Hierro Submarine Eruption

A volcanic submarine eruption occurred off the coast of Spain’s Hierro Island at 1,200 meters below sea level on October 10, 2011.  The eruption left staining on the surface of the ocean which was captured by RapidEye’s satellite.

According to Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), more than 700 incidents of seismic activity were detected in the area during the week of October 4 – 11, 2011.  The Global Volcanism Program describes the island of Hierro as one of the least studied islands in the Canary Islands and contains some of the greatest concentrations of vents in the area.

Staining from the submarine eruption off the coast of Hierro Island. Image courtesy of RapidEye.