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How much ash was there from the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens?

During the 9 hours of vigorous eruptive activity on May 18, 1980, about 540 million tons of ash from Mount St. Helens fell over an area of more than 22,000 square miles (57,000 square kilometers). The total volume of the ash before its compaction by rainfall was about 0.3 cubic mile (1.3 cubic kilometers), equivalent to an area the size of a football field piled about 150 miles (240 kilometers) high with fluffy ash.

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Image shows gray ash covering cars and a house

How far would ash travel if Yellowstone had a large explosive eruption?

Knowledge about past eruptions of Yellowstone combined with mathematical models of volcanic ash dispersion help scientists determine where and how much ashfall will occur in possible future eruptions. During the three caldera-forming eruptions that occurred between 2.1 million and 640,000 years ago, tiny particles of volcanic ash covered much of the western half of North America. That ash was...

link

How far would ash travel if Yellowstone had a large explosive eruption?

Knowledge about past eruptions of Yellowstone combined with mathematical models of volcanic ash dispersion help scientists determine where and how much ashfall will occur in possible future eruptions. During the three caldera-forming eruptions that occurred between 2.1 million and 640,000 years ago, tiny particles of volcanic ash covered much of the western half of North America. That ash was...

Learn More
link
Image shows billowing clouds of steam and smoke emanating from the ground

How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?

The May 18, 1980 eruptive column at Mount St. Helens fluctuated in height through the day, but the eruption subsided by late afternoon. By early May 19, the eruption had stopped. By that time, the ash cloud had spread to the central United States.Two days later, even though the ash cloud had become more diffuse, fine ash was detected by systems used to monitor air pollution in several cities of...

link

How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?

The May 18, 1980 eruptive column at Mount St. Helens fluctuated in height through the day, but the eruption subsided by late afternoon. By early May 19, the eruption had stopped. By that time, the ash cloud had spread to the central United States.Two days later, even though the ash cloud had become more diffuse, fine ash was detected by systems used to monitor air pollution in several cities of...

Learn More
link
Ash-rich plume rises out of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Kilauea Volcano Hawaiʻi

Does ash ever erupt from Kīlauea Volcano?

Kīlauea Volcano is renowned for its relatively benign eruptions of fluid lava flows. Therefore, many people were surprised by the small explosions that occurred in Halema`uma`u Crater in 2008 and 2018, and even more surprised to learn that volcanic ash was being erupted from a new gas vent. However, ash emissions from Halema`uma`u Crater are part of the volcano's legacy.Kīlauea's summit has...

link

Does ash ever erupt from Kīlauea Volcano?

Kīlauea Volcano is renowned for its relatively benign eruptions of fluid lava flows. Therefore, many people were surprised by the small explosions that occurred in Halema`uma`u Crater in 2008 and 2018, and even more surprised to learn that volcanic ash was being erupted from a new gas vent. However, ash emissions from Halema`uma`u Crater are part of the volcano's legacy.Kīlauea's summit has...

Learn More
link
Mount St. Helens before and after 1980 eruption

How high was Mount St. Helens before the May 18, 1980 eruption? How high was it after?

Before May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens' summit altitude of 9,677 feet (2,950 meters) made it only the fifth highest peak in Washington State. It stood out handsomely, however, from surrounding hills because it rose thousands of feet above them and had a perennial cover of ice and snow. The peak rose more than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above its base, where the lower flanks merge with adjacent...

link

How high was Mount St. Helens before the May 18, 1980 eruption? How high was it after?

Before May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens' summit altitude of 9,677 feet (2,950 meters) made it only the fifth highest peak in Washington State. It stood out handsomely, however, from surrounding hills because it rose thousands of feet above them and had a perennial cover of ice and snow. The peak rose more than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above its base, where the lower flanks merge with adjacent...

Learn More
link
Aerial photo of Mount St. Helens volcano, pre-1980 eruption

How old is Mount St. Helens?

The eruptive history of Mount St. Helens began about 40,000 years ago with dacitic volcanism, which continued intermittently until about 2,500 years ago. This activity included numerous explosive eruptions over periods of hundreds to thousands of years, which were separated by apparent dormant intervals ranging in length from a few hundred to about 15,000 years.The range of rock types erupted by...

link

How old is Mount St. Helens?

The eruptive history of Mount St. Helens began about 40,000 years ago with dacitic volcanism, which continued intermittently until about 2,500 years ago. This activity included numerous explosive eruptions over periods of hundreds to thousands of years, which were separated by apparent dormant intervals ranging in length from a few hundred to about 15,000 years.The range of rock types erupted by...

Learn More
link
Mount St. Helens

What is the origin of the name "Mount St. Helens"?

Some Indians of the Pacific Northwest variously called Mount St. Helens 'Louwala-Clough,' or 'smoking mountain.'The modern name, Mount St. Helens, was given to the volcanic peak in 1792 by seafarer and explorer Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy. He named it in honor of fellow countryman Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title ‘Baron St. Helens’. Fitzherbert at the time served as...

link

What is the origin of the name "Mount St. Helens"?

Some Indians of the Pacific Northwest variously called Mount St. Helens 'Louwala-Clough,' or 'smoking mountain.'The modern name, Mount St. Helens, was given to the volcanic peak in 1792 by seafarer and explorer Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy. He named it in honor of fellow countryman Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title ‘Baron St. Helens’. Fitzherbert at the time served as...

Learn More
link
Image: Redoubt Volcano

How many eruptions have there been in the Cascades during the last 4,000 years?

Eruptions in the Cascades have occurred at an average rate of one to two per century during the last 4,000 years. Future eruptions are certain.Learn more:Eruptions in the Cascade Range During the Past 4,000 YearsUSGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

link

How many eruptions have there been in the Cascades during the last 4,000 years?

Eruptions in the Cascades have occurred at an average rate of one to two per century during the last 4,000 years. Future eruptions are certain.Learn more:Eruptions in the Cascade Range During the Past 4,000 YearsUSGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

Learn More
link
Image: Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Alaska

What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?

The world's largest eruption of the 20th century occurred in 1912 at Novarupta on the Alaska Peninsula. An estimated 15 cubic kilometers of magma was explosively erupted during 60 hours beginning on June 6th. This volume is equivalent to 230 years of eruption at Kilauea (Hawaii) or about 30 times the volume erupted by Mount St. Helens (Washington) in 1980!Due to the remote location of the eruption...

link

What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?

The world's largest eruption of the 20th century occurred in 1912 at Novarupta on the Alaska Peninsula. An estimated 15 cubic kilometers of magma was explosively erupted during 60 hours beginning on June 6th. This volume is equivalent to 230 years of eruption at Kilauea (Hawaii) or about 30 times the volume erupted by Mount St. Helens (Washington) in 1980!Due to the remote location of the eruption...

Learn More
link
High-resolution lidar image of Mount St. Helens, Washington.

What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?

The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused loss of lives and...

link

What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?

The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused loss of lives and...

Learn More
link
Volcano erupting and spewing a huge cloud of rock and ash into the sky.

Can volcanic eruptions endanger helicopters and other aircraft?

Yes. Encounters between aircraft and clouds of volcanic ash are a serious concern. Jet engines and other aircraft components are vulnerable to damage by fine, abrasive volcanic ash, which can drift in dangerous concentrations hundreds of miles downwind from an erupting volcano.In the past, many aircraft have accidentally encountered volcanic ash clouds, and in some cases jet engines have...

link

Can volcanic eruptions endanger helicopters and other aircraft?

Yes. Encounters between aircraft and clouds of volcanic ash are a serious concern. Jet engines and other aircraft components are vulnerable to damage by fine, abrasive volcanic ash, which can drift in dangerous concentrations hundreds of miles downwind from an erupting volcano.In the past, many aircraft have accidentally encountered volcanic ash clouds, and in some cases jet engines have...

Learn More
link
Ash and plume lightning over the Sakurajima volcano, southern Japan eruption in February of 2013

Do volcanoes affect weather?

Yes, volcanoes can affect weather and the Earth's climate. Following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, cooler than normal temperatures were recorded worldwide and brilliant sunsets and sunrises were attributed to this eruption that sent fine ash and gases high into the stratosphere, forming a large volcanic cloud that drifted around the world. The sulfur dioxide (SO2) in this...

link

Do volcanoes affect weather?

Yes, volcanoes can affect weather and the Earth's climate. Following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, cooler than normal temperatures were recorded worldwide and brilliant sunsets and sunrises were attributed to this eruption that sent fine ash and gases high into the stratosphere, forming a large volcanic cloud that drifted around the world. The sulfur dioxide (SO2) in this...

Learn More
link
Samples to OGRL thumbnail

What are some benefits of volcanic eruptions?

Over geologic time, volcanic eruptions and related processes have directly and indirectly benefited mankind:Volcanic materials ultimately break down and weather to form some of the most fertile soils on Earth, cultivation of which has produced abundant food and fostered civilizations.The internal heat associated with young volcanic systems has been harnessed to produce geothermal energy.Most of...

link

What are some benefits of volcanic eruptions?

Over geologic time, volcanic eruptions and related processes have directly and indirectly benefited mankind:Volcanic materials ultimately break down and weather to form some of the most fertile soils on Earth, cultivation of which has produced abundant food and fostered civilizations.The internal heat associated with young volcanic systems has been harnessed to produce geothermal energy.Most of...

Learn More
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Mount St. Helens before and after 1980 eruption
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video thumbnail: Mount St. Helens: May 18, 1980
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Tephra and gas eruption from Mount St. Helens crater with dome
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Image shows a map with potential volcano hazards to the surrounding area for Mount St. Helens
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Image shows billowing clouds of steam and smoke emanating from the ground
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Mount St. Helens soon after the May 18, 1980 eruption
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Volcano erupting and spewing a huge cloud of rock and ash into the sky.
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video thumbnail: Mount St. Helens 1980 Ash Cloud as Seen From Space
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Aerial photo of Mount St. Helens volcano, pre-1980 eruption
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Mount St. Helens
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Filter Total Items: 22

A 40-year story of river sediment at Mount St. Helens

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State unleashed one of the largest debris avalanches (landslide) in recorded history. The debris avalanche deposited 3.3 billion cubic yards of material into the upper North Fork Toutle River watershed and obstructed the Columbia River shipping channel downstream. From the eruption on May 18, 1980, to September 30, 2018, the Toutle River transpor
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

How would a volcanic eruption affect your Tribe?

Volcanic eruptions are rare, but when they occur, they can profoundly affect nearby communities. In order to determine which communities are at risk, and in order for those communities to mitigate their risk, communities need to know whether they are in or near volcano hazard zones and have basic information about the hazards within those zones. In addition, individuals need to know whether they l
By
Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Ten ways Mount St. Helens changed our world—The enduring legacy of the 1980 eruption

Mount St. Helens was once enjoyed for its serene beauty and was considered one of America’s most majestic volcanoes because of its perfect cone shape, similar to Japan’s beloved Mount Fuji. Nearby residents assumed that the mountain was solid and enduring. That perception changed during the early spring of 1980. Then, on May 18, 1980, following 2 months of earthquakes and small explosions, the vol
By
Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Field trip guide to Mount St. Helens, Washington—Recent and ancient volcaniclastic processes and deposits

This field guide explores volcanic effusions, sediments, and landforms at Mount St. Helens in Washington. A detailed synopsis outlines the eruptive history of Mount St. Helens from about 300,000 years ago through 1980 and beyond.The five days in the field include about 28 stops and 12 potential stops. Exposures in valleys surrounding Mount St. Helens reveal records of diverse Pleistocene and Holoc
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

When volcanoes fall down—Catastrophic collapse and debris avalanches

Despite their seeming permanence, volcanoes are prone to catastrophic collapse that can affect vast areas in a matter of minutes. Large collapses begin as gigantic landslides that quickly transform to debris avalanches—chaotically tumbling masses of rock debris that can sweep downslope at extremely high velocities, inundating areas far beyond the volcano. Rapid burial by the debris avalanches them
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Field-trip guide to Mount St. Helens, Washington - An overview of the eruptive history and petrology, tephra deposits, 1980 pyroclastic density current deposits, and the crater

This field trip will provide an introduction to several fascinating features of Mount St. Helens. The trip begins with a rigorous hike of about 15 km from the Johnston Ridge Observatory (9 km north-northeast of the crater vent), across the 1980 Pumice Plain, to Windy Ridge (3.6 km northeast of the crater vent) to examine features that document the dynamics and progressive emplacement of pyroclasti
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage

At least 170 volcanoes in 12 States and 2 territories have erupted in the past 12,000 years and have the potential to erupt again. Consequences of eruptions from U.S. volcanoes can extend far beyond the volcano’s immediate area. Many aspects of our daily life are vulnerable to volcano hazards, including air travel, regional power generation and transmission infrastructure, interstate transportatio
By
Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Mount St. Helens, 1980 to now—what’s going on?

Mount St. Helens seized the world’s attention in 1980 when the largest historical landslide on Earth and a powerful explosive eruption reshaped the volcano, created its distinctive crater, and dramatically modified the surrounding landscape. An enormous lava dome grew episodically in the crater until 1986, when the volcano became relatively quiet. A new glacier grew in the crater, wrapping around
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Volcanoes!

Volcanoes is an interdisciplinary set of materials for grades 4-8. Through the story of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, students will answer fundamental questions about volcanoes: "What is a volcano?" "Where do volcanoes occur and why?" "What are the effects of volcanoes on the Earth system?" "What are the risks and the benefits of living near volcanoes?" "Can scientists forecast volcanic e

Airborne volcanic ash; a global threat to aviation

The world's busy air traffic corridors pass over or downwind of hundreds of volcanoes capable of hazardous explosive eruptions. The risk to aviation from volcanic activity is significant - in the United States alone, aircraft carry about 300,000 passengers and hundreds of millions of dollars of cargo near active volcanoes each day. Costly disruption of flight operations in Europe and North America

30 cool facts about Mount St. Helens

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens. 
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Eruptions in the Cascade Range during the past 4,000 years

Volcanoes have been erupting in the Cascade Range for over 500,000 years. During the past 4,000 years eruptions have occurred at an average rate of about 2 per century. This chart shows 13 volcanoes on a map of Washington, Oregon, and northern California and time lines for each showing the ages of their eruptions.
By
Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center
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Mount St. Helens’ 1980 Eruption Changed the Future of Volcanology

If scientists armed with today's monitoring tools and knowledge could step back in time to the two months before May 18, 1980, they would have been...

Read Article
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Ever Vigilant: USGS Marks the 37th Anniversary of Mount St. Helen's Eruption and the 35th Anniversary of the Cascades Volcano Observatory

Today, in 1980, Mount St. Helens unleashed the most devastating eruption in U.S. history. Two years later, USGS founded the Cascades Volcano...

Read Article
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EarthWord–Phreatic Eruption

This EarthWord is straight up steampunk...

Read Article
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EarthWord–Lahar

Which sounds more dangerous, lava or mud? The answer may surprise you...

Read Article
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May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington State

May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington, providing residents an opportunity to become more familiar with volcano hazards in their communities...

Read Article
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EarthWord–Subduction

It’s not flirting for submarines, but this week’s EarthWord does feature the ocean...

Read Article
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EarthWord–Tephra

Look! In the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane! Wait, run, it’s this week’s EarthWord!

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    Image shows gray ash covering cars and a house

    How far would ash travel if Yellowstone had a large explosive eruption?

    Knowledge about past eruptions of Yellowstone combined with mathematical models of volcanic ash dispersion help scientists determine where and how much ashfall will occur in possible future eruptions. During the three caldera-forming eruptions that occurred between 2.1 million and 640,000 years ago, tiny particles of volcanic ash covered much of the western half of North America. That ash was...

    link

    How far would ash travel if Yellowstone had a large explosive eruption?

    Knowledge about past eruptions of Yellowstone combined with mathematical models of volcanic ash dispersion help scientists determine where and how much ashfall will occur in possible future eruptions. During the three caldera-forming eruptions that occurred between 2.1 million and 640,000 years ago, tiny particles of volcanic ash covered much of the western half of North America. That ash was...

    Learn More
    link
    Image shows billowing clouds of steam and smoke emanating from the ground

    How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?

    The May 18, 1980 eruptive column at Mount St. Helens fluctuated in height through the day, but the eruption subsided by late afternoon. By early May 19, the eruption had stopped. By that time, the ash cloud had spread to the central United States.Two days later, even though the ash cloud had become more diffuse, fine ash was detected by systems used to monitor air pollution in several cities of...

    link

    How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?

    The May 18, 1980 eruptive column at Mount St. Helens fluctuated in height through the day, but the eruption subsided by late afternoon. By early May 19, the eruption had stopped. By that time, the ash cloud had spread to the central United States.Two days later, even though the ash cloud had become more diffuse, fine ash was detected by systems used to monitor air pollution in several cities of...

    Learn More
    link
    Ash-rich plume rises out of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Kilauea Volcano Hawaiʻi

    Does ash ever erupt from Kīlauea Volcano?

    Kīlauea Volcano is renowned for its relatively benign eruptions of fluid lava flows. Therefore, many people were surprised by the small explosions that occurred in Halema`uma`u Crater in 2008 and 2018, and even more surprised to learn that volcanic ash was being erupted from a new gas vent. However, ash emissions from Halema`uma`u Crater are part of the volcano's legacy.Kīlauea's summit has...

    link

    Does ash ever erupt from Kīlauea Volcano?

    Kīlauea Volcano is renowned for its relatively benign eruptions of fluid lava flows. Therefore, many people were surprised by the small explosions that occurred in Halema`uma`u Crater in 2008 and 2018, and even more surprised to learn that volcanic ash was being erupted from a new gas vent. However, ash emissions from Halema`uma`u Crater are part of the volcano's legacy.Kīlauea's summit has...

    Learn More
    link
    Mount St. Helens before and after 1980 eruption

    How high was Mount St. Helens before the May 18, 1980 eruption? How high was it after?

    Before May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens' summit altitude of 9,677 feet (2,950 meters) made it only the fifth highest peak in Washington State. It stood out handsomely, however, from surrounding hills because it rose thousands of feet above them and had a perennial cover of ice and snow. The peak rose more than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above its base, where the lower flanks merge with adjacent...

    link

    How high was Mount St. Helens before the May 18, 1980 eruption? How high was it after?

    Before May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens' summit altitude of 9,677 feet (2,950 meters) made it only the fifth highest peak in Washington State. It stood out handsomely, however, from surrounding hills because it rose thousands of feet above them and had a perennial cover of ice and snow. The peak rose more than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above its base, where the lower flanks merge with adjacent...

    Learn More
    link
    Aerial photo of Mount St. Helens volcano, pre-1980 eruption

    How old is Mount St. Helens?

    The eruptive history of Mount St. Helens began about 40,000 years ago with dacitic volcanism, which continued intermittently until about 2,500 years ago. This activity included numerous explosive eruptions over periods of hundreds to thousands of years, which were separated by apparent dormant intervals ranging in length from a few hundred to about 15,000 years.The range of rock types erupted by...

    link

    How old is Mount St. Helens?

    The eruptive history of Mount St. Helens began about 40,000 years ago with dacitic volcanism, which continued intermittently until about 2,500 years ago. This activity included numerous explosive eruptions over periods of hundreds to thousands of years, which were separated by apparent dormant intervals ranging in length from a few hundred to about 15,000 years.The range of rock types erupted by...

    Learn More
    link
    Mount St. Helens

    What is the origin of the name "Mount St. Helens"?

    Some Indians of the Pacific Northwest variously called Mount St. Helens 'Louwala-Clough,' or 'smoking mountain.'The modern name, Mount St. Helens, was given to the volcanic peak in 1792 by seafarer and explorer Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy. He named it in honor of fellow countryman Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title ‘Baron St. Helens’. Fitzherbert at the time served as...

    link

    What is the origin of the name "Mount St. Helens"?

    Some Indians of the Pacific Northwest variously called Mount St. Helens 'Louwala-Clough,' or 'smoking mountain.'The modern name, Mount St. Helens, was given to the volcanic peak in 1792 by seafarer and explorer Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy. He named it in honor of fellow countryman Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title ‘Baron St. Helens’. Fitzherbert at the time served as...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Redoubt Volcano

    How many eruptions have there been in the Cascades during the last 4,000 years?

    Eruptions in the Cascades have occurred at an average rate of one to two per century during the last 4,000 years. Future eruptions are certain.Learn more:Eruptions in the Cascade Range During the Past 4,000 YearsUSGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

    link

    How many eruptions have there been in the Cascades during the last 4,000 years?

    Eruptions in the Cascades have occurred at an average rate of one to two per century during the last 4,000 years. Future eruptions are certain.Learn more:Eruptions in the Cascade Range During the Past 4,000 YearsUSGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Alaska

    What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?

    The world's largest eruption of the 20th century occurred in 1912 at Novarupta on the Alaska Peninsula. An estimated 15 cubic kilometers of magma was explosively erupted during 60 hours beginning on June 6th. This volume is equivalent to 230 years of eruption at Kilauea (Hawaii) or about 30 times the volume erupted by Mount St. Helens (Washington) in 1980!Due to the remote location of the eruption...

    link

    What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?

    The world's largest eruption of the 20th century occurred in 1912 at Novarupta on the Alaska Peninsula. An estimated 15 cubic kilometers of magma was explosively erupted during 60 hours beginning on June 6th. This volume is equivalent to 230 years of eruption at Kilauea (Hawaii) or about 30 times the volume erupted by Mount St. Helens (Washington) in 1980!Due to the remote location of the eruption...

    Learn More
    link
    High-resolution lidar image of Mount St. Helens, Washington.

    What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?

    The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused loss of lives and...

    link

    What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?

    The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused loss of lives and...

    Learn More
    link
    Volcano erupting and spewing a huge cloud of rock and ash into the sky.

    Can volcanic eruptions endanger helicopters and other aircraft?

    Yes. Encounters between aircraft and clouds of volcanic ash are a serious concern. Jet engines and other aircraft components are vulnerable to damage by fine, abrasive volcanic ash, which can drift in dangerous concentrations hundreds of miles downwind from an erupting volcano.In the past, many aircraft have accidentally encountered volcanic ash clouds, and in some cases jet engines have...

    link

    Can volcanic eruptions endanger helicopters and other aircraft?

    Yes. Encounters between aircraft and clouds of volcanic ash are a serious concern. Jet engines and other aircraft components are vulnerable to damage by fine, abrasive volcanic ash, which can drift in dangerous concentrations hundreds of miles downwind from an erupting volcano.In the past, many aircraft have accidentally encountered volcanic ash clouds, and in some cases jet engines have...

    Learn More
    link
    Ash and plume lightning over the Sakurajima volcano, southern Japan eruption in February of 2013

    Do volcanoes affect weather?

    Yes, volcanoes can affect weather and the Earth's climate. Following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, cooler than normal temperatures were recorded worldwide and brilliant sunsets and sunrises were attributed to this eruption that sent fine ash and gases high into the stratosphere, forming a large volcanic cloud that drifted around the world. The sulfur dioxide (SO2) in this...

    link

    Do volcanoes affect weather?

    Yes, volcanoes can affect weather and the Earth's climate. Following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, cooler than normal temperatures were recorded worldwide and brilliant sunsets and sunrises were attributed to this eruption that sent fine ash and gases high into the stratosphere, forming a large volcanic cloud that drifted around the world. The sulfur dioxide (SO2) in this...

    Learn More
    link
    Samples to OGRL thumbnail

    What are some benefits of volcanic eruptions?

    Over geologic time, volcanic eruptions and related processes have directly and indirectly benefited mankind:Volcanic materials ultimately break down and weather to form some of the most fertile soils on Earth, cultivation of which has produced abundant food and fostered civilizations.The internal heat associated with young volcanic systems has been harnessed to produce geothermal energy.Most of...

    link

    What are some benefits of volcanic eruptions?

    Over geologic time, volcanic eruptions and related processes have directly and indirectly benefited mankind:Volcanic materials ultimately break down and weather to form some of the most fertile soils on Earth, cultivation of which has produced abundant food and fostered civilizations.The internal heat associated with young volcanic systems has been harnessed to produce geothermal energy.Most of...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
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    Mount St. Helens before and after 1980 eruption
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    video thumbnail: Mount St. Helens: May 18, 1980
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    Tephra and gas eruption from Mount St. Helens crater with dome
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    Image shows a map with potential volcano hazards to the surrounding area for Mount St. Helens
    link
    Image shows billowing clouds of steam and smoke emanating from the ground
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    Mount St. Helens soon after the May 18, 1980 eruption
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    Volcano erupting and spewing a huge cloud of rock and ash into the sky.
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    video thumbnail: Mount St. Helens 1980 Ash Cloud as Seen From Space
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    Aerial photo of Mount St. Helens volcano, pre-1980 eruption
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    Mount St. Helens
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  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 22

    A 40-year story of river sediment at Mount St. Helens

    The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State unleashed one of the largest debris avalanches (landslide) in recorded history. The debris avalanche deposited 3.3 billion cubic yards of material into the upper North Fork Toutle River watershed and obstructed the Columbia River shipping channel downstream. From the eruption on May 18, 1980, to September 30, 2018, the Toutle River transpor
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    How would a volcanic eruption affect your Tribe?

    Volcanic eruptions are rare, but when they occur, they can profoundly affect nearby communities. In order to determine which communities are at risk, and in order for those communities to mitigate their risk, communities need to know whether they are in or near volcano hazard zones and have basic information about the hazards within those zones. In addition, individuals need to know whether they l
    By
    Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Ten ways Mount St. Helens changed our world—The enduring legacy of the 1980 eruption

    Mount St. Helens was once enjoyed for its serene beauty and was considered one of America’s most majestic volcanoes because of its perfect cone shape, similar to Japan’s beloved Mount Fuji. Nearby residents assumed that the mountain was solid and enduring. That perception changed during the early spring of 1980. Then, on May 18, 1980, following 2 months of earthquakes and small explosions, the vol
    By
    Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Field trip guide to Mount St. Helens, Washington—Recent and ancient volcaniclastic processes and deposits

    This field guide explores volcanic effusions, sediments, and landforms at Mount St. Helens in Washington. A detailed synopsis outlines the eruptive history of Mount St. Helens from about 300,000 years ago through 1980 and beyond.The five days in the field include about 28 stops and 12 potential stops. Exposures in valleys surrounding Mount St. Helens reveal records of diverse Pleistocene and Holoc
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    When volcanoes fall down—Catastrophic collapse and debris avalanches

    Despite their seeming permanence, volcanoes are prone to catastrophic collapse that can affect vast areas in a matter of minutes. Large collapses begin as gigantic landslides that quickly transform to debris avalanches—chaotically tumbling masses of rock debris that can sweep downslope at extremely high velocities, inundating areas far beyond the volcano. Rapid burial by the debris avalanches them
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Field-trip guide to Mount St. Helens, Washington - An overview of the eruptive history and petrology, tephra deposits, 1980 pyroclastic density current deposits, and the crater

    This field trip will provide an introduction to several fascinating features of Mount St. Helens. The trip begins with a rigorous hike of about 15 km from the Johnston Ridge Observatory (9 km north-northeast of the crater vent), across the 1980 Pumice Plain, to Windy Ridge (3.6 km northeast of the crater vent) to examine features that document the dynamics and progressive emplacement of pyroclasti
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage

    At least 170 volcanoes in 12 States and 2 territories have erupted in the past 12,000 years and have the potential to erupt again. Consequences of eruptions from U.S. volcanoes can extend far beyond the volcano’s immediate area. Many aspects of our daily life are vulnerable to volcano hazards, including air travel, regional power generation and transmission infrastructure, interstate transportatio
    By
    Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Mount St. Helens, 1980 to now—what’s going on?

    Mount St. Helens seized the world’s attention in 1980 when the largest historical landslide on Earth and a powerful explosive eruption reshaped the volcano, created its distinctive crater, and dramatically modified the surrounding landscape. An enormous lava dome grew episodically in the crater until 1986, when the volcano became relatively quiet. A new glacier grew in the crater, wrapping around
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Volcanoes!

    Volcanoes is an interdisciplinary set of materials for grades 4-8. Through the story of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, students will answer fundamental questions about volcanoes: "What is a volcano?" "Where do volcanoes occur and why?" "What are the effects of volcanoes on the Earth system?" "What are the risks and the benefits of living near volcanoes?" "Can scientists forecast volcanic e

    Airborne volcanic ash; a global threat to aviation

    The world's busy air traffic corridors pass over or downwind of hundreds of volcanoes capable of hazardous explosive eruptions. The risk to aviation from volcanic activity is significant - in the United States alone, aircraft carry about 300,000 passengers and hundreds of millions of dollars of cargo near active volcanoes each day. Costly disruption of flight operations in Europe and North America

    30 cool facts about Mount St. Helens

    Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens. 
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Eruptions in the Cascade Range during the past 4,000 years

    Volcanoes have been erupting in the Cascade Range for over 500,000 years. During the past 4,000 years eruptions have occurred at an average rate of about 2 per century. This chart shows 13 volcanoes on a map of Washington, Oregon, and northern California and time lines for each showing the ages of their eruptions.
    By
    Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center
  • News
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    Mount St. Helens’ 1980 Eruption Changed the Future of Volcanology

    If scientists armed with today's monitoring tools and knowledge could step back in time to the two months before May 18, 1980, they would have been...

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    Ever Vigilant: USGS Marks the 37th Anniversary of Mount St. Helen's Eruption and the 35th Anniversary of the Cascades Volcano Observatory

    Today, in 1980, Mount St. Helens unleashed the most devastating eruption in U.S. history. Two years later, USGS founded the Cascades Volcano...

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    EarthWord–Phreatic Eruption

    This EarthWord is straight up steampunk...

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    EarthWord–Lahar

    Which sounds more dangerous, lava or mud? The answer may surprise you...

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    May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington State

    May is Volcano Preparedness Month in Washington, providing residents an opportunity to become more familiar with volcano hazards in their communities...

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    EarthWord–Subduction

    It’s not flirting for submarines, but this week’s EarthWord does feature the ocean...

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    EarthWord–Tephra

    Look! In the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane! Wait, run, it’s this week’s EarthWord!

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