The U.S. has many active volcanoes, mainly in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest.
While predicting eruptions is difficult, scientists monitor them for signs of activity.
Here are five U.S. volcanoes most likely to erupt soon, based on recent and historical patterns:
1. Kīlauea, Hawaii
Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is renowned for its frequent eruptions.
The most recent major eruption occurred in 2018, causing significant lava flows that destroyed over 700 homes on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Following this eruption, Kīlauea has continued to show signs of activity, with periodic eruptions and a persistent lava lake within its summit crater.
Given its continuous state of unrest and frequent eruptive history, Kīlauea is widely considered the most likely U.S. volcano to erupt again soon.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory closely monitors Kīlauea’s seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation, making it the most watched volcano in the United States.
2. Mount St. Helens, Washington
Mount St. Helens is one of the most watched volcanoes in the United States.
It had a major eruption in 1980 that changed the landscape and caused a lot of damage.
Since then, there have been smaller eruptions, the latest from 2004 to 2008.
Recent data shows magma is building up beneath the volcano, slowly pushing up the volcanic dome.
This could mean Mount St. Helens is getting ready for another eruption in the next few years.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other agencies keep a close eye on the volcano for any signs of increased activity.
3. Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier, near Seattle, is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the U.S. because it can have explosive eruptions and cause large lahars (mudflows) that could affect nearby communities.
Though it hasn’t erupted since the late 1800s, it’s still active, with small earthquakes happening often under its slopes.
These quakes, along with occasional steam and gas releases, show that the volcano isn’t dormant and could erupt suddenly.
An eruption could produce pyroclastic flows, lava, and heavy ashfall, posing a major threat to the nearby populated areas.
4. Yellowstone Caldera, Wyoming
The Yellowstone Caldera is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth and is often referred to as a “supervolcano”.
While a massive eruption is unlikely in the immediate future, the caldera is not entirely quiet.
Recent years have seen episodes of ground uplift, increased geyser activity, and frequent swarms of small earthquakes, all of which suggest that magma is still moving beneath the surface.
While these signs do not indicate an imminent eruption, they do remind scientists and the public alike that Yellowstone remains an active and closely watched volcanic system.
5. Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta is one of the most prominent volcanoes in the Cascade Range and is considered one of the most potentially hazardous in California.
Although its last major eruption occurred over 200 years ago, Mount Shasta has shown signs of possible future activity.
Geothermal studies and minor seismic activity indicate that the volcano’s magma chamber could be recharging.
Due to its eruptive history and the potential impact on nearby communities, the USGS has classified Mount Shasta as a high-threat volcano.
While an eruption is not expected in the immediate future, Mount Shasta remains a focus of ongoing scientific study and monitoring.
Conclusion
Volcanic eruptions are inherently unpredictable, but continuous monitoring allows scientists to detect early signs of increased activity and provide warnings to affected communities.
The five volcanoes listed above are among the most closely watched in the United States due to their potential for future eruptions.
Whether it’s the constant activity of Kīlauea, the potential reawakening of Mount St. Helens, or the hidden power of Yellowstone, these volcanoes serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet.
By understanding the risks and staying prepared, we can better protect lives and property from the impacts of volcanic activity.