Slumbering 'Zombie' Volcano Awakens After 250,000 Years, Sparking Scientist Warnings

• EXPLORE FURTHER: Massive submerged volcano near the United States shoreline poised for an eruption

A volcano that last erupted 250,000 years ago is now exhibiting indications of an impending eruption, which could lead to devastation and casualties.

Uturuncu, a so-called 'zombie' volcano located in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, has experienced increased seismic activity and gas emissions, sparking fears that an eruption may be imminent.

This instability is evident in a distinct 'sombrero' pattern of ground deformation, with the central part of the volcano uplifting while the adjacent region subsides.

A group of researchers headed by the University of Oxford In the UK, it was found that this phenomenon results from the motion of liquids and gases under the crater, which overlies the biggest known magma reservoir within the Earth's crust.

Uturuncu rises above 19,700 feet and is classified as a stratovolcano—a tall, conical volcano formed from multiple layers of solidified lava, volcanic debris, and rocks.

Mount St. Helens and Mount Vesuvius is also classified as a stratovolcano. famous for their devastating explosions.

Uturuncu is situated less than 25 miles from three towns, and experts have cautioned that an eruption might lead to extensive destruction and pose significant risks to human lives. The volcano sits roughly midway between two prominent urban centers in South America: La Paz in Bolivia and Santiago in Chile.

The flowing lava would cover these adjacent communities, whereas volcanic ash might blanket regions spanning Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

Over 1,700 seismic events have been recorded near the volcano lately, prompting researchers to examine Uturuncu and figure out how an inactive volcano might become active again.

The research team used seismic tomography, a technique similar to medical scans, to create images of the inside of the volcano.

Through their analysis of seismic wave propagation across various substances, they managed to construct an intricate 3D model of Uturuncu’s inner structure.

They also looked at the volcano's physical makeup, including the types of rocks, to better understand what's happening underground.

Their examination uncovered potential routes through which warm fluids travel upwards, as well as areas where gases and liquids accumulate in reservoirs under the crater.

Scientists think this accumulation may be leading to an uplift in the central area; however, they stated that the probability of a complete eruption remains minimal.

Professor Matthew Pritchard from Cornell University, who co-authored the study, stated: "The techniques outlined in this paper have the potential to be utilized for over 1400 possibly active volcanoes as well as numerous volcanoes similar to Uturuncu, which are not classified as active yet exhibit some signs of activity—other potential dormant volcanic systems."

California's Long Valley Caldera, a supervolcano, is also deemed a 'zombie' volcano as it last erupted more than 550 years ago.

As is the Yellowstone Caldera that is closely monitored by scientists.

The latest volcanic activity at Yellowstone involved rhyolite lava flows that occurred around 70,000 years ago. based on the findings of the US Geological Survey (USGS) .

The biggest among these currents created the Pitchstone Plateau in southwest Yellowstone National Park.

The renowned volcano known as Yellowstone lies underneath a national park that covers portions of three U.S. states: Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

Although scientists remain uncertain whether the two volcanoes in the U.S. will ever erupt , they are getting ready for Mount Spurr to erupt.

In March, officials from Alaska cautioned that it might erupt in the next few weeks or months after observing increase seismic activity, ground deformation and gas emission .

Mount Spurr is located approximately 78 miles away from Anchorage, a city with almost 300,000 residents, potentially covering it in a thick layer of volcanic ash.

On Thursday’s update, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) stated that ‘the unrest persists,’ noting that ‘small volcanic earthquakes have been consistently recorded under the volcano within the last 24 hours.’

The eruption will trigger a series of events that would cause international chaos .

A huge plume of volcanic ash soaring up to 50,000 feet could lead to the closure of major airports like Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), and possibly Fairbanks International Airport (FAI).

Suspending all arriving and departing flights at these airports might create a domino effect nationwide, leading to extensive delays and cancellations as well as potentially interfering with the international logistics network.

Each day, numerous airplanes soar above Anchorage and Fairbanks, affecting much more than just commercial travel. As the fourth busiest cargo hub globally, ANC welcomes over 8,000 freighter flights monthly.

The last eruption of Mount Spurr occurred in 1992, causing ANC to close operations for 20 hours as an ash cloud loomed over Anchorage. This phenomenon turned daytime into darkness and eventually left a layer of ash about an eighth of an inch deep throughout the city.

If Mount Spurr erupts, the ensuing ash cloud will present a major risk to aircraft due to the abrasive nature of the debris.

Soaring through an ash cloud can rapidly deteriorate windshields, exterior body parts, compressor fan blades, and may even halt the aircraft’s engines. Additionally, ash particles have the potential to render essential navigation and operational gauges ineffective.

This implies that flying an aircraft during a volcanic eruption near your location is incredibly hazardous. Consequently, all airports located in regions impacted by the ash cloud must be closed down.

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