Concealed Volcano Steadily Approaching Significant Eruption in the US

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The US Geological Survey has observed a series of minor quakes occurring under Mount Rainier, which is the nearest major volcano to Seattle. Experts indicate that this seismic activity pattern mirrors those seen prior to historical eruptions, and this volcano contains more glacial ice than all other Cascade mountains combined. With over 150,000 residents situated in the lahar zone and the previous major eruption occurring a millennium ago, geologists believe the system is overdue for an event. Here’s what the people of Washington should be aware of.

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00:00Deep beneath the Cascade Range, one of America's most dangerous volcanoes is quietly stirring.

00:06The U.S. Geological Survey has detected a swarm of small earthquakes beneath Mount Rainier,

00:11the closest major volcano to Seattle.

00:14Scientists say the seismic pattern matches activity seen before past eruptions of similar stratovolcanoes.

00:21Mount Rainier holds more glacial ice than all other Cascade peaks combined,

00:26meaning even a small eruption could trigger massive lahars.

00:30Fast-moving mudflows that can travel 50 miles in under an hour.

00:33More than 150,000 Americans live in the Lahar inundation zone.

00:38The last major eruption was around 1,000 years ago.

00:42Geologists say the system is overdue.

00:44USGS officials emphasize there is no immediate danger, but monitoring has been stepped up.

00:50Evacuation drills are now running quarterly in towns like Orting and Puyalup.

00:55When this mountain wakes up, the warning could come in minutes, not days.

01:00The beginning is over the path.

01:00We can start last in this mass, so you can start to see the same surface.

01:00The Stop-moving mudflows that can help the world to catch up.

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