Recent Seismic Activity at Mount Adams Volcano Raises Concerns
Mount Adams Washington Volcano Update; Dramatic Jump in Earthquakes š
0:00 Mount Adams Volcano
Mount Adams, an active volcano in south-central Washington, has recently experienced a significant increase in volcano-tectonic earthquakes, with a recorded rate 180 times higher than usual. In the last month, six minor earthquakes, ranging from magnitudes 0.85 to 1.95, occurred, marking the highest seismic activity since monitoring began in 1982. Despite this increase, geologists believe the quakes are not related to magma movement due to the lack of ground deformation and the earthquakes' shallow depths.
3:01 3 Possibilities
Three possible explanations for these earthquakes are considered:
- Minor magma intrusion heating the hydrothermal system.
- Increased heat flow without new magma.
- A slow landslide creep, although this is unlikely. The recent activity raises concerns for the nearby Trout Lake community, which could be at risk from a lahar, despite Mount Adams being one of the least active volcanoes in the Cascade Range.
4:28 New Seismometers
The U.S. Geological Survey is expanding monitoring efforts by increasing the number of seismic stations around Mount Adams due to the unusual activity. The current unrest is rated as low on a scale of 0 to 10, reflecting the potential for undetected microearthquakes.
What has caused the recent increase in earthquakes at Mount Adams?
The increase is likely hydrothermal in origin, with possibilities including minor magma intrusion or increased heat flow without new magma.
Is Mount Adams considered an active volcano?
Yes, Mount Adams is classified as an active volcano, but it has been relatively quiet for nearly 1,000 years.
What measures are being taken to monitor Mount Adams?
The U.S. Geological Survey is tripling the number of seismic stations near Mount Adams to better track seismic activity.