Mt. St. Helens

Mount St. Helens Ecosystem

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 was a major disturbance to the environment and the area is still recovering from it. When it erupted, it spewed out ash and hot air all over the area. This completely made the ecosystem lifeless in the area. Little survived, and in a sense that area had to start completely over.

Some plants and animals did survive, even under the harsh conditions. Fish that were under the ice-covered water were able to overcome the blast. Salamanders were able to as well because they were hibernating underneath the mud. Pocket gophers were able to bury themselves underground.

Winds from the blast brought in many seeds and insects to the area, which played a huge role in the succession. These seeds and insects attracted birds, deer, and even elk from nearby areas. This made the ecosystem boost up and create more life. It was a slow process and scientists predict it will still take hundreds of years before the ecosystem is back where it was.

The Lupine plant was one of the few plants that really helped the area. Its seeds were very lightweight and were able to be blown all across the area. It was known for helping the nitrogen problem in the soil. Another plant that helped the nitrogen problem was the red alder tree. With more nitrogen in the soil, the more enriched the soil became which made it easier for other plants to grow with them. Ecologists are still finding new plants to the area.

Currently, the ecosystem is still not in the same condition as it was before the blast. The plant coverage is what is suffering the most still. Right now the plant coverage is at 66%. As stated earlier, scientists predict it will still take over a hundred years before it is back to where it was.

If a natural disaster happened in my area, our lakes and woods would be the most affected. My house is covered in the woods and there is a ton of life in the area. Major animals are deer, geese, birds, squirrels, and fish....