2020 Volcanic Activity in Alaska—Summary of Events and Response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

Abstract

The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at nine volcanic centers in Alaska in 2020. The most notable volcanic activity in 2020 was an eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, which produced lava flows, lahars, and ash. Mount Cleveland had one small ash-producing eruption in June but was quiet thereafter. Other activity documented in 2020 consisted of elevated seismicity at the volcanoes Mount Veniaminof, Pavlof Volcano, Makushin Volcano, Atka volcanic complex (Korovin Volcano), Great Sitkin Volcano, and Semisopochnoi Island. Finally, the resuspension of ash deposited during the 1912 NovaruptaKatmai eruption was documented on three occasions.