Fog and Wildflowers at Mount St Helens is a photograph by Carolyn Derstine which was uploaded on October 17th, 2019.
Fog and Wildflowers at Mount St Helens
When Mount Saint Helens, a volcanic peak in the Cascade Range, southwestern Washington, U.S. erupted on May 18, 1980, it was one of the greatest... more
Title
Fog and Wildflowers at Mount St Helens
Artist
Carolyn Derstine
Medium
Photograph
Description
When Mount Saint Helens, a volcanic peak in the Cascade Range, southwestern Washington, U.S. erupted on May 18, 1980, it was one of the greatest volcanic explosions ever recorded in North America and left destruction over some 200 square miles. But over the intervening decades, flowers have fought their way into the death zone and sprout from the dead-looking gray soil made up of pumice and ash spewed out by the eruption. However, the flowers are more than beautiful patches of brightness enlivening a somber landscape: They’re pioneers in a slowly recovering ecosystem. As generations of plants grow, bloom, and die, they improve the soil for future plants. It will take hundreds of years to turn this area back to the old-growth forest it once was, but wildflowers are cheerfully leading the way. Fog partially obscures the view from the Johnston Ridge Observatory Center of the sediment-clogged valley of the North Fork of the Toutle River below Mount St. Helens.
Uploaded
October 17th, 2019
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Comments (14)
Gary F Richards
Congratulations on your Top Finish in the contest… GLOOMY DAY LANDSCAPES - PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY! F/L
Gary F Richards
Spectacular Fog and Wildflowers at Mount St. Helens composition, lighting, shading, lovely colors and artwork! F/L voted
Gary F Richards
Congratulations on your Top Finish in the contest… FOGGY OR MISTY MOUNTAINS - PHOTOGRAPHY -CAN BE BLA...! Fl
Gary F Richards
Outstanding Foggy Mount St. Hellens/Wildflowers composition, lighting, perfect shading, lovely color and artwork! F/L voted
Michaela Perryman
I remember hearing about that result with some shock. This photo is a testament to the strength and beauty of nature. Lovely l/f
Carolyn Derstine replied:
It was fascinating to see this area after hearing about the eruption in the news at the time. Thanks for commenting, Michaela!