Increased Seismic Activity at Mount Adams Prompts Enhanced Monitoring Efforts

The U.S. Geological Survey has reported increased seismic activity at Mount Adams with six earthquakes noted in September. To monitor this activity, temporary seismometers have been installed, despite potential winter-related challenges. Plans for more permanent monitoring equipment are set for next year.

Mount Adams, located in Washington’s Cascade Range, has experienced an unusual rise in seismic activity, according to reports from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Notably, six earthquakes were documented in September alone, an unexpected increase for this predominantly quiet volcano. Jon Major, a representative of 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 activity, the USGS, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, established temporary seismometers in the region to monitor the volcanic activity more effectively. Over the past three weeks, at least three new monitoring devices were installed. However, the anticipated severe winter conditions may render these solar-powered devices ineffective once snow covers the landscape. Previously, the only permanent seismometer monitoring the volcano has been situated approximately ten miles away, which has likely limited the detection of minor seismic events. Major added, “It’s possible there have been small quakes that we didn’t detect because of the limited monitoring equipment.” The most substantial earthquake recorded this year at Mount Adams had a magnitude of two. While the current seismic activity does not pose an immediate threat, there are plans for further permanent monitoring equipment to be installed next year, enhancing the ability to track volcanic activity in the long term. This situation is occurring alongside challenges in the installation of new monitoring systems on Glacier Peak, another of Washington’s active volcanoes.

Seismic activity around volcanoes can provide vital information regarding volcanic behavior and potential hazards. Mount Adams, a dormant stratovolcano, has had limited monitoring historically, with only one permanent seismometer existing ten miles from the site. This situation has hampered the detection of smaller seismic events, leading to concerns about the volcano’s activity levels. Understanding and monitoring these changes are critical for predicting future volcanic activity and ensuring public safety in the surrounding areas.

In summary, the increase in seismic activity at Mount Adams has prompted the USGS to enhance monitoring efforts with temporary seismometers. Despite the potential challenges posed by harsh winter conditions, there are plans for a more robust permanent monitoring system to be established next year to better track volcanic activity. The information gathered will be essential for understanding the volcano’s behavior and mitigating risks to the public in the region.

Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com