The Battle of the Bulge
Vulcanologists have been monitoring a bulge that has been growing at a rate of about 3cm per year since 1996 on a volcanic peak called the South Sister near Bend, Oregon. It is one of three
composite volcanoes known as the Three Sisters. Other famous composite volcanoes are Mt. Vesuvius and Mt. St. Helens which both left quite a mark when they erupted. So far the bulge is the only sign of magma movement and collection. Although chlorine and sulfur signatures in the water, and helium signatures in the air are increasing, other signs of an impending eruption like increased carbon dioxide levels and seismic activity are still not present. Given the evidence, researchers cannot come to any conclusions about the probability of eruption or a possible timescale for such an event. Read more on the Nature Science Update
website.
current science news posted by Kirsten at 5/23/2002 06:08:00 PM
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