TopBoxx

Framed by a circle of clouds, this is a stunning illustration of Nature’s powerful force.
A plume of smoke, ash and steam soars five miles into the sky from an erupting volcano.
The extraordinary image was captured by the crew of the International Space Station 220 miles above a remote Russian island in the North Pacific.

Bird’s eye view: Safe from harm, NASA scientists look down on the Sarychev Peak volcano as the dramatic eruption takes place. The force of the blast sends clouds scattering

The round hole in the clouds is thought to have been caused by the shockwave of the initial explosion. At the centre lies the billowing mushroom tower of grey and brown ash.
For volcano experts, the most exciting part of the image is the layer of smooth white cloud that caps the plume – a little like a layer of snow on a mushroom.
This cap of condensed air is created from the rapid rising and then cooling of the air directly above the ash column. When moist, warm air rises quickly it creates a cloud.

Stretching behind the volcano lies the vast shadow caused by the eruption, as the blast continues to grow

Between the two overpasses on June 14, the ash spread north and west from the volcano

To know more>>

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=38985

http://io9.com/5299919/nasa-volcano-image-shows-atmospheric-shockwave

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1195215/Stunning-pictures-hole-clouds-astronauts-witness-volcano-eruption-International-Space-Station.html