In this interview, conducted by Linda S. Dodds on June 19, 1980, Gilbert T. Benson (born 1929) discusses his knowledge of geology and his study of Mount St. Helens leading up to and after its eruption in 1980. He describes Mount St. Helens' volcanic characteristics, talks about the future of the mountain and the area, and discusses how volcanic eruptions affect people who live near them. He talks about the warning signs before the eruption, and about discussing the imminent eruption with his geology students at Portland State University. He speculates about the future of the area affected by the eruption, including the likelihood of future eruptions. He closes the interview by discussing how plate tectonics contribute to the creation of mountains.