You are in charge of emergency planning in Electron, Washington, when it is brought to your attention that the entire town is built upon the remains of eruption materials from Mount Rainier, which is less than 30 miles away.Using the past volcanic hazard history of Mount Rainier, which volcanic hazard would most likely affect your town?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely volcanic hazard to affect Electron, Washington is a lahar. This is because lahars are fast-moving mudflows consisting of volcanic debris, ash, and water which are commonly triggered by a combination of volcanic activity and heavy rainfall. They can travel long distances down river valleys and bury entire towns, even if they are many miles from the volcano itself. Given Electron's proximity to Mount Rainier, lahars are the most likely and potentially devastating volcanic hazard to the town.

You Are in Charge of Emergency Planning in Electron, Washington