The Volcanic Explosion Of Mount St. Helens

The volcanic explosion of Mount St. Helens May 18, 1980 left the world in shock. For two months prior to the event small earthquakes had been recorded. On March 27, 1980 Mt. St. Helens had it first eruption in over 100 years. From then the volcano was erupting several times per day with nothing but steam until April 22 when its activity ceased. Prior to April 22 the earthquake had been effected by over 10,000 small earthquakes. On May 18, 1980 at approximately 8:32 am the volcano truly awoke from her slumber. The column of hot ash and gas reached 15 miles into the atmosphere, which was deposited across many states. By noon most of Washington’s skies were black.
The earthquake that struck below the north face of Mt. St. Helens triggered the