Question

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington State experienced a huge volcanic eruption after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake. During the eruption, hot ash and pumice poured down the west, south, and east sides of the mountain, melting the snow and ice at the top of the volcano and producing volcanic mudflows. Which type of process first occurred in the ecosystem around Mount St. Helens after it erupted?
primary succession
secondary succession
a climax community
species extinction

Answer 1

Primary succession.

The eruption stripped away vegetation and soil in many areas, leaving bare rock and ash where pioneer species (lichens, mosses, certain plants) had to colonize first before a soil-rich community could develop.