Geologists had suspicions that the volcano was going to erupt. They didn't know exactly when, however. The first sign was an increase in earthquake activity in March of 1980. Throughout March and April, the mountain became more active including several steam eruptions. In April, a large bulge appeared on the north side of the volcano. At this point, geologists knew the eruption would likely occur soon but still didn't have an exact time.
On May 18, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake shook the area. This caused the north side of the mountain to collapse. The majority of the north side of the mountain turned into a giant landslide, making it one of the largest landslides in recorded history. The giant mass of earth slid at a speed of over 100 miles per hour wiping out everything in its path. The landslide hit Spirit Lake next to the mountain causing 600-foot waves.
A few seconds after the landslide, the north side of the mountain exploded in a giant eruption. A lateral blast shot superheated gasses and debris out of the side of the mountain at over 300 hundred miles per hour. The blast burned and blew away everything in its path. Around 230 square miles of forest were destroyed as a result of this.
The effects the eruption had on the environment were incredible. It's estimated that the eruption caused over $1 billion worth of damage.
Fun Facts:
- Ash from the eruption had circled the globe within fifteen days.
- It's estimated that 900,000 tons of ash had to be cleared from roads and airports.
- President Carter visited the mountain shortly after it erupted. He said it looked worse than the surface of the moon.
Mt. St. Helens
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