A typically tranquil “high threat” volcano in Washington state has been experiencing unusual seismic activity, triggering an alert from geologists who have downplayed the likelihood of an imminent eruption. Mount Adams, a picturesque snow-covered peak in the southern part of the state, has recorded seven minor earthquakes since September, according to the Cascades Volcano Observatory.
The tremors, with magnitudes ranging from 0.9 to 2.0, are unprecedented for the 12,200-foot mountain, which usually experiences just one earthquake every two or three years. This unusual activity prompted the United States Geological Survey to issue an alert earlier this month and to install three new seismic monitoring stations.
Jon Major, the scientist-in-charge at the Cascades Volcano Observatory, stated that the tremors alone do not indicate an imminent eruption. “Right now, there’s no cause for concern,” Major said. “If they start to pick up more earthquakes, or if earthquakes start to get larger — if they start to be shallow and more frequent — then we would probably start to take a closer look.”
“High threat” Washington State stratovolcano Mount Adams draws a little attention after a recent spate of earthquakes. Still, not to worry. Its sisters mostly have “very high threat” status. @bobmackin @RandySmall @WhidbeyWXGuy @WestSeaWx @bc_news_addicthttps://t.co/UiYk0ftnHu pic.twitter.com/HMjd4t17GU
— Peter Vogel (@PeterVogel) October 17, 2024
He described the recent series of tremors as “a little out of character for this volcano.” Indicators that a volcano is “starting to wake back up” include a significant increase in earthquakes, ground deformation, and a surge in gas emissions, none of which are currently occurring, according to Holly Weiss-Racine, a geologist with the Volcano Observatory.
“Right now, we’re not seeing any of those things,” Weiss-Racine told the Washington State Standard earlier this month, calling the spike in quakes “interesting” but “nothing meaningful.”
Mount Adams, the second-tallest volcano in the state after Mount Rainier, has experienced ten earthquakes this year. In September alone, it recorded six earthquakes, the highest number ever recorded there in a single month.
Weiss-Racine noted that if Mount Adams were to erupt, it would be different from the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, which killed 57 people and blanketed much of the region with ash. “It’s not a very explosive volcano. It doesn’t produce a lot of ash,” she said, indicating it would instead release thick lava flows.
Recent satellite imagery shows no signs of bulging or deformation of the mountain due to magma moving to the surface. Geologists also reported no gas emissions from the volcano.
What Other Media Are Saying
- OPB reports unusual earthquake activity at Mount Adams, with six small quakes in September, no cause for alarm, and ongoing research into the volcano’s behavior.(read more)
- Livescience reports an unusual spike in earthquakes at Mount Adams in Washington state, highlighting ongoing investigations to understand the volcano’s unique activity patterns and potential eruption signs.(read more)
- KUOW – Recent seismic activity under Mount Adams is not alarming, but scientists are monitoring it closely for signs of magma movement or increased volcanic activity.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What’s happening with Mount Adams lately?
Mount Adams has been experiencing unusual seismic activity, with seven minor earthquakes since September.
Is Mount Adams going to erupt soon?
Geologists say there’s no immediate cause for concern about an eruption at Mount Adams.
Why are the recent earthquakes at Mount Adams unusual?
Mount Adams typically experiences just one earthquake every two or three years, not seven in a short period.
What would indicate Mount Adams is about to erupt?
Indicators include a significant increase in earthquakes, ground deformation, and gas emissions.
How would an eruption of Mount Adams differ from Mount St. Helens?
Mount Adams would likely release thick lava flows rather than a lot of ash, unlike Mount St. Helens.