The sensational 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and the subsequent ecological responses are the most thoroughly studied volcanic eruption in theworld. The posteruption landscape was remarkable, and nearly a quarter century of study has provided a wealth of information and insight on a broad spectrum of ecological and physical responses to disturbance. The eruption and its effects on ecological and geophysical systems have many dimensions: a complex eruption affected an intricate landscape containing forests, meadows, lakes, and streams populated by diverse fauna and flora. This complexity created a rich environment and an exemplary living laboratory for study. Because the volcano is in close proximity to major metropolitan areas, scientists were able to perform reconnaissance trips and establish a network of permanent plots within days to months of the eruption. These early observations enabled scientists to assess the initial impacts of the eruption, which was important in understanding the subsequent quarter century of invasion and succession.
Access provided by Autonomous University of Puebla. Download to read the full chapter text
Chapter PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Crisafulli, C.M., Swanson, F.J., Dale, V.H. (2005). Overview of Ecological Responses to the Eruption of Mount St. Helens: 1980–2005. In: Dale, V.H., Swanson, F.J., Crisafulli, C.M. (eds) Ecological Responses to the 1980 Eruption of Mount St. Helens. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-28150-9_20
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-28150-9_20
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-23868-5
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-28150-6
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)