Copyright Information: All images are in the public domain and available for free. If you use this image, credit NOAA/NGDC, D. Wellman, NOAA. |
A typical phreatic (steam) eruption in early May. Note the increased size of the vent. Eruptive activity increased greatly about May 7, following a two week quiet period. Steam and ash eruptions reached elevations of 13,000 feet during this period. There were also steam eruptions at several sites on the north flank. Image Credit: D. Wellman. NOAA 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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