This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
We focus a lot here on geology (this being a geology blog and all). But the thing I love about science is how you can start with one and end up visiting most of the rest as you explore. For instance: take the Mount St. Helens eruption. It's a hell of a geology story, one which isn't nearly finished - but that dramatic geologic moment caused a cascade of other events that have scientists of all stripes sitting up and taking notice.
It also has them saying, "Well, that was unexpected."
For a look at why scientists are surprised at how the flora and fauna are recovering in the devastated area, and why insects may be a bigger player in the succession game than we'd considered before now, see Eric Sorensen's fascinating article "A New Land" in Washington State Magazine. For one thing, you'll learn a bit about why these beautiful little flowers are vitally important to forest recovery in a blast zone:
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And why willows change everything. Well, lots of things. Volcanoes going ba-boom change a lot, too.