Mount Adams Volcano Records Unprecedented Spike in Earthquake Activity

Mount Adams, an active volcano in Washington, experienced a record spike in seismic activity with six earthquakes in September, compared to the usual occurrence of one every two to three years. Experts from the USGS state that there is currently no cause for alarm regarding potential eruptions. To better understand this unusual activity, scientists are planning to install temporary seismic stations around the volcano.

A notable increase in seismic activity has been observed at Mount Adams, Washington’s largest active volcano. In September, six earthquakes were documented, correlating to a drastic rise from the typical frequency of one earthquake every two to three years. This marks the highest monthly earthquake count recorded at the volcano since monitoring began in 1982. The earthquakes, which varied in magnitude from 0.9 to 2, were detected by a single seismic station located seven miles southwest of the volcano’s summit; however, none of these quakes were perceptible to residents nearby. Although the uptick in earthquakes may suggest volcanic activity, experts from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have indicated that there is no immediate cause for alarm, stating, “Currently, there is no indication that the level of earthquake activity is cause for concern.” To gain further insights into this seismic surge, scientists from the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) and the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) are set to establish a series of temporary seismic stations in the vicinity. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of the scale, location, and depth of the ongoing seismic events. Mount Adams, rising over 12,000 feet above sea level and extending 18 miles in diameter, is situated approximately 70 miles northwest of Portland. This volcano has a rich geologic history, with the cone building up around 520,000 years ago through multiple eruptions, the most significant of which occurred during three pivotal time frames—500,000 years, 400,000 years, and between 50,000 to 30,000 years ago. The volcano last erupted between 3,800 to 7,600 years ago, primarily exhibiting effusive volcanic activity rather than explosive eruptions. The most pressing risk for inhabitants near Mount Adams arises from lahars, which are rapidly flowing mixtures of rock, ash, and ice that may occur during various volcanic phases. The USGS noted, “The greatest threat to people living near Mount Adams are lahars that could occur during eruptive or non-eruptive periods.” These lahars could be triggered by the collapse of hydrothermally weakened rock present in the ice-capped summit—a concern heightened by the potential for future landslides that would further contribute to lahar hazards. Ultimately, the collected data from the temporary seismic stations will allow scientists to detect smaller earthquakes and further analyze the underlying causes of the recent seismic activity. The statement indicated, “The results of our findings will determine if any additional actions are needed.”

Mount Adams, located in the Cascade Range of Washington State, is the largest active volcano in the region with a complex geological history. Formed over multiple eruptive episodes, the volcano predominantly exhibits effusive rather than explosive eruption types. Geological surveys have historically indicated a low frequency of seismic activity, with earthquakes occurring only once every two to three years on average. Recent spikes in seismic activity, however, have prompted increased monitoring and research by geological agencies seeking to assess the potential implications for the surrounding communities.

In summary, the observed rise in earthquake frequency at Mount Adams represents a significant deviation from its typical volcanic behavior, necessitating focused scientific investigation. Although there is no current indication of an imminent eruption, researchers are taking proactive measures to monitor the volcano more comprehensively. The installation of temporary seismic stations will allow for detailed analysis of the seismic events, and ongoing assessments will determine if further action is warranted in response to this heightened volcanic activity.

Original Source: www.livescience.com