Dramatic
Helens video shows growing dome
January 26, 2005
Vancouver, Wash. - Dramatic video released by the U.S. Geological Survey on Tuesday shows just how fast the lava dome that has been growing inside Mount St. Helens crater has been growing.
The lava dome, nicknamed the 'whaleback' for its long, oblong shape, is now half the size of the old lava dome, which took five years to build. This one has grown to its massive size in just four months.
Scientists are now releasing video showing time lapse pictures taken on the crater's ridge between October and early January, as well as digital images looking down into the crater.
The new images also show scientists using a helicopter to deploy the latest gas monitoring equipment near the base of the new lava dome.
There is also an audio representation of earthquakes rumbling under Mount St. Helens as magma pushes its way up into the dome.
As for the current status of Mount St. Helens, the mountain remains at Alert Level 2, which is a Volcano Advisory.
Scientists report that the lava dome is continuing to grow and there are low rates of seismicity, low emissions of steam and volcanic ashes, as well as a minor amount of ash being produced.
SOURCE: Katu News