Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Largest Earthquake Swarm Since 2009 Detected Under Mount Rainier

Scientists attribute the swarm to hydrothermal fluid circulation beneath the summit under green alert monitoring

ASA lenticular cloud forms over Mount Rainier, considered an active volcano rising to 14,410 feet above sea level, as viewed from Reflection Lakes on August 29, 2024, near Ashford, Washington.
Mount Rainier, an active volcano rising to 14,410 feet, is experiencing a rare earthquake swarm.
Image

Overview

  • The seismic swarm began at 1:29 a.m. local time on July 8 and encompassed hundreds of quakes up to magnitude 1.7 at depths of 2–6 km beneath the summit
  • The USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory and Pacific Northwest Seismic Network have intensified monitoring with seismic sensors, infrasound arrays, GPS stations and webcams
  • Observations reveal no detectable magma movement, surface deformation, infrasound anomalies or changes in volcanic gas emissions
  • Mount Rainier’s volcano alert level and aviation color code remain at green, indicating no increased threat of eruption
  • The volcano is designated as Very High Threat under the National Volcano Early Warning System due to its glacial cover and proximity to populated areas vulnerable to lahars