Alaskan volcano Mount Redoubt erupts

[Antaletriangle]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/23/alaska-volcano-mount-redoubt-erupts
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/3/23/1237803143242/Mount-Redoubt-001.jpg
Observatory issues 'red alert' after four explosions send smoke 15,000 metres into the air
Paul Lewis and agencies guardian.co.uk, Monday 23 March 2009 11.15 GMT Article history
Mount Redoubt has begun erupting. Photograph: Heather Bleick/AP

An Alaskan volcano 100 miles (160km) south-west of the state's largest city, Anchorage, erupted overnight, sending a plume of smoke up to 15,000 metres (50,000ft) into the air.

Mount Redoubt experienced four large explosions late on Sunday and early today, according to geologists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

The observatory has issued a red alert, meaning eruption is imminent or under way, with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely.

The current wind patterns are taking the ash cloud away from Anchorage and instead heading toward Willow and Talkneetna, two communities near Mount McKinley, North America's largest mountain in Denali national park.

Geophysicist John Power said no cities have yet reported any ash-fall from the volcano, but noted that it was still early.

Using radar and satellite technology, the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting ash to start falling later today .

Dave Stricklan, a hydrometeorogical technician with the NWS, said he expected very fine ash: "Just kind of a light dusting". He said the significant amount of ash probably dropped immediately, right down the side of the volcano.

"The heavier stuff drops out very quickly, and then the other stuff filters out. There's going to be a very fine amount of it that's going to be suspended in the atmosphere for quite some time, but nothing to really affect anything such as aviation travel."


Redoubt is a steep-sided cone-shaped volcano, about 6 miles in diameter, which last erupted nearly 20 years ago.

Observatory geologists monitored the eruption and posted updates in real-time last night. At 10.35pm, they reported: "At these heightened levels of seismicity, there could be a quick escalation to eruptive activity."

Three minutes later, the first explosion took place, followed by a second about 20 minutes later. The third occurred 15 minutes after midnight and the final explosion was registered at 1.39am.

Geologists noted an increase in seismic activity at the volcano last week. Last Monday they reported a small explosion and "plume of gas and ash that rose to about 15,000ft above sea level" did not herald a significant eruption in the short term, but added: "Conditions may evolve rapidly."
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2168

[torz]

THis is the 2nd one in a matter of days along the ring of fire, the 1st was Tonga ......... is Mother Earth getting ready to give birth???

[Antaletriangle]

There appears more vulcanism/seismic activity recently,yeah.

Alaska's Mount Redoubt Erupts -- and Erupts and Erupts -- Five Times
March 23, 2009
Mount Redoubt, Alaska has finally erupted after two long months of teasing with tremors and steam puffs. The first eruption took place at 10:38 pm March 22, 2009. This initial eruption was estimated to have shot ash just below 20,00 feet in the air.
United States of America Orange/Watch which was elevated after a small hiccup last week, to Red/Warning. Mount redoubt has erupted four more times following the first eruption on Sunday evening. The second at 11:02 pm, the third at 12:14 am March 23, 2009, a forth at 1:39 am, and the most recent at 4:37 am. As of yet the highest cloud height has been an impressive 50,000 feet.

The National Weather service has issued an Ash warning, and current wind direction (north, north-west) should bring light ash to the following areas; Talkeetna, Willow and Cantwell, Alaska. Anchorage, and the upper Kenai Peninsula may also be affected. As of 5:17 am March 23, 3009 no ash fall has been reported, ash fall is expected Monday morning. Air traffic has not been stopped.

Volcanic ash is made up glass and tiny pieces of rock. It is abrasive, electrically conductive and mildly corrosive. It will not dissolve in water, but will contaminate water supplies. Residents are advised to have clean water supplies on hand. Doors, windows and any access to the outdoors should be thoroughly sealed. Volcanic ash can be very harmful if inhaled. Stay indoors if at all possible, and wear protective masks if no other option is available. Animals should be brought indoors. Power outages are a risk, and candles are a great idea. Radio transmition may be disrupted if heavy ash fall occurs.

Once ash fall has ceased the Alaska volcano Observatory would appreciate anyone willing to take samples of the ash to do so. Volcanic ash samples help geologists better understand the type of eruption that has occurred. If you would like to take samples instructions can be found here, and instructions on ash clean-up can be found here. Even after the eruption has ceased, masks and protective gear should be worn outdoors.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1586766/alaskas_mount_redoubt_erupts_and_erupts.html

[micjer]

THis is the 2nd one in a matter of days along the ring of fire, the 1st was Tonga ......... is Mother Earth getting ready to give birth???

Could be... here is a link so you can watch for any updates.

http://visz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index.php?lang=eng


http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/Micjer_2009/090130_Redoubt.jpg