How possible is it for Mt. Rainier to erupt, given the growing number of
earthquakes in western Washington?
Craig
Marker
Hi Craig,
It is very possible for Mt. Rainier to erupt, but I am not familiar with the
recent seismic activity to be able to know if it is related. As you probably
know, it is very possible for there to lots of seismicity in the pacific
northwest without it being associated with an eruption. Mt Rainier has been
pretty quiet for a number of years so as far as I know there is no eruption
expected soon. However, you may remember that Mt. Saint Helens really only
provided a few months of warning before its 1980 eruption, so things could
change quickly!
Mt Rainier is monitored pretty closely so if there starts to be an earthquake
swarm that is centered on the volcano, and perhaps migrating upwards, then it
will be time to worry. There is a University of Washington Home page that you
might want to check for more details.
Sincerely,
Scott Rowland, University of Hawaii
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