Tanaga Volcano, Alaska on Orange Alert as 2-Day Earthquakes Signal Upcoming Eruption

The 2-day earthquake swarm from Tanaga Volcano in Alaska has prompted officials to raise the alert level to Orange, suggesting that an eruption may be imminent.

According to officials, the volcano, which has lain dormant for over a century, may soon erupt.

2-Day Earthquakes from Tanaga Volcano

Over the past two days, there have been a plethora of earthquakes near Tanaga, which is a 5,924-foot stratovolcano situated in a remote region of the Aleutian Range.

The area is experiencing several earthquakes per minute. The Alaska Volcano Observatory noted that the likelihood of an eruption appears to be increasing with each new earthquake. The volcano's alert level has been increased to "Orange," which indicates that scientists are keeping an eye on it.

About 5 miles to the east, on the same island as Tanaga, the Takawangha volcano has also given an increase in activity. About 5 miles to the east, on the same island as Tanaga, the Takawangha volcano was also observed to have an increase in activity. If there were to be an eruption, scientists are unsure if it would originate from Takawangha or Tanaga.

A 3.9-magnitude tremor occurred over the past 24 hours.

The activity is unquestionably above background, according to David Fee, a research professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute and a member of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. There are lots of earthquakes happening close to the Tanaga and Takawangha volcanoes because of the high seismicity. It doesn't necessarily mean that an eruption will happen or be imminent, but we are closely monitoring the volcanoes for additional indications of any form of volcanic activity or perhaps an eruption.

Also Read: Kilauea Volcano Ends 61-Day Eruption, No Active Lava Detected - Hawaii

Dormant Since 1914

Since 1914, the Tanaga volcano has been stewing in dormancy.

Fortunately, because no people are living on the island, an eruption would not immediately affect them. However, 62 miles to the east, in the community of Adak, ashfall may occur.

According to Fee, volcanic ashfall and slowly moving ash clouds from an eruption would pose the biggest threat to air and maritime travel.

Tanaga's eruptions continue to be a mystery to scientists because there is little information available. After all, it hasn't erupted in more than a century.

There are numerous volcanoes in this region of high seismicity, according to Fee. There isn't a lot of information available about previous eruptions at Tanaga, but analysts say they typically comprised blocky lava flows and sporadic ash clouds.

The volcano also erupted in the years 1791 and 1829, as well as from 1763 to 1770. Despite the lack of significant information regarding these eruptions, the US Geological Survey (USGS) notes that they came from both the volcano's summit vent and a satellite vent on its northeast flank.

The USGS reported that Takawangha has recently experienced ash and lava eruptions from craters at its summit. The volcano's unstable edifice made it possible for avalanches to be created if it erupted once more.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory will be keeping a close eye on the situation, Newsweek reports.