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February 16, 2011 - Activity at Ambrym and Yasur Volcanoes, Vanuatu
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The Republic of Vanuatu contains over 80 small islands, loosely strung together like green beads in the blue South Pacific Ocean. But the idyllic island nation is home to at least 25 volcanoes. On February 10, 2011, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Terra satellite captured this true-color image of activity at Ambrym and Yasur, two of the most regularly active volcanoes in the Republic.
In the north, a volcanic plume blows rises from Ambrym and blows to the west, dispersing over the water in a cloud of vog (volcanic fog). The white color of the plume suggests that it is made up of steam and volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide. The west side of the island often experiences acid rain due to the emissions from the volcano.
To the south, a red hotspot marks Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which erupts several times each hour in relatively mild but often spectacular displays. Because the regular Strombolian eruptions are visible from the sea, Yasur has been called the “Lighthouse of the Pacific”. A tourist industry has developed around Yasur, drawing visitors from all parts of the world to view the displays either from sea or land.
These islands are volcanic in origin, but are considered relatively young in geological terms. Although the oldest islands were formed over 22 million years ago, many others were formed during the last 3 million years. The island building process is continuing, with over 20% of the islands thought to have been formed in the last 200,000 years.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 2/10/2011
Resolutions:
1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
The Republic of Vanuatu contains over 80 small islands, loosely strung together like green beads in the blue South Pacific Ocean. But the idyllic island nation is home to at least 25 volcanoes. On February 10, 2011, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Terra satellite captured this true-color image of activity at Ambrym and Yasur, two of the most regularly active volcanoes in the Republic.
In the north, a volcanic plume blows rises from Ambrym and blows to the west, dispersing over the water in a cloud of vog (volcanic fog). The white color of the plume suggests that it is made up of steam and volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide. The west side of the island often experiences acid rain due to the emissions from the volcano.
To the south, a red hotspot marks Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which erupts several times each hour in relatively mild but often spectacular displays. Because the regular Strombolian eruptions are visible from the sea, Yasur has been called the “Lighthouse of the Pacific”. A tourist industry has developed around Yasur, drawing visitors from all parts of the world to view the displays either from sea or land.
These islands are volcanic in origin, but are considered relatively young in geological terms. Although the oldest islands were formed over 22 million years ago, many others were formed during the last 3 million years. The island building process is continuing, with over 20% of the islands thought to have been formed in the last 200,000 years.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 2/10/2011
Resolutions:
1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
