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. |
Spirit Lake, viewed from the northeast, after the eruption. The vacation lodges and homes in the area were destroyed or buried by the initial blast. The shoreline was moved one-quarter of a mile further south and raised about 200 feet. The lake bed was partially filled with 250 to 300 feet of debris. Note floating wood debris in the lake foreground. The photo was taken on June 19, 1980. 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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