Aloha Everyone,
Thirty eight years ago, on May 18, 1980, Mount St Helen erupted causing an earthquake that measured 5.1 on the Richter scale. The north face collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche.The eruption lasted 9 hours. Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape changed permanently and dramatically.
Approximately 150 square miles of surrounding forest was blown away during the 1980 eruption. Reforestation is an ongoing project.
The cement-like slurries of rock and mud scoured all sides of the volcano and poured into the Toutle River. The aftermaths of the eruption are still very visible.
The volcano continues building a lava dome that is now 920 feet high. The scientists at United States Geological Survey monitor the volcano for earthquakes, swelling, and gas emissions.
Today the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument is reserved for research, recreation, and education. An extensive displays of photographs, hands-on learning tools, and videos teach visitors about the Mount St. Helen volcano. http://www.mshslc.org/
Aloha -- Cathi