Many natural occurrences can shape the environment, in addition to the actions o

Question

Many natural occurrences can shape the environment, in addition to the actions of humans. These include volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, and storms. When Mt. St. Helens, in Washington State, erupted in 1980, it was the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the recorded history of the United States. Fifty-seven people were killed, and 250 homes, 46 bridges, 25 km of railroad track, and about 300 km of highway were destroyed. The eruption caused a massive debris avalanche that rolled down the mountain’s slopes. Before the eruption, the mountain was a smoothly symmetrical peak rising to more than 2,950 m (about 9,677 ft) above sea level. Spirit Lake at the foot of the mountain’s west side was a much beloved vacation and fishing spot. The eruption blew out the west side of the mountain, lowering the summit by about 400 m and depositing nearly 1 km3 of dust, ash, and volcanic rock on the surrounding land. You can see the horseshoe-shaped crater and a new central cone forming as lava and ash continue to emerge from the volcano. The catastrophic blast that ruptured the wall of the mountain created hurricane-force winds that flattened thousands of hectares of forest. Ash spread over millions of hectares of seven western states. Fortunately, the eruption was preceded by numerous earthquakes and a measurable bulge that developed on the mountain’s flank. This gave most local residents ample warning to evacuate the area.

Instructions

Regarding “Moving Mountains for Coal,” and “Geological Hazards.” Open Google Earth, and in the search box enter Mount St. Helens. Click Search. Then zoom in and look for white material.

Observe the mountain and the area around it. What is the white material inside the volcano’s crater, and what is the evidence to support your answer?

Explanation / Answer

It has to be snow that’s covering the inside of the volcano’s crater.

According to the textbook,The molten lava and hot ash are now buried deep in the volcano. When it erupts again,the snow will melt .The evidence that can you see of damage from the erupTonand ash fall were to the Northeast, away from Portland.

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