ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A remote volcano in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands that has been active in recent weeks spewed an ash plume up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) into the sky on Friday, warning pilots.
“Significant ash emissions” were possible for several hours after the unrest at Shishaldin volcano, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
Volcanic ash is angular and sharp enough for use as an industrial abrasive. The pulverized rock can cause a jet engine to fail.
The volcano is located 1,093 kilometers southwest of Anchorage, near the center of Unimak Island, the largest island in the Aleutian Islands.
About 40 people live in False Pass on the east side of the island, and the National Weather Service issued a statement that traces of ash were possible around the village.
