Judging from the sizes of the before-and-after craters atop Mount St. Helens, which volcani event appears to have been more explosive, the last one before 1980, or that which occured in 1980?

I thought it would be the one before 1980 since that would have created the upheaval for the 1980 one. Am I right?

To determine which volcanic event appears to have been more explosive, we can compare the sizes of the before-and-after craters on Mount St. Helens. Based on your assumption that the last eruption before 1980 would have created the upheaval for the 1980 eruption, we can explore this further.

To get accurate and specific data about the sizes of the craters, we need to consult reliable sources such as scientific studies, reports, or geological surveys. These sources typically provide measurements of the dimensions and volumes of the craters.

By analyzing the size of the before-and-after craters, we can make an informed judgment about the explosiveness of each event. Generally, larger craters indicate more explosive eruptions since the force of the explosion is responsible for excavating and enlarging the crater.

It's worth noting that volcanic eruptions can be influenced by various factors, including magma composition, gas content, and eruption style. So, while the assumption that the previous eruption could have contributed to the upheaval for the 1980 eruption is logical, it's crucial to consider additional evidence before reaching a conclusion.

To access the specific data and make an accurate comparison, it's recommended to refer to scientific literature or contact relevant experts in the field of volcanology and geology.