Environment

Photos of Erupting Sarychev Peak Volcano Taken From Space

by Tina Kells | June 25, 2009 at 12:30 pm

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The International Space Station has taken photos of an erupting volcano from space. Stunning images of Sarychev Peak Volcano erupting were snapped by crew on board the International Space Station as it orbited 220 miles above. Ash from the volcanic eruption was seen to spew more than five miles into the air.

Located on the Matua Island (Ostrov Matua) in an isolated region of Russia's North Pacific territories, the eruption of the Sarychev Peak Volcano is not believed to have caused any human fatalities. However, the images of the volcano captured from space are awe inspiring. Sarychev Peak Volcano has been erupting since June 12, 2009 and continues to blow off smoke and ash.

Sarychev Peak Volcano is one of the most active in Russia's Kuril archipelago; the last time it erupted was 20 years ago, in 1989. While Matua Island is uninhabited it is located in a busy trade corridor. Flights have been diverted and ships have been warned of the increased seismic activity in the area.

See the photos of the eruption of Sarychev Peak Volcano from space

International Space Station Photos of the Sarychev Peak eruption

Sarychev Peak Volcano photos from NASA Astronomy Photo of the Day Archive

The round hole in the clouds is thought to have been caused by the shockwave of the initial explosion. At the centre lies the billowing mushroom tower of grey and brown ash.

For volcano experts, the most exciting part of the image is the layer of smooth white cloud that caps the plume - a little like a layer of snow on a mushroom.

This cap of condensed air is created from the rapid rising and then cooling of the air directly above the ash column. When moist, warm air rises quickly it creates a cloud.

This cap, which meteorologists call a pileus cloud, is already beginning to break up in these images - and would have vanished soon afterwards.

Far below, a thunderous line of light grey cloud can be seen falling down the sloping sides of the volcano.

This is a deadly pyroclastic flow - a mixture of hot gas and ash that destroys everything in its path.

Reaching temperatures of 600C (1,112F) and moving at 130mph, a pyroclastic flow is the most dangerous part of a volcanic eruption.