Is the Mount St Helens Volcano going to erupt?
This is to be expected while Mount St. Helens is in an active period, as it has been since 1980, and it does not indicate that the volcano is likely to erupt anytime soon. Re-pressurization of a volcano’s magma reservoir is commonly observed at other volcanoes that have erupted recently, and it can continue for many years without an eruption.
How tall is the summit of Mount St Helens?
The vent for this andesite lava flow, at an elevation of 1,830 m (6,000 ft) on the south flank of Mount St. Helens, marks the location of the volcano’s summit at the end of the Cougar stage.
How did the removal of the cryptodome cause Mount St Helens to erupt?
Removal of the cryptodome and flank exposed the conduit of Mount St. Helens, resulting in a release of pressure on the top of the volcano’s plumbing system. This caused a depressurization wave to propagate down the conduit to the volcano’s magma storage region, allowing the pent-up magma to expand upward toward the vent opening.
Why is Mount St Helens in an active period?
It is likely that re-pressurization is caused by arrival of a small amount of additional magma 4-8 km (2.5-5 miles) beneath the surface. This is to be expected while Mount St. Helens is in an active period, as it has been since 1980, and it does not indicate that the volcano is likely to erupt anytime soon.
How many animals died in Mount St Helens eruption?
Wildlife in the Mount St. Helens area also suffered heavily. The Washington State Department of Game estimated that nearly 7,000 big game animals (deer, elk, and bear) perished in the area most affected by the eruption, as well as all birds and most small mammals.
What was the impact of Mount St Helens ash fall?
Effects of the ash fall on the water quality of streams, lakes, and rivers were short-lived and minor. Stand of timber in the „tree-down“ zone north of Mount St. Helens devastated by the lateral blast. The downed trees were salvaged as quickly as possible before the wood began to rot.
Why do we need to know about Mount St Helens?
The information collected at Mount St. Helens continues to help scientists interpret behaviors at other volcanoes and to improve eruption forecasting capabilities. Additional research results will be posted in USGS Updates, Information Statements, and on the USGS-CVO website.
How are USGS and PNSN monitoring Mount St Helens?
USGS and PNSN are continuing to monitor ground deformation and seismicity at Mount St. Helens. In an effort to learn more about activity beneath the volcano, they will conduct two additional types of measurements this summer.