Researchers to Map Washington Volcanoes; Internal Plumbing

[unhappycamper]

http://yottafire.com/2014/07/researchers-to-map-washington-volcanoes-internal-plumbing/



Researchers to Map Washington Volcanoes; Internal Plumbing
By Goef Levine, July 20th, 2014 | Science

Volcanoes in Washington are currently enjoying high-tech scrutiny. Close to 75 geophysicists from different corners of the planet will gather around Mount St. Helens to drill 23 holes into the mountain. The scientists will then create seismic waves by using small explosives which will have an effect equivalent to an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.

During the event, scheduled for this weekend, the scientists will also locate about 3,500 seismic sensors at locations near the volcano.

The installation of the devices will mark the final preparation for a project through which scientists aim at mapping the volcano. According to experts, the mapping will enable them achieve the equivalent of a CT and ultrasound scan of the plumbing inside the volcano.

“Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range threaten urban centers from Vancouver to Portland, and we’d like to better understand their inner workings in order to better predict when they may erupt and how severe those eruptions are likely to be,” said the experiment’s lead scientist, Alan Levander .

[Zambero]

1. Rainier is the biggie

If and when she blows, hopefully with advance warning, we can kiss Seattle-Tacoma goodbye.

[defacto7]

2. Probably not.

When it blows, it will make a big mess on the coast but mostly ash. The movement of the mountain will probably go North and East and the winds aloft will determine the direction of the main ash plume; usually that means due East. It will probably make a bigger ash fall on western Washington, Idaho and Montana than in the Seattle area. Chicago could also get a major ash fall. It all just depends on weather. What the West coast should be more concerned about is the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the Pacific Coast. That could likely destroy Seattle and the surrounding cities. But you know, no one really knows anything about either issue. It's all an educated guess.