Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes Tanaga Island, Alaska - March 2023

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In summary: Two Alaska volcanoes are experiencing increased seismic activity and a possible eruption. The seismic activity at Tanaga is causing the Alaska Volcanoes Observatory to raise the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. There has been a noticeable increase in earthquakes at Takawangha, with three earthquakes having magnitudes greater than 3. There is a concern for an explosive (phreatic) eruption if magma rapidly reacts with groundwater in the caldera.
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Astronuc
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I was listening to a video last night about the possibility of an imminent eruption of the Tanaga and Takawangha volcanoes on Tanaga Island, Alaska. There has been a noticeable increase in seismic activity consistent with the rise of a magma chamber.

Two Alaska Volcanoes Experience More Earthquakes, Officials Warn of Possible Eruption
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/nat...es-earthquakes-could-signal-eruption/3176932/

Tanaga - https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=311080
At 2215 on 7 March AVO raised the Aviation Color Code for Tanaga to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory due to increased seismicity. Earlier that afternoon, starting at about 1330, seismicity began to increase and by around 2045 earthquakes were occurring at a rate of 2-3 per minute. The events were located at shallow depths and the largest events were M2-3.
Takawangha -https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=311090
AVO reported that the earthquake swarm at Takawangha that began in November 2022 was ongoing with 120 earthquakes located during 25 February-3 March. The number of events per day was highest on 28 February and 1 March, with over 50 earthquakes located on each of those days. Three earthquakes had magnitudes greater than 3, occurred at shallow depths of less than 6 km, and were located about 6 km E of the volcano. During 3-7 March small daily earthquakes with magnitudes less than M2 occurred in the vicinity of the volcano. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory (the second lowest level on a four-level scale).

https://www.avo.alaska.edu/volcanoes/volcinfo.php?volcname=tanaga
https://avo.alaska.edu/volcanoes/volcinfo.php?volcname=takawangha

https://volcano.oregonstate.edu/tanaga-and-takawangha
Tanaga (elevation: 5,924 feet; 1,806 m) last erupted in 1914, producing https://volcano.oregonstate.edu/sites/volcano.oregonstate.edu/files/vwdocs/glossary.html#lava%20flow Tanaga has had three known eruptions since 1763. Takawangha (elevation: 4,795 feet; 1,462 m) is a https://volcano.oregonstate.edu/sites/volcano.oregonstate.edu/files/vwdocs/glossary.html#holocene and has not erupted in historic time. Takawangha has an ice-filled https://volcano.oregonstate.edu/sites/volcano.oregonstate.edu/files/vwdocs/glossary.html#caldera with minor tephra cones on the flanks, on the rim and within the caldera.

There is a concern for an explosive (phreatic) eruption if magma rapidly reacts with groundwater in caldera of Takawangha.

 
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  • #2
Nice info in those videos too!

It seems the Earth is going crazy with volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and the scare of a pole shift.
 

1. What caused the eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes in March 2023?

The eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes was caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. As these plates shifted, they created pressure and friction, which led to the release of magma and volcanic activity.

2. How long did the eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes last?

The eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes lasted for approximately two weeks, from March 1st to March 14th, 2023. During this time, there were multiple explosions and ash plumes, followed by lava flows and pyroclastic flows.

3. What were the impacts of the eruption on Tanaga Island and surrounding areas?

The eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes caused significant damage to Tanaga Island and surrounding areas. The ash plumes and pyroclastic flows destroyed buildings and infrastructure, and the lava flows covered large areas of land. The eruption also led to air travel disruptions and health hazards due to ashfall.

4. Were there any warning signs before the eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes?

Yes, there were several warning signs before the eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes. These included increased seismic activity, gas emissions, and changes in the shape of the volcanoes. The Alaska Volcano Observatory closely monitored the volcanoes and issued warnings to the public before the eruption.

5. Is it safe to visit Tanaga Island after the eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes?

It is not recommended to visit Tanaga Island immediately after the eruption of Tanaga and Takawangha Volcanoes. The area may still be unstable, and there could be ongoing volcanic activity. It is best to wait for authorities to declare the area safe before visiting.

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