Spatial distribution and temporal change of vegetation restoration after the eruption of Mount St. Helens: from 1984 to 2019

Abstract

Approximately ten terrestrial volcanic eruptions occur yearly, significantly impacting the surrounding area. Mount St. Helens has been one of the most popular active volcanoes in recent years. This study analysed the vegetation cover status from 1984 to 2019. Remote Sensing and GIS technology were mainly used in this study to perform detailed research on the rates and trends of vegetation change. The results show that the vegetation in the study area has continued to recover in general, but some areas are consistently devoid of vegetation growth. After analysing the spatial and temporal perspectives, the vegetation recovery rate was relatively slow in the eastern part of the study area. This vegetation recovery status may be related to factors such as volcanic eruption, deep slope, lack of seeds, and massive wildfires. The area in the north-western part of the eruption area gained rapid growth in the first ten years, which may be caused by plant measures.