Mount St. Helens - 30 years ago today

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In summary: They were having a great time in the snow!In summary, the PBS NOVA special "Mount St. Helens, back from the dead" explores the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and its aftermath. The special includes various videos and images of the eruption, as well as information about the Johnston Ridge Observatory and the Forest Service's camera pointed at the mountain. The conversation also includes personal experiences and recommendations for visiting the area.
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Ivan Seeking
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PBS NOVA special: Mount St. Helens, back from the dead
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sthelens/


Mount St. Helens - 1980

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgRnVhbfIKQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njV9ski1gB4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1gpnu-fdUU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2mgyCuLOlQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee9CPox93OQ

See also for other historic videos
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=389164
 
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  • #4
I was living in Corvallis, Or the day it went off. Even though I was over 100 miles away, I heard it! It was a low distant rumble, like thunder, only it lasted longer. I didn't know what it was until I heard about it on the news later. The power of these volcanoes is humbling - and remember, this was a small one. If (actually when) Yellowstone blows again, it will be a catastrophe that will make Hurricane Katrina or the Haiti earthquake look like child's play.
 
  • #5
lisab said:
If any PFers are ever in the area, I recommend a trip to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. A bit of a drive from, well, anywhere...but it's really a spectacular sight.
I was in the area recently, but the observatory was closed for the Winter season. I did, however, get some up-close views of the mountain, being that I spent a good part of a day on it. :biggrin:

Pictures/video shot by my climbing buddy and me:

 
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  • #6
Astronuc said:
Viewing is only possible during daylight hours in the Pacific Time zone, and when the weather is clear, i.e. not cloudy, foggy, snowy or rainy.
Pretty much the definition of the NULL set then ;-)
 
  • #7
Gokul43201 said:
I was in the area recently, but the observatory was closed for the Winter season. I did, however, get some up-close views of the mountain, being that I spent a good part of a day on it. :biggrin:

Pictures/video shot by my climbing buddy and me:



Nice! The skiing down looks like the best part :smile:.

Did the dog summit?
 
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  • #8
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9643/scan110011011.jpg

I shot this pic from the observatory about eight years ago. A large area below the mountain had been reseeded with grass to prevent erosion. From a pull off along the access road I could see moose grazing on the grass.
 
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  • #9
Impressive... volcanoes really are amazing features. MSH is a bit impressive and a lot scary. :)
 
  • #10
lisab said:
Nice! The skiing down looks like the best part :smile:.
Yeah, the skiers and snowboarders were having a blast!

Did the dog summit?
Yes, there were 2 or 3 dogs that summitted that day.
 

What caused the eruption of Mount St. Helens 30 years ago?

The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 was caused by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale. This triggered a massive landslide, which then led to the volcanic eruption.

How powerful was the eruption of Mount St. Helens 30 years ago?

The eruption of Mount St. Helens was one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in modern history. It released 24 megatons of thermal energy and caused the largest landslide in recorded history.

What were the effects of the eruption on the surrounding area?

The eruption of Mount St. Helens caused widespread destruction in the surrounding area. It killed 57 people and destroyed over 200 homes, as well as roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. It also caused significant environmental damage, including the formation of a new crater and the destruction of a large area of forest.

How has the landscape changed since the eruption?

The eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically altered the landscape in the surrounding area. The north face of the mountain was completely destroyed, leaving a horseshoe-shaped crater. The surrounding valleys were filled with debris from the landslide, and the Toutle River was blocked by the landslide debris, forming a new lake.

What research has been conducted at Mount St. Helens since the eruption?

Since the eruption, scientists have been studying the recovery and evolution of the landscape at Mount St. Helens. They have also been monitoring the volcano for any signs of future eruptions and have gained valuable insights into the processes of volcanic eruption and recovery. The area surrounding Mount St. Helens has also become a natural laboratory for studying how ecosystems recover from natural disasters.

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