Final answer:
A sudden and complete covering of a potential archaeological site by a natural occurrence like a volcanic eruption is known as catastrophic burial, famously illustrated by the preservation of Pompeii in 79 CE.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sudden and complete covering of a potential archaeological site by a dramatic natural occurrence, such as a volcanic eruption, is known as a catastrophic burial. This type of event can preserve the site in a remarkable state for archaeologists to discover and study thousands of years later.
One of the most famous examples of such an occurrence is the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE which covered the ancient city of Pompeii in ash. This catastrophic event captured and preserved the Roman city in time allowing modern archaeologists to get an outstanding glimpse into the daily life of its inhabitants. Similarly, the destruction caused by the 1980 volcanic explosion of Mt. St. Helens led to primary succession where a new pioneer species began to populate the newly formed land.