You might be surprised to learn that Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last two million years. Although that statistic alone is quite staggering, no single volcano is as positively unique as this massive underwater volcano located in the Aleutian Islands. While it's sat quiet for over 25 years, the last six weeks have proven that this stratovolcano has a lot to say and doesn't plan on staying quiet anytime soon.
Located on the southwestern Aleutian Chain, the uninhabited Bogoslof Island is roughly 35 miles northwest of larger and more commonly known Unalaska Island - population 5,000.
This isolated island is also known as Agasagook Island.
What's unique about the 169 acre Bogoslof Island is that it is the summit of a submarine stratovolcano located along the southern edge of the Bering Sea.
This wildly rugged and completely remote place is also home to the beloved Bogoslof Wilderness in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors who have had the opportunity to visit recall seeing a delightful amount of sea lions and eagles in every direction they looked.
In fact, the peak elevation on the island is only 490 feet. However, the stratovolcano underneath the surface rises about 6,000 feet from the seabed while the summit is the only part of the underwater volcano that projects above sea level.
The first ever known emergence of this Alaska island showing itself above sea level was recorded during an underwater eruption in 1796.
Although this dormant volcano has sat quietly for over 200 years, that all changed in the last month starting on December 20, 2016.
As of January 31, 2017, Bogoslof was said to have erupted a total of 28 times within the short 6 week period.
Scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) have been reported saying that these eruptions were so unique from any others, so much so that they believe people will be talking about these events for many, many years from now.
These frequent eruptions caused an extreme amount of volcanic ash clouds to be produced as well as a large amount of seismic activity that is said to signal significant changes in Bogoslof’s behavior.
The eruptions were followed by powerful volcanic lightning storms and pressure waves in the atmosphere over this isolated region in the Aleutian Chain.
There was even a temporary flight restriction that was put into place.
Nearby residents in the town of Unalaska woke up on the final days of January to find volcanic ash lightly covering their vehicles and everything in sight.
Residents in nearby Unalaska also report smelling strong odors of sulfur in the air.
Although the eruptions have subsided for now, they aren't expected to slow down anytime soon.
Be sure to follow this story and pay attention to how this dramatic series of events is continuously moving and shaping the geography and topography of Bogoslof Island.
For more on the story, the brief YouTube video below provides some great information.
https://youtu.be/v_kEt1IfKi4
If you thought that was amazing, be sure to check out these 15 views of Alaska from outer space that are guaranteed to leave you in awe. Also, there's a reason this volcano in Alaska is absolutely perfect - and the truth behind it is positively shocking!
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