Steam explosion at Great Sitkin volcano, alerts raised, Alaska

steam-explosion-at-great-sitkin-volcano-alerts-raised-alaska

A small steam explosion at 05:40 UTC on June 2, 2019 (21:40 AKDT June 1) was detected at Great Sitkin volcano in local seismic data, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reports.

No corresponding signal was seen in regional infrasound data or cloudy satellite observations. Low-level seismic activity was elevated just before and after the event. In response to this activity, AVO is raising the Aviation Color Code YELLOW and Alert Level to ADVISORY. 

Great Sitkin is monitored with a local real-time seismic network, which will typically allow AVO to detect changes in unrest that may lead to an explosive eruption. Rapid detection of an ash-producing eruption would be accomplished using a combination of seismic, infrasound, lightning, and satellite data. 

Great Sitkin on April 27, 2019. Image credit: USGS/AVO, Dave Clum

Sentinel-2 satellite image of Great Sitkin acquired on June 11, 2018 at 23:00 UTC showing an ash deposit extending for about 2 km to the southwest. Ash was likely deposited during the brief explosion on June 10, 2018. Minor steaming from a vent through the 1974 lava flow is also visible in this image. View is from the southwest. Image credit: ESA Sentinel-2; Schneider, David

Great Sitkin volcano is monitored by a five-station seismic network on Great Sitkin Island and with additional seismic stations on the nearby islands of Igitkin, Adak, Kagalaska, and Kanaga. A six-element infrasound array to detect explosions (atmospheric pressure waves) was installed on Adak Island in June 2017.

This volcano forms much of the northern side of Great Sitkin Island. A younger parasitic volcano capped by a small, 0.8 x 1.2 km (0.5 – 0.7 miles) ice-filled summit caldera was constructed within a large late-Pleistocene or early Holocene scarp formed by massive edifice failure that truncated an ancestral volcano and produced a submarine debris avalanche. Deposits from this and an older debris avalanche from a source to the south cover a broad area of the ocean floor north of the volcano. The summit lies along the eastern rim of the younger collapse scarp.

Deposits from an earlier caldera-forming eruption of unknown age cover the flanks of the island to a depth up to 6 m (20 feet). The small younger caldera was partially filled by lava domes emplaced in 1945 and 1974, and five small older flank lava domes, two of which lie on the coastline, were constructed along the northwest- and NNW-trending lines.

Hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles occur near the head of Big Fox Creek, south of the volcano.

Historical eruptions have been recorded since the late-19th century.

Featured image credit: Great Sitkin on April 27, 2019. Image credit: USGS/AVO, Dave Clum

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *