Nishinoshima Island, Japan: A Stunning View from Space.
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite captured an image of Nishinoshima Island, an uninhabited volcanic island in the northwest Pacific Ocean. The island has grown in size due to alternating periods of explosive activity and calm, with lava from various eruptions contributing to its growth. The yellowish discolouration of the water around the island is due to volcanic minerals, gas and seafloor sediment being stirred up by the volcanic activity. A plume of gas and steam can be seen rising from the volcano and drifting northeast over the Pacific Ocean. Satellite data can be used to better understand volcanic activity and provide early warnings to the aviation industry.