April 2, 2009 -- In the Pacific Northwest, majestic volcanoes loom ominously close to major populations centers. Though quiescent now, a major eruption could take huge tolls in life and property. But their snowy peaks hold more than just the threat of eruption. According to a new study, the glaciers on Mt. Hood in Oregon and Mt. Rainier in Washington are melting, and regional rain storms are getting bigger. The change in climate appears to be increasing the risk of large debris flows and massive flooding on rivers that drain the mountains. "Since 2000, Rainier has lost 15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles) of its glaciers," Anne Nolin of Oregon State University said. Nolin is lead author on a study, which was presented last week at the American Association of Geographers meeting in Las Vegas. "That leaves a lot of loose, unconsolidated material that can be washed away," she said. A slurry of mud and boulders sometimes as big as cars, the debris rolls like a freight train down the steep mountain slopes, tearing at narrow canyon walls and uprooting huge stands of forest in its path. Related Content:
"It's hard to fathom the degree of impact without seeing it," Nolin said. "It's so huge." This was in stark display in November of 2006, when a massive rainstorm rolled through the region. Filled with warm moisture, the storm dropped heavy rain instead of snow, initiating massive debris flows on Hood and Rainier that caused $30 million in damages to roads, bridges, and farming infrastructure. This is increasingly common. So-called "pineapple express" storms that develop in the tropics are hammering the region. Their warmth means rock-scouring rain falls instead of snow, which would normally pile peacefully on top of the glaciers. Nolin said it's still too soon to say for sure whether or not climate change is leading to more -- and more intense -- debris flows. And for now the Rainier events only affect areas within the national park that surrounds the volcano. Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
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