Two Alaska Volcanoes at Risk for Exploding: Lava Flows Cause Concern

Two volcanoes in Alaska are at risk of exploding with little to no warning. After lava flowed from the two volcanoes yesterday (Tuesday), authorities placed both locations on the second-highest alert levels.

The two volcanoes are named Pavlof and Cleveland. Both stratovolcanoes are located in the Aleutian island range, which is southwest of mainland Alaska. While both are active, though, Pavlof Volcano has been far more active than Cleveland. Since 1980, it's had eruptions recorded every few years and possesses a threat score of 95 for future eruptions.

On May 15, Pavlof experienced an increase in seismic activity and the presence of intense elevated surface temperatures. This was followed by eruptive activity, including a spatter-fed lava flow that has advanced about a third of a mile down the north flank of the volcano. Cleveland similarly experienced elevated surface temperatures and a 300-foot-wide lava flow that breached the southeast rim of the summit crater and then extended about a mile down the southeast flank of the volcano.

These lava flows aren't necessarily worrisome. What does have officials concerned, though, is the possibility of explosive behavior. Cleveland in particular is at risk for sending massive clouds of ash swirling into the air about 20,000 feet above sea level. This could potentially cause air traffic delays.

Yet air traffic delays aren't the only cause for concern. People could also be in the line of fire if these volcanoes erupt. Many visitors seek out the dangerous locales as tourists.

"We think of the Aleutian Islands as being remote and desolate," said John Power, a scientist from the U.S. Geological Survey, in an interview with CNN. "But when you come up with 30,000 feet, we are talking about 20 to 30,000 people there every single day."

Further complicating matters is the fact that while Pavlof is monitored with ground instruments, Cleveland isn't. This will mean that it will take longer for scientists to realize that the volcano has erupted--if it does indeed erupt.

In order to get further updates on the status of the two volcanoes, check out the Alaska Volcano Observatory.