Mount Rainier Sees Largest Quake Swarm Since 2009

Mount Rainier in Washington experienced its largest earthquake swarm since 2009, with over 400 small tremors beginning early Tuesday morning. The strongest earthquake reached a magnitude of 1.7, and none of the quakes were felt at the surface, occurring at depths of 1.2 to 3.7 miles beneath the summit. Experts from the USGS and University of Washington attribute the swarm to hydrothermal fluids interacting with preexisting faults, rather than signs of imminent volcanic activity. The volcano's alert level remains at NORMAL, with no ground deformation, abnormal gas emissions, or eruption indicators detected. While smaller earthquake swarms occur once or twice a year at Mount Rainier, this event is notable for its size. Scientists continue to monitor the volcano and will provide updates if the situation changes.