What Does Mount St Helens Look Like Today

Mount St. Helens, an iconic peak in the Cascade Range of Washington State, is a powerful reminder of nature's capacity for both destruction and renewal. The landscape surrounding it, dramatically reshaped by the cataclysmic eruption of May 18, 1980, offers a unique opportunity to witness ecological recovery and the long-term impact of volcanic activity. Let's explore what Mount St. Helens looks like today, four decades after one of the most significant volcanic events in recent history.

A Landscape Transformed: The Eruption's Legacy

Before the eruption, Mount St. Helens was a majestic, symmetrical cone, often referred to as "America's Fuji." Towering to a height of 9,677 feet (2,950 meters), it was a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The eruption changed everything.

The sequence of events that fateful morning is well-documented: a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered a massive landslide, which in turn uncorked a lateral blast of hot gas and ash traveling at hundreds of miles per hour. This blast, along with a subsequent vertical eruption, sheared off the mountain's northern flank, reducing its height by over 1,300 feet (400 meters) and creating a vast, desolate landscape.

The immediate aftermath was one of complete devastation. Millions of trees were flattened, lakes and rivers were choked with debris, and a thick layer of ash blanketed the surrounding area. The eruption claimed the lives of 57 people, including volcanologist David A. Johnston, who famously radioed "Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!" just before being engulfed by the blast.

The Crater and the Lava Dome

Today, the most prominent feature of Mount St. Helens is its gaping, horseshoe-shaped crater. This immense cavity, open to the north, is a stark reminder of the explosive force that reshaped the mountain. Within the crater lies a growing lava dome, a testament to the volcano's continued activity.

• The Crater: The crater is an impressive sight, a vast bowl carved out of the mountain's side. Its sheer walls expose layers of volcanic rock, providing geologists with valuable insights into the volcano's structure and history.

• The Lava Dome: The lava dome began to form in the months following the 1980 eruption and has continued to grow sporadically ever since. It's composed of viscous lava that slowly oozes to the surface, solidifying and adding to the dome's mass. While the dome's growth is generally slow and predictable, it serves as a constant reminder that Mount St. Helens is still an active volcano. Scientists closely monitor the dome for any signs of increased activity.

Spirit Lake: A Lake Reborn

Spirit Lake, once a pristine mountain lake nestled at the foot of Mount St. Helens, was profoundly affected by the eruption. The lateral blast sent a massive surge of debris into the lake, raising its surface level by nearly 200 feet (60 meters) and creating a vast log mat of floating trees.

Initially, the lake was considered biologically dead, devoid of oxygen and teeming with bacteria. However, over time, the lake has undergone a remarkable recovery.

• The Log Mat: The log mat, composed of countless trees uprooted and deposited in the lake, remains a prominent feature of Spirit Lake. While it has slowly diminished over the years as the logs decompose, it still covers a significant portion of the lake's surface.

• Ecological Recovery: Despite its initial devastation, Spirit Lake has gradually come back to life. Oxygen levels have increased, and various forms of aquatic life have returned, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. The lake's recovery is a testament to the resilience of nature and the ability of ecosystems to rebound from even the most extreme disturbances.

The Pumice Plain: A Study in Ecological Succession

North of the volcano, the Pumice Plain stretches out, a vast expanse of gray, ashy soil deposited by the eruption. This area was once covered in dense forest but was completely sterilized by the lateral blast. Today, the Pumice Plain is a living laboratory for studying ecological succession, the process by which plant and animal communities gradually colonize and develop in a barren environment.

• Early Colonizers: The first plants to colonize the Pumice Plain were hardy, opportunistic species like lupine and fireweed. These plants are able to tolerate the harsh conditions of the ashy soil and play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil and adding nutrients.

• A Mosaic of Habitats: Over time, a mosaic of different habitats has emerged on the Pumice Plain, ranging from sparsely vegetated areas to patches of shrubs and young trees. This diversity of habitats supports a variety of animal life, including insects, birds, and small mammals.

• Long-Term Recovery: The recovery of the Pumice Plain is a slow and ongoing process. It will likely take centuries for the area to return to its pre-eruption state. However, the progress that has already been made is remarkable and provides valuable insights into the dynamics of ecological recovery.

The Blast Zone: A Landscape of Regeneration

Surrounding the Pumice Plain is the Blast Zone, an area that experienced varying degrees of impact from the eruption. In some areas, trees were flattened but remained rooted in the ground, while in others, the forest was completely destroyed. The Blast Zone is now a landscape of regeneration, where new forests are gradually emerging from the ashes.

• Standing Dead Trees: One of the most striking features of the Blast Zone is the presence of standing dead trees, remnants of the pre-eruption forest. These trees serve as a reminder of the eruption's destructive power and provide habitat for various species of birds and insects.

• New Forest Growth: Beneath the standing dead trees, a new forest is gradually taking shape. Seedlings of various tree species, including Douglas fir, hemlock, and alder, are sprouting and growing, slowly transforming the landscape.

• Wildlife Return: As the forest regenerates, wildlife is also returning to the Blast Zone. Elk, deer, bears, and other animals have recolonized the area, taking advantage of the new food sources and habitats that are becoming available.

Monitoring and Research

Mount St. Helens is one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other institutions use a variety of instruments and techniques to track the volcano's activity, including:

• Seismic Monitoring: Seismometers detect earthquakes, which can be an indicator of magma movement beneath the surface.

• Gas Monitoring: Gas sensors measure the composition and concentration of volcanic gases, which can provide clues about the volcano's internal state.

• Deformation Monitoring: GPS instruments and satellite imagery are used to track changes in the shape of the volcano, which can indicate magma accumulation or deflation.

• Thermal Monitoring: Thermal cameras and satellite data are used to detect changes in the volcano's surface temperature, which can be a sign of increased activity.

The data collected from these monitoring efforts are used to assess the volcano's potential for future eruptions and to provide warnings to the public.

In addition to monitoring, Mount St. Helens is also a major center for scientific research. Geologists, biologists, and other scientists conduct studies on a wide range of topics, including:

• Volcanic Processes: Studying the volcano's eruption history and current activity to better understand volcanic processes.

• Ecological Succession: Investigating how plant and animal communities recover from volcanic disturbances.

• Geochemical Cycling: Examining how nutrients and other elements are transported and transformed in the volcanic environment.

• Hydrology: Studying the flow of water in the volcanic landscape.

The research conducted at Mount St. Helens has contributed significantly to our understanding of volcanoes and ecosystems.

Visiting Mount St. Helens Today

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established in 1982, protects the area around the volcano and provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the eruption and its aftermath. There are several visitor centers, viewpoints, and trails that offer stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape.

• Johnston Ridge Observatory: Located on a ridge overlooking the crater, this observatory offers panoramic views of the volcano and the Pumice Plain. It also features exhibits about the eruption and the ongoing scientific research.

• Coldwater Lake: Formed by the eruption, Coldwater Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by forests and mountains. There are hiking trails and picnic areas around the lake.

• Ape Cave: A lava tube formed by a previous eruption, Ape Cave is a popular destination for spelunking.

• Hiking Trails: Numerous hiking trails wind through the monument, offering opportunities to explore the different landscapes created by the eruption.

Visiting Mount St. Helens is a powerful and educational experience. It provides a unique opportunity to witness the forces of nature and to learn about the resilience of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is Mount St. Helens still active?

  Yes, Mount St. Helens is considered an active volcano. It has continued to experience periods of unrest and lava dome growth since the 1980 eruption.

• When was the last eruption of Mount St. Helens?

  The last period of lava dome growth occurred between 2004 and 2008. While there have been no major eruptions since 1980, scientists continue to monitor the volcano closely for any signs of increased activity.

• Can you hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens?

  Yes, it is possible to hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens, but a permit is required. The hike is strenuous and involves climbing over loose rocks and ash.

• Is it safe to visit Mount St. Helens?

  Yes, it is generally safe to visit Mount St. Helens, but it is important to be aware of the potential hazards. These include volcanic activity, unstable terrain, and changing weather conditions. It is also important to follow the instructions of park rangers and to stay on marked trails.

• What is the best time of year to visit Mount St. Helens?

  The best time of year to visit Mount St. Helens is during the summer months (June-September) when the weather is typically warm and dry. However, it is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions, even in the summer.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Resilience

Mount St. Helens today is a landscape of stark contrasts – a testament to both destruction and renewal. The gaping crater, the growing lava dome, the log-choked Spirit Lake, and the recovering forests all tell a story of profound change and the enduring power of nature. Visiting Mount St. Helens is an experience that is both awe-inspiring and humbling, a reminder of the forces that shape our planet and the resilience of life in the face of adversity. The mountain stands as a living laboratory, offering scientists and visitors alike a unique opportunity to learn about volcanic processes, ecological succession, and the long-term impact of natural disasters. It is a place where the past is ever-present, and the future is unfolding before our eyes. The landscape around Mount St. Helens serves as a constant reminder of nature's power and ability to rebound.