Alaska Volcano Observatory – Alaskan Volcano Rests For Now
Typical of Alaskans, the memory of the three-month long vigil of watching a previously dormant volcano suddenly become active almost overnight is just that – a memory and life immediately went on. To Alaskans, volcanoes erupting are just another part of the Alaskan – Last Frontier experience; just like sub-zero temperatures, polar bears, moose and wolves. But just a year ago this month, Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula residents were on constant vigil as the Alaska Volcano Observatory issued virtually continuous high alerts to residents that lasted almost three months as Mount Augustine continuously blew her top spewing up hot ashes into the atmosphere.
Although residents were reluctant to slow down the usual pace of their daily lives, many did however make an effort to keep up with the periodic reports on the radio, TV and on the Alaska Volcano Observatory website for hourly updates and news on Augustine’s volcanic activity. Some lived close enough to Augustine to actually see the eruptions as they occurred. Other adventurous, brave or just plain stupid folks (not limited to just the young in Alaska) were curious enough to plan, ready and fly their personal airplanes high enough over the volcano to see what they believed to be a once in a lifetime site for themselves. There are folks like this in every community.
On the whole most people listened to the emergency instructions and began to at least check their own household emergency reserves and that of other close friends and families to make sure they had the recommended safety and survival items needed in case of a very serious eruption. Folks made the necessary shopping trips to the local hardware store or other stores to get face masks for themselves and their household, air filters for their cars, stock up on water and other safety and survival gear and food stuffs or anything else that would enable them to survive a volcanic crisis. However inconvenient it might have been for Kenai Peninsula residents, many humbly remembered other volcanic eruptions that blanketed their communities and rendered their cars unusable due to the ash. They knew things could get serious. They also understood that although those facemasks were expensive, they could very well protect and save their lungs and that of their loved ones and friends from the glass often found in the volcanic ash.
For Geologists and residents alike, Mount Augustine’s eruption provided a few unique opportunities. Unlike previous volcanic eruptions in Alaska, Augustine was one that scientists were well prepared to monitor with all of the newest high tech equipment and instruments at their disposal. And the eruptions went on long enough for geologists to be able to gather lots of statistical data to be analyzed after the volcanic activity ceased. It was also the first time that Alaskans and the rest of the world had an opportunity to look on and watch on TV or via satellite with their own eyes as new activity occurred atop Mount Augustine.
This year geologists say that Mount Augustine is at rest for now. They don’t expect another eruption from her for at least another 12 years.