Dormant Volcano Awakens After 800 Years, Shows Magma Activity

A volcano in Alaska, which hasn’t erupted for 800 years, is now showing signs of potential activity, leading scientists to warn that it could erupt soon. Mount Edgecumbe, located on the southern part of Kruzof Island, has long been considered dormant, but recent studies indicate that magma movement beneath the surface could signal an upcoming eruption.

Dormant volcanoes are often thought to be inactive and unlikely to erupt, but experts emphasize that they can still pose a threat after long periods of inactivity. Mount Edgecumbe, which stands at 3,201 feet and is a popular spot for tourists, is now under close observation due to these new developments.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory has raised the threat level for Mount Edgecumbe as a precaution, following evidence of increased volcanic activity. Historical data suggests that the volcano was more active in the past, with the last eruption occurring 800 years ago, and further evidence pointing to activity 1,150 years ago. If a similar eruption were to occur today, it could pose significant risks to nearby communities.

Recent signs of volcanic activity include reports from hikers who observed gas bubbling from the ground near the volcano, as well as satellite radar measurements showing the ground bulging upwards. Additionally, a series of earthquakes in 2022, and ongoing tremors in 2024, are believed to be linked to the movement of magma beneath Mount Edgecumbe. When magma shifts, it can either push through cracks or accumulate in a molten pool, both of which can cause minor earthquakes.

Although scientists are on high alert, they believe an eruption is not imminent. “There are signs that there is magma that’s come into the system very deep—about six miles below the volcano,” said Hannah Dietterich, a research geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Volcano Observatory. “We want to monitor it as best we can.”

The city of Sitka, located 15 miles from Mount Edgecumbe, is the nearest population center. To better understand the volcano’s activity, seismometers have been placed around the area to detect small quakes that might not be felt by people. The data gathered from these instruments will help scientists determine if or when an eruption might occur.