SCI/TECH: Ranier Quake Biggest in 30 Years, page 1

Mt Rainier was shaken by the biggest earthquake it has experienced in 30 years. The 3.2 earthquake shook Mt Saint Helens sister volcano, but scientists say that this does not mean that an eruption is imminent.

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SEATTLE (AP) - Mount Rainier was shaken by its biggest earthquake in 30 years, but scientists said Tuesday that the increased seismic activity does not signal an eruption of the volcano.

The magnitude-3.2 quake was not related to recent rumblings at Mount St. Helens - Rainier's sister volcano 50 miles to the south in the Cascade range.

Still, the Rainier quake is considered significant because it struck only one mile below the surface of its volcanic crater, said Bill Steele, coordinator of the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network at the University of Washington.

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The earthquake struck one mile below the surface, and it is considered very significant. Activity around the crater has increased over the last weeks. At least 5 earthquakes were measured at greater than 2.0. On Sunday a swarm of 17-18 tremors were felt.

Mt Rainier is considered more hazardous than Mt. Saint Helens simply because of the densely populated areas around the crater.