Latest news with #CascadeRange
New York Times
3 days ago
- Science
- New York Times
As Earth Warms, California Fire Season Is Starting Earlier, Study Finds
California's main wildfire season is starting earlier in the year, and human-caused climate change is a major reason, new research finds. The onset of summertime fire activity in large parts of the state has crept into spring by up to two months since the early 1990s, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances. The change has been especially pronounced in the Cascade Range in Northern California, the coastal mountains of Central California and coastal Southern California from Monterey to San Diego. Officials and disaster managers in the state now often speak of fire as a year-round hazard, instead of a seasonal threat. The study rules out two factors that might theoretically be behind the shift: buildups of vegetation and changes in the number of fires ignited, either accidentally or on purpose, by humans. The more important drivers, the researchers found, are the effects of greenhouse warming, including earlier and faster snowmelt and a warmer atmosphere that pulls more moisture out of soil and vegetation. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
28-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Largest earthquake swarm ever recorded at massive US volcano
Over 1,000 earthquakes have rocked Washington's Mount Rainier in the largest ever seismic swarm recorded at this active volcano, waiting to erupt. Experts from the US Geological Survey (USGS) revealed that this record-breaking earthquake swarm started on July 8 and has continued ever since. As of July 25, geologists have recorded at least 1,010 small earthquakes around the mountain, which is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the US. While the agency said that even more tremors will likely be added to this total, they'll be too small to cause any damage and likely won't even be felt by locals. The most powerful of these earthquakes was measured at 2.4 in magnitude, which is weaker than what can typically be felt by people and rarely causes any damage. These kinds of swarms can occur once or twice a year, but they normally only last a few days, leaving USGS researchers with a concerning mystery right now. 'Most swarms at Mount Rainier (there are 1-2 annually) last less than a week. That being said, we do not have a good estimate for how long this swarm may last, and whether it will intensify or peter out,' the agency admitted on Friday. Although USGS added that an eruption doesn't seem imminent, Mount Rainier remains one of the most active volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest's Cascade Range, and a devastating eruption remains a real possibility in the near future. Researchers with the US Geological Survey have released a map showing more than 1,000 small earthquakes detected at Mount Rainier between July 8 and July 25 Experts have warned that Mount Rainier would be an extremely major threat to the public during an eruption due to its volcanic mudflows known as lahars, ash fall, and pyroclastic flows. This huge, active stratovolcano towers over millions of people in major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima in Washington, as well as Portland, Oregon. Even though Mount Rainier has not produced a significant eruption in more than 1,000 years, experts have kept a very close eye on it due to its potential to blow at any time, and the widespread destruction such an event would cause. When this volcano eventually blows, it won't be lava flows or choking clouds of ash that threaten surrounding cities, but the lahars. These violent, fast-moving mudflows that can tear across entire communities in a matter of minutes. The largest lahars can crush, bury, or carry away almost anything in their paths. 'Based on our observations, we think the most likely cause of the earthquakes is water moving around the crust above the magma chamber,' researchers with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) wrote in a statement. For now, the USGS has kept their alert level at 'normal' despite the continued seismic activity around the mountain. 'The volcano is not 'due' for an eruption and we do not see any signs of a potential eruption at this time,' the researchers declared. This latest swarm easily surpassed the last large string of earthquakes at Mount Rainier, which came in 2009. That earthquake swarm only lasted three days and produced around 120 earthquakes. The swarm, which started during the morning of July 8 saw up to 41 minor earthquakes registering every hour. Since then, the seismic activity has cooled down to just a few each hour, but the tremors still haven't stopped altogether. Despite experiencing hundreds more earthquakes than what was felt in 2009, geologists have said the latest swarm continues to fall within what scientists consider 'normal background levels of activity' for Mount Rainier. While USGS has tried to calm the public regarding this massive uptick in earthquakes in Washington, Mount Rainier is not the only major volcano in the Pacific Northwest that could see an eruption in the next few years. Just 240 miles away in the Pacific Ocean, the Axial Seamount may be only days away from a massive underwater eruption. Just like Mount Rainier, scientists have detected around 100 earthquakes per day, with recent peaks hitting 300 a day. Seismic activity is a sign magma is moving up through cracks in the volcano. Experts have said pressure is building, magma is on the move, and the stage may be set for an underwater eruption similar to the spectacular one that occurred in 2015, which saw up to 2,000 quakes per day.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This Washington volcano just recorded its 'largest' earthquake swarm since 2009
Scientists have recorded the "largest" earthquake swarm at Mount Rainier in Washington state since 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The swarm at the second-most seismically active volcano in the northern Cascade Range started at 1:29 a.m. PT on July 8, the USGS reported in an X post. "Hundreds" of small quakes – the largest being a magnitude 1.7 — had been recorded as of 9 a.m. July 8, the USGS said, citing Pacific Northwest Seismic Network data. An exact cause of the swarms wasn't immediately reported, but the USGS said past swarms like these have been linked to "circulation of hydrothermal fluids beneath the summit interacting with preexisting faults." There were no reports that an eruption was imminent. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network stated in an X post that there is "no indication that the level of activity is cause for concern, alert level and color code for Mount Rainier remain at GREEN/NORMAL." "Mount Rainier is well monitored by a dense network of seismic, infrasound, GPS, and webcam stations," the USGS said. "No other changes are apparent at the volcano at this time. (Cascades Volcano Observatory) and @PNSN1 will continue to monitor activity and issue additional notices as needed." Here's what to know about Mount Rainier. Mt. Rainier hasn't had a "significant eruption" in the past 500 years, according to the USGS's website. However, it is considered to be "potentially the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range because of its great height, frequent earthquakes, active hydrothermal system, and extensive glacier mantle." Scientists detect a "few hundred" earthquakes at or near Mount Rainier in a typical year, the USGS reported. "Earthquakes associated with volcanic activity at Mount Rainier will not directly cause major damage to areas surrounding the volcano, but they will give scientists important information about magma movement beneath the volcano," according to the USGS. When "unusual earthquake activity" happens, scientists will use special instruments on and around the volcano to "monitor earthquakes, deformation, and other symptoms of volcanic unrest," the USGS said. This information is used to conclude whether any emergency alerts need to be given to the public, the agency said. Volcanically triggered earthquakes are usually smaller than earthquakes "caused by non-volcanic sources," according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network website. There are two kinds of volcanic earthquakes: volcano-tectonic earthquakes and long-period earthquakes. "Volcanic-tectonic earthquakes (VTs) are, simply put, caused by slip on a fault near a volcano," the website states. "Volcanoes are often found in areas of crustal weakness, and the volcano's mass itself adds to the regional strain. Most VT earthquakes have nothing to do with the volcano's magmatic system but occur in response to regional strain exerted in an area of weak faults." A swarm of these earthquakes does not indicate an "impending eruption," the website states. "However, if a significant introduction of new magma from depth occurs in the system, both VTs and long-period earthquakes are likely to be generated." Volcanically caused long-period earthquakes are "produced by vibrations generated by the movement of magma or other fluids within the volcano," the website states. These earthquakes "indicate magmatic activity and may be a precursor to an eruption." Long-period earthquakes were seen at Mount St. Helens "months in advance of the 1980 eruption" that killed 57 people, according to the website. Washington has five major volcanoes in the Cascade Range: Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. All five have a threat level of either "very high" or "high," according to a 2018 USGS hazard assessment report. There are about 170 potentially active volcanoes in the United States, according to the USGS. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: This WA volcano just recorded its 'largest' earthquake swarm since '09
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Manhunt for 'killer dad' Travis Decker narrows in on remote mountain trail after tip off from hikers
The search for a father-of-three accused of killing his daughters has narrowed in on a remote mountain trail after hikers tipped off police. Travis Decker, 32, is accused of killing his daughters, Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia Decker, five, whose bodies were found at a campsite in Leavenworth, after he failed to return them to their mother in Wenatchee following a scheduled three-hour visit. A tip from hikers has given police new hope in honing in on finding Decker alive after witnesses reported spotting a lone person who appeared to be ill-prepared for the conditions. The Chelan County Sheriff's office said Tuesday that tracking teams responded immediately, and a helicopter crew spotted an off-trail hiker on their own near Colchuk Lake, in a popular Cascade Range backpacking area called The Enchantments. As authorities search for Decker, who is believed to be mentally unstable, they warned locals that he could be dangerous due to his military back. 'Residents and visitors are urged to secure homes and vehicles, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to 911,' an alert said. 'A heightened law enforcement presence will persist as a precautionary measure.' Decker joined the Army in 2013, according to the Associated Press. He served in Afghanistan before transferring to the Washington National Guard in 2021, Karina Shagren, communications director for the the Washington Military Department, confirmed to the Daily Mail. He was a full-time member of the Guard until 2023 or 2024, when he switched to part-time. Decker stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge. He likely has advanced combat training and was an airborne paratrooper who earned the elite rank of 'Ranger,' indicating he would have excellent wilderness and survival skills, Fox 13 Seattle reported, citing social media posts. It is unknown if the veteran is currently armed, but local law enforcement cautioned people from approaching him. Authorities swarmed the Rock Island Campground on Monday evening after finding Decker's truck. Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputies found the girls' bodies about 75 to 100 yards from the truck. Police believe the girls died from asphyxiation and reported that their wrists were zip-tied, court documents said. Decker's truck also had two bloody handprints on the tailgate, and inside were personal items including blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console. The campground also showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and a cooler located a short distance away, but Decker was nowhere to be found. The girls' mother, Whitney Decker, who is divorced from the veteran, told police that he had picked the girls up around 5pm but had not returned them by 8pm, and his phone went straight to voicemail, court documents said. Detectives said she 'expressed concern because Decker reportedly has never done this before and … is currently experiencing some mental health issues.'
