An earthquake swarm began at Mount Rainier recently, with the region hit by more than 300 small quakes, the most significant seismicity at the volcano since 2009, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
About Mount Rainier:
It is the highest mountain (4,392 metres) in the state of Washington, United States.
Covering 260 sq.km, Rainier is surrounded by the largest single-mountain glacier system in the United States outside Alaska.
The mountain is geologically young, formed by successive lava flows from eruptions that began about one million years ago.
It is an active stratovolcano. The volcano last erupted about 150 years ago.
It is considered among the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to the densely populated urban area of Seattle.
Rainier is one of just 16 volcanoes in the world to be on the “Decade Volcanoes” list, a classification created by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) to highlight volcanoes worthy of close monitoring because of the catastrophic effects of their potential eruption.
Some two dozen named glaciers and a number of smaller patches of permanent ice and snow radiate from the broad summit, including Nisqually Glacier, whose retreat and advance over the last 150 years has helped scientists determine patterns in Earth’s climate.
The mountain has three major peaks: Liberty Cap, Point Success, and Columbia Crest (the latter is the summit, located on the rim of the caldera).
Rainier is noted for dense stands of coniferous trees on its lower slopes, scenic subalpine and alpine meadows—with a profusion of wildflowers during the warmer months—waterfalls and lakes, and an abundance of wildlife.
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