Washington State Has The Deadliest And Most Destructive Volcanic Eruption In US History
When it comes to volcanic eruptions, most people picture smoke, ash, and lava. Not all eruptions are quite so destructive, but this was certainly was.| Sciencing
When it comes to volcanic eruptions, most people picture smoke, ash, and lava. Not all eruptions are quite so destructive, but this was certainly was.| Sciencing
Volcanic eruptions are an essential part of how the earth makes new landforms over a long period of time. However, the spewing of lava and smoke is deadly to those around the eruption. So it has become essential for scientists to devise methods to predict an eruption. Luckily, volcanoes often give off several indicators that they are going to erupt.| Sciencing
The Earth's crust is a dynamic and evolving structure, a fact which is evident when earthquakes hit and volcanoes erupt. For years scientists struggled to understand the Earth's movement. Then in 1915, Alfred Wegener published his now famous book "The Origins of Continents and Oceans," which presented the theory of continental drift. His theory was slammed by mainstream scientists at the time, but by the late 1960s, his theory was thoroughly accepted. It laid the groundwork for the modern day...| Sciencing
Earthquakes and volcanoes are both a result of plate tectonics. The Earth's surface is covered with a series of crustal plates that move in response to convection currents, produced by heat from the mantle and core. Geologists have concluded the formation of the various continents is a result of the movement of these various plates. Where and when these plates meet dictates the location and occurrence of volcanoes and earthquakes, respectively.| Sciencing
Sciencing offers informative articles, instructional guides, and cutting-edge answers to pressing questions about science, engineering, and mathematics.| Sciencing
Mount St. Helens is an active volcano located in southern Washington state. Its most famous eruption on May 18, 1980, killed 57 people, destroyed 250 homes, and caused billions of dollars worth of damage. It was the most destructive volcanic event in American history. Fortunately, however, there was a great deal of activity in the months before the eruption. Nearby communities, as well as the rest of the nation, had plenty of warning that a major eruption was coming.| Sciencing
If you think that any volcanic eruption is just like another, think again. As different types of volcanoes exist, so do different types of eruptions and their levels of impact. Volcanologists categorize volcanic eruptions into two types: explosive and effusive. However, classification of the types of volcanic explosions is not consistent throughout the field.| Sciencing
The vast majority of volcanic activity occurs where tectonic plates collide, called convergent boundaries, or spread, called divergent boundaries. However, there is a special class of volcanoes that form within plates. These inter-plate volcanoes are known as hotspot volcanoes. Hotspot volcanoes that form under continental plates are called super volcanoes, representing the most powerful and violent volcanoes on Earth.| Sciencing
Volcanoes are one of nature's most destructive forces. However, volcanoes are also one of nature's chief constructive forces. Volcanic eruptions are responsible for creating new crust and geological landforms. The specific results of a volcanic eruption differ widely; each volcano type has a distinct eruptive nature.| Sciencing
Before the 20th century, people did not know that the continents moved around the planet. Continental drift is such a slow process that you can't see land masses shift with the naked eye. Because the continents never stop moving, however, the world map you know today will not look the same in the distant future.| Sciencing
Sciencing offers informative articles, instructional guides, and cutting-edge answers to pressing questions about science, engineering, and mathematics.| Sciencing
Hawaii is famous for its volcanoes, drawing visitors from all over the globe to witness their majesty, and one Hawaiian volcano has been erupting since 1983.| Sciencing
It would take more than sunscreen to survive the hottest place on Earth, located right in California. Here’s its record-setting temperature and why it’s so hot.| Sciencing
While volcanoes can be frightening, supervolcanoes are even scarier. These five supervolcanoes are proof of that, having drastically altered Earth in the past.| Sciencing
Mount Vesuvius may be Europe's most famous volcano, but lurking nearby is an ancient supervolcano, a ticking timebomb that could cause massive destruction.| Sciencing
Yellowstone is a beloved natural wonder, but beneath that beautiful exterior, the park houses a scary secret. In fact, it even has a surprisingly violent past.| Sciencing
Last time Yellowstone's supervolcano erupted, it changed global weather patterns and permanently altered the landscape around it.| Sciencing
Sciencing offers informative articles, instructional guides, and cutting-edge answers to pressing questions about science, engineering, and mathematics.| Sciencing
