2022 Volcanic Activity in Alaska and the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of Events and Response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5108
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a consortium between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
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Abstract

In 2022, the Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 11 volcanic centers in Alaska and in the Northern Mariana Islands. Eruptive activity in Alaska consisted of repeated small, ash-producing, phreatomagmatic explosions from Mount Young on Semisopochnoi Island; the eruption of a thick lava flow within the summit crater at Great Sitkin Volcano; and weak explosive activity and the eruption of small, channelized flows at Pavlof Volcano. Uplift and an increase in seismicity were detected at Mount Edgecumbe, a long-dormant volcano in southeastern Alaska. Anomalous seismicity was also detected at three other volcanoes, including Trident Volcano, Takawangha volcano, and Davidof volcano. Other activity documented in 2022 includes ash resuspension events at Mount Katmai and Aniakchak Crater, and Mount Cleveland had a period of unrest, but no eruptive activity took place. In the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, hydroacoustic detections and a submarine plume observed in satellite data at Ahyi seamount indicated underwater eruptive activity there.

Suggested Citation

Orr, T.R., Dietterich, H.R., Grapenthin, R., Haney, M.M., Loewen, M.W., Saunders-Shultz, P., Tan, D., Waythomas, C.F., and Wech, A.G., 2025, 2022 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5108, 46 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245108.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Volcanic Activity in Alaska
  • Volcanic Activity in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • References Cited
  • Glossary of Selected Terms and Acronyms
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title 2022 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5108
DOI 10.3133/sir20245108
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description ix, 46 p.
Country Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, United States
State Alaska
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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