How the Earth Was Made- Explosions at Mount St. Helens

Explosions at Mt. St. Helens

On March 27, 1980, a series of volcanic explosions and pyroclastic flows began at Mount St. Helens in Skamania County, Washington, United States. It initiated as a series of phreatic blasts from the summit then escalated on May 18, 1980, as a major explosive eruption. The eruption, which had a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 5, and was the most significant to occur in the contiguous 48 U.S. states since the much smaller 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak in California. It has often been declared the most disastrous volcanic eruption in U.S. history.

In this video, you will take a look at the creation of the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state; its history of violent eruptions, and the evidence another massive eruption could occur again in the near future.

Directions:

1) The video and questions are provided in the quiz. 

2) To begin this activity, click "Take the Quiz" below.

3) There is no time limit on this assignment and therefore does not have to be completed in one sitting. Do not submit the assignment until you have completed it as there will be no re-opening of the assignment.

4) You only get one (1) attempt at this assignment.