This Envisat MERIS image, acquired on 11 January 2011, shows the plume of smoke billowing into the atmosphere from Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy. Activity gradually increased the following day, peaking in the evening.
Volcanic activity gradually increased the following day, peaking in the evening of January 12th – sending flames and ash hundreds of metres into the air. Additionally, a plume of sulphur dioxide was carried over the Mediterranean Sea. The data from Envisat were processed by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research within the framework of ESA's Data User Element and can be used to warn aviation companies on the hazardous plume.