Ecological responses to the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens

The eruption of Mount St Helens on 18 May 1980 transformed more than 600 km 2 of green coniferous forests and clear cold lakes and streams of the Cascade Mountains to a grey ash- and pumice- covered landscape.  Although other volcananic eruptions have had more important consequences, the 1980 eruption and ensuing ecological responses are the most thoroughly studied in the world.  This might be explained by the close proximity of the volcano to major metropolitan areas, allowing scientists to perform reconnaissance trips and establish permanent plots within a few days of the eruption.