Augustine Volcano facts for kids
Augustine Volcano is a tall volcano in Alaska. It stands about 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) high. This volcano is in southwestern Cook Inlet, about 280 kilometers (174 miles) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Many people in Alaska live quite close to it.
Augustine Volcano has erupted many times. It has erupted six times since 1812. These eruptions happened in 1883, 1935, 1964-65, 1976, 1986, and 2006.
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What Happens During an Eruption?
The eruptions in 1976 and 1986 began with big explosions. These explosions cleared out the volcano's opening, called a vent. Huge clouds of volcanic ash shot straight up into the sky. After this, rocks and mud slides flowed down the sides of the volcano.
In most eruptions, like those in 1812, 1935, 1964-65, 1976, and 1986, the very top of the mountain stayed in place. It did not collapse.
The 1883 Eruption
The 1883 eruption was different. A large piece of the volcano's top broke off. This caused a huge avalanche of rock and debris. The avalanche rushed down to the sea. This avalanche then created a small tsunami. A tsunami is a giant ocean wave. This tsunami traveled about 90 kilometers (56 miles) east. It reached English Bay on the Kenai Peninsula.
Why are Eruptions a Problem?
Volcanic ash clouds are a big problem for airplanes. Jet aircraft flying to and from Anchorage International Airport can be affected. Ash can damage airplane engines.
Future eruptions could also cause problems for oil and gas companies. They might disrupt shipping in Cook Inlet. Scientists believe that Augustine Volcano will likely erupt again in the future.
Images for kids
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USGS map of Augustine Volcano island
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Thermal image after the January 2006 eruptions. White parts of the image are warmer than dark areas.
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2006 eruption
See also
In Spanish: Monte Augustine para niños
