Introduction
Mount Rainier is considered a spiritual and cultural icon of the Pacific Northwest.
As a backdrop for many of the state's residents, Mount Rainier offers beauty, solace,
inspiration, and challenge. The mountain sets the daily mood for thousands of people
who gaze at and respect it. There is no mistaking this object of admiration when
people smile and remark that, "the mountain is out!"
Yet, the origin of Mount Rainier formed by volcanic processes and now heavily laden
with snow and ice, remains an enigma to many admirers. During the 1980s,
volcanologists from around the world voted Mount Rainier as one of 17 volcanoes most
worthy of additional study because of the hazard potential to large population centers
nearby. Subsequent research indicates that Mount Rainier, though quiet since the
nineteenth century, is very much an "active volcano" with potential to erupt again and
disrupt the life of Pacific Northwest residents. Following days to months or more of
warning, Mount Rainier could erupt lava and ash and melt snow and ice to form lahars
(volcanic mudflows). Or, Mount Rainier could simply warm up briefly, jolt us from our
apathy, and then return to slumber for many more years.
Until such time, the mountain is ours to explore. "Living with a Volcano in Your
Backyard - An Educator's Guide with Emphasis on Mount Rainier" invites educators to learn
what scientists are discovering about Mount Rainier's past; to explore its slopes during
this period of quiescence; and to plan future responses to volcanic unrest.
Mount Rainier National Park is a unique classroom, rich in resources for observing geologic
change. The park staff encourages safe and knowledgeable use by educators, and students and
their families. The National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards
Program (USGS-VHP) support development and publication of this educator guide as part of their
mission to educate the public about volcanoes. The USGS-VHP studies the dynamics of volcanoes,
investigates eruption histories, develops hazard assessments, monitors volcano-related activity,
and collaborates with local officials to lower the risk of disruption when volcanoes become
restless.
- Introduction
- Credits
- Acknowledgments
- How to Use the Guide
- Key Concepts
- Activity Overview
- Explanation of Activity Format and Fonts
- Recommended Activity Sequencing
- Educator Standards Matrix
- Conversion Factors
- Chapter 1. What the Past Tells Us
- Chapter 2. Today's Discoveries Unlock the Past
- Chapter 3. Don't be Scared -- Be Prepared!
Appendices
Other Menus of Interest
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