Copyright Information: All images are in the public domain and available for free. If you use this image, credit NOAA/NGDC, Department of Natural Resources, State of Washington. |
Mount Saint Helens as viewed from the west side (looking up the South Fork of the Toutle River Valley). In this photo taken on March 25, 1980, just two days before the first visible volcanic activity, the mountain looks completely serene. Mount Saint Helens is the youngest of the major Cascade volcanoes. Comparatively recent volcanism had not given the mountain's smooth symmetrical slopes time to develop deep erosional scars. Image Credit: Department of Natural Resources, State of Washington May 18, 1980 Mount Saint Helens USA volcano An earthquake occurred at 15 32 UT, only seconds before the explosion that began the eruption of Mount St. Helens volcano. This eruption and blast blew off the top of the volcano, reducing its elevation by 396 meters, killed 31 people and caused an estimated property damage of between $0.5 billion and $2 billion. About 53 earthquakes having magnitude larger than 4.5 were located near Mount St. Helens before the main event and eruption. No earthquakes having magnitudes higher than 4.5 were located following the eruption. |
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