Giant Rock growing out of Mt St Helens crater
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SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- If the skies are clear as forecast, volcano watchers who turn out for the reopening of the Johnston Ridge Observatory on Friday will get a spectacular view of a hulking slab of rock that's rapidly growing in Mount St. Helens' crater.
It's jutting up from one of seven lobes of fresh volcanic rock that have been pushing their way through the surface of the crater since October 2004.
The fin-shaped mass is about 300 feet tall and growing 4 feet to 5 feet a day, said Dan Dzurisin, a geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey.
The rock in the crater began growing last November, steadily moving west and pushing rock and other debris out of its way as it goes.
Mount St. Helens, located in the Cascades of Washington, has been quietly erupting since a flurry of tiny earthquakes began in late September 2004. Scientists initially mistook the quakes as rainwater seeping into the hot interior of the older lava dome.
But it soon became clear that magma was on the move, confirmed by the emergence of fire-red lava between the old lava dome and the south crater rim a few weeks after the seismic activity began.
The volcano has continued pumping out lava ever since. Eventually, scientists expect the volcano will rebuild its conical peak that was obliterated in the May 18, 1980 eruption that left 57 people dead.
The current growth of the new lava dome has been accompanied by low seismicity rates, low emissions of steam and volcanic gases and minor production of ash, the USGS said.
"Given the way things are going now, there's no hint of any sort of catastrophic eruptions," USGS geologist Tom Pierson said. "At any time, however, things can change."
Scientists flew a helicopter into the crater late last week to adjust equipment and take photographs that will likely be used to determine just how much the new lava dome has grown the last several months.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory, which closes down every winter, is the closest observatory to the 8,364-foot peak. It is named after David A. Johnston, a volcanologist killed in the 1980 eruption. It sits about five miles north of the mountain and offers the closest views of the volcano's horseshoe-shaped crater.
I've always been intrigued by geology. This is one particular observance I wish I could go see. Growing 4-5 feet a day is an amazing rate, something you could actually watch happen with your eyes. I wonder how long and how large this will grow?
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I used to grow rocks.
So the mountain is essentially taking a dump. That's hot.
Quote:
I wonder how long and how large this will grow?
It'll probably hit 23,000 by tomorrow.
Wait...what now?
fenderputy the Shady wrote:
So the mountain is essentially taking a dump. That's hot.
actually it sounds like the volcano is evolving into a shark.
with frikkin laser beams!!
Lady DSD wrote:
actually it sounds like the volcano is evolving into a shark.
It's a shark fin! Idaho is going to be reeeeally suprised when the shark mouth opens up and eats it! take that potatomongers!'
It's almost to the point you can see the rock over the edge. I have a nice view out my computer room window. It's reupting a little bit right now (AKA small puff of steam) wheee
It's almost to the point you can see the rock over the edge. I have a nice view out my computer room window. It's reupting a little bit right now (AKA small puff of steam) wheee
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Wonder how long the Sci Fi channel will take to turn this into a movie
fenderputy the Shady wrote:
So the mountain is essentially taking a dump. That's hot.
Taking a dump out the top of its head...
publiusvarus wrote:
we all know liberals are well adjusted american citizens who only want what's best for society. While conservatives are evil money grubbing scum who only want to sh*t on the little man and rob the world of its resources.
Debalic wrote:
fenderputy the Shady wrote:
So the mountain is essentially taking a dump. That's hot.
Taking a dump out the top of its head...
Dam[red][/red]n, that is hawt.
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