Increased Seismic Activity at Mount Adams Prompts Monitoring Response

The U.S. Geological Survey has detected an unusual rise in seismic activity at Mount Adams, unprecedented for the usually quiet volcano. Six earthquakes occurred in September 2023, prompting the installation of temporary seismometers, which may become ineffective in winter snows. USGS plans to increase permanent monitoring equipment next year to better track future activity.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has observed an unusual uptick in seismic activity around Mount Adams, a dormant volcano located within the Cascade Range of Washington State. In September 2023, there were six recorded earthquakes at Mount Adams, representing a notable increase in seismic events for a volcano typically characterized by its quietude. Jon Major, a geologist associated with the Cascades Volcano Observatory, remarked, “Generally, Mount Adams is a quiet volcano, but our volcanoes talk to us all the time. Typically, Mount Adams would experience one earthquake every couple of years.” In response to the heightened seismic activity, the USGS, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, has installed temporary seismometers in the remote vicinity to facilitate enhanced monitoring of the situation. Over the past three weeks, at least three new monitoring instruments have been implemented. However, the upcoming winter conditions are likely to render these solar-powered devices ineffective once the area is blanketed by snow. Previously, Mount Adams was equipped with only one permanent seismometer, situated approximately 10 miles from the volcano, which may have limited the ability to detect smaller seismic events. Mr. Major added, “It’s possible there have been small quakes that we didn’t detect because of the limited monitoring equipment.” The most significant earthquake recorded on the premises this year attained a magnitude of two. The current increase in seismic activity does not pose an immediate threat; nevertheless, the USGS has announced intentions to install additional permanent monitoring systems next year to bolster long-term observation capabilities. This effort coincides with ongoing challenges related to the installation of critical monitoring systems at Glacier Peak, another of Washington’s active volcanoes.

Mount Adams is one of many volcanoes in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, noted for its relative silence compared to its active counterparts. The presence of seismic monitoring equipment is crucial for predicting volcanic activities. Until now, the monitoring capacity at Mount Adams has been limited, leading to potential missed detections of smaller seismic events. The recent increase in seismic activity underscores the importance of continuing and enhancing monitoring efforts to ensure public safety and scientific understanding of this geological area.

In summary, the recent increase in seismic activity at Mount Adams has prompted the USGS to install temporary monitoring devices in order to assess the situation more closely. While the existing temporary equipment may be compromised by winter conditions, future enhancements including permanent monitoring systems are planned for installation next year to improve detection and understanding of seismic events. The current seismic activity at Mount Adams does not pose an immediate threat, but monitoring remains essential for safety and preparedness.

Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com