M 7.2 - 98 km S of Sand Point, Alaska; Shishaldin Volcano erupting

In summary, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred 98 km south of Sand Point, Alaska on July 16, 2023. This event has raised concerns about a potential eruption of the nearby Shishaldin Volcano, as there have been reports of increased activity and ash emissions since July 11. The volcano is located on Unimak Island, which has a small population that may need to evacuate depending on the severity of the eruption. Further monitoring and updates from the Alaska Volcano Observatory will be necessary to determine the potential impact of the earthquake on the volcano.
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https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000kg30/executive

M 7.2 - 98 km S of Sand Point, Alaska​

  • 2023-07-16 06:48:22 (UTC)
  • 54.460°N 160.760°W
  • 32.6 km depth

There is some speculation that the Mag 7.2 earthquake may be indicative of an imminent eruption of the Shishaldin Volcano.
The volcano coordinates are: 54°45′21″N 163°58′03″W Similar latitude, but about 3.3° longitude west.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/t...enormous-7-2-magnitude-earthquake/ar-AA1dW4p4
A massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake has increased the risk of a volcano in Alaska erupting imminently as the aviation level was raised to red.

The Shishaldin Volcano has been spewing great plumes of ash into the air since July 11, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO).

A US Coast Guard overflight confirmed lava erupted the same day within the summit crater.

The latest data from the AVO, as of just before midnight on July 15, showed frequent explosion signals are being detected, with some explosions sending plumes of ash as high as 20,000 ft above sea level.

The volcano is spewing
https://www.kucb.org/science-enviro...inues-to-erupt-sending-up-multiple-ash-clouds
 
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Oh my! I hope no one lives near the volcano.
 
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Drakkith said:
Oh my! I hope no one lives near the volcano.
The volcano is located on Unimak Island, which is sparsely populated. In 2000, there were 24 people on the island. A recent article indictes about 60 people live on the Island, but that may be seasonal, and now with the volcano erupting, perhaps they will evacuate.
https://sspinnovations.com/blog/unimak-island-geographic-point-of-interest/

http://unimak.us/

https://www.avo.alaska.edu/volcanoes/volcinfo.php?volcname=shishaldin
 
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1. What does "M 7.2" indicate in the context of the event near Sand Point, Alaska?

The "M 7.2" refers to the magnitude of the earthquake, measured on the Richter scale. A magnitude of 7.2 indicates a major earthquake with strong shaking and potential for significant damage in areas several tens of miles around the epicenter.

2. Where exactly did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake occurred 98 kilometers south of Sand Point, Alaska. This location is remote, primarily affecting regions in the vicinity of the Aleutian Islands.

3. What is the significance of the Shishaldin Volcano erupting?

The eruption of Shishaldin Volcano is significant as it adds an additional layer of emergency response and potential hazards. Volcanic eruptions can lead to ash clouds that affect air travel and the health of nearby residents, as well as possible flows of lava and pyroclastic material.

4. Are the earthquake and the volcano eruption related?

It is possible that the earthquake and the volcano eruption are related, as seismic activity can trigger eruptions in volcanically active areas. However, a definitive connection would require specific geological analysis to determine if the earthquake directly influenced the volcanic activity.

5. What should people in the area do in response to these events?

Residents in the affected area should follow local emergency management guidelines, which may include evacuation orders, particularly if they are in proximity to the volcano. It is also important to prepare for aftershocks following the earthquake and to be aware of air quality issues due to volcanic ash.

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