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Online Program

Online Lecture: The Mount St. Helens Eruption — 45 Years Later

Program No. 24456RJ
Join us on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. (ET)/10 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A about the Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption and its continuing environmental impact.
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HistoryNature & EnvironmentOnline Lecture
Length
1 hour
Rating
Not yet reviewed
Starts at
25

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At a Glance

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, causing the deadliest volcanic disaster in U.S. history. The massive event triggered earthquakes, a devastating avalanche, and powerful mudflows, leading to the deaths of 57 people, countless animals, and a transformed landscape. Join geologist Dr. Jennifer A. Thomson as she explores the factors leading up to the eruption, the mechanics of its lateral and vertical blasts, and its lasting environmental impacts that continue to shape the region today.

General Notes

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.
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Jennifer Thomson
Dr. Jenny Thomson is a Professor of Geology at Eastern Washington University and teaches Introductory Geology, Earth Materials, Crystallography, and Optical Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Geologic Hazards, and Volcanology. She has taught field courses in the Pacific Northwest including North Cascades, Lewis and Clark trail, Oregon coast, Klamath Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Olympic Peninsula, Snake River Plain, Craters of the Moon, Yellowstone NP, and Crater Lake and Newberry volcano. Jenny has led Road Scholar groups through the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Jennifer Thomson View biography
Dr. Jenny Thomson is a Professor of Geology at Eastern Washington University and teaches Introductory Geology, Earth Materials, Crystallography, and Optical Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Geologic Hazards, and Volcanology. She has taught field courses in the Pacific Northwest including North Cascades, Lewis and Clark trail, Oregon coast, Klamath Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Olympic Peninsula, Snake River Plain, Craters of the Moon, Yellowstone NP, and Crater Lake and Newberry volcano. Jenny has led Road Scholar groups through the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
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