Oregon Considered
Mount St. Helens Special
May 18, 2005
Geologists say Mount St. Helens is a relatively young volcano -- about 40 thousand years old.
Northwest Native Americans called it "fire mountain" or "smoking mountain."
Because of the sharp cone on top, it was known as the "Fuji of America" until 1980 when it awoke from a 123 year slumber.
Geologists first detected earthquakes on the mountain on March 15th, 1980. They weren't sure the activity was significant at first. Then a larger quake struck on March 20th.
Dan Miller of the US Geological Survey says that was the day the mountain started its metamorphosis.
More St. Helens Anniversary Coverage from OPB and NPR
Stormy Anniversary at St. Helens Observatory
A Reporter Returns to Mount St. Helens
Memories of Mount St. Helens Still Strong
Volcano Survivor Stories Still Rivet 25 Years Later
Where were you on May 18th 1980? Tell us your Mount St. Helens story here.
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