The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens caused tragic loss of life and property, but also created a unique opportunity to study a huge disturbance of natural systems and their subsequent responses. This book synthesizes 25 years of ecological research into of volcanic activity, and shows what actually happens when a volcano erupts, what the immediate and long-term dangers are, and how life reasserts itself in the environment.

This sourcebook addresses the breadth of the effects of the volcanic eruptions of Mount St. Helens in 1980 on lakes, rivers, streams, the Columbia River Estuary, ground water, and precipitation in the Western U.S. Data and conclusions from scores of reports and scientific papers are reviewed, covering the myriad of subjects involved in characterizing the Geological Survey, other Federal and State agencies, and individual researchers are summarized. Extensive references are cited. Tables and map in pocket.