The Facts

• Washington State has five active volcanoes, all located in the Cascade mountain range, which runs along the northern Pacific coast. Mount Rainier is the highest at 14,410 feet, followed in order of elevation by Mount Adams, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak and the lowest, Mount St. Helens, at 8,364 feet. All active volcanoes in Washington are composite volcanoes, which geologists distinguish from other types of volcanoes by their layered structure, steep slopes and core craters. Composite volcanoes tend to the majestic, as witnessed by anyone who has stood in the shadow of Mount Rainier.
  
  

Features

• Photo of Mount St. Helens courtesy of www.free-stock-photos.com
  
  Active volcanoes in Washington have features and characteristics common to all composite volcanoes. They are formed from layers of rock and lava, and are usually large. They are conically shaped and can have one or more summits. A common characteristic of composite volcanoes is their explosive eruptions. Unlike other volcanoes that vent their lava more often, thick magma and accompanying noxious gases push upward in composite volcanoes and get trapped for longer periods of time in the core vent, building up pressure to an eventual catastrophic explosion.
  
  

Effects

• The volcanic Cascade mountain range traps a large amount of atmospheric moisture, and consequently rain, in the western part of the state. This, coupled with the mineral-rich volcanic soil in western Washington, produces a lush landscape that fuels timber, agriculture and tourism industries. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 affected the surrounding areas in terms of loss of life and loss of resources, having a direct impact on community and industry. This can and will happen again with any one of the Washington volcanoes, requiring diligence from citizens, government and the scientific community.
  
  

Risk Factors

• The eruption of Mount St. Helens in May of 1980 is a prime example of why people should not dismiss long-quiet volcanoes as benign. The damage caused by composite volcano eruptions is usually catastrophic. Those who live near or are visiting an active volcano need to be aware that there is always a risk. Unusual activity will be reported by local authorities, along with any pertinent instructions. When near an active volcano in Washington, you can minimize your risk by familiarizing yourself with evacuation routes and checking periodically for any warnings.
  
  

Benefits

• Photo of Mount Rainier and Seattle courtesy of Philipe Ancheta
  
  Despite the destructive capabilities of volcanoes, in the long run they help more than they destroy. Washington benefits from its volcanoes in several ways. Volcanic debris enriches the soil as it breaks down; a boost for agriculture. The sheer size and majesty of composite volcanoes make the surrounding areas ideal candidates for resorts, and this means tourism dollars benefiting many businesses. Geothermal energy has many possible uses, and minerals formed from volcanic debris are used in many industries.