RE-ACTIVATING AN ACTIVE VOLCANO: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A TEACHABLE MOMENT DURING THE 2004-2005 ERUPTION OF MOUNT ST. HELENS

On September 23, 2004, a swarm of small earthquakes signaled the reawakening of eruptive activity and provided new meaning to the term “active volcano”. In the weeks that followed, visitor and media interest steadily increased as more and more earthquakes and a series of small steam and ash eruptions rattled the crater. The world watched as up to 24 satellite trucks and dozens of print media reported live from the volcano. The Monument's on-line “volcano cam” received more than 130 million hits during the month of October 2004.

Close collaboration with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory has been key to the success of providing timely, accurate information to the media and visiting public. Regular briefings of Monument staff and generous donation of rock samples and large-scale graphics by USGS scientists has increased the understanding of volcanic processes by Forest Service managers and volcano visitors. Visitors learn about the latest developments through ranger talks and easily updated power point displays.

USGS and USFS scientists helped commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1980 eruption through a series of public symposiums, on-site talks and temporary displays. Area residents and volcano visitors recalled the power of the 1980 eruptions and compared current eruptive activity to the events of 25 years ago.

Recent efforts in outreach and public education have contributed greatly to public understanding of volcanic processes and the importance of ongoing monitoring and eruption forecasting. They provide an excellent example of the benefits of interagency cooperation and the value of formal and informal outreach efforts.