Visual representations depicting the geographical landscape of the area surrounding a stratovolcano located in Skamania County, Washington, commonly illustrate features such as elevation, topography, and points of interest. These cartographic depictions detail the changes to the terrain before and after the significant volcanic eruption of 1980. For example, pre-eruption renditions contrast sharply with post-eruption renditions, revealing the dramatic reshaping of the landscape.
These visual aids provide critical information for various purposes. They are vital for scientific research, aiding geologists and volcanologists in studying the volcano’s structure and the impact of the eruption. Furthermore, they serve as invaluable resources for land management, informing decisions related to conservation, recreation, and hazard mitigation. The historical record they provide documents the transformative power of natural disasters.