Event Information

<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Dr. Charles Rosenfeld</span></strong>

On May 18, 1980, Dr. Charles Rosenfeld, professor of geomorphology at Oregon State University and Captain in the US National Guard, was flying in a National Guard OV-1 Mohawk aircraft en route to do aerial photography of Mt. St. Helens. Shortly before he reached his destination, the mountain erupted.

A mushroom-shaped column rose 80,000 feet in the air and spewed volcanic ash in 11 states. The near-supersonic lateral blast devastated the surrounding area, claimed the lives of 57 individuals, and triggered a massive mudslide that clogged the Columbia River and shut down the city of Portland.

It was the deadliest and most destructive volcanic eruption in United States History.

As one of the scientists who studied Mt. St. Helens both before and after the eruption Dr. Rosenfeld had the opportunity to brief President Carter during his visit to the site. During this lecture, Dr. Rosenfeld will recount his memories of the explosion and its aftermath.

April 16 - April 16, 2014 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

TILT 221

Mary Swanson , 491.2185, Mary.Swanson@colostate.edu