A recent seismic event near Mount Spurr, a potentially active volcano located roughly 80 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska, has raised concerns among geologists and emergency management officials.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, the region experienced a 4.3-magnitude earthquake beneath the volcano, prompting increased scrutiny from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO).

Mount Spurr is part of the Aleutian volcanic arc, a geologically active zone formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate.

The volcano last erupted in 1992, spewing ash over Anchorage and briefly disrupting air traffic. Since then, the volcano has remained largely quiet—until this latest seismic event reignited attention.

The earthquake, which occurred at a shallow depth of about 3.5 miles beneath the surface, is part of a broader uptick in seismic activity detected beneath the volcano in recent days.

Scientists emphasize that while earthquakes under volcanoes can signal rising magma and a potential eruption, they can also result from tectonic stress unrelated to imminent volcanic activity.

The AVO has not yet changed Mount Spurr’s alert level, which remains at “normal,” but is closely monitoring the situation.

“We are seeing elevated seismicity beneath the volcano, and while there’s no immediate indication of an eruption, we’re increasing our observations and data collection,” a spokesperson stated.

The increased scrutiny also reflects lessons learned from past eruptions in Alaska, particularly from Mount Redoubt and Mount Augustine, both of which disrupted air traffic and posed hazards to nearby communities.

Authorities are reminding residents and aviation operators to stay informed through official channels and be prepared for potential changes in the alert level.

Geologists are analyzing data from the event to determine if it was caused by magma movement or tectonic shifts. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, the AVO’s continuous monitoring will provide early warnings should volcanic activity escalate.

Mount Spurr’s rugged, snow-covered peak remains a dramatic feature on the Alaskan horizon. Though quiet for more than three decades, its recent rumblings serve as a reminder of the powerful geological forces still at work beneath the surface.