May 12, 2008 - Ash Plume from the Chaiten Volcano

Ash Plume from Chaiten Volcano

During its morning overpass on May 6, 2008 the MODIS on the Terra satellite captured this image of the Chilean volcano Chaiten's eruption. The plume of ash was blasted some 19 miles up in the air by the volcano, and blown by the wind, stretched all the way across Argentina to the Atlantic Ocean.

Today's images show the ash plume as captured by the MODIS on the Aqua satellite during the afternoon overpass on May 6. The main image is false color - this makes it easier to distinguish the ash (light gray) from the clouds (which appear blueish). If you move your mouse over the image, you will see the same image in true color.

Image Facts
Satellite: Aqua
Date Acquired: 05/06/2008
Resolutions: 1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 7,2,1 and 1,4,3
Image Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC