Minor Earthquake at Mount St. Helens

Reuters AlertNet ^ | November 28, 2004 | Reuters

[John W]

AN FRANCISCO, Nov 27 (Reuters) - A minor 3.1 magnitude earthquake split the lava dome in the crater of Mount St. Helens on Saturday, continuing a series of minor earthquakes rattling the site since October, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The mountain -- which in 1980 blew up with the eruption of a huge and deadly volcano -- has been spewing ash and steam since early October in a process of building a new lava dome, according to a USGS report.

The historic mountain has been closed to all climbers and visitors because of the emissions.

"Steam and gas emissions are occurring but nothing like the explosive level of 1980," said Stephanie Hanna, USGS spokeswoman.

The agency issued a Level 2 Volcano advisory, which means "an eruption could occur without warning, but an eruption is not imminently underway," which gives the agency time to prepare and alert public safety authorities, she said.

Twenty-four years ago, Mount St. Helens erupted, provoked by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake. The eruption killed 57 people and covered 230 square miles with ash and debris.

This autumn, small earthquakes have been occurring about once a minute at Mount St. Helens, according to the USGS report. The agency has issued a level 2 Volcano Advisory Alert, a mid-level warning, and an Orange aviation alert.

Hanna described the buildup of the lava dome "rising quickly with a lot of energy beneath the mountain. Because the earthquakes have provided openings for steam and pressure to escape, a major eruption is not expected.

[RightWhale]

7.0 near HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION

[vox_freedom]

The latest seismograph from the dome. Some shakin' goin' on.

[Cold Heart]

BTTT

[Salvation]

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[steve86]

Twenty-four years ago, Mount St. Helens erupted, provoked by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake.

That's goofy wording. Wasn't the big eruption itself the cause of the earthquake?

[fire_eye]

I claim the right to be the first to blame Michael Moore!!!

[Lijahsbubbe]

Ping

[oceanperch]

A minor 3.1 magnitude earthquake split the lava dome in the crater of Mount St. Helens on Saturday +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Split hmmm as in magna is ready to spew?
How much of split do they mean by it split. LOL I wonder if that was the journalists wording or the volcanists wording. My three Labs are exploding with energy tonight. In and out running around like maniacs, barking and bugging me consistantly. Even the 11yr old. I have taken then out to run to many times as it is icey and cold out there. I will be happy to have the dogs yard back in that the semi truck took out when it came through the property. I thought last night was the full moon.

[blackie]

Earthquake ~ Bump!

[Chad Fairbanks]

Wasn't the big eruption itself the cause of the earthquake?

Nope. The earthquake caused a massive landslide which triggered the eruption...