Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Context

Mount Rainier recently experienced an earthquake swarm, with over 300 minor quakes, the most significant seismic activity at the volcano since 2009, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

About Mount Rainier

It is Washington's highest peak (4,392 metres).
Rainier, which covers 260 square kilometers, is encircled by the United States' largest single-mountain glacier system outside of Alaska.
The mountain is geologically young, produced by consecutive lava flows from eruptions that began approximately one million years ago.
It's an active stratovolcano. The volcano last erupted approximately 150 years ago.
It is regarded as one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes due to its proximity to Seattle's densely populated urban area.
Rainier is one of only 16 volcanoes on the world's "Decade Volcanoes" list, which was created by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) to highlight volcanoes that require close monitoring due to the catastrophic effects of their potential eruption.
The summit features two dozen named glaciers and smaller sections of permanent ice and snow, including Nisqually Glacier, which has helped scientists understand climate changes over the previous 150 years.
The mountain features three major peaks: Liberty Cap, Point Success, and Columbia Crest (the latter is the summit, located on the caldera rim).

About Stratovolcano

Also Known As: Composite volcano
Structure: Tall, conical volcano built up by many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash
Eruption Style: Typically explosive due to high viscosity of magma (usually andesitic to rhyolitic)
Magma Type: Viscous and silica-rich, which traps gases and causes pressure buildup
Formation: Result of multiple eruptions over time with alternating layers of lava and ash
Typical Features: Steep slopes, crater at the summit, pyroclastic flows, lava domes