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History and hazards of Mount Rainier, Washington

January 1, 1995

Mount Rainier is an active volcano that first erupted about half a million years ago. Because of Rainier's great height (14,410 feet above sea level) and northerly location, glaciers have cut deeply into its lavas, making it appear deceptively older than it actually is. Mount Rainier is known to have erupted as recently as in the 1840s, and large eruptions took place as recently as about 1,000 and 2,300 years ago.

Publication Year 1995
Title History and hazards of Mount Rainier, Washington
DOI 10.3133/ofr95642
Authors Thomas W. Sisson
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 95-642
Index ID ofr95642
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Cascades Volcano Observatory; Volcano Hazards Program; Volcano Science Center