The Eruption of Mount Saint Helens
One day in October 1857, the people of Carson, Washington, saw something very unusual. They watched Mount St. Helens come to life as ash and steam come out of it. It killed 57 people and covered miles with ash. It had been dormant until May 18, 1980 when it exploded in one of the most violent eruptions ever recorded in North America. A severe earthquake earlier that day opened a crack along the mountain's north side. It caused the rock to fall, which was followed by a blast of steam, rock and magma. The magma flow destroyed surrounding forests and carrie…
