Mount St. Helens Eruption Surprises Scientists

Tuesdays small eruption by Mount St. Helens surprised scientists, according to an article by the Statesmen Journal. Scientists did not know what caused the larger-than-normal plume, but said that in the hours preceding the incident, the seismograph readings had changed. Although the peaks, indicating the strength of each seismic burst, were not higher than normal, the line separating them had become “noisier,” Major said. What scientists do know is that the plume rose very rapidly and much higher than in previous months. That indicates that there was an explosive element inside, rather than just a collapse of the crater’s roof. The Cascades Volcano Observatory also has some great pictures from Tuesday’s eruption.

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