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Cascades Volcano Observatory

Find U.S. Volcano

The U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory strives to serve the national interest by helping people to live knowledgeably and safely with volcanoes in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. 

News

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Uptick in earthquake activity at Mount St. Helens remains within background levels (July 15, 2023-Present)

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Tonga’s Hunga eruption produced the most intense lightning ever recorded

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Mount Rainier reminds us that September is National Preparedness Month

Science

Columbia River Basalt Group Stretches from Oregon to Idaho

The Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) is the youngest, smallest and one of the best-preserved continental flood basalt province on Earth, covering over 210,000 km2 of mainly eastern Oregon and Washington, western Idaho, and part of northern Nevada.
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Columbia River Basalt Group Stretches from Oregon to Idaho

The Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) is the youngest, smallest and one of the best-preserved continental flood basalt province on Earth, covering over 210,000 km2 of mainly eastern Oregon and Washington, western Idaho, and part of northern Nevada.
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The Boring Volcanic Field — Hills of the Portland Basin

Non-enthusiasts may consider the Boring Volcanic Field aptly named, but the title comes from its location, not from a lack of interesting characteristics.
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The Boring Volcanic Field — Hills of the Portland Basin

Non-enthusiasts may consider the Boring Volcanic Field aptly named, but the title comes from its location, not from a lack of interesting characteristics.
Learn More

Monitoring Cascade Volcanoes

Active volcanoes are complex natural systems, and understanding a volcano's behaviors requires the attention of specialists from many science disciplines. It demands a combination of current knowledge about magma systems, tectonic plate motion, volcano deformation, earthquakes, gases, chemistry, volcano histories, processes, and hazards.
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Monitoring Cascade Volcanoes

Active volcanoes are complex natural systems, and understanding a volcano's behaviors requires the attention of specialists from many science disciplines. It demands a combination of current knowledge about magma systems, tectonic plate motion, volcano deformation, earthquakes, gases, chemistry, volcano histories, processes, and hazards.
Learn More