Source: Wanmei Liang, leveraging Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey
Volcanic ash from recent outbursts has darkened the snow-coated sides of the Alaskan volcano.
After a period of three years without major activity, Alaska’s Shishaldin volcano in the Aleutian Islands stirred to life in mid-July 2023. The eruptions hurled ash several miles into the sky, leading to alerts for air travel.
A Noteworthy Blast
Mount Shishaldin, a conical stratovolcano nestled on Unimak Island, is among the most active in the Aleutian volcanic arc. On July 11, the Alaska Volcano Observatory detected an increase in surface temperatures and seismic activities. Shortly after, in the early morning of July 14, a considerable blast propelled an ash cloud between 6 and 7.5 miles (9 to 12 kilometers) skyward, drifting south over the Pacific Ocean. On July 14 and 15, two smaller eruptions transpired, catapulting ash plumes about 3 miles (5 kilometers) above sea level.
Post-Eruption Scenery
The ash fallout from the eruptions is visible on the southern slopes of Shishaldin in an image captured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 on July 17. Lahars (volcanic mud streams), appearing as dark lines, are evident on the volcano’s northern and southern sides.
Subsequent Eruptions and Potential Risks
Two additional episodes of heightened volcanic activity resulted in notable ash plumes between July 17 and July 23. An eruption on July 18 birthed another large ash cloud, prompting the National Weather Service to caution pilots to steer clear of the area. Ash plumes from volcanoes can contain abrasive particles that pose a threat to jet engines.
A Look Back in Time
As per the Alaska Volcano Observatory, Shishaldin has witnessed 24 confirmed eruptions since 1775. Most of these were relatively minor, though a 1999 eruption produced an ash column that soared 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) above sea level. The most recent eruptions to produce lava flows beyond the crater area, similar to the current eruption, occurred in 2019-2020 and 1976.
Ongoing Activity and Predictions for the Future
As of July 23, the observatory reports ongoing seismic and eruptive activities, though the duration of these eruptions remains uncertain. Past eruptions have spanned from weeks to months, displaying cycles of activity akin to those observed in July.
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shishaldin Volcano Eruption
When did the Shishaldin Volcano in Alaska erupt?
The Shishaldin Volcano in Alaska erupted in mid-July 2023 after three years of calm.
What was the impact of the eruption?
The eruption led to massive ash clouds being thrown several miles into the air, which led to aviation alerts. Ash fallout from the eruptions was visible on the southern slopes of the volcano.
Where is Mount Shishaldin located?
Mount Shishaldin is a cone-shaped stratovolcano located on Unimak Island in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
What happened after the eruption?
After the eruption, seismic and eruptive activity was ongoing, with repeated cycles of activity similar to what has been seen so far in July.
How often does Shishaldin Volcano erupt?
According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, Shishaldin has had 24 confirmed eruptions since 1775. Most of these eruptions have been relatively small, but the eruption in 2023 is a significant event.
