Fourpeaked Volcano
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This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses. |
| Fourpeaked Volcano | |
|---|---|
 Fumaroles escape from Fourpeaked Volcano through a fissure in Fourpeaked Glacier on 24 September 2006 |
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| Elevation | 6,903 feet (2,104 metres) |
| Location | Alaska, USA |
| Range | Fourpeaked Mountain, Aleutian Range |
| Coordinates | |
| Topo map | USGS Afognak |
| Type | Stratovolcano |
| Age of rock | > 10000 yr |
Fourpeaked Volcano also known as Fourpeaked Mountain is an active stratovolcano in Alaska. The Alaska Volcano Observatory currently rates Fourpeaked as Aviation Alert Level Yellow and Volcanic-alert Level Advisory. It is nearly completely covered by Fourpeaked Glacier. It was long a dormant volcano until it entered a new phase of activity on September 17, 2006. It is located in southwestern Alaska, approximately 200 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska and 80 miles northwest of Kodiak Island. It lies within the Katmai National Park and Preserve on the Alaska Peninsula.
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[edit] History
Prior to the phase that began September 17, 2006, Fourpeaked had been dormant for over 10,000 years.[1]
[edit] September 17, 2006
Pilots and other civilians reported two distinct and very large steam plumes coming from Fourpeaked Volcano. They were seen as far away as Homer, located northeast of Fourpeaked across Cook Inlet. Scientists on subsequent flights by USGS/AVO have discovered that volcanic gases are being vented "vigorously" near the summit. Air sampling has confirmed these findings.
[edit] September 20, 2006
The Alaska Volcano Observatory upgraded Fourpeaked from the classification "not assigned" to Level of Concern Color Code Yellow on September 20, 2006. They also began installing seismic monitoring equipment on the mountain and using fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters to monitor the volcano.
Scientists are working to install seismometers and other equipment which will allow them to more closely monitor developments.
[edit] September 25, 2006 AVO eruption warning
On September 25, 2006, the AVO released the following information as part of a special information release:
"...Based on all currently available evidence, AVO believes that an eruption from Fourpeaked in the next days to weeks is possible. Given below are some possible future scenarios for the current unrest at Fourpeaked, listed in order, with the most likely scenario listed first:
(1) A small to moderate eruption will occur, which may produce ash plumes exceeding 10 km (33,000 ft) above sea level. Lava flows may also occur. (2) No eruption occurs. Unrest gradually subsides to background levels. (3) A large eruption will occur, which would produce ash plumes exceeding 10 km (33,000 ft) above sea level, and possible widespread ash fall."
[edit] October 3, 2006
The Alaska Volcano Observatory completed installation of another seismometer near Fourpeaked. Almost immediately they detected an earthquake swarm of lower magnitude quakes. This behavior has continued intermittently through the present. Fourpeaked also continues to vent volcanic gasses at the same rate as revealed in earlier air sampling.
