Chaitén Volcano, Chile 3rd May 2008 ; Latitude 42.833S Longitude 72.646W Chaitén volcano in southern Chile erupted for the first time in over 9000 years. The volcano is located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado.

The smoke plume is clearly visible in these HRPT images from METOP-A raw data filename NSS.FRAC.M2.D08124.S1255.E1435.B0798283

A dense column of white to grey emissions reaching a height of 20 km, and drifting SSE with the prevailing winds. The geological record of Chaitén volcano shows a history of pyroclastic flows and ashfall. This explosive character of the volcano suggests that ashfall may reach a considerable distance from the volcano. Pyroclastic flows are possible, and are associated with dome collapse.

3D views of the terrain