thumbnail

2021 Volcanic Activity in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of Events and Response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5014
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a consortium between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
By: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245014

Links

Abstract

In 2021, the Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 15 volcanic centers in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Eruptive activity in Alaska consisted of repeated small, ash-producing, phreatomagmatic explosions from Mount Young on Semisopochnoi Island; an explosion at Great Sitkin Volcano followed by the eruption of a thick lava flow that filled and overflowed the summit crater; weak explosive activity and the eruption of small, channelized flows at Pavlof Volcano; and a short-lived eruption at Mount Veniaminof that produced ash emissions from an intracaldera cone, as well as lava flows confined to a melt pit in the ice mantling the cone’s flank. Mount Cleveland had a period of unrest, but no eruptive activity took place there. Anomalous seismicity was also detected at Atka volcanic complex, Mount Gareloi, and Davidof volcano. New warm springs opened and deposited mud at the summit and north base of Shrub mud volcano. Other activity of note in Alaska consisted of large ice and rock avalanches at Iliamna Volcano and Mount Spurr, ash resuspension events at Mount Katmai and Aniakchak Crater, and anomalous deformation at Mount Okmok that was consistent with a shallow intrusion of magma. In the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, a brief, ash-producing eruption occurred at Mount Pagan.

Suggested Citation

Orr, T.R., Dietterich, H.R., Fee D., Girona, T., Grapenthin, R., Haney, M.M., Loewen, M.W., Lyons, J.J., Power, J.A., Schwaiger, H.F., Schneider, D.J., Tan, D., Toney, L., Wasser, V.K., Waythomas, C.F., 2024, 2021 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5014, 64 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245014.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Volcanic Activity in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • References Cited
  • Glossary of Selected Terms and Acronyms
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title 2021 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5014
DOI 10.3133/sir20245014
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description ix, 64 p.
Country Northern Mariana Islands, United States
State Alaska
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details