Seismic Activity High; Tremor A Minute Recorded

International flight paths over Alaska could soon be disrupted if satellite images, increasing seismic activity and lava are any indication.

Pictures taken of the Pavlof Volcano Thursday indicated strong thermal readings. The Alaska Volcano Observatory is calling these readings consistent with a "vigorous eruption of lava," according to the Associated Press.

Seismic activity was first noticed Tuesday. Fishermen in the area Wednesday reported glowing lava on the mountain's southeast side and pilots have reported a weak plume of ash below 20,000 feet and drifting 5 miles to the southwest.

A massive eruption by the volcano located about 590 miles southwest of Anchorage could disrupt air travel but isn't expected to threaten any towns in the area, with the exception of a light dusting of ash.

Steve McNutt, a volcano seismologist with the Observatory said an explosive eruption could disrupt flight operations as volcanic ash can seize up an engine.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Allen Kenitzer said the agency issued advisories to airlines that could potentially be affected and it is monitoring the situation closely. Delays could occur if an eruption causes flight diversions.

The volcano is roughly nine miles from popular fishing area, Pavlof Bay, but isn't believed to be an immediate threat, McNutt said.

Some of the seismic activity was caused by lahars, mudflows, caused by snow on the peak being melted by lava. They occurred on the southeast side of the volcano, an area that is sparsely inhabited.

Residents of the small towns in the vicinity are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, said Josh Gould, owner of a grocery in King Cove, about 35 miles to the southwest with a population of about 800. Basic staples are selling briskly and there's no danger of running out of products like water, bread and milk.

An ash plume is visible from town, he said, but none has fallen yet.

Pavlof's last eruption was in 1996, following a series of eruptions in the '70s and '80s. The 11 years since has been the longest it has been quiet, McNutt said. It spewed ash as high as 49,000 feet during a 1986 eruption.

Seismic activity is high at the 8,262-foot volcano, with a tremor recorded every minute, McNutt said. "What we think we're in for is several months of low-level eruptions punctuated by a few large and explosive events."

FMI: www.avo.alaska.edu, www.faa.gov