Volcano

This week for the travel journal I visited Mount Saint Helens which is a volcanic peak in the Cascade Range of southwestern Washington. It erupted on May 18, 1980 and was one of the greatest volcanic explosions ever recorded in North America. It was an explosive volcano and killed 57 people. It is labeled as a “composite volcano” meaning it is steep-sided and has alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and other debris. It is comprised of andesitic and rhyolitic pyroclastic materials. I believe that Helens will erupt again. The average eruption occurrence is every 100-300 years. The exact timing of the next eruption can not be forecasted at this time. It is interesting that this eruption was the most deadly and economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the US.