On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, resulting in one of the most significant volcanic events in the United States in the 20th century. The eruption caused the entire north face of the mountain to slide away, creating a massive avalanche and killing 57 people while causing over a billion dollars in damage. The event dramatically altered the landscape and had profound ecological and economic impacts on the region. It remains a pivotal study point for volcanologists and ecologists studying recovery and resilience.
