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Mount St. Helens, USA

Introduction

Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located in the state of Washington, USA. The mountain has been one of the most prominent volcanoes in North America for over 100 years and has gained international attention due to its catastrophic eruption in 1980. Mount St. Helens was formed through a combination of volcanic activity and tectonic forces that have shaped the region's geology.

Key Facts

  • Location: Located in Skamania County, Washington
  • Height: Approximately 8,363 feet (2,550 meters)
  • Elevation above sea level: 7,700 feet (2,310 meters) at its summit
  • Age: Formed approximately 70 million years ago during the Cretaceous period
  • Volcanic classification: Stratovolcano
  • Current status: Active stratovolcano with ongoing seismic activity and a long-term eruption program

Historical Context

Mount St. Helens has been an active volcano since at least 1854, when it was first recorded as having had significant volcanic activity. However, it gained international attention due to its catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

  • May 18, 1980: The mountain's north face collapsed, triggering a massive ash cloud that spread over the region
  • Eruption effects: The eruption caused a 1.2-mile-wide (1.9 km) lava flow, destroyed hundreds of homes, and killed 57 people

Significant Contributions

Mount St. Helens has made significant contributions to our understanding of volcanology and geology.

  • Volcanic ash studies: The mountain's eruption provided valuable data on the formation and behavior of volcanic ash
  • Geological mapping: The eruption helped to improve our understanding of the Earth's geological processes and plate tectonics

Notable Attractions

Mount St. Helens is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, scientists, and history buffs.

Must-visit attractions:

  • Paradise Visitor Center: Located at the base of the mountain, this center provides information on the volcano's history, geology, and current status
  • Helman Trail: A 2-mile (3.2 km) trail that takes you to the summit of the mountain
  • **Rainier

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-03 06:18:05
  • Keywords: Mount St. Helens, USA, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/mount-st-helens-usa