Ways the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption Changed Our World

The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens was historic and fundamentally changed how we see volcanoes. For those who lost family and friends, homes, and their livelihoods, it was an unimaginable tragedy. For others around the world, the eruption was an exciting curiosity, an experience they could share with their kids and grandkids. For scientists, the eruption inspired innovation in monitoring technology and insights about explosive eruptions, volcanic hazards, and their long-term impact on surrounding landscapes. And for local officials, it prompted new discussions on how to better prepare for future natural hazard emergencies.

Here are the “Ways the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens Changed our World.”

If you’d like to see other things that make the mountain unique, check that poster out. Or for more information, check out:

• To learn about what USGS does with Mount St. Helens, visit the USGS Mount St. Helens volcano website.
• To learn more about how the 1980 eruption influenced volcanology check out the USGS fact sheet, “Ten Ways Mount St. Helens Changed Our World—The Enduring Legacy of the 1980 Eruption.”
• To learn more about ash, visit the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network webpage.
• To sign up to receive email notifications from the USGS about volcanic activity, visit the Volcano Notification Service.