Mount Adams Seismic Activity Sparks Renewed Concern

Why in the news?

  • Mount Adams, Washington’s largest volcano, has experienced an increase in seismic activity after thousands of years of dormancy, raising concerns about potential volcanic eruptions.

About Mount Adams:

  • Location: Washington State, USA.
  • Height: 12,277 feet (3,742 metres), making it the largest active volcano in Washington by volume.
  • Width: 18 miles (29 kilometres).
  • Volcanic Field: Lies within a 1,250 sq. km area known as the Mount Adams volcanic field, home to over 120 basaltic volcanoes.
  • Glaciers: Contains more than 10 active glaciers, providing essential water to nearby forests, streams, and meadows.
  • Last Eruption: Occurred between 3,800 and 7,600 years ago.

Mount Adams Seismic Activity Sparks Renewed Concern

What is a Stratovolcano?

  • Stratovolcanoes are tall, cone-shaped volcanoes with successive layers of ash and lava.
  • They erupt explosively due to viscous magma and trapped gas.
  • Located at tectonic plate margins, they form through subduction processes. Approximately 85% of stratovolcanoes, including Mount Adams, are found in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

Stratovolcano Characteristics:

  • Definition: Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep, cone-shaped types of volcanoes.
  • Composition: Formed from successive layers of ash and lava.
  • Eruption Style: Characterised by viscous, gas-rich magma that leads to explosive eruptions.
  • Formation: Occur at tectonic plate margins, where continental plates override oceanic plates through subduction processes.
  • Prevalence: Account for about 60% of Earth’s volcanoes, with 85% situated around the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire.”

What are Lava Flows?

Lava flows are outpourings of molten rock from non-explosive eruptions, expanding into lobes as they move downhill.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times