Scientists are monitoring and providing alerts on Pavlof and
Cleveland volcanoes.
Two of Alaska’s most active volcanoes—Pavlof and
Cleveland—are currently erupting. At the time of this post, their activity
continues at low levels, but energetic explosions could occur without warning.
Located close to the western end of the Alaska Peninsula,
Pavlof is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc, having erupted
more than 40 times since the late 1700’s.
Pavlof has been erupting since May 13, 2013, with relatively
low-energy lava fountaining and minor emissions of ash, steam, and gas. So far,
volcanic ash from this eruption has reached as high as 22,000 feet above sea
level. The ash plume has interfered with regional airlines and resulted in
trace amounts of ash fall on nearby communities. The ash plume is currently too
low to impact commercial airliners that fly between North America and Asia at
altitudes generally above 30,000 feet.