Tags: NASA, Earth Observation, Earth Observing 1
Publication: DailyMail.co.uk
Publication Date: 12/09/2012

Infrared image of Tolbachik Volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula captured by the Advanced Land Imager on NASA’s Earth Observing 1 satellite showing the hot lava stream spewing from the volcano. Image credit: NASA/EO-1/USGS

NASA released high-quality images of the Plosky Tolbachik volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula that suddenly erupted after being dormant for 36 years. The images were captured by the agency’s Earth Observing 1 satellite.

The satellite’s Advanced Land Imager with infrared capability captured the lava as a red river flowing out of the volcano. Without infrared, the magma flows are not as easy to identify from space. The images also help identify the different temperatures in the area.

The eruption occurred on Nov. 27 generating clouds of ash almost 10,000 feet into the air, which continue to spew for weeks after. Reports indicate that lava flows from the volcano destroyed two research camps and forced nearby schools to close.

Russian authorities have downgraded the alert status from red to orange but scientists are still monitoring the volcano for signs of further activity.

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