After 250,000 Years, ‘Zombie’ Volcano Stirs: What Scientists Predict About Its Imminent Eruption

A volcano that hasn’t erupted in 250,000 years is now stirring back to life. Uturuncu, a ‘zombie’ volcano in the Andes of Bolivia, is showing signs of potential eruption. Recent increases in seismic activity and gas emissions have raised alarms among scientists and local residents.

The most notable change is a distinctive ‘sombrero’ pattern of ground deformation, where the center of the volcano is rising while the surrounding area sinks. This unusual activity suggests that liquid and gas deep beneath the surface are moving, prompting a closer look by experts from the University of Oxford.

Uturuncu stands about 19,700 feet tall and is a stratovolcano, known for its steep shape formed by layers of hardened lava, ash, and rock. Other well-known stratovolcanoes like Mount St. Helens and Mount Vesuvius have had devastating eruptions in the past.

Located within 25 miles of three towns, an eruption could lead to catastrophic consequences. Nearby communities could be engulfed by lava, while volcanic ash could drift across Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. More than 1,700 earthquakes have been recorded near Uturuncu, intensifying the urgency of the research.

Using seismic tomography, scientists have been able to visualize the volcano’s interior, creating detailed 3D models based on how seismic waves travel through different materials. Their findings suggest that hot fluids are moving upward, causing the ground at the center of the volcano to rise. While the chances of a full eruption are still low, the situation remains closely monitored.

Co-author Professor Matthew Pritchard from Cornell University highlighted the importance of this research. He noted that the techniques can be applied to over 1,400 potentially active volcanoes, shedding light on other ‘zombie’ volcanoes that might be awakening unexpectedly.

In the U.S., the Yellowstone Caldera is another volcano being closely watched. The last significant activity there occurred about 70,000 years ago, yet scientists remain vigilant. Interestingly, both Uturuncu and Yellowstone show the unpredictability of volcanoes that appear inactive but can wake up without warning.

Alaska is also keeping an eye on Mount Spurr, which has shown signs of unrest. Officials recently warned that it could erupt soon, threatening nearby Anchorage, home to nearly 300,000 people. An eruption there would blanket the city in ash, creating chaos not only locally but also in air travel and supply chains.

According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, lava flows or significant ash clouds from such eruptions can disrupt major cargo and passenger flights. For instance, when Mount Spurr last erupted in 1992, it caused a 20-hour airport shutdown, darkening the skies over Anchorage.

As we delve deeper into the science of volcanoes, it’s clear we must remain cautious. The Earth has its ways of surprising us, and knowing how to prepare for these natural events is crucial for communities around the world.

For more information on volcanic activity and safety measures, check out resources from the U.S. Geological Survey.

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