Short Wave Eavesdropping On A Volcano
Aug 19, 2022
Gabriel Spitzer, a Senior Editor at NPR based in Seattle, dives into the fascinating world of volcanoes. He discusses how these geological giants 'talk' to us through seismic sounds, crucial for predicting eruptions. The conversation highlights the tug-of-war between volcanologists and conservationists as they navigate protected lands. Spitzer also shares insights on the hidden dangers of Glacier Peak and the challenges of monitoring its activity while maintaining wilderness conservation efforts. It's a captivating exploration of nature's unpredictable forces.
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Mount St. Helens Eruption
- The 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption killed 57 people and devastated 200 square miles.
- This spurred increased volcanic research and monitoring in the region.
Glacier Peak Monitoring
- Glacier Peak, a potentially dangerous volcano, has only one seismometer.
- Scientists want to add more to improve monitoring and early warning capabilities.
Wilderness Act Conflict
- The USGS's plan to add monitoring stations to Glacier Peak faced objections from conservationists.
- Wilderness Watch argues this violates the 1964 Wilderness Act's restrictions on development.