Earthquake activity lessens below Alaska volcano

[April 20, 2010]  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Earthquake activity below Mount Redoubt is subsiding.

Caption: In this May 26, 2009, file photo, people dig for razor clams on the beach of Ninilchik, Alaska, as the Redoubt volcano vents steam on the other side of Cook Inlet. After being quiet for months, a series of small, repetitive earthquakes on Monday could be a possible sign the volcano could be reawakening, scientists said. (AP file photo byAl Grillo)

The Alaska Volcano Observatory says the rate of shallow, small earthquakes at the volcano about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage has decreased markedly since Monday, when scientists warned the volcano could be waking from its slumber.

The Anchorage Daily News reports scientists plan to fly by the volcano later this week if the weather improves.

They will try to measure sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, three compounds linked to volcanic eruptions.

Redoubt has erupted several times since the 1960s.

Early last year, 19 significant eruptions over several weeks sent ash plumes as high as 65,000 feet. Hundreds of flights were diverted from Anchorage.

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Information from: Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com/

[Associated Press]

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