According to the researchers, the Pavlof volcano is erupting yet again. This occurrence would mark the third eruption this year. Currently, all flights that were passing in the area were diverted or grounded.
The Pavlof volcano is known for its spirit. Researchers have been studying the way in which the volcano behaves for years, trying to figure out what makes it tick. They were also searching for possible eruption patterns that could help them predict a violent event before it affected any of the inhabitants or the flights passing through the area.
The last eruption of the Pavlof volcano took place this May. The explosion was so powerful that it covered an entire nearby village with ash and other eruption debris. According to the scientists, such a phenomena was not recorded for decades.
The violent May incident was preceded by a March eruption when the ash traveled hundreds of miles, covering everything in the path of the mountain with a thick white blanket of ash.
“Pavlof is one of those volcanoes that can erupt with very much in the way of precursory activities. 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.”
The Pavlof volcano is located in the southwestern region of the Alaskan Peninsula. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the region. Scientists also named it the most dangerous one due to the fact that it has a tendency to erupt without any previous warning.
The Alaska Observatory recorded over 40 eruptions to date. Most of them were unpredictable. Fortunately, all of the flights that were headed towards the area were safely deviated off course or grounded.
“The level of seismic activity at Pavlof Volcano remains slightly elevated but lower than the recorded yesterday. Nothing significant was observed in satellite views of the volcano over the past day. Web camera views of the volcano have been largely obscured by clouds with one view showing a possible steam emission.”
The snow covered volcano is situated at approximately 600 miles of Anchorage. Pavlof stretches for 4.5 miles in every direction and volcanic vents (which are active) are to be found near the summit.
Image source: Wikipedia