How do scientists predict volcanic eruptions?
[One way is to monitor seismic activity around the volcano. The first evidence of an impending eruption is usually a series of seismic events or earthquakes. In order for an eruption to occur, lava must rise from its formation zone deep underground to near the surface. The lava must literally push overlying rocks aside to rise through them. The rocks are brittle and break as they are bent and twisted, releasing seismic energy that we record as earthquakes. By placing a number of seismic recorders around a volcano, the movement of the new mass of rising lava can be followed. (http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/volcanoes/vmonitor.html)] What evacuation procedures are currently in place in Washington State and the Mt. Rainier area? [According to FEMA, most communities in the vicinity of Mt. Rainier have plans in place. For example, the Orting school district keeps the school buses at the school to evacuate the flood plain where the schools are located given enough warning.] How do the climat
