nature – The Social Pie Network!

On May 18th, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a stratovolcano in Washington State, erupted with a force that reshaped the landscape and left a lasting mark on history. After two months of ominous rumblings (earthquakes, steam venting and a growing bulge on its northern flank) the volcano unleashed its fury in a series of three explosive eruptions within 24 hours. This catastrophic event not only altered the region’s geography but also taught scientists and communities about the raw power of nature.

For weeks, Mount St. Helens had been signaling unrest. Starting in mid-March 1980, seismographs detected thousands of small earthquakes, indicating magma movement beneath the volcano. By late March, steam and ash began venting and a noticeable bulge on the north side grew at an alarming rate of up to 6 feet per day. Geologists warned of an imminent eruption, leading to evacuations and restricted access zones. Despite these precautions, the scale of what was to come was unimaginable.

At 8:32 a.m. on May 18th, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered a massive landslide on the north flank, releasing the pressure of the bulging magma chamber. The result was a lateral blast, one of the most powerful in recorded volcanic history, which obliterated everything in its path for 230 square miles. Trees were flattened, rivers choked with debris and a plume of ash soared 15 miles into the atmosphere.

The initial blast was followed by two more eruptions within 24 hours, each sending additional ash and pyroclastic flows across the region. The ash cloud spread across the United States, with deposits reaching as far as the Midwest, disrupting air travel and blanketing communities in a gritty, gray haze.

For local communities, the eruption was a humbling reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Memorials and visitor centers, like the Johnston Ridge Observatory, now stand as tributes to those lost and as educational hubs for future generations.

The May 18th, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens remains one of the most studied volcanic events in history. It underscored the importance of preparedness and respect for natural forces, leaving a legacy that continues to inform science and policy today. As we reflect on that fateful day, we’re reminded of both the destructive power of the Earth and its capacity for renewal.

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite type of weather?

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Weather is one of those universal topics that everyone has an opinion about. Whether you’re the type who thrives in the chaos of a thunderstorm or prefers the quiet calm of a sunny day, I think your favorite type of weather says a lot about you. It’s not just always about comfort. It can also be about the vibe, the mood and the possibilities each forecast brings. So, what’s my favorite type of weather? Let’s explore a few contenders before I land on my pick.

First, there’s the crisp, cool magic of a clear autumn day. The air feels fresh, the leaves crunch under your feet and there’s just enough chill to justify a cozy sweater. It’s perfect for a walk, a coffee run, or even just staring out the window with a book in hand. The sunlight has that golden slant that makes everything look a little more cinematic. It’s hard to argue with a day that feels like nature’s hitting the reset button.

Then there’s the drama of a thunderstorm. The sky darkens, the wind picks up and suddenly you’re in the middle of a live performance! The thunder rolls like percussion and lightning cuts through the gloom. It’s raw, unpredictable energy. For some, it’s a thrill worth staying up for; for others, it’s a cue to hide under a blanket. Either way, it’s weather with personality.

What about a snowy day? The world goes quiet under a blanket of white and there’s something almost meditative about watching flakes drift down. It’s the kind of weather that begs for hot cocoa, a fireplace, or (if you’re feeling adventurous) building a snowman that’ll collapse by morning. It’s nostalgic and serene, though I’ll admit the shoveling part isn’t a selling point for me!

Sunny and warm seems to be a huge fan favorite! Endless summer days where the sky’s a perfect blue and you can practically feel the vitamin D soaking in. It’s the weather of picnics, beach trips and flip-flops. But let’s be real: too much of it can turn into a sweaty slog, especially if you’re not near a pool or an air conditioner.

So, where do I land? My favorite type of weather is a tie between a cool, foggy morning and a rainy afternoon. Fog has this mysterious, almost otherworldly quality. It has that vibe like the world’s been softened around the edges. It’s quiet, introspective and makes even a quick walk feel like an adventure. Rain, on the other hand, is my productivity weather. The steady patter against the window is the perfect background noise for writing, thinking, or just zoning out with a playlist. Plus, it’s an excuse to stay inside without guilt.