FOR93: Chapter 4: Plant Succession and Disturbances in the Urban Forest Ecosystem
Figure 11.4. The eruption of Mt. Saint Helens is an example of primary succession. It eliminated most traces of life in a substantial area of the northeastern part of the mountain (11.1). Less than a decade later, pioneer and early successional plants have colonized the area (11.2). Eventually, Douglas-fir forests will become established (11.3) and, without further disturbance, over several hundred years a Western hemlock forest may eventually occupy the area (11.4).
Credit: National Park Service
