Mystery Bulge in Oregon Still Growing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a bulge near the South Sister in Oregon that is reportedly growing, raising questions about its geological implications, including the possibility of a new volcano forming or significant shifts in molten rock beneath the Cascade Range. The conversation touches on theories related to volcanic activity and potential eruptions, as well as local responses to geological changes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest the bulge could indicate the formation of a new volcano or a significant geological shift, referencing recent eruptions at Mount St. Helens as a context for increased interest in the area.
  • One participant speculates that the bulge might be part of an effort to raise the area for tsunami prevention, questioning the practicality given Bend's elevation and distance from the coast.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the bulge could be due to a local individual gaining weight, while also raising questions about the potential for eruption versus slow magma oozing.
  • A later reply proposes that the bulge may lead to a small eruption, potentially adding a new peak to the Sisters mountains, while expressing a personal interest in witnessing such an event.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of theories regarding the bulge's implications, with no consensus on whether it will lead to an eruption or what the bulge signifies. Multiple competing views remain, and the discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the scientific details behind the bulge, and there are assumptions about the geological processes involved that remain unaddressed. The implications of the bulge on local safety and geological monitoring are also not fully clarified.

Ivan Seeking
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BEND, Ore. (AP) -- A recent survey of a bulge that covers about 100 square miles near the South Sister indicates the area is still growing, suggesting it could be another volcano in the making or a major shift of molten rock under the center of the Cascade Range.

Recent eruptions at nearby Mount St. Helens in Washington state have rekindled interest in the annual Sisters survey and its findings.

Oregon has four of the 18 most active volcanoes in the nation -- Mount Hood, Crater Lake, Newberry and South Sister. A recent U.S. Geological Survey report said monitoring is inadequate at all of them, with only basic monitoring at about half of the active volcanoes. [continued]
http://www.livescience.com/forcesofnature/ap_050906_sisters_bulge.html
 
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I was just discussing that with my friend who lives in that area. I think it's an attempt to improve tsunami prevention. Make the whole area higher ground!
 
LURCH said:
I was just discussing that with my friend who lives in that area. I think it's an attempt to improve tsunami prevention. Make the whole area higher ground!

Considering that Bend is already at an elevation of 3,623', is about 150 miles from the coast, and has the Cascade mountain range between it and the Pacific, wouldn't that be overkill?
 
I had thought perhaps Ivan has put on a few pounds with all the good BBQ in the summer.
If it is a magma pool, will it erupt? or will it just ooze out? Thats a very large area.
 
The latest theory is that it will produce a small eruption that will add a new "Sister" to the mountains already standing there (assuming it doesn't just subside). My friend Brian in Eugene is kind-of hoping this proves true, as he would be close enough to possibly see the glow at night and cloud in the day; maybe even take occasional trips closer into watch the show, but the area is remote enough that such a small eruption would not be likely to produce casualties.
 

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