Nasa's Aqua satellite captured this image of volcanic activity near Tonga in the South Pacific. The following day a submarine volcanic eruption occurred. The area around the eruption appears bright blue-green, likely resulting from ash and other volcanic debris suspended in the water. The brilliant white patch at the centre of the sediment-rich area may result from vapour released by the volcano. North-west of the eruption site, a serpentine-shaped brown ribbon probably indicates volcanic rock floating on the water.

This piece originally appeared in The Guardian.

Photo credit: Nasa.