Washington
Related: About this forumMount Rainer May Be the Most Dangerous U.S. Volcano
Supervolcanoes sound terrifying, but the risks they pose dont usually match their fearsome reputations. Yellowstone in particular often makes its way into headlines, as every earthquake swarm or change in geyser activity spawns unfounded rumors of an apocalyptic eruption.
However, ask a volcanologist where the real risk in the U.S. lurks, and theres a good chance that they will turn their gaze to the Pacific Northwest.
Nestled among the Cascade mountain range sits Mount Rainier, a postcard-perfect natural wonderand a volcano that causes scientists genuine concern. Its unclear when it will stir from its long slumber, and theres no sign that anything is imminent. Nevertheless, a future eruption could cause one of the worst natural disasters in the U.S. (See pictures of the 10 most dangerous volcanoes in the U.S.)
Unlike its infamous cousin, Mount St. Helens, Rainier is not known to be particularly explosive. And yet, Janine Krippner, a volcanologist at Concord University, is unequivocal in her assessment.
Rainier is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, she says. Its a huge concern.
To make the case, Krippner points to Colombias Nevado del Ruiz volcano, which experienced a notorious eruption in November 1985. In that event, neither lava nor pyroclastic flows of hot gas and ash were the killer elements. Instead, the paroxysm quickly melted the volcanos summit glaciers, and fresh floodwaters rapidly entrained and mobilized the loose sediment on the volcanos flanks.
This activity set off a series of lahars: viscous, violent slurries that rushed down toward the town of Armero at about 30 miles an hour as its residents slept. The town and its inhabitants were smothered within mere moments. The eruption is now known as one of the worst volcanic disasters in human history, killing around 23,000 people.
This volcanic hazard is the reason a future eruption at Rainier could prove to be so deadly. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has carefully mapped and studied the sleeping colossus, and its clear that the valleys on its slopes are perfect for lahar formation, with several suburbs of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolis sitting right in the path of disaster.
Lahars can lift houses. They can overtake a bridge. They can take the bridge with it, Krippner says. In the past, lahars from eruptions filled up valleys to heights of almost 500 feet along Rainiers viridian flanks.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/this-may-be-the-most-dangerous-us-volcano/ar-BBL1LFL?li=BBnb7Kz
Aristus
(66,095 posts)I live on the Puyallup River floodplain. About a quarter-mile from the river itself, but probably right smack-dab in the center of the lahar path.
montanacowboy
(6,052 posts)I cannot imagine that thing going, but as you look at it everyday, it's a beautiful thing to see, but goddam deadly
Mrs. Overall
(6,839 posts)1. Cascadia subduction zone superquake
2. Tsunami
3. Bears
4. Mountain Lions
6. Brown Recluses
7. Mt. Rainier volcanic eruption
Even with this list, I still love the natural beauty and peace I have found here.
samnsara
(17,570 posts)..along with the lions and bears.
mrs_p
(3,012 posts)Me when I was very little that Rainer could erupt and we would all be covered in ask and lava (this was not so long after Helens erupted). To this day I cant look at that beautiful mountain and not think that it could blow us all away.
Edited for spelling
Doreen
(11,686 posts)I am closer to Mt Rainier than St Helens. We got plenty of ash during St Helens so I hate to think what we will get when Rainier blows.
samnsara
(17,570 posts)...nice view of the Mtn tho
Quemado
(1,262 posts)Omaira Sanchez, a 13 year old girl living near Colombian volcano Nevada del Ruiz, died after 60 hours of agony as result of the eruption in November 1985. Rescuers could do nothing to save her.
Haggis for Breakfast
(6,831 posts)But what worries me is that the pace that the de Fuca plate is subducting beneath the North American plate IS accelerating. Climate change is real, folks.