Latest news with #PNSN
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Mount Rainer is rattled by more than 300 earthquakes. It's the largest swarm in years.
More than 300 earthquakes have erupted at Washington's Mount Rainier this week, the largest earthquake swarm at the volcano since 2009. As of Thursday, July 10, 334 earthquakes had been identified at Mount Rainier by the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), Cascades Volcano Observatory Public Information Officer Holly Weiss-Racine told USA TODAY. The swarm, a cluster of earthquakes occurring in the same area in rapid succession, began in the early morning of Tuesday, July 8. Scientists do not have any concerns about the earthquakes, the Cascades Volcano Observatory states. The largest so far was recorded at a magnitude of 2.3 on Wednesday, July 9. Weiss-Racine said the rate peaked at 26 earthquakes per hour on the morning of July 8 and has decreased to "a few" per hour on the morning of July 10. The PNSN is continuing to locate earthquakes a part of the swarm. Updates are shared on the PNSN website at The earthquake swarm is not dangerous to hikers on the mountain and has posed no indication for concern, the Cascades Volcano Observatory wrote in a news release. As of July 10, the largest earthquake in the swarm was recorded at a magnitude of 2.3. According to Michigan Technological University, earthquakes of a 2.5 or less magnitude are common – millions happen each year – and are not usually felt. Earthquake guide: Earthquakes happen all the time, you just can't feel them. About nine earthquakes per month are common at Mount Rainier, according to the Cascades Volcano Observatory. Earthquake swarms typically occur one or two times a year at the volcano but are not as large. The last large earthquake swarm at Mount Rainier occurred in 2009 and lasted for three days. The swarm resulted in more than 1,000 earthquakes and the largest was of a 2.3 magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Cascades Volcano Observatory states that Mount Rainier is not "due" for an eruption and no signs point to an eruption at this time. But generally, earthquakes can be related to subsequent volcanic eruptions, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. However, the circumstances have to be just right. For a volcano to be triggered into eruption by earthquakes, a volcano must have enough "eruptible magma" and significant pressure within its magma storage, the U.S. Geological Survey states. Mount Rainier hasn't had a major eruption, with strong geologic evidence, in the past 1,000 years, Weiss-Racine said. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mount Rainier experiences more than 300 earthquakes in 2 days
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Mount Rainer is rattled by over 300 earthquakes. It's the largest swarm in years.
The last large earthquake swarm at Mount Rainier occurred in 2009. During that time, more than 1,000 earthquakes rattled the volcano. More than 300 earthquakes have erupted at Washington's Mount Rainier this week, the largest earthquake swarm at the volcano since 2009. As of Thursday, July 10, 334 earthquakes had been identified at Mount Rainier by the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), Cascades Volcano Observatory Public Information Officer Holly Weiss-Racine told USA TODAY. The swarm, a cluster of earthquakes occurring in the same area in rapid succession, began in the early morning of Tuesday, July 8. Scientists do not have any concerns about the earthquakes, the Cascades Volcano Observatory states. The largest so far was recorded at a magnitude of 2.3 on Wednesday, July 9. Weiss-Racine said the rate peaked at 26 earthquakes per hour on the morning of July 8 and has decreased to "a few" per hour on the morning of July 10. The PNSN is continuing to locate earthquakes a part of the swarm. Updates are shared on the PNSN website at Is the earthquake swarm dangerous? The earthquake swarm is not dangerous to hikers on the mountain and has posed no indication for concern, the Cascades Volcano Observatory wrote in a news release. As of July 10, the largest earthquake in the swarm was recorded at a magnitude of 2.3. According to Michigan Technological University, earthquakes of a 2.5 or less magnitude are common – millions happen each year – and are not usually felt. Earthquake guide: Earthquakes happen all the time, you just can't feel them. Are earthquakes common at Mount Rainier? About nine earthquakes per month are common at Mount Rainier, according to the Cascades Volcano Observatory. Earthquake swarms typically occur one or two times a year at the volcano but are not as large. When was the last sizeable earthquake swarm at Mount Rainier? The last large earthquake swarm at Mount Rainier occurred in 2009 and lasted for three days. The swarm resulted in more than 1,000 earthquakes and the largest was of a 2.3 magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Can the earthquake swarm cause a volcanic eruption? The Cascades Volcano Observatory states that Mount Rainier is not "due" for an eruption and no signs point to an eruption at this time. But generally, earthquakes can be related to subsequent volcanic eruptions, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. However, the circumstances have to be just right. For a volcano to be triggered into eruption by earthquakes, a volcano must have enough "eruptible magma" and significant pressure within its magma storage, the U.S. Geological Survey states. When was the last time Mount Rainier erupted? Mount Rainier hasn't had a major eruption, with strong geologic evidence, in the past 1,000 years, Weiss-Racine said. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
What is an earthquake swarm? Washington's most famous volcano records its ‘largest' one in 15 years
One of the most famous mountains in Washington, Mount Rainier, has been rumbling over the last day due to the amplified seismic activity. (Representational Image) Seismic activity at Mount Rainier has surged, with the largest earthquake swarm since 2009 detected by USGS. REUTERS/Henry Romero(REUTERS) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a report early on the morning of 8 July, with scientists registering the 'largest' earthquake swarm at the volcano since 2009, which started at 1.29 AM PT. The data, shared in an X post (formerly Twitter), showed 'hundreds' of small earthquakes had been detected by 9 AM, with the strongest registering a magnitude of 1.7. ALSO READ| Texas Hill Country disaster unfolds in the shadow of 1987's deadly flood Experts say there's no reason to panic just yet The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), which monitors volcanic and earthquake activity in the region, reassured the public that there's 'no indication that the level of activity is cause for concern, alert level and color code for Mount Rainier remain at GREEN/NORMAL.' The USGS explained that while an exact cause hasn't been pinpointed, similar swarms in the past have been linked to 'circulation of hydrothermal fluids beneath the summit interacting with preexisting faults.' 'Mount Rainier is well monitored by a dense network of seismic, infrasound, GPS, and webcam stations,' the USGS said, adding that 'no other changes are apparent at the volcano at this time.' Notably, Mount Rainier is the second-most seismically active volcano in the northern Cascade Range and is considered 'potentially the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range because of its great height, frequent earthquakes, active hydrothermal system, and extensive glacier mantle.' Though Mount Rainier hasn't had a 'significant eruption' in over 500 years, scientists typically detect a 'few hundred' small earthquakes each year at or near the volcano. ALSO READ| Google New York office vandalized by climate group that targeted Apple store earlier So what exactly is an earthquake swarm? These are sequences of small quakes that occur in a specific area over a short period of time. Most of the time, they're nothing to worry about. As PNSN explains, 'Volcanic-tectonic earthquakes (VTs) are, simply put, caused by slip on a fault near a volcano.' These often occur where the Earth's crust is already weak.
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
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
24 years after Nisqually quake, funding cuts put WA seismic monitoring at risk
The Brief Federal layoffs from the Trump administration are raising concerns about the future of earthquake detection systems. The funding cuts are already affecting seismic research and early warning systems in Washington state. SEATTLE, Wash. - As Washington marks the 24th anniversary of the devastating Nisqually earthquake, looming federal layoffs are raising concerns about the future of earthquake detection systems. The backstory On February 28, 2001, the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake struck the Puget Sound region, causing widespread damage and injuring hundreds. The quake remains the costliest seismic event in the U.S. since California's 1994 Northridge earthquake. The disaster became a catalyst for technological advancements like the ShakeAlert system, an early warning system that detects earthquakes and alerts residents before shaking reaches their location. Harold Tobin, a Washington state seismologist, says the quake was a big part of the motivation to expand the seismic network. "Now we operate a much bigger, much more sophisticated monitoring system for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions than we did back in 2001," Tobin said. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), based at the University of Washington, has been at the forefront of earthquake monitoring for decades. "We have seismic stations, seismometers running all over Washington and Oregon, and for this part of the country, we are the sort of authoritative network that detects earthquakes," Tobin said. Operating 24/7, the PNSN monitors earthquakes and seismic activity in the region's volcanoes, including Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. The network also plays a key role in ShakeAlert, an earthquake early warning system developed in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). "That's the system that we can give people, you know, seconds to even up to a minute of advanced warning when shaking is starting by cell phone message, kind of like an Amber Alert," Tobin said. "When you hear about a magnitude three point whatever, at a certain location — that's us doing that work." The importance of their work was most recently noted this week with the detection of a series of small earthquakes in the region, including Bremerton on Thursday morning. But now, its future could be uncertain due to potential federal funding cuts affecting seismic research and early warning systems. Local perspective Despite these advancements, the future of earthquake monitoring is now uncertain. The Trump administration has laid off hundreds of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees nationwide, with as many as 880 jobs potentially on the chopping block. Washington is home to approximately 700 of NOAA's 12,000 employees, according to Senator Patty Murray's office. "It will be felt across the country," said Rick Spinrad, former NOAA Administrator. "It's not just the immediate weather products. It's the seasonal outlooks. Farmers are looking to have NOAA precipitation outlooks to make decisions right now about their spring planting season." Tobin says the impacts have been felt within the USGS in just the last few days as employees have lost their ability to travel; a necessity to keep field stations up and running. Work he says is critical to give people the awareness and early warnings for things like earthquakes. "Our whole systems for understanding and getting warnings about natural hazards—tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides—are coordinated by more than one government agency," Tobin said. "NOAA and the USGS in particular are really important to those activities. They fund our work here at the PNSN and make it possible for us to do the work that we do." The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) relies on federal grants to maintain its earthquake monitoring systems, and Tobin fears funding cuts could trickle down to impact their operations. "We're not part of the federal government, but we're working with them. And they fund our work here at the PNSN," Tobin said. "If there's any interruption, it won't take very long before it becomes a really major budget problem." Big picture view The uncertainty surrounding funding doesn't just affect researchers—it also threatens the education and training of the next generation of seismologists. "We are training students all the time to be the next generation of scientists, to work on this kind of stuff," Tobin said. "I have graduate students, I have postdoctoral researchers, I have undergraduates all working on things related to keeping the seismic network going. Most of that work is funded by the federal government to UW, and so that's what's at risk." Washington sits on a seismically active region, making earthquake detection and warning systems critical for public safety. "Everybody understands that's a priority," Tobin said. "It's just a matter of, do we have the resources so that we can keep doing that going into the future." NOAA also plays a key role in tsunami warning systems, GPS services, space weather monitoring, and supporting the fishing, farming, and aviation industries. More than 550 businesses and organizations have signed a coalition letter to Congress, urging lawmakers to halt the dismantling of the agency. "We fought every year to get additional people. If anything, the agency needs more highly qualified employees, not less," Spinard said. The Source Information in this story is from the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Gov. Ferguson details $4 billion in spending cuts to address WA deficit Parents petition to remove WA substitute principal after past admissions of drug use 'Oops I did a crime': WA high school teacher charged with child porn First WA measles case of 2025 confirmed in King County infant 3.2 magnitude earthquake rocks east King County, WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
