Why Mount St. Helens Blew Its Top

Describes the events leading up to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens and the destruction that resulted. Also discusses the general characteristics of volcanoes, why and when they occur, how eruptions can be predicted, and some famous eruptions throughout history.The eruption that destroyed Spirit Lake, altered the course of the Toutle River, and claimed dozens of lives is explained in terms of the mountain's geology and in comparison with other famous eruptions