Lecture: The Ecological Transformation of Mount St. Helens

Introduction

• Mount St. Helens
  • Located in Washington state
  • One of the most well-monitored active volcanoes
  • Transforms region and ecology even after three decades of its eruption

Historical Context

• 1980 Eruption
  • Occurred on May 18, 1980
  • Preceded by steam vents and earthquakes
  • Eruption details:
    • Earthquake caused the north face to collapse
    • Explosion directed horizontally, leveling forests up to 13 miles away
    • Ash and gas column rose 80,000 feet
    • Pyroclastic flow: 1,800-degree gas and rock traveled 450 mph
  • Casualties: 57 people died, some remains unrecovered
  • The landscape was left barren, resembling a moonscape

Ecological Recovery

• Research Focus

  • Led by John Bishop, evolutionary biologist
  • Study on how plant and animal communities reform after disturbances

• Initial Recovery

  • Alpine Lupine
    • First plants to return
    • Created soil from volcanic ash
  • Sitka Willow
    • Woody plants following lupine
    • Provide habitat for birds and mammals

• Challenges

  • Instability
    • Extreme population instability of plants and animals
  • Invasive Species
    • Weevils attack Sitka willow, hindering their growth
    • Important for creating bird and mammal habitat

• Long-Term Outlook

  • Ecosystem is still in early recovery
  • Expectation of increased diversity and stability over time

Ecological Significance

• Mount St. Helens as a Natural Laboratory
  • Venue for studying ecological succession and recovery
  • Insights into how life rebounds after catastrophic events
  • John Bishop’s ongoing research in pursuit of ecological answers

Conclusion

• The slow but ongoing process of ecological rebirth at Mount St. Helens highlights the resilience of nature and poses important questions for the field of ecology.
• Future uncertainties remain, especially considering the potential for future volcanic activity.