Forty years ago, Mount St. Helens, an active stratovolcano in Southwest Washington, erupted killing 57 people and covering much of the northwest in ash. The major eruption on May 18, 1980 remains the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in U.S. history.

To honor the anniversary, Chad Pritchard, chair of the EWU Geology Department, created a “trashcano” to model how gas bubbles can grow and lead to Plinian eruptions. Because he couldn’t share the geology lesson with students in person, he created the video below to share with campus. Do not try this at home.

EWU Geology alum, Cass Hennings, works as a ranger in the Canyon District at Yellowstone National Park. As an interpreter, Cass educates visitors, gives talks, and guided hikes. For more information about Cass, read her interview with Red Around the World.