Volcano collapse promoted by hydrothermal alteration and edifice shape, Mount Rainier, Washington

Research Article| September 01, 2001 Volcano collapse promoted by hydrothermal alteration and edifice shape, Mount Rainier, Washington Mark E. Reid; Mark E. Reid 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 910, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Thomas W. Sisson; Thomas W. Sisson 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 910, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Dianne L. Brien Dianne L. Brien 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 910, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Mark E. Reid 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 910, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Thomas W. Sisson 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 910, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Dianne L. Brien 1U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, MS 910, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 30 Nov 2000 Revision Received: 27 Apr 2001 Accepted: 21 May 2001 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2001) 29 (9): 779–782. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2001)0292.0.CO;2 Article history Received: 30 Nov 2000 Revision Received: 27 Apr 2001 Accepted: 21 May 2001 First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Mark E. Reid, Thomas W. Sisson, Dianne L. Brien; Volcano collapse promoted by hydrothermal alteration and edifice shape, Mount Rainier, Washington. Geology 2001;; 29 (9): 779–782. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2001)0292.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Catastrophic collapses of steep volcano flanks threaten many populated regions, and understanding factors that promote collapse could save lives and property. Large collapses of hydrothermally altered parts of Mount Rainier have generated far-traveled debris flows; future flows would threaten densely populated parts of the Puget Sound region. We evaluate edifice collapse hazards at Mount Rainier using a new three-dimensional slope stability method incorporating detailed geologic mapping and subsurface geophysical imaging to determine distributions of strong (fresh) and weak (altered) rock. Quantitative three-dimensional slope stability calculations reveal that sizeable flank collapse (>0.1 km3) is promoted by voluminous, weak, hydrothermally altered rock situated high on steep slopes. These conditions exist only on Mount Rainier's upper west slope, consistent with the Holocene debris-flow history. Widespread alteration on lower flanks or concealed in regions of gentle slope high on the edifice does not greatly facilitate collapse. Our quantitative stability assessment method can also provide useful hazard predictions using reconnaissance geologic information and is a potentially rapid and inexpensive new tool for aiding volcano hazard assessments. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.