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Science 30 September 1983:
Vol. 221. no. 4618, pp. 1369 - 1376
DOI: 10.1126/science.221.4618.1369
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Articles

Predicting Eruptions at Mount St. Helens, June 1980 Through December 1982

D. A. SWANSON 1, T. J. CASADEVALL 1, D. DZURISIN 1, S. D. MALONE 2, C. G. NEWHALL 3, and C. S. WEAVER 4

1 U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington 98661
2 Geophysics Program, University of Washington, Seattle 98195
3 U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory
4 U.S. Geological Survey and Geophysics Program, University of Washington

Thirteen eruptions of Mount St. Helens between June 1980 and December 1982 were predicted tens of minutes to, more generally, a few hours in advance. The last seven of these eruptions, starting with that of mid-April 1981, were predicted between 3 days and 3 weeks in advance. Precursory seismicity, deformation of the crater floor and the lava dome, and, to a lesser extent, gas emissions provided telltale evidence of forthcoming eruptions. The newly developed capability for prediction reduced risk to life and property and influenced land-use decisions.

Submitted on January 26, 1983
Revised on June 15, 1983


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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Seismic Precursors to the Mount St. Helens Eruptions in 1981 and 1982.
S. D. Malone, S. D. MALONE, C. BOYKO, and C. S. WEAVER (1983)
Science 221, 1376-1378
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Deformation Monitoring at Mount St. Helens in 1981 and 1982.
W. W. Chadwick, W. W. CHADWICK JR., D. A. SWANSON, E. Y. IWATSUBO, C. C. HELIKER, and T. A. LEIGHLEY (1983)
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Eruption Prediction Aided by Electronic Tiltmeter Data at Mount St. Helens.
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Petrologic Monitoring of 1981 and 1982 Eruptive Products from Mount St. Helens.
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