Alaska's Amazing Volcanoes

Alaska's Amazing Volcanoes

"Alaska has over 100 volcanoes and over 40 of them have been active historically, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey. "

Remember the millions of travelers stuck in European airports when that unpronounceable Icelandic volcano blew? Remember the misery of those travelers trying to get home by any means possible? Well, that could happen again if Alaska’s Mount Cleveland decides to erupt full-scale kablooey. The remote 5,676-foot fire mountain out in the Aleutians has been gassing up again, bulging out a lava dome 130 feet in diameter. If it blows, as it seems it might, ash clouds could extend up to 20,000 feet.

Which would mean big trouble for international travelers once again, as 20,000 passengers pass through Anchorage’s airport every day. And not only travelers could be delayed, 90% of air freight from Asia to Europe and North America flies over Alaskan air space on the way. The last time Cleveland blew its top was in 2001, and spewed ash clouds about seven miles into the sky.

Alaska has over 100 volcanoes and over 40 of them have been active historically, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey. While most of Alaska’s fire mountains run out into the ocean on the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutians, some are in Cook’s Inlet and not too far from Juneau and Fairbanks. Since 1996, volcanic activity occurred in 11 of Alaska’s lively volcanoes.

While Cleveland has only rumbled and puffed out minor ash clouds so far, the Alaska Volcano Observatory has raised the alert level from yellow to orange, which means increased chance of eruption. Air travel hasn’t been cancelled or delayed as of yet, but the big air carriers are keeping a weather eye out for one of Alaska’s specialities--active volcanoes!