The Nation : Scientists Enter Volcano

Earthquakes continued rumbling within Mt. St. Helens as scientists ventured into the steaming crater to gauge the chances of an explosive eruption. The scientists could feel some of the larger quakes, which registered 2 to 3 on the Richter scale, said Steve Brantley of the U.S. Geological Survey in Vancouver, Wash. That development signaled an “exponential increase” in the energy released by the volcano, he said, adding that such increases have in the past indicated an impending eruption. The 47,000-acre restricted zone around the volcano has been closed for several days, although officials said there was little chance an eruption would affect areas outside the crater.