Mount St. Helens

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, causing a natural disaster of mammoth proportions. Scientists have been studying the ecosystem of Spirit Lake and the surrounding area to determine what the long and short term effects have been and how an ecosystem begins again after such a disaster.

The eruption left 200 feet of debris on the valley floor and launched red hot rock and lava into the lake, causing the lake temperature to rise to approximately 100 degrees. At this temperature, all of the fish were eradicated. The area was virtually lifeless and the ecosystem had essentially died. Scientists have used this area to study the effects and monitor the ecosystem’s attempt to reestablish itself. The lessons learned at Spirit Lake are being used to help ecosystems that have been damaged from man-made disasters.

At the 25 year anniversary, the lake has four to five pound trout, which is over twice as large as they usually grow. It is estimated that someone smuggled the trout into Spirit Lake back in the early 1990’s and they have grown so large because of the abundance of food supply for them. The areas around the lake have shallow areas where plants are growing. Salamanders and frogs are able to lay their eggs on the edge of the lake. There are willow trees that are as large as 20 feet and very dense. This is causing small mammals, deer and elk to come to the area and be protected by the trees that have come back to the area near the lake. As more trees and shrubs grow in the area, the animals will be able to survive the harsh winters and hide from predators.

Many of the lessons learned by studying Mount St. Helens are being applied in other areas of nature. Timber companies are being required to leave some trees standing to help the ecosystem return faster and provide a place for birds and insects to live. Strip mines are putting natural shrubs and trees back in the soil instead of using non-native plants. And even intentional fires are being...