Increased seismicity since September 1968
Card 0619 (27 June 1969) Increased seismicity since September 1968
"Local activity has been increasing each month for the last three months. We have been averaging about 1-3 'Mt. Ranier Events' per 5-day period with an increase to about five per 5-day period last September 1968. This April, the events increased to approximately five per 5-day period. In May, it increased to about six per 5-day period and as of 15 June the increase is to approximately 12 per 5-day period."
Information Contacts: N. Rasmussen, Seismology Station, University of Washington.
The Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Rainier.
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
Increased seismicity since September 1968
Card 0619 (27 June 1969) Increased seismicity since September 1968
"Local activity has been increasing each month for the last three months. We have been averaging about 1-3 'Mt. Ranier Events' per 5-day period with an increase to about five per 5-day period last September 1968. This April, the events increased to approximately five per 5-day period. In May, it increased to about six per 5-day period and as of 15 June the increase is to approximately 12 per 5-day period."
Information Contacts: N. Rasmussen, Seismology Station, University of Washington.
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Synonyms |
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Tacoma, Mount | Tacoman | ||||
Craters |
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Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
Columbia Crest | Crater | |||
East Crater | Crater | |||
West Crater | Crater | |||
Thermal |
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Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
Disappointment Cleaver | Thermal |
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There is data available for 20 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.
[ 1894 Nov 21 (?) - 1894 Dec 24 (?) ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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1894 Nov 21 (?) - 1894 Dec 24 (?) | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1882 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1882 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||
Brown billowy clouds from summit reported by early settlers (Hopson et al., 1962). | ||||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1879 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1879 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||
Brown billowy clouds from summit reported by early settlers (Hopson et al., 1962). | ||||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1870 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1870 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1858 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1858 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||
Eruption reports not verified (Hopson et al. 1962). | ||||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1854 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1854 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||
Eruption reports not verified (Hopson et al., 1962). | ||||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1843 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1843 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||||||||||||||||||
Eruption reports not verified (Hopson et al., 1962). | ||||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1825 (?) ] Discredited Eruption
Tephra layer X, tree ring dated about 1825 CE (Mullineaux, 1974), was considered to be the youngest dated tephra from Mount Rainier, and is found on young moraines primarily to the east and northeast. Reports from indigenous people note fire, noises, and an earthquake from about 1820 CE (Harris, 1976). Sisson and Vallance (2009), however, noted that occurrences of layer X consist of lapilli and scoria of tephra layer C that were redeposited by snow avalanches and do not represent deposits of a 19th century eruption.
1450 ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1450 ± 100 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
The Electron mudflow was emplaced about 500 cal. years BP (John et al., 2008). Vallance et al. (2001) noted numerous lahars between about 600 and 400 calibrated years BP, including the Electron mudflow. No tephra layers were found, but glassy clasts in the lahars were interpreted as juvenile material from associated eruptions. Sisson and Vallance (2009) noted that juvenile bombs were entrained from earlier pyroclastic-flow deposits, and that although some clasts could represent juvenile eruptive material, the evidence for a juvenile component to Electron Mudflow event is weak. | ||||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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0910 ± 500 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0910 ± 500 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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0440 ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layers TC1 and TC2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0440 ± 100 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layers TC1 and TC2
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0150 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer SL8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0150 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer SL8
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0250 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0250 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer C
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0400 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0400 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown | Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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0500 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer SL5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0500 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown | Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer SL5
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0610 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layers SL3 and SL4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0610 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layers SL3 and SL4
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0650 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer SL2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0650 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown | Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer SL2
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0700 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer SL1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0700 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown | Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer SL1
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2550 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2550 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer B
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2750 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer H | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2750 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer H
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3650 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layers S, F | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3650 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 10 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layers S, F
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3850 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3850 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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4850 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer N | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4850 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer N
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5050 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer D | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5050 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer D
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5350 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer L | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5350 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer L
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5550 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5550 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer A
|
7800 BCE ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7800 BCE ± 300 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
|
8050 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Tephra layer R | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8050 BCE (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer R
|
There is no Deformation History data available for Rainier.
There is no Emissions History data available for Rainier.
Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.
The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included.
The following 41 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.
Catalog Number | Sample Description | Lava Source | Collection Date |
---|---|---|---|
NMNH 87859-1 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-10 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-11 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-12 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-13 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-14 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-15 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-16 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-17 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-18 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-19 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-2 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-20 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-21 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-22 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-23 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-24 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-25 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-26 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-27 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-28 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-29 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-3 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-30 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-31 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-32 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-33 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-34 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-35 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-36 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-37 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-38 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-39 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-4 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-40 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-41 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-5 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-6 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-7 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-8 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
NMNH 87859-9 | Volcanic Rock | -- | -- |
Copernicus Browser | The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions. |
MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Rainier. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Rainier. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
Large Eruptions of Rainier | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |