Question

on may 18, 1980, mount st. helens in washington state experienced a huge volcanic eruption after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake. during the eruption, hot ash and pumice poured down the west, south, and east sides of the mountain, melting the snow and ice at the top of the volcano and producing volcanic mudflows. which type of process first occurred in the ecosystem around mount st. helens after it erupted? secondary succession species extinction primary succession climax community

Explanation:

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 destroyed existing life and soil. Primary succession occurs in areas where there is no soil or remnants of a previous community. Secondary succession occurs in areas where soil is still present and some life - forms remain. After a volcanic eruption that destroys everything including soil, primary succession is the first process to occur.

Answer:

primary succession