrest we think it is prudent to increase our alert level."

It wasn't long ago since the last eruption. Pavlof spewed ashes just last May, and another one in March. The May eruption marked the first time in twenty years that the volcano showed significant ash-fall recorded on the ground, turning everything black. The March eruption, on the other hand, led to cancellation of several flights, as reported by the Associated Press.

The Pavlof volcano is not the only one that should be studied. Tech Times also mentioned that the Cleveland Volcano, which is located on the western part of the Chuginadak Island also recently exhibited evidence of magma beneath its exterior. This volcano last erupted in 2011 to a trio of clouds rising to an altitude of 39,000 feet above sea level.

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