What natural disaster is associated with the ash swirling around Mt. Helens?

The presence of ash swirling around Mt. Helens specifically indicates a volcanic eruption, as this phenomenon occurs when a volcano emits ash, gas, and other volcanic materials into the air. Mount St. Helens is known for its significant eruptions, particularly the catastrophic event in 1980, which released a tremendous amount of ash into the atmosphere, affecting surrounding areas and even impacting air travel. This ash formation is a direct result of magma coming into contact with water or being explosively expelled from the volcano. In contrast, the other options do not directly result in the creation of ash clouds. Landslides may occur as a consequence of volcanic activity or earthquakes, but they do not produce ash. Heavy rainfall may lead to mudslides or flooding, while a strong earthquake could occur independently of volcanic activity and also doesn’t create ash. Therefore, the swirling ash around Mt. Helens clearly points to volcanic activity as the correct association.