For about a year, four volcanoes in Aleutian have been at elevated alert. They’re now joined by a fifth.
Takawangha is the new one, rising 4,753 feet from the Bering Sea in western Aleutians.
When a swarm of earthquakes with magnitudes between 2 and 3 intensified around Takawangha, the Alaska Volcano Observatory placed Takawangha on their watch list.
John Lyons, AVO’s research geophysicist, stated that swarms can often be attributed to volcanic activity.
Lyons stated that this is a sign of magma or volcanic fluid. “A swarming of earthquakes can often precede activity on the surface, including an explosion.”
The Alaska Volcano Observatory moved the volcano’s aviation code from yellow to yellow on Nov. 18. This indicates that the volcano is showing high levels of activity, but not erupting.
The four other volcanoes include Great Sitkin (Cleveland), Pavlof, Semisopochnoi and Pavlof. Many have been moving in and around the yellow and orange advisory levels . An eruption is possible or has already occurred, but it’s not causing major dangers.
Lyons stated that five volcanoes rumbling simultaneously may sound like a lot but it is not unusual for the state.
Lyons stated that there are so many active volcanoes Alaska, it’s not unusual to have five with an elevated color code.
Takawangha lies 55 miles west from Adak. It could threaten the city of 200 people if it explodes, but Lyons stated that the current advisory level is not cause for concern.
“The risk to Adak residents is very low at the moment. He said that the volcano is well monitored and the Alaska Volcano Observatory is monitoring it. If there are any signs, we will notice them and notify you.
The swarm continued at Takawangha on Monday. The color code remained unchanged at yellow.
