Exploring the 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption

Mount St. Helens, a dormant volcano in Washington, erupted after a series of earthquakes, spewing ash and causing mudslides. The eruption was the first in the U.S. since 1914. Scientists predicted further activity, and the community faced evacuations. The eruption caused significant destruction, with ash clouds reaching 10 miles high and impacting areas 60 miles away. Harry Truman, a local resident, refused to evacuate and was later reported missing.

What was the distance that the explosion sound of Mount St. Helens was heard?

• 30 miles

• 45 miles

• 60 miles

• 150 miles

How high did the volcanic ash and gas spew during the initial eruption?

• 10 miles

• 3,000 feet

• 4 miles

• 13,000 feet

What natural event followed the smoke and ash emission from Mount St. Helens?

• Avalanche

• Mudslide

• Earthquake

• Tsunami

What was the size of the bulge observed on the north side of Mount St. Helens?

• Both A and C

• 6 tenths of a mile wide

• 1 mile wide

• 320 feet high

What did Harry Truman decide regarding the evacuation?

• He evacuated immediately

• He was not at the site

• He refused to leave

• He left but returned shortly

What was the height of the ash plume from the major eruption of Mount St. Helens?

• 4 miles

• 3,000 feet

• 13,000 feet

• Over 10 miles

What was the immediate effect on the surrounding communities after the major eruption?

• All of the above

• Complete darkness

• Immediate evacuation

• Power outage

What temperature did the hot gas reach that knocked down trees?

• 300 degrees Celsius

• 1000 degrees Celsius

• 500 degrees Celsius

• 700 degrees Celsius

What covered Harry Truman's resort after the eruption?

• Lava

• Snow

• Mud and ash

• Water

What was the fate of Harry Truman after the eruption?

• He was rescued

• He moved away before the eruption

• He was missing

• He survived in a shelter