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Alaskan Volcano Erupts, Forcing Weather Service to Issue Inflight Advisory for Pilots

by Chloe Baker
5 comments
Shishaldin Volcano Eruption

Friday saw an Alaskan volcano in the Aleutian Islands spewing a massive cloud of ash skywards, leading to the National Weather Service issuing a warning for pilots in flight.

The eruption of Shishaldin Volcano commenced on July 11 as reported by the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Confirmation of lava eruption within the summit crater on the same day came from a U.S. Coast Guard overflight.

At 1:09 a.m. Friday, a major explosion caused an ash cloud to ascend as high as 40,000 feet (12,192 meters), which subsequently drifted southwards over the Pacific Ocean. A smaller explosion at 7:10 a.m. on Friday propelled ash to about 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).

Due to the southward-drifting ash cloud, the National Weather Service saw it necessary to issue an inflight weather advisory.

Volcanic ash, recognized for its angular and sharp characteristics, has found applications as an industrial abrasive. In powdered form, it has the potential to cause a jet engine to shut down.

Situated 679 miles (1,093 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage, the volcano is near the middle of Unimak Island, the largest of the Aleutian Islands. A 40-person village named False Pass is located on the east side of the island.

The volcano, a symmetrical cone measuring 10 miles (16 kilometers) in diameter at its base, stands as the highest peak in the Aleutians, reaching 9,373 feet (2,857 meters).

Shishaldin is renowned as one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian volcanic arc, although most eruptions are relatively small. An eruption in 1999 resulted in an ash column reaching up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).

Monitoring of the volcano is carried out through seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, a web camera, and distant infrasound and lightning networks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shishaldin Volcano Eruption

Where did the volcanic eruption take place?

The eruption occurred at the Shishaldin Volcano, located in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.

When did the Shishaldin Volcano begin erupting?

The Shishaldin Volcano began erupting on July 11.

What impact did the volcanic eruption have on air travel?

The eruption led to the National Weather Service issuing an inflight weather advisory due to the drifting ash cloud, which can cause a jet engine to shut down.

How high did the ash clouds reach?

The initial explosion produced an ash cloud that reached up to 40,000 feet. A subsequent, smaller explosion resulted in an ash cloud of about 15,000 feet.

How is the Shishaldin Volcano monitored?

The Shishaldin Volcano is monitored using seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, a web camera, and distant infrasound and lightning networks.

What is the significance of the Shishaldin Volcano?

Shishaldin is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian volcanic arc, and it stands as the highest peak in the Aleutians.

More about Shishaldin Volcano Eruption

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5 comments

TravelBug_ July 15, 2023 - 8:42 pm

was planning a trip to Alaska, maybe not such a good idea now lol. Hope False Pass and all the wildlife are safe and sound.

Reply
SkyLover July 15, 2023 - 11:57 pm

40000 feet? Thats like, more than 7 miles high right?? Unbelievable! Hope everyone in the area’s okay…

Reply
Jake88 July 16, 2023 - 11:46 am

Wow, nature’s really giving it to us, huh? Can’t imagine flying into that mess, props to the pilots out there!

Reply
MotherEarthWatcher July 16, 2023 - 1:19 pm

This is why we need to respect nature, folks. Volcanoes don’t play around, do they. Be safe Alaska.

Reply
VolcanoEnthusiast July 16, 2023 - 7:24 pm

Shishaldin’s one of the most active? Didn’t know that, thought it was Kilauea or something. Learning new stuff every day.

Reply

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