Temporary Earthquake Monitors to be Withdrawn from Mount Adams Ahead of Winter Snow
The U.S. Geological Survey has reported an unusual rise in seismic activity at Mount Adams, with six earthquakes recorded in September. The USGS, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, has installed temporary seismometers to monitor the volcano, although winter conditions will likely hinder their effectiveness. Currently, there is only one permanent seismometer nearby, which may have led to the loss of smaller quake detections in the past. The largest quake this year had a magnitude of two, and plans are in place for additional permanent monitoring next year to enhance safety.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has observed a notable increase in seismic activity at Mount Adams, a volcano situated in Washington’s Cascade Range. In September, six earthquakes were recorded, a significant rise for this typically dormant volcano. Jon Major of the Cascades Volcano Observatory stated, “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 this unusual activity, the USGS, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, has deployed temporary seismometers in the vicinity to monitor the seismic situation more effectively. Over the past three weeks, three new monitoring devices have been installed. However, the effectiveness of these solar-powered devices is likely to diminish with the impending harsh winter conditions and snow cover. Until now, Mount Adams had only one permanent seismometer located approximately ten miles from the volcano, which may have resulted in the oversight of smaller quakes in previous years. Major further noted, “It’s possible there have been small quakes that we didn’t detect because of the limited monitoring equipment.” The most significant earthquake recorded this year at Mount Adams had a magnitude of two. Meanwhile, plans to install new monitoring systems at Glacier Peak, another active volcano in Washington, are encountering considerable delays. While the current seismic activity at Mount Adams does not pose an immediate threat, the USGS anticipates the installation of more permanent monitoring systems in the upcoming year to facilitate enhanced long-term observance.
Mount Adams, one of the many volcanoes in Washington’s Cascade Range, has recently experienced a rise in seismic activity, with six earthquakes occurring in September—a significant increase compared to its normal state. Historically, this volcano is considered quiet, exhibiting only a single earthquake every couple of years. The USGS has initiated measures to monitor this upsurge by deploying temporary seismometers, as the region has previously relied on a single permanent seismometer located some distance away. This limited monitoring has likely contributed to an inability to detect smaller seismic events in the past. With impending winter conditions, the effectiveness of the temporary equipment is in question, emphasizing the need for more robust long-term monitoring solutions.
In summary, the recent spike in seismic activity at Mount Adams has prompted the USGS and U.S. Forest Service to enhance monitoring efforts through temporary seismometers. Despite the anticipated challenges presented by winter conditions, the establishment of additional permanent monitoring systems in the following year is crucial for improving the detection of seismic events at this volcano. This situation underscores the importance of reliable volcano monitoring networks to ensure safety and preparedness in the region.
Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com
