Over 400 earthquakes reported under Mount St. Helens in 3 months, but no immediate eruption threat likely
Share and Follow

More than 400 earthquakes have been detected beneath Washington’s Mount St. Helens in recent months, though there are no signs of an imminent eruption, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, MAY 18, 1980, MOUNT ST. HELENS ERUPTS, TRIGGERS LARGEST LANDSLIDE IN RECORDED HISTORY

Most of the quakes over a three-month span beginning in mid-July were less than magnitude 1.0 and too small to be felt at the surface, the agency reported last week. Small magnitude earthquakes detected with sensitive equipment signal a volcano is “recharging” as magma flows through chambers and cracks deep underground, Wes Thelen, a volcano seismologist with the agency’s Cascade Volcano Observatory told The Columbian newspaper.

Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is photographed in Washington State, May 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

From late August to early September, scientists observed about 40 to 50 earthquakes a week, a number that has fallen to around 30 a week. Since 2008, the volcano has averaged about 11 earthquakes per month.

While swarms of earthquakes occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, none directly led to volcanic eruptions.

In 1980, 57 people died when Mount St. Helens erupted, an event that permanently altered the area’s ecosystems. Before that event, only one seismometer was stationed at the volcano, the agency said. Currently, there are at least 20 monitoring stations.

The most recent eruption took place from 2004 to 2008, and allowed scientists to learn more about how the volcano works and to develop new monitoring tools.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Senate blocks Iran war powers resolution

Senate prevents approval of resolution granting war powers to Iran

The Senate blocked an effort Friday to prevent President Trump from taking…
Chief Justice Roberts warns against heated political words about judges

Chief Justice Roberts cautions against using strong political language when discussing judges

WASHINGTON (AP) Chief Justice John Roberts, speaking at a moment when threats…
Tourist dies in mysterious Dominican Republic drowning

A visitor passes away after drowning in Dominican Republic under puzzling circumstances

A Canadian tourist has been found dead on a beach in the…
Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common

Sole survivors in Lake Tahoe boating disaster had one thing in common

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A joyous family celebration…
My TV anchor friend vanished and now I've been given a huge clue

A TV presenter I know has disappeared – and I’ve just received a major hint

It’s been 30 years since Jodi Huisentruit vanished in the early morning…
Chicago City Council members skeptical of proposal to legalize 'granny flats,' or Accessory Dwelling Units

Chicago City Council members cautious about plan to permit ‘granny flats,’ also known as Accessory Dwelling Units

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago lawmakers are divided on legalizing the construction of…
Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti in Venice

Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti spotted together in Venice

Vittoria Ceretti was a vision of beauty on Thursday night as she…
Fans blast Beyoncé over shirt calling Native Americans 'the enemies of peace'

Criticism of Beyoncé for Using Shirt Labeling Native Americans as ‘the Enemies of Peace’

A T-shirt worn by Beyoncé during a Juneteenth performance on her “Cowboy…