MAY 18

The eruption of Mt. St. Helens was not unexpected. Seismologists, scientists who study earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other earth movements, had warned nearby residents that the dormant volcano was experiencing a lot of seismic activity, and that an eruption would happen in the coming days. Some people chose to heed the warnings, and others chose to go camping in the designated danger zone. Those proved to be life and death decisions.

Though 57 people died in the eruption, it could have been much worse. The explosion exited on the side of the mountain that faced the opposite and less populated direction from Seattle, WA. Had it exploded on the opposite side or straight up, it could have been much more devastating for human life. You can learn more about how volcanoes work by watching this BrainPop. There was a 40th anniversary news segment in 2020 on CBS Sunday Morning that I recommend watching.