The summit area of Mt. Rainier is covered to a large extent by glacial ice. A small eruption of lava flows within 1 km of the summit could melt the glaciers ice. Briefly explain the chain of events that would cause a lahar that might threaten Orting.

When lava erupts from the volcano, it would melt the glaciers ice and as this mix of lava and melted ice flows down the mountain side, the incline of the mountain would increase the momentum of the flow and gravity would do the rest. Orting is about 30 miles away from Mt. Rainier, which is not a significant distance for a rapidly flowing lahar. However, a small eruption might not put the town at risk.