Temporary Earthquake Monitors to Be Removed from Mount Adams Ahead of Winter Conditions
Mount Adams has seen an unexpected rise in seismic activity, with six earthquakes recorded in September 2023. In response, the U.S. Geological Survey deployed temporary seismometers but will remove them due to winter weather. Plans for additional permanent monitoring are set for next year to improve earthquake detection and scientific research.
In light of a notable increase in seismic activity detected around Mount Adams, a volcano situated in Washington’s Cascade Range, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is set to remove temporary earthquake monitors from the region due to impending winter conditions. Mount Adams, typically characterized by low volcanic activity, experienced six recorded earthquakes in September 2023—a frequency not common for this otherwise quiet volcano. Jon Major of the Cascades Volcano Observatory noted, “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 recent seismic trends, the USGS, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, deployed temporary seismometers to enhance monitoring efforts in the somewhat isolated area. Over the past three weeks, at least three new seismic monitoring devices were installed. However, these solar-powered instruments are expected to face significant challenges as harsh winter conditions approach, rendering them ineffective under snow cover. Historically, Mount Adams has had only one permanent seismometer located about ten miles from the volcano, which likely limited the detection of smaller seismic events. Major further indicated, “It’s possible there have been small quakes that we didn’t detect because of the limited monitoring equipment.” The largest earthquake reported at Mount Adams this year registered a magnitude of two. This decision comes at a time when efforts to install new monitoring systems at Glacier Peak, another of Washington’s active volcanoes, are facing substantial setbacks. Although the current seismic incidents at Mount Adams do not pose an immediate risk, the USGS has announced intentions to establish additional permanent monitoring systems in the forthcoming year to bolster long-term surveillance capabilities.
Mount Adams is categorized as a stratovolcano and is considered significantly quieter compared to its counterparts in the Cascades. Its seismic activity is usually sparse, which raises concern when unusual patterns are observed, such as the recent uptick in earthquakes. The proactive steps taken by the USGS and U.S. Forest Service to establish temporary monitoring equipment highlight the importance of closely observing volcanic behavior. This vigilance is necessary for public safety and scientific understanding, especially as existing monitoring infrastructure has proven to be limited in detecting all seismic events. The potential implications of such seismic activity necessitate the installation of more sophisticated and permanent monitoring systems.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s decision to remove the temporary earthquake monitors from Mount Adams reflects a practical response to seasonal challenges while underscoring the necessity of enhanced monitoring systems for the future. With an unusual increase in seismic activity recorded at this typically dormant volcano, continued vigilance and upgraded monitoring capabilities are essential to ensure both public safety and scientific integrity regarding volcanic behavior in the region.
Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com
