The following information is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory and by the University of Washington's Geophysics Program.
Earthquake activity beneath Mount St. Helens remained at a low level during May 1996. Eleven earthquakes were recorded beneath the volcano during the month, compared to 16 the previous month. The May 1996 earthquake count is the lowest since May 1995. None of the May 1996 earthquakes exceeded magnitude 2.0. There were no explosions or unusual rockfalls or avalanches in the crater during May. Activity at the volcano remains at a safe, background level.
Caption: Cross-sectional view showing the locations of earthquakes beneath Mount St. Helens during May 1996. The cross-section represents a vertical slice of the crust downward from line A-A' in the map view. The earthquakes occurred in and around the magma conduit system that leads from the magma reservoir to the dome. In this graph, 0 depth is referenced to 1.5 km (about 1 mile) below the current summit of Mount St. Helens (8,363 feet above sea level). Data and graph provided by the Geophysics Program, University of Washington.
Caption: Graph showing relationship between time and depth of earthquakes beneath Mount St. Helens from June 1, 1995 to May 31, 1996. In this graph, 0 depth is referenced to 1.5 km (about 1 mile) below the current summit of Mount St. Helens (8,363 feet above sea level). Data and graph provided by the Geophysics Program, University of Washington.
The U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington monitor earthquakes and other activity at Mount St. Helens as part of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program. Information updates will be posted here during the first week of each month, or more often if conditions warrant.
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