Erupting Alaska volcano spews large ash cloud, prompting warnings to pilots

Ash cloud from Shishaldin volcano, which began erupting 11 July, is angular and sharp and can cause jet engine to shut down

An ongoing eruption of a remote volcano in Alaska's Aleutian Islands produced an ash cloud so large on Tuesday that warnings were sent to pilots about potentially dangerous conditions.

The ash cloud with an initial height of around 5.5 miles (8.9km) was drifting south-south-east from Shishaldin volcano, the Alaska Volcano Observatory said in a statement. The eruption was described as moderate with ashfall drifting toward the Pacific Ocean, creating a potential concern for air traffic or boats, said Matt Loewen, a research geologist with the US Geological Survey at the observatory.