Earthquake Hits Near Mount St. Helens, Washington

An earthquake struck near Morton, Washington, on Wednesday morning, reported by the USGS at a depth of approximately 2.2 miles and initially recorded at a magnitude of 2.3. There are discrepancies in magnitude reporting, with a later update indicating a potential magnitude of 1.2. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences on the USGS website.

An earthquake occurred near Morton, Washington, early Wednesday morning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the seismic event transpired at approximately 7:52 a.m., located to the north of Mount St. Helens and west of Spirit Lake. Preliminary data indicates the earthquake struck at a depth of around 2.2 miles. Initially, the magnitude was cited as 2.3, but USGS later revised it, reporting a magnitude of 1.2 as well. The agency has not yet provided a definitive statement regarding the magnitude of this event. Residents who experienced the tremor are urged to submit reports on the USGS website for further analysis.

The Pacific Northwest region, including areas around Mount St. Helens, is historically prone to seismic activity due to the presence of tectonic plate boundaries. These boundaries are characterized by the interaction of the Juan de Fuca Plate and the North American Plate, leading to frequent seismic occurrences. Understanding earthquake patterns in this area is essential for both preparedness and response strategies, as suggested by recent discussions on disaster risk in Washington.

In summary, the recent earthquake near Mount St. Helens, while initially reported with conflicting magnitudes, highlights the region’s geological activity. The USGS continues to monitor and analyze seismic events, and it is crucial for local residents to engage with official channels, such as reporting their experiences, to enhance the data collected. As this is an ongoing story, further updates are likely to follow.

Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com