A fin-shaped slab of fresh volcanic rock in the crater at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is growing about 5 feet a day, The Associated Press reports. (Thanks to the USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory for the cool photo, which is NOT of the fin, but the 1980 eruption.)
The 300-foot rock is one of seven lobes that have been pushing their way through the surface for about 18 months. You can see them from the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 20. Or, you can look at photos of the crater and the fin.
Scientists expect over time the volcano will rebuild its conical peak, which blasted apart May 18, 1980.
(posted by editor Dena)
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