STORM2K

This could mean a hefty duty eruption is on the way

A scientist was quoted as saying they don't expect MSH to stop at these rumblings and emitting of steam.Fresh magma has been flowing thru the lava dome.A crack was detected on the south flank of the dome.This is getting scarier

They say that this eruption will not be as big as the one in 1980, but I wonder how much smaller it will be?

I read one news report where a scientist said that they don't expect it to be as big as 1980,but "she could always change her mind"

I think the key to remember is that these guys are basing their forecasts on how conditions are at the moment.

With the way the seismicity is right now at MSH, sounds to me like they're saying that, based on their knowledge of volcanic activity, an eruption right now (in the next few hours, I guess) would not be as bad as the 1980 eruption. HOWEVER, just like with a hurricane, if conditions change as they continue to monitor the tremors, they may heighten their alerts and beginning watching for a more serious eruption.

Remember, when those quakes first started last week, they said there could be a "small to moderate" eruption and there was one -- steam and some ash. However, they've been recording other activity since then and the volcano hasn't settled down.

I'm hoping nothing serious happens. Interesting to watch -- like a Cat 5 fish -- but no devastation of life or property.

The reason they don't expect a repeat of 1980 right now is that the magma movement has been limited to the upper sections of the volcano and that there is no indication that magma deep in the chamber has begun to move upward-if that were to happen then all bets would be off.

Steve

It's Volcano season!