If you enjoy this text file, it may encourage me to do more! Jot me a postcard and send it to Jim Coleman THE NASA MLP BBS PO Box 723 Port Orchard, WA 98366 and please tell me where you found this file, and how you liked it. Any comments or suggestions are also welcomed! :) (Designed for the PAGE-DOWN key for scrolling) ************************************************************************* ÛÛÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛ» ÛÛÛ» ÛÛ» ÛÛ» ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛÉÍÍÛÛ» ÛÛÉÍÍÛÛ» ÛÛº ÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛÉÍÍÍͼ ÛÛÉÍÍÛÛ» ÛÛÛÛÛÛɼ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛÉÛÛ» ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛÛÛÛÛɼ ÛÛÉÍÍÛÛ» ÛÛÉÍÍÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛºÈÛÛ»ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛÉÍͼ ÛÛÉÍÍÛÛ» ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛº ÈÛÛÛÛº ÛÛº ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ» ÛÛº ÛÛº Èͼ Èͼ Èͼ Èͼ Èͼ Èͼ ÈÍÍͼ Èͼ ÈÍÍÍÍÍͼ Èͼ Èͼ ·· ÖÄÒÄ¿ Ò Â ÒÄÄ¿ ÖÄÒÄ¿ ÖÄÄ¿ Ò Â ÖÄÄ¿ ÖÄÒÄ¿ ÖÄÄ¿ ÄÒÄ ÖÄÄ¿ ½½ º ÇÄÄ´ ÇÄ º º ³ º ³ º ³ º ³ º ÇÄÄ´ º º ³ Ð Ð Á ÐÄÄÙ Ð Ð Á ÓÄÄÙ ÓÄÄÙ Ð Á Ð Ð Á ÄÐÄ Ð Á ÖÄÒÄ¿ Ò Â ÖÄÄ¿ ÖÄÒÄ¿ Ò Ò Â ÖÄÄ¿ ÖÄ¿ º ÇÄÄ´ ÇÄÄ´ º º º ³ ÇÄÄ´ ÓÄ¿ Ð Ð Á Ð Á Ð ÓÄÐÄÙ Ð Á ÓÄÄÙ · ÖÄÄ¿ ÖÄÄ¿ ÒÄÄ¿ · · · ½ º Ä¿ º ³ º ³ ½ ½ ½ ÓÄÄÙ ÓÄÄÙ ÐÄÄÙ ************************************************************************** ÖÄÒÄ¿ ÖÄÒÄ¿ ÒÄÄ¿ ÖÄÄ¿ ÄÒÄ ÖÄÄ¿ ÄÒÄ ÒÄÄ¿ ÒÄÄ¿ º º ³ º ÇÄÂÙ ÇÄÄ´ º º ³ º ÇÄ ÇÄÂÙ Ð Ð Á Ð o Ð Á Ð Á ÄÐÄ Ð Á ÄÐÄ ÐÄÄÙ Ð Á ERUPTION HISTORY 1820 RAINIER Ash(?) 1820-1854 RAINIER Andesite pumice 1841 RAINIER Ash(?) 1843 RAINIER Ash(?) 1846 RAINIER Ash(?) 1854 RAINIER Ash(?) 1873 RAINIER "Clouds of smoke pouring from highest peak 1879 RAINIER "Brown, billowy clouds" 1882 RAINIER "Brown, billowy clouds" Mt. Rainier, of western Washington. Few who have ever seen her will ever forget her. Towering 14,410 feet over the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier is the most conspicuous object on the horizon--when it's not obscured by clouds, that is. From Seattle to Port Orchard to Bremerton to Vashon Island, Mt. Rainier is a stunning sight to behold on a crisp Washington morning. Mt. Rainier supports the largest glacier system in the lower 48 states (26 are officially named) and enjoys a status as a National Park. The mountain's base is beautiful, gilded with wildflowers, mosses and heather. Her summit is equally beautiful, covered year-round with snow. Rainier is nothing more than tranquil beauty, until you notice her twin summit craters (see CRATER.GIF), with clean edges free of snow and ice. These craters have been known to belch a little heat and steam from time to time, and that keeps them free from winter's grip. Yes, Mt. Rainier, in all her beauty, is a slumbering volcano--asleep now for 111 years, and counting. By contrast, Mt. Saint Helens slept for 123 years before roaring to life in 1980. The United States Geological Survey has a "volcano watch" on Rainier. Residents of Tacoma and other Seattle suburbs routinely practice "volcano drills." Rainier WILL erupt again. But, when??? ÕÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͸ ³ Detailed, scientific information on Mt. Rainier is difficult to ³ ³ find. I used "FIRE MOUNTAINS OF THE WEST" and "FIRE AND ICE," ³ ³ both by Stephen L. Harris to prepare this report. I wish to thank ³ ³ Mr. Harris for his dedication to the study of the Cascade range ³ ³ volcanoes, and for two extremely informative and fascinating books! ³ ÔÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ; Compiled in August, 1993, by Jim Coleman, Sysop, The NASA MLP BBS Text written by Jim Coleman Brought to you by: ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÜÜ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÛÛ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²± THE NASA MLP ²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÛÛ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²± (206)871-3965 Hours: Forever, Amen!! ²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÛÛ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²± The ULTIMATE trip! ²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÛÛ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÛÛ ³°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ÛÛ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ ÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ TABLE OF CONTENTS: Opening Remarks and Eruptive History of RAINIER The Rock is Gonna Fall On Us In the Beginning The Baby Volcano Grows RAINIER Matures After the Glaciers Destruction of her Summit Building of the Present Summit Recent Thermal Activity The USGS "Volcano Watch!" When MT. RAINIER Erupts Again! Visiting MT. RAINIER Glossary of Geologic Terms Volcano--Jimmy Buffet ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ THE ROCK ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ This is an interesting message that I found in the Seismology Conference on my BBS (MLPNET) (SciFacNet). It just about sums it all up. Enjoy this, and then be prepared to delve into the fascinating history of beautiful Mt. Rainier! The NASA MLP BBS Node 2 871-3965 08-08-93 14:06 Name: JIM COLEMAN Date: 08-08-93 (14:06) Number: 11845 of 11845 (Refer# NONE) To: ALL From: JIM COLEMAN Subj: Rock is Falling Read: (N/A) Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE Conf: Main Board (0) Read Type: GENERAL (-) This is YOUR invitation to join the SEISMOLOGY conference, where earthquakes HERE and abroad are reported and discussed! It is always fun when you do your research, collect your facts and approach people with the news that it is a good idea to buckle up and prepare for the worst. I now know how Noah felt. Washington state is number four in the entire country in seismicity, and there is strong physical evidence of MAJOR events in this area. But, as the USGS says in one of it's publications: "The public has largely forgotten the quake of 1965, and the population in the Puget Sound area has more than doubled since that time." I certainly don't scream that a huge quake is imminent, but it *IS* smart to be prepared. My brother just kinda chuckled it off, but he did let me secure his water heater for him. (This is the same one that I warned when he moved into his house that the garage needed repair. During the Inauguration Day storm, he lost the roof and half the contents of his garage. :) I did find this VERY interesting song, that I feel relates to what we are doing in this conference. The lyrics are (C) Harry Chapin Estate and (C) Elektra Records: THE ROCK "THE ROCK IS GONNA FALL ON US!" He woke with a start. And he ran to his mother The fear dark in his heart. And he told her of the vision That he was sure he'd seen But she said "Go back to sleep, son, You're having a bad dream. "Everybody knows the rock leans over the town Everybody knows that it won't tumble to the ground Remember Chicken Little said the sky was fallin' down Well, nothin' ever came of that The world still whirls around." "THE ROCK IS GONNA FALL ON US!" He stood and told the class The professor put his chalk down And peered out through his glasses But he went on and said, "I've seen it high up on the hill- If it doesn't fall this year Then very soon it will." (The professor remarks:) "Everybody knows the rock leans over the town Everybody knows that it won't crumble to the ground We've more important studies than Your fantasies and fears Everybody knows that rock's been perched Up there a hundred thousand years." "THE ROCK IS GONNA FALL ON US!" He told the magistrate, "I believe that we can stop it, but the time is getting late. You see, I've done all the research My plans are all complete--" He was showing them contingencies When they showed him to the street. (They said:) Everybody knows the rock leans over the town Everybody knows that it won't tumble to the ground Everybody knows of those who say the end is near Everybody knows that life goes on As usual 'round here." He went up on the mountain beside the giant stone They knew he wasn't sane So they left him all alone. He'd given up enlisting help For there was no one else He spent his days devising ways to stop the rock himself. One night while he was working Building braces on the ledge The ground began to rumble, The rock tumbled off the edge. "THE ROCK IS GONNA FALL ON US! Brother, you'll be crushed!" And, indeed, the rock was moving, Crumbling all the dust. He ran under it in one last hope That he could add a prop And as he disappeared The rock Came to A stop. The people ran into the street But all was still The rock seemed where it always was, Or where it always will be. When someone asked where he had gone They said, "Oh, he was daft. Who cares about that crazy fool!" And then they'd start to laugh. But high up on the mountain When the wind is hitting it. If you're watching very closely, the rock slips a little bit. Just like it does each year under the Puget Sound. :) <<<>>> ú ú ±± ú ú Ü ú ú ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ ú ú ú ú ±± ÜÜÜÜÜ úÞ°±²ÛÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²Ûú°Þ Þ ú ú ²±± úÝ°±²ÛÛÛ Ý ÛÞÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÞ²°Þ Þ Ü ú ú ú ú Üݲ±±ÛÛÜÝ°±²ÛÛÛ²ÝÛÛÝÞ THE ßßßßÞ²°Þ±ÞÞÛÛ ±±±±±±±± ±±±±±±±±ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÞ NASA MLP BBS ÛÛÛ²°ÛÛÛÛÛ ú ú ßݲ±±ÛÛßÝ°±²ÛÛÛ²ÝÛÛÝÞ 1-(206)871-3965 ÜÜÜÜÞ²°Þ±ÞÞÛÛ ú ú ²±± Ý°±²ÛÛÛ Ýú ÛÞßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßÞ²°ÞúÞ ß ú ú ±± ßßßßß ú úÞ°±²ÛÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²Û °Þ Þ ú ú úú ú±± ú ú ú ú úßúú úßßßßßßßßßßßßßß ú ú ú The NASA MLP BBS - Today's Launch Schedule: Seismology, Meteorology, Hobbies, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Current NASA News, Games, Children's Education, Music, Arts, All facets of Education, TO THE LIMIT OF YOUR IMAGINATION!!! ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ IN THE BEGINNING ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ To witness the birthing of this majestic and powerful volcano, let's step back in time nearly ONE MILLION years! Picture the Cascades and Puget Lowlands WITHOUT Seattle, Bremerton, Tacoma and the cities surrounding the Puget Sound. With the exception of the noticeable absence of Mt. Rainier, the area looks very much the same! The mountain would eventually be born on a large, rugged plateau one full mile above sea level, surrounded by mountain peaks up to 3,000 feet higher! The recognizeable rivers in the area (Carbon, Mowich, White and Puyallup) had already scooped out large canyons branching to the north (toward present-day Seattle) and west toward the Puget Sound lowlands. Differences in elevation (from the summits to the valley floors) was already about 4,000 feet. Wooly mammoths prowled the lowlands of the Puget Sound then, sharing the area with an assortment of other wildlife. (In fact, on August 10, 1993--just yesterday--a small girl found a genuine wooly mammoth tooth lying on a Puget Sound beach. No kidding!) A series of earthquakes on the plateau gave the first indication that a powerful volcano was soon to radically alter the landscape. These quakes gradually increased in strength and frequency; some of them split the ground open, and vapor issued from numerous fissures. The earthquakes continued until the ground soon vibrated nearly continuously. The vapor soon transformed into surging columns of steam. A cacaphonous roar was produced as one of the fissures was ripped open and huge chunks of rock were thrown into the air. Explosion soon followed explosion, and the daytime skies were darkened as ash and debris was thrown into the air. Rainier was born, and, by nightfall, a cinder cone 150 feet high stood where flat ground had existed only the day before. The devastation in the area was complete. Ash covered everything, like a layer of dirty snow. Gone were the pretty firs, snowfields, and clear alpine streams. The area looked very much like a desolate, barren moonscape. Rainier continued to erupt, producing tremendous quantities of pyroclastics (Greek word for FIRE-BROKEN, referring to fragmented volcanic rock thrown out during an eruption), mainly hypersthene (a mineral found in basic rocks)-- hornblende andesite pumice. At night, sparks flew as red-hot rock particles were thrown skyward, and red hot magma danced against the backdrop of dark ash in the night skies. The magma beneath the new mountain had been held under too much gaseous pressure for far too long; it now literally blasted out of the maw of the newborn mountain. Rainier's pyroclastic cone hit 1,000 feet in height, and the volcano feel eerily silent for several years. A variation in the volcano's usual pattern occurred during this time. Instead of blasting out skyward, the liquid rock rose to the very mouth of Rainier, threatening to spill over and down its slopes. This created pressure within the mountain that Rainier could not stand. It's sides split open from the foot of the cone to the summit crater and streams of lava broke free. An entire side was swept away by this torrent of molten rock. The lava, perhaps 1,800 degrees fahrenheit, spilled into a riverbed at the mountain's base as it searched for the lowest channel in which to flow. The air cooled the lava until it advanced only a few hundred yards per day, and soon, stopped altogether, congealing at an accumulated depth of several hundred feet. The first lava flow (of thousands to come) from Mt. Rainier was over, but the mountain remained so hot that the winter snows had no chance of sticking to it. The mountain grew. The Mount Rainier we know in the 20th century is built almost exclusively of hypersthene-andesite flows, which might lead one to believe that Rainier was built primarily from the quiet emission of lava. This, quite simply, is not true. Throughout an unknown number of centuries, the volcano on the plateau where Mt. Rainier now stands erupted quite violently. There is evidence of this in the Puget Lowlands where the mudflows derived from this active volcano at the site of Rainier are interbedded with glacial drift deposited by the huge ice sheet that moved into the area from Canada, due north. Erosion partially removed Rainier's ancestral cone some 700,000 years ago, and the mountain erupted voluminous lava flows. At this stage in its growth, Rainier most likely resembled a large, broad lava dome with gray, black and red tentacles of andesite snaking out from a central crater. It is commonly believed that these flows of lava issued from vents along the sides of the volcano and travelled many, many miles. One such flow filled the Grand Park River (since vanished) to a depth of 2000 feet, and a distance of twelve miles! ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ THE BABY VOLCANO GROWS! ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Due to the fact that the infant mountain sat atop a complex series of ridges and ravines, its lava flows did not simply pile up around the cone as is the case with other Cascade volcanoes. Instead, the flows drained into the nearby valleys. The Puyallup and Mowich Rivers were seriously affected as Mt. Rainier looked to drain its magma. The mountain continued to erupt, issuing molten lava over previous flows not yet cooled. These lava flows carried debris with them, which soon dammed the ancestral rivers and forced them to find new new channels. The original waterways of the Puyallup and Mowich were soon completely buried beneath more than 2,000 feet of andesite. A flow 900 feet deep and several miles in length on the east side of the mountain deflected the ancestral White River from its course. Yet another snaked past Goat Mountain. Rainier continued to spew lava, and major land changes occurred in the Puget Sound area. Eventually, the climate turned much cooler. Snow started to stick and accumulate and fell to record depths. Summers were too short and far too cool to melt the snowfall, and, soon, canyons and ravines were soon filling with ice. Mt. Rainier, sheathed completely in ice, fell into its longest period of inactivity to date, as if it had frozen to death. Glaciers slid down its flanks, carving new paths. Valleys and ravines were scooped out and deepened by moving sheets of ice. Streams of meltwater carried debris away from Rainier and deposited them in the Puget Lowland. It was almost as if the new mountain was doomed to "piecemeal destruction." However, as all sleeping things do, the mountain awoke--and with a fury. It was quite a catastrophic awakening. The plug in the volcano's throat had long since solidified, and the explosions ripped effortlessly through it, sending debris far and wide over the surrounding area. The sun literally disappeared as the ash turned day into night, and fire continued to spew from the "quiet" mountain. Steam, meltwater, molten rock and other debris combined to rush down Rainier's flanks at speeds in excess of 50 m.p.h. One flow, on Rainier's north face, managed to consume and replace an entire glacier 1200 feet thick! This survives today as Ptarmigan Ridge, though it is deeply eroded.) Through episodes of Pleistocene glaciation, the baby mountain continued to grow, shaped by the strong forces of fire and ice. When Mt. Rainier was dormant, ice carved new trenches in the mountain and trimmed its shape. However, sporadic eruptions filled valleys with lava and its shape was regained. As time passed, Mt. Rainiers eruptive habits changed, in that she no longer erupted canyon-filling lava flows, but, rather, narrow streams of lava which terminated and piled up around Rainier's cone, giving her a rapid increase in height. Earlier lava flows had raced down the slopes and covered areas of a hundred square miles or so, but the new flows were far more restricted, rarely exceeding a thickness of 50 to 200 feet. Finally, Mt. Rainier began to assume the shape of an elegant stratovolcano. ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ THE MOUNTAIN MATURES ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Today, Rainier looms over the Puget Sound at a summit altitude of 14,410 feet. However, Rainier used to be taller, MUCH taller (see RAINIER.GIF). Roughly 75,000 years ago, Mt. Rainier at her maximum size loomed 16,000 feet above sea level! In addition, the mountain was most likely far more symmetrical than it is today, though most scientists doubt that Rainier was ever a perfect cone (except maybe, at birth) due to the cutting glaciers. Rainier was probably high enough to support glaciation even during the warmest Pleistocene interglaciations. New vents opened up on Rainier's north side and built what are now the eroded remains of Observation Rock and Echo Rock. Small streams of lava issued from these vents and continued toward the base of the mountain. With the exception of this activity, Rainier once again lapsed into a period of relative inactivity. Flows of lava occasionally broke through the cone, but Rainier's emissions were mainly steam and acidic gas. Rainer experienced at least three heavy periods of glaciation in the past 65,000 years. Each of them significantly impacted the mountain in terms of erosion. The last one, in particular, the Fraser Glaciation, stripped between 2,000 and 3,000 feet of material from all sides of Rainier's cone. When the Pleistocene glaciers melted away, ONE THIRD OF MOUNT RAINIER HAD VANISHED! Rainier erupted very little fresh lava during this period. Steam and various other gases rising from her internal pools of magma converted much of the summit rock to clay, weakening the summit. Mount Rainier stood 16,000 feet high at the beginning of the Halocene Epoch. ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ AFTER THE GLACIERS ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Since the ice and glacial age, most of Rainier's eruptions have actually served to tear the mountain down, rather than build it up. Between 6600 and 5700 years ago, Rainier was quite different still than it is today. Recognizeable outcrops such as Little Tahoma Peak and Steamboat Prow extended much higher up the mountain and bore only a vague resemblance to their present-day form. With no warning whatsoever, a violent explosion brought major changes to Rainier's flanks. The eastern slope of the mountain was loosened and it plunged into the canyon of the White River. Condensed steam within the debris quickly turned the slide into a mudflow hundreds of feet thick, carrying blocks of andesite up to thirty feet in diameter! This mudflow removed yet another layer from Rainier's east side, exposing hydrothermally altered lavas that lay immediately beneath her outer shell. Some of these were tinted green, white, sulphur yellow, and/or dull orange, demonstrating that what once had been solid rock was now soft, permeable material. The steam explosions also triggered a huge avalanche that swept down the Nisqually Glacier on Rainier's south side. The avalanche was soon transformed into a giant mudflow, which rushed through Paradise Valley in a single wave in excess of 800 FEET in height! ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ THE DESTRUCTION OF HER SUMMIT ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Rainier managed to lose more than a fifth of a cubic mile in volume during the Paradise and Greenwater mudflows, but the loss was insignificant when compared to the destruction which followed. One of Rainier's most cataclysmic Holocene eruptions occured some 5700 years ago. Even at what would be considered "safe ground," a high plateau 35 miles down the EAST side of Rainier, a wall of rock and mud over 100 FEET IN HEIGHT, MOVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH obliterated everything in its path. This disastrous mudflow, the infamous OSCEOLA MUDFLOW is one of the largest mudflows on record ANYWHERE in the world. Mt. Rainier's entire summit, weakened by years of acidic emissions, suddenly collapsed, disintegrating like the dome of a great sports arena during an earthquake. Simultaneous steam explosions sent tons of shattered rock over the northeast flank of the volcano. Consequently, the undermined summit toppled eastward, forming a deadly avalanche of hydrothermally altered rock hundreds of feet in height, which easily overrode the apex of Steamboat Prow. This avalanche was so immense that the entire structure of Steamboat Prow was momentarily completely buried! A huge wave of debris washed down the Emmons Glacier between the Prow and Little Tahoma to flood the White River Canyon while yet another sped down the Winthrop Glacier into the West Fork of the White River. They converged beyond the base of the mountain and extended 65 miles to inundate 125 square miles of the Puget lowlands. Within a matter of hours, rock that had once enjoyed an altitude of 16,000 above sea level now lay beneath the chilly waters of the Puget Sound (about where Puyallup now sits!) Only very rarely in Halocene time has a volcanic mudflow affected an area so large, and so far from its source. As one may suspect, Rainier took on a totally new appearance following the summit collapse. Rainier's once-stately summit now housed a void, one and a half to two miles in diameter--a bowl shaped caldera tipped to the east, that survives to this day! The highest points on the caldera walls were (are) on the north, Liberty Cap (14,112 feet) and, on the southwest, Point Success (14,150 feet). The western caldera wall, relatively intact, stood somewhat higher until about 2800 years ago, when another series of mudflows and rockslides changed the mountain even further. ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ BUILDING THE PRESENT SUMMIT CONE ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ About 2500 years ago, Rainier introduced a welcomed variation in her eruptive behavior. For the first time in 25,000 years, a cycle of activity began that, in effect, actually repaired some of the damage done by earlier outbursts. Volcanoes, particulary Mount Rainier, are intricate structures, and, by virtue of longevity, not all the volcanic activity is necessarily destructive! Renewed construction began with the discharge of hot ash and molten breadcrust bombs. These were blown from vents within the caldera and they accumulated until the combined weight and bulk sent them sliding down the west flank of the mountain. This hot avalanche, at least 200 feet in height traveled down the South Puyallup River valley, igniting groves of timber on the valley floor. Engulfed in a flowing mass with a temperature at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit, many tree trunks were instantly reduced to charcoal. Carbon samples from this deposit enabled scientists to date the eruption that produced it. Mt. Rainier next spewed large volumes of pumice, which the winds carried northeast of the peak to blanket Yakima Park, where it lies a foot thick. Following the pyroclastic eruptions, streams of liquid andesite poured from fissures in the caldera floor and spilled over eastward from the eastern rim. These thin tongues of black, glassy lava did not travel very far downslope, but they were sufficient to cause a very sudden melt of the Emmons and Nisqually Glaciers. Once again, devastating mudflows poured into the White River and Nisqually valleys, raising canyon floors at least 80 feet above their present levels. The flows of lava quickly built a miniature new Mt. Rainier atop the old summit. As the cone grew, it eventually filled most of the summit depression left by the catastrophic avalanches of some 3,700 years before. This late and rare cone-building (see RAINIER.GIF) episode most likely required no more than just a few decades. When complete, the beautifully symmetrical young mountain sitting atop the ruins of its predecessor had a base a mile across and a crest that stood at least 1000 feet above the now-buried eastern lip of the old caldera. A second, briefer, eruption of lava occured some time after the first, forming a somewhat larger crater east of the old vent. 1,330 feet across and perhaps 500 feet deep, this younger crater tilts noticeably to the east. The point where the two craters overlap (See CRATER.GIF)--now called Columbia Crest--marks the highest elevation of Mt. Rainier. Were it not for constant heat and steam emission, glaciers might have already breached Rainier's crater rims. Occasional brief eruptions of steam and ash have originated at the summit vents during the past 2,000 years, the last occuring within historic time. But, when compared with the tons of material removed DAILY from the volcano by mudslides, glaciers, and meltwater, the amount of new lava produced in recent centuries is negligible. Quoted from "Fire and Ice," by Stephen L. Harris--"Our journey into Mount Rainier's past has shown the volcano growing from a small cinder cone to an ice-covered giant; from a classic smooth-sided cone to its present craggy mass. Although its life-story has already spanned more than a million years, Mt. Rainier will be with us and our children for many eons to come." ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ RECENT THERMAL ACTIVITY ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Mount Rainier has not has a BONA FIDE eruption in nearly a hundred years, but the mountain has NOT been entirely at rest. In addition to areas of hot rock and active fumaroles on the summit cone, the volcano still produces occasional hot steam explosions on its flanks. Reports of these phenomena seem to have increased in frequency in the past decade. Beginning in the early 1960's, summer climbers were sometimes startled by hearing loud explosions and seeing columns of vapor rise from crevices in the rock. In 1961, steam blasted a new hole near Gibraltar Rock, sending a column of pressurized vapor 200 feet into the air and scattering debris over the nearby Cowlitz Glacier. This vent remained active throughout the summer, though diminishing in frequency. In March, 1965, skiers were amazed to observe clouds of steam spouting from a ridge above the Kautz Glacier and setting off an "avalanche." A much larger avalanche--the largest in historic time--may have been initiated by a steam explosion on December 14, 1963. About noon on that date, forest rangers 12 miles northeast of the mountain heard a "very loud, sharp boom in the direction of Mt. Rainier." When clouds and falling snow cleared enough for the Rangers to see the eastern slope through binoculars, they could see a large amount of rock debris covering the lower Emmons Glacier. What the rangers could not perceive from their location was that approximately 14 million cubic yards of lavas and breccias had fallen from the north face of Little Tahoma Peak. Plummeting straight downward for 1700 feet onto the glacier's surface, the avalanche struck with tremendous force. Because of its large mass and the steepness of the landing site, the avalanche shot across the surface buoyed up by a cushion of compressed air, at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. When it reached the glacier's snout, it simply soared up into space. A stream-guaging station, six feet high, was untouched as tons of rock hurled by overhead. Where the upper White River valley curves or is constricted, the flowing mass of rock and trapped air surged up canyon walls as high as 300 feet! When it all finally came to rest, a HALF MILE FROM THE WHITE RIVER CAMPGROUND, it had travelled some four miles from its source while dropping over 6,200 FEET in ALTITUDE! Several of the boulders transported were as large as buildings! One measures 60 by 130 by 160 feet and weighs in the neighborhood of 50,000 tons. Imagine seeing THAT coming down a ravine, right at you! :) Later studies revealed that at least seven separate rockfalls and avalanches had occurred in quick succession. The plywood guage house that survived the first river of rock was later carried hundreds of feet by a blast of air escaping from the flank of another avalanche which stopped a short distance away. Two square miles of the Emmons Glacier and Upper White River valley were covered by the rockfalls. If this would have happened in the summer months, many hikers could have been killed. In August and September, 1967, clouds of water vapor and "steam" were seen billowing from the cliffs above the South Tahoma Glacier. During the same period, floods and mudflows repeatedly descended the Tahoma Creek Valley. Described as causing a deep rumbling noise and vibrations of the ground, these small lahars swept large boulders downstream and generated waves of mud up to 15 feet high. Further sightings of steam and smoke rising from the west face of the volcano were reported in August, 1968, and February, 1969. These rockfalls and slurry floods may have been initiated by a steam vent located beneath the South Tahoma Glacier. A more threatening manifestation of Mt. Rainier's internal heat occurred on the Emmons Glacier during the summer months of 1969. Between an elevation of 10,000 and 13,000 feet, the normally intact ice surface broke into a network of potholes and crevasses. In some places, gaps in the ice widened enough to reveal bare rock beneath the glacier. This melting by sub- surface heating was brief, however, and by the summer of 1970, new ice and snow had filled in the caved-in areas. Nonetheless, such melt-depressions on glaciers, completely unrelated to weather conditions, are the kind of WARNING TO BE EXPECTED WHEN A DORMANT VOLCANO IS PREPARING TO ERUPT!!! ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ THE USGS "VOLCANO WATCH!" ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ Because of these, and other signs of geologic restlessness, scientists at the University of Washington and the United States Geologic Survey keep a "VOLCANO WATCH" on Mt. Rainier. In the 1960's the USGS began taking aerial photographs and infrared images of the summit craters, Little Tahoma Peak, and the South Tahoma Glaciers. In addition, seismographs were placed at various locations on the mountain, one as high as Camp Muir at the 10,000 foot level. These quake-monitoring stations record swarms of micro- earthquakes centered beneath the peak, which, should they suddenly increase in frequency or intensity, could mean that magma is rising in the mountain conduits toward the surface. The tremors thus far recorded demonstrate that some activity indeed DOES continue within Rainier's deep, subterranean magma chamber. The infrared surveys have officially confirmed what mountain climbers have always known--Mt. Rainier's summit craters are definately hot! The zones of the most intense volcanic heat were found along the northwestern rim of the east crater, the north side of the west crater, and along a pattern of concentric arcs on the western flank of the summit cone. A later survey indicated a possible increase in thermal anomalies along the southern rim of the west crater, but that may have resulted from imperfections inherent in the infrared techniques. In general, the hottest areas correspond to swaths of exposed rock, which stand out as black patches amid the summit icefields. When geologist and mountaineer Dee Molenaar measured the heat generated at fumaroles in both summit craters, he found that the steam issues at temperatures of about 186 degrees Fahrenheit (the boiling point of water at 14,410 feet). ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ WHEN MOUNT RAINIER ERUPTS AGAIN ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ "Residents of Seattle, Tacoma and adjoining cities have much to worry about. An eruption of Mount Rainier, even on a small scale, could easily obliterate most all of the Puget Sound communities, even burying parts of Seattle and Tacoma under ash, lava and mud up to two dozen feet thick in places . . . Even west-sound communities, such as Bremerton and Silverdale, would be disastrously affected . . ." Please, sit back with me and laugh at this. I spotted this portion of a message on the Internet, and properly chastised the author for this far-from-the-truth advisory. However, this is an attitude that is pervasive with some of the media; I am sure we've all heard speculation that Mt. Rainier will scorch and burn our cities, turning them into modern-day Pompeiis. This is simply not true. Yes, *WHEN* Mt. Rainier blows (after all, it is a matter of WHEN, not a matter of IF) there will be destruction and possibly death, even in some settled areas in the Sea-Tac area. However, it would have to be a cataclysmic eruption far beyond anything scientists have projected to affect the west-sound communities, and even to cause Seattle/greater Tacoma much concern aside from a bit of possible ash fallout. Let's examine what could possibly happen when Mount Rainier wakes up and decides to burp. There are several different scenarios, and we'll examine each. First, potential loss of life and property has GREATLY increased this century as more people have settled around the towering Cascade volcanoes and more people use them for recreational purposes. From Canada down to California there are scores of new lumber camps, thousands of new homes, artificial reservoirs and lakes. Rainier is no exception. Most people, absorbed in the beauty or positive economic impact of the large volcanoes are unaware, or choose to ignore the danger. However, it is unlikely that Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham and scores of other Puget Sound towns would suffer too greatly due to the meteorological fact that prevailing winds would most likely carry the ash fallout east, over the Cascade Range. Towns downwind, such as Yakima and Ellensburg could possibly receive damaging fallout. This could (among other things) pollute the air, clog machinery, and muddy the water supply. Only if Mount Rainier exploded violently (on the scale of the catastrophic Mt. Mazama eruption 6,600 years ago) would there be a serious threat to western Puget Sound populations. With ejection of pyroclastics restricted to the size of those which built up the present summit cone 20 centuries ago, any appreciable damage from Mt. Rainier would most likely be confined to an area 10 to 15 miles immediately downwind from the summit crater. Of course, curious persons standing on ridges at a closer range could be in danger, even though they were out of the path of any lava or mudflows. Remember, previous Holocene eruptions have thrown rocks up to FOUR FEET in lenth distances of EIGHT MILES, or slightly more! It is wise to note that there definately *IS* the possiblity that Rainier will produce an eruption of far greater magnitude than anything seen in the past 7,000 years. In that event, no one can accurately predict what will happen, and I won't be foolish enough to try. If a huge eruption such as this seemed imminent, a speedy evacuation to high ground as far as possible upwind of the volcano would be advised. Geologists with the United States Geological Survey keep a "Volcano Watch" on Mount Rainier now, and continously project what possibly could happen in the event of an eruption. Fumaroles along the twin craters of Rainier have released enough acidic steam to compromise much of the summit, turning it to opal or clay. If the summit were to collapse as it did long ago, another Osceola-type mudflow could result. This could be the result if fresh lava were to rise in the eastern crater. In this event, steam explosions caused by hot magma in contact with meltwater could conceivably rupture the crater walls. One only has to LOOK at Mount Rainier to see the present danger. The mountain towers majestically over populated areas of the Puget Sound (See TOWERING.GIF), its shoulders and flanks covered with ice and glaciers. Logic would suggest that in an eruption (which produces tremendous heat), all that ice would be shaken loose and melted, and millions of gallons of water would sweep down the slopes in a deadly rush, obliterating everything in its path. This water and debris would find its way into the numerous glacial rivers in the area, which wind toward the Puget Sound, and, consequently, run through many populated areas. Judging by the effects of Mount Rainier's historical eruptions, the Puyallup, Tahoma, Nisqually and Whiter River valleys seem to be at high risk in such an event. There would be a very high danger from mudflows, which, in the past, have REPEATEDLY swept down through these valley areas. Lava flows from Rainier would probably be short, and ashfalls would extend a few dozens of miles east, northeast, and/or southeast of the summit crater. The principal danger would be to towns--ORTING, SUMNER, AUBURN, PUYALLUP, ENUMCLAW, etc.-- which lie on deposits from large, historical mudflows. Should Mt. Rainier blow and you live in one of the adjacent valleys, catch a ferry to Port Orchard on the west side of the sound and you can sit with me on the porch and watch the event. :) ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ³ VISITING MOUNT RAINIER ³ ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ ( I would like to thank my friend, Sam McKernan for his help with this part of this lengthy detailed document. What follows (well, follows my comments about visiting an active volcano) are two messages about visiting Mount Rainier that I pulled out of The NASA MLP Seismology conference. Thanks, Sam!) Okay, you have just read that Mt. Rainier is an ACTIVE volcano, issuing steam from time to time as it sleeps. You have read the risks associated with an eruption, one that will certainly happen sometime in the future. Now, you are gonna read a section on visiting the mighty Rainier and, perhaps even consider driving out to the mountain? What, you may wonder, do you think I am nuts??? Relax. Even with the destruction accompanying the Mount Saint Helens eruptions and even with all I've written about mudflows and avalanches and rushing rivers and lava flows, Rainier is (at this time) still a safe place to visit. Volcanic eruptions most always give plenty of notice, and scientists and communities are usually well prepared for the event. Take, for instance, Mount Saint Helens. Scientists couldn't accurately predict exactly when she'd blow, but there was plenty of time for evacuations and planning. Consequently, loss of life was surprisingly minimal. Most volcanic eruptions begin on a small, harmless scale. For that reason, you need not omit a trip to Rainier (or any other Cascade volcano) from your vacation itinerary. Before a catastrophic outburst were to occur, there would be numerous clues and unmistakable warning signs, which would give authorities plenty of time to evacuate the area(s) possibly affected. What are the signs? They are numerous, but include increased steam emissions, swarms of microearthquakes recorded on seismographs, swelling of the mountain as indicated on a tiltometer, and the appearance and/or proliferation of"hot spots" detectable on infrared images. Of course, it *IS* remotely possible that a volcano could explode violently before sufficient evacuation notice was given. Or that, contrary to its past behavior, a volcano could erupt far more violently than it had in the past. However, unless activity was noted in the recent past, the chances of this happening are awfully slim, and if this should keep you from visiting one of the Cascade volcanoes (such as Mt. Rainier) you are only robbing yourself of a very enjoyable time! ENJOY MOUNT RAINIER, THE PRETTIEST OF ALL THE CASCADE PEAKS!!! Date: 07-20-93 (23:44) Number: 488 of 615 (Refer# NONE) To: ALL From: SAM MCKERNAN Subj: MT. RAINIER INFO Read: (N/A) Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE (Echo) Conf: SEISMOLOGY (6) Read Type: GENERAL HAS REPLIES GENERAL INFORMATION Mount Rainier National Park is located in southwest Washington state, 95 miles southeast of Seattle and 83 miles west of Yakima. Mount Rainier was established March 2, 1899 as our fifth national park. The park encompasses 378 square miles (980 square kilometers) Elevation ranges from 1800 feet at the Carbon River rainforest to 14,410 feet at the summit of the glacier-covered peak. Approximately 2 million people visit the park each year to enjoy its most rainforest, giant old growth forest, subalpine meadows, and glaciers. INDIANS Before the arrival of European explorers, Indian tribes lived in the lowlands surrounding the mountain. Some tribes called the mountain "Takhoma," others "Tahoma" with meaning of "high mountain," "great snowy peak," or just "the mountain." EXPLORERS The first recorded view of the mountain by a European was made by the English explore, Captain George Vancouver while exploring Puget Sound in 1792. He mentioned sighting a "remarkably high mountain covered with snow." He named the peak after his friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier, who never saw the mountain. THE VOLCANO Mount Rainier is a volcano that is believed to be dormant and not extinct. The volcano began to grow between one half and one million years ago. The slopes of lava flows on opposite sides of the mountain projected more than 1000 feet above the present summit. The upper portion of the cone was probably removed by explosions and landslides. The current summit, Columbia Crest at 14,410, lies on the rim of the recent lava cone. GLACIERS There are 25 named glaciers and about 50 small, unnamed glaciers and ice patches on the slopes of Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier has the largest single peak glacial system in the United States outside Alaska. The largest glacier on the mountain is the Emmons Glacier on the east side. The largest glacier seen from Paradise is the Nisqually Glacier. PLANTS The forest surrounding the mountain are predominantly Douglas-fir, western hemlock, red cedar, and several species of true fir. The meadows above them are summer time celebrations of color as wildflowers bloom in July and August; their broad vistas are cool and remote, with majestic sweep and rising snowline, where spring happens all summer long. In August tiny alpine ecosystems flourish at the toes of the ice fields. WILDLIFE Animals live in the park include bear, deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, bobcats, beaver, marmots, squirrels, rabbits, hammsters and raccoons, and a variety of birds who live in or visit the park. WEATHER Mount Rainier is often said to create its own weather. It reaches into the atmosphere and interrupts the flow of the moist maritime air masses from the Pacific Ocean. This results in great amounts of rain and snowfall. The heavier rainfalls occur between October and early May. During the winter of 1971-72, 1,122 inches of snow fell at the Paradise weather station. Summer temperatures average in the upper 40's to the mid-70's at Longmire (2,761 feet) and in the lower 40's to the mid-60's at Paradise (5,400 feet). FEES An entrance fee of $5.00 per non-commercial vehicle is charged. A fee of $2.00 per person is charged for person entering by foot, bicycle or commercial vehicle. Golden Age Passports are available to persons over 62 years old, and Golden Access Passports are available to disabled and handicapped persons. A park specific annual pass for Mount Rainier is available for $15.00. The Golden Eagle Passport annual pass, good in all federal recreation areas charging an entrance fee, is available for $25.00 per year. A user fee of $5.00 - $6.00 is charged per night per campsite in the auto camp- grounds. AUTO CAMPING Five car campgrounds offer 600 campsites for overnight stay in the park. Campsites are available on a first-come-first-served-basis, with no reservations. Fees range from $5.00-$6.00 per night. The Cougar Rock and Ipsut Creek Campgrounds do offer group campsites which can be reserved, call 206/569-2211. Group fee is $1.00 per person. All camp- grounds have running water, flush or pit toilets, and individual sites with a table and fireplace. Sunshine Point and Isput Creek Campground are open year round for camping. BACKPACKING AND HIKING Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry and wilderness, on a year-round basis. These free permits are available at hiker information centers, ranger stations and visitor centers, on a first-come-service-basis. Over 300 miles of trail throughout the park are available for day hikers and backpackers to enjoy. The 93 mile Wonderland Trail completely encircles the mountain, traversing through low forest, subalpine meadows, and over occasional snow and rock. Higher elevation trails remain snow covered into July most years. CLIMBING The first recorded climb to the summit of Mount Rainier was made in 1870 by Hazard Stevens and Philemon Beecher Van Trump from the south side of the mountain. Each year, more than 3,000 people stand on the summit of Mount Rainier. Climbers need to be in top physical condition, and have experience in glacier travel. Climbers must register with a Ranger before climbing and checkout upon returning. BICYCLING Bicycles are allowed in the park on roads open to the public and roadways in the campground extreme caution needs to be exercised due to the very narrow roads. Bicycles are not permitted on any park trails, including "Mountain Bikes." BOATING AND FISHING Boating and fishing are permitted within the park, and no licenses are required. Non-motorized boats only are permitted on park lakes. Fishing regulations for the park are in accordance with those of the surrounding area waters of the State of Washington. Be familiar with specific regulations for boating and fishing. HORSES Horses are permitted on nearly 100 miles of park trails. Trails are most accessible from mid-July through September. Neither saddle nor pack animals are permitted in auto campgrounds, picnic grounds or within 100 yards of trail shelters, backcountry campsites or above such sites and waterways, except where facilities are provided. A horse trail map is available. SNOWMOBILING Snowmobiles are permitted on designated roadways only, when such roadways are closed by snow to normal traffic. Snowmobiles are not permitted to travel crosscountry, on trails or on undesignated roads. A map of designated snowmobile roadways is available. RANGER PROGRAMS Guided walks and information programs are presented through the park, see the summer and winter park newspaper or check at the museum and visitor centers for details. Programs are open to all ages and abilities. PARK ROADS The road from Paradise to Ohanapecosh is opens mid-June through early November. Highway 1, and 410 via Cayuse Pass open by late April most years through December. Chinook Pass opens by early June and closes in November. The Sunrise road opens to the White River Camp- ground by mid-June and Sunrise by July 1st. Snowfall may close higher park roads for a few day in the fall before closing for the winter. FOOD AND LODGING Mount Rainier Guest Services, Inc. operates the Paradise Inn, National Park Inn, and Sunrise Lodge in the park. The Paradise Inn is open late May to early October for lodging, meal and gifts. The National Park Inn at Longmire will be closed for remodeling starting mid-April 1989 for about a year. The Sunrise Lodge is open for meals and gifts July-September. For lodging reservations write Mount Rainier Guest Services. Inc. P.O.Box 108. Ashford. WA 98304 or call 206/569-2275. Lodging and food service are available in the local communities of Ashford, Packwood and Enumclaw. Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Yakima also offer lodging and food services. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION WRITE Mt. Rainier National Park, Tahoma Woods, Star Route, Ashford, WA. 98304 <<<>>> ÖÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ· º ÖÄÄ¿ Ò ÖÄÄ¿ ÖÄ¿ ÖÄ¿ ÖÄÄ¿ ÒÄÄ¿ Ò Â º º º Ä¿ º º ³ ÓÄ¿ ÓÄ¿ ÇÄÄ´ ÇÄÂÙ ÓÄÄ´ º º ÓÄÄÙ ÐÄÄÙ ÓÄÄÙ ÓÄÄÙ ÓÄÄÙ Ð Á Ð Á ÓÄÄÙ º º of GEOLOGIC TERMS º º from FIRE AND ICE by Stephen Harris º ÓÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄĽ Aa-- Hawaiian word used to describe a lava flow that is characterized by a surface broken into rough, angular "clinkery" fragments. Good examples of these jagged slaggy flows occur along the McKenzie Pass Highway between the North Sister and Mt. Washington. Ash-- fine particles of pulverized rock from an explosion vent. Measuring less than 1/10th inch in diameter (under 4mm), ash may either be solid or molten when first erupted. By far the commonest variety is vitric ash, glassy particles formed by gas bubbles bursting through liquid magma. Lithic ash is formed of older rock pulverized during an eruption, while in crystal ash each grain is composed of a single crystal or groups of crystals with only traces of glass adhering to them. Many ash deposits are mixtures of all three in various proportions. Ash Flow-- A turbulent mixture of gas and rock fragments, most of which are ash-sized particles, ejected violently from a fissure or a crater. This mass of pyroclastics is normally of very high temperature and moves rapidly down the slopes of a volcano or even along a level surface. Extensive ash flows have been erupted from Mt. Mazama, Broken Top, and Mount Saint Helens. When solidified, ash flow deposits are often called ignimbrites. (See pyroclastic flow and block-and-ash flow.) Basalt-- A lava relatively poor in silica and rich in magnesium and ferrictic. When poured out in sufficient volume with a high enough temperature and gas content, it typically flows long distances from its source and is the characteristic lava of most shield volcanoes. The outpouring of highly fluid basalts created the vast inland plateaus of Washington and Oregon during Miocene time. Bergschrund-- A crevasse at the back of a glacier between the glacier and the rock headwall, formed by melting and the movement of the glacier. Block-- Angular chunk of solid rock ejected during an eruption. Accumulations of blocks may form breccia. Block-and-ash Flow-- Variety of a pyroclastic flow, a turbulent mass of hot fragments, varying in size from under 1/10th inch to many feet in diameter, which sweeps downslope as a result of a volcanic eruption. Block-and-ash flows are commonly caused by the collapse of the side of a dome while still hot, as happened with the first Mount Saint Helens eruption. Blocky Lava-- Lava which, when congealed, exhibits a surface broken into large angular fragments. Whereas aa lava has a spiny, scoriaceous crust, blocky lava flows have one littered with large boulders. Blowhole-- A miniature crater, usually secondary in nature to the main vent of a volcano, through which gas is discharged. Blowholes often form on the surface of a thick lava flow, the result of rapidly escaping gas. Bomb-- A fragment of molten or semi-molten rock 2.5 inches to many feet in diameter which is blown out during an eruption. Because of their plastic condition when first ejected, bombs are often modified in shape during their flight though the air and/or by their impact with the ground. As the outer crust cools and solidifies, continued expansion of the interior by gas pressure sometimes causes cracking, which may form a bomb surface resembling the crust of freshly baked bread (breadcrust bombs). Breccia-- A rock composed of many distinct fragments, often sharp and/or angular, imbedded in a matrix of fine material. Breccias are sometimes formed when shattered blocks of volcanic rock are transported by avalanches or volcanic mudflows. Caldera-- The Spanish word for cauldron, a large basin-shaped volcanic depression--by definition at least a mile in diameter. Such large depressions are typically formed by the subsidence of volcanoes. Crater Lake occupies the best-known caldera in the Cascades. Calderas are to be distinguished from craters, which they always exceed in size. Cinder Cone-- A volcanic cone built entirely of loose fragmental material (pyroclastics). Most cinder cones are symmetrical, with a circular ground plan and steep, regular slopes terminating in a single summit crater. Although the eruptions which build these cinder cones are most always explosive, lava commonly flows quietly from the foot of the cone. Clinker-- Rough fragment of lava on the surface of aa flows, so named because of its resemblance to clinkers formed in the grate of a furnace. Cirque-- An ampitheater-like depression in mountain regions, formed by the plucking action of glacial ice. Composite Cone-- Another term for a stratovolcano, a large volcanic cone constructed of both lava flows and fragmental material. All of the largest Cascade volcanoes are this type. Conduit-- The feeding pipe of a volcano, the "throat" through which material passes on its way to the surface of the earth. When filled with congealed lava (a plug), a central conduit is often relatively resistant to erosion. As a result, the solidified conduit fillings can remain standing as high pinnacles long after the surrounding cone has been eroded away. Mt. Thielsen and Union Peak are good examples of such eroded volcanic necks. Crater-- The bowl-shaped hollow, usually at or near the top of a volcano, through which lava and pyroclastics and ejected. In cross-section, most craters are cylindrical or funnel-shaped. Dacite-- Lava with a high silica content. Dacites are usually slow moving and viscous when erupted and can form flows of exceptional thickness. When unusually thick and pasty, they may form steepsided domes, such as Lassen Peak. The only major stratovolcanoes in the Cascades formed principally of dacite lava are Glacier Peak and Mount Garibaldi. Detonation-- An explosion as a result of the combustion of gasses or by the abrupt release of gasses from a volcanic vent. Dike-- Relatively thin walls of solidified lava which cut through, vertically or obliquely, the interior of a volcanic cone. Dikes are formed when liquid lava rises to fill cracks or crevasses within the volcano. Some dikes are the congealed feeding pipes of parasitic cones or lava flows. They are visible only when exposed by erosion. Dome-- A rounded protrusion of lava which, when erupted, was too viscous to flow laterally and instead piled up above the erupting vent. When the lava mass is an upheaved, consolidated conduit filling, the resultant mound is called a plug dome. Dormant--Literally "sleeping." The term used to descibe a volcano which is presently inactive but which may possibly erupt again, like Mount RAINIER of western Washington. Most of the rest of the Cascade volcanoes are also believed to be dormant rather than extinct. Ejecta--The material thrown out of a volcano. Engulfment-- The inward collapse of a volcano, perhaps as a result of an evacuation of the magma chamber. The collapse basin thus formed is called a caldera. Eruption-- The process by which solid, liquid, and gaseous materials are ejected, usually violently, onto the surface of the earth by volcanic activity. Eruptions range from the quiet overflow of liquid rock to the tremendously violent expulsion of pyroclastics. Eruption Cloud-- The column of gasses, ash and larger rock fragments rising from a crater or other volcanic vent. If it is of sufficient volume and velocity, this gasous cloud may reach many miles into the stratosphere, where high atmospheric winds may carry it miles from its original source. The eruption cloud from Mount Mazama, for example, was probably carried by the winds entirely around the world! Eruptive Vent-- The opening through which volcanic materials are ejected. Fault-- A crack or fracture in the earth's surface along which there has been differential movement. It may represent the juncture between two adjoining blocks or tectonic plates. Movement along a fault can produce earthquakes, or, in the process of mountain building, can release underlying magma and permit it to rise to the surface. Fissure-- Elongated fractures or cracks on the slope of a volcano, or any ground surface. Fissure eruptions typically produce liquid flows, but pyroclastics may also be ejected. Fumarole-- A vent or opening through which issue steam, hydrogen sulphide, or other gasses. The craters of many dormant volcanoes such as RAINIER, Shasta, Lassen and Hood now contain active fumaroles. Some give off chemically active fluids or gases which radically alter or erode the surrounding rock, changing it eventually into such substances as opal or clay. This process can hasten the erosion and eventual destruction of volcanic peaks. Glowing Avalanche-- A superheated mass of incandescent ash, blocks, dust, and other gas-rich material which bursts from an erupting vent and rushes down a mountainside at high speed. Although most of the material hurtles across the ground surface, great clouds of turbulent ash often rise thousands of feet above it. There have been large glowing avalanches from Shastina, Mazama, Glacier Peak and Mount Saint Helens during post-glacial time. Glowing Cloud-- The turbulent mass of gas and dirt that rises high above a glowing avalanche. It is also known as "nuee ardente." Holocene Epoch-- the 10,000 to 12,000 year-long period of time which has elapsed since the end of the Pleistocene Epoch (Ice Age). It is the geologic period in which we now live. Hot Avalanche-- A glowing avalanche. Horizontal Blast-- An explosive eruption in which the resultant cloud of ash and other material moves laterally rather than upward. Lassen Peak's famous "Hot Blast" of 1915 was such an eruption. Hydrothermally Altered Rock-- Rock that has been decomposed or otherwise chemically changed by prolonged action of hot steam and/or acidic solutions. Such rock is often decayed into soft opal or clay, making it extremely susceptible to erosion or sliding. It is thought that the former summit of MT. RAINIER was thus decomposed before it slid off to form the Osceola Mudflow. Hypersthene-- A mineral found in basic rocks, or in intermediate rocks such as andesite. Ignimbrite-- Rock consisting of glassy (vitric) ash, usually produced by hot ash flows. Incandescent Ash Flows-- An intensely hot, gas-charged glow of pyroclastic material. Intrusive Rock-- Volcanic rock, which, when molten, was intruded into preexisting rocks without ever reaching the surface as lava. Dikes and volcanic plugs are good examples. Lapilli-- Literally "little stones"--round to angular rock fragments measuring 1/10th inch to 2.5 inches diameter, which may either be ejected in a molten or solid state. Lahar-- The Indonesian term for a mudflow originating on the slopes of a volcano. Lava-- Magma which has reached the surface of the earth through a volcanic eruption. The term is most commonly applied to streams of molten rock which flow from a crater or a fissure. It also refers to cooled and solidified masses of rock. Lava Tree Mold-- The hollow impression left when a tree has been engulfed by a lava flow. As the tree is carbonized by the heat from the surrounding rock, water escaping the trunk cools a thin crust of lava which hardens around the tree trunk. As the tree decays or crumbles into ash, the solidifying lava forms a mold in the exact shape of the tree. See Tree Wells. Lava Tubes-- Caves or tubes formed by lava inside a lava flow. Although there are several means by which lava tubes can be created, the most common explanation is that the liquid interior of a lava stream continues to flow after the top and sides have cooled and hardened. The center of the flow then drains away, leaving behind a hollow tube. The solidified crust of the flow forms the sides and roof of the tunnel. Magma-- Molten rock confined beneath the surface of the earth. When erupted to the surface, it is called lava. Magma Chamber-- The underground supply house of volcanoes. These are envisioned as subterranean cavities containing the gas-rich liquid magma which feeds volcanoes. Microearthquakes-- Extremely small tremors which are perceptible only to very sensitive scientific devices. Seismographs especially designed to detect these microearthquakes are placed near active or dormant volcanoes to determine the frequency of shocks in and adjacent to the volcano's subterranean magma chamber. An increase in seismic activity can be the first indication of an impending eruption. Seismologists at the University of Washington now run a Volcano Watch on MOUNT RAINIER and record and measure these tiny quakes on a daily basis. Nuee Ardente-- The French term for a turbulent cloud of hot ash or dust which rises above the front and sides of a glowing avalanche. Obsidian-- A dense, black, glossy volcanic rock almost devoid of bubbles or mineral crystals. It is a highly silicic form of rhyolite. Large obsidian flows have emerged in recent past from the Newberry Caldera and the flanks of the South Sister. Pahoehoe-- Hawaiian word for congealed lava which is characterized by a smooth ropy or billowy surface. It is contrasted to aa, which has a rough slaggy crust. Pahoehoe flows often contain lava tubes or caves such as those near Mount Saint Helens. Parasitic Cone-- A (typically small) secondary cone built on the flanks of a larger volcano. It is parasitic because it taps the magma chamber of the older volcano, thus using material that would have otherwise been ejected by the main cone. Shastina, on the west side of Mount Shasta, is the largest parasitic cone in the Cascades. Paroxysm-- A violently explosive eruption of unusual magnitude. Palean Eruption-- Eruption which follows the pattern of the 1902 outburst of Mount Pelee, Martinique. The volcano produced glowing avalanches and clouds which utterly destroyed the city of St. Pierre and killed at least 28,000 unfortunate people. Phreatic Eruption-- Violent steam explosion that produces little or no new lava. It characteristically blows out solid fragments of the pre- existing rock of the volcanic cone. Pliocene Epoch-- Period of geologic time immediately preceding the Pleistocene and lasting from about 7,000,000 to 2 or 3,000,000 years before the present. During this epoch, numerous shield volcanoes and basaltic cones were built in the Cascades. Pleistocene Epoch-- Period of geologic time immediately preceding the Holocene Epoch and lasting from 2 or 3,000,000 to 10,000 years before the present. It was characterized by repeated development of ice caps and valley glaciers in the Cascade Range, and hence is popularly known as the "Ice Age." Most of the large stratovolcanoes in the Washington Cascades were erected during this period. Plug-- Solidified lava that fills the conduit or "throat" of a volcano. It is usually more resistant to erosion than the material making up the surrounding cone and may remain standing as a solitary pinnacle when the rest of the original structure has been eroded away. The pointed spires of Mt. Thielsen and Washington are good examples of volcanic plugs exposed by erosion. Plug Dome-- The steep-sided rounded mound formed when viscous lava wells up into a crater and is too stiff to flow away. It piles up as a dome- shaped mass, often completely filling and burying the vent from which it emerged. Lassen Peak is the largest and best-known plug dome in the Cascade mountain range. Pumice-- Solidified form of rock-glass which was highly charged with gas when blown from the crater. Usually light-colored, it is full of tiny bubbles or vesicles, which makes it bouyant. Pyroclastics-- The Greek word for "fire broken," referring to fragmented volcanic rock thrown out during an eruption. Another Greek word for this kind of ejected material is tephra, which applies to al material blown out through the air. Pyroclastic Flow-- A volcanic flow of hot gas and fragmented material (pyroclastics); it may be composed of either pumice or lithic (non- vesicular) debris, or a mixture of both. Quaternary-- The geologic time period that includes both the Pleistocene and Holocene Epoch. It began a maximum of three million years ago. Rhyolite-- Lava rock extremely rich in silica and with a high glass content. Because they are still and pasty when erupted, rhyolite lavas do not normally flow far from their source. Scoria-- Glassy fragments of dark-colored rock, often the product of sprays of semiliquid lava shot into the air from explosions accompanying a lava flow. Scoria range in size from 1/10th to 2.5 inches. Seismograph-- Instrument which detects and records earthquakes, including those too weak to be felt by most people. Shield Volcano-- A broad, very gently sloping volcano built almost exclusively of lava flows. Named for their supposed resemblance to a warrior's shield laid flat with the curved side upward, these volcanoes are characterized by quiet effusive eruptions with little or no explosive action. Silicic Lava-- Lava rich in silica (over 65%) and having a relatively low melting point (850 degrees Centigrade). It usually emerges as a stiff viscous mass and does not flow long distances. Silicic lavas may congeal near the erupting vent to form steep-sided domes, such as Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. Rhyolite, dacite and obsidian and typical silicic lavas. Solfatara-- Term derived from the Solfatara volcano in Italy which is characterized by the quiet emission of sulpherous gases. A form of fumarolic activity, the solfatara can hydrothermically alter the chemical composition of the rocks surrounding the vents. Stratovolcano-- A volcano composed of both lava flows and fragmental (pyroclastic) material. A cross-section through a stratovolcano reveals alternating layers (strata) of lava, ash, breccias, etc. It is also called a composite volcano. Tephra-- Term used by Aristotle to describe air-borne pyroclastic material ejected from a volcano. Tree-Mold-- A hole in a lava flow, created by lava forming the hollow impression of a tree trunk. See Lava Tree Mold. Tree-Well-- The cylindrical hole in a lava flow created by lava forming the hollow impression of a tree trunk, which has been engulfed in the flow. Tuff-- Rock formed of pyroclastic material; it usually refers to ash-sized and perhaps other material; if coarser, it may be called a lapilli tuff. See Welded Tuff. Vent-- Opening in the surface of the earth through which volcanic material is ejected. Vulcan-- Mr. Spock (just kidding :) Roman God of fire and the forge, after whom volcanoes are named. Also, the planet that Mr. Spock is from. Vulcanian Eruption-- A type of eruption characterized by violent explosions which send dark cauliflower clouds of ash into the air. Vulcanian explosions are thought to be previously trapped gas suddenly breaking through congealed rock in a vent. Vitric-- Term describing volcanic material consisting chiefly of glassy matter such as vitric ash which is at least 75% glass. Welded Tuff-- Rock composed of fine-grained material which was hot enough when emplaced to weld or fuse together. ù ù ù ÖÄÒÄ¿ Òù  ÒÄÄ¿ ù ù ù ù º ÇÄÄ´ùÇÄ ù ù ù ù ù ù ù ù Ð ùÐ Á ÐÄÄÙ ù ù ÖÄÄ·  ÖÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ÖÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ÖÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ù ÖÄÄÒÄÄ¿ùÒ ù ÒÄÄÄÄÄ¿ ù º ùº ³ º ù³ º ù º ù ³ ù º º ³ º ù º ù ³ù ù ºù º ù³ ÇÄÄÄÄÄ´ ÓÄÄÄÄÄ¿ùÇÄÄÄÄÄ´ º ùº ù³ùº ù ÇÄÄÄÄÄÙ ù º º ³ùº ³ ù ³ º ù³ ù º º ³ º ù º ù ù Ð ÓÄÄÙ Ð Á ÓÄÄÄÄÄÙ Ð Á Ð Ð Á ÐÄÄÄÄÄÙ Ð ù ù ²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²² ù °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° ù ù ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ Kitsap County's Finest ³°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ ù ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ ³°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ ù ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ No ALIAS names permitted ³°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ ù ùÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³The NASA MLP is NOT a game³°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛù ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ and GIF forum, but is an ³°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ ù ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°³ exceptional educational ³°°°±²ÛÛÛ²±°°°±²ÛÛÛ ù ù ±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±³ platform, hailed by the ³±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±±± ²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²³ local news media! ³²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²² ùÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ VOLCANO I don't know I don't know I don't know where I'm a'gonna go When the volcano blows. The ground she's movin' under me Tidal waves out on the sea Sulphur smoke up in the sky Pretty soon we'll learn to fly. I don't know I don't know I don't know where I'm a'gonna go When the volcano blows. Now my girl quickly says to me, "Man, you gotta watch your feet Lava come down soft and hot You better love me now or love me not." I don't know I don't know I don't know where I'm a'gonna go When the volcano blows. No time to count what I'm worth Cuz I just left the planet earth Where I go I'll hope there's rum Not to worry, monsoon come. I don't know I don't know I don't know where I'm a'gonna go When the volcano blows. I don't want to land in New York City I don't want to land in Mexico I don't want to land on Three Mile Island I don't want to see my skin aglow. I don't want to land in Comanche skywatch I don't want to land in Nashville Tennesse I don't want to land in a San Juan airport Or in Yukon territory. I don't want to land in San Diego I don't want to land in a buzzard's bay I don't want to land on no Ayatollah-- I got nothin' else to say. I don't know I don't know I don't know where I'm a'gonna go When the volcano blows. Jim Coleman Sysop, The NASA MLP BBS of Port Orchard, WA 1-206-871-3965 Many many heartfelt thanks to ALL the NASA MLP callers, for their support of science. Thanks to Ron Wright for the encouragement and maps, Sam McKernan for the help with the park information, Stephen L. Harris for his comprehensive books and information on Mount Rainier, and Dr. Samuel Anderson, of the United States Geological Survey for spending many afternoons over here in planning and discussion. Thanks to all! September 25, 1993