Jun 8, 2012 7:54 AM

Gallery: First Anniversary of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Eruption

01
puyehue-cordon-caulle-june-4-2011
This week has yet another anniversary to mention - the [one year anniversary](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/06/update-eruption-at-puyehue-cordon-caulle-in-chile/) of the eruption from [Puyehue-Cordón Caulle](http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1507-15=) along the Chilean-Argentine border (the [2011 Pliny winner](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/and-the-2011-pliny-for-volcanic-event-of-the-year-goes-to/?pid=2807)). Over much of the spring of 2011, it appeared that an eruption might be brewing, but on June 4, that suspicion was proved to be true as the volcano erupted in impressive fashion. Some of the [images, videos and descriptions of the ash](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/06/spectacular-images-and-video-of-the-puyehue-cordon-caulle-eruption-in-chile/) and pumice near the volcano are amazing, with entire lakes seemingly [consumed by pumice](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/10/vulcans-view-eruption-news-and-volcanoes-from-space-for-october-28-2011/?pid=2329) over their entire surface and roads buried in centimeters of volcanic tephra. Over the course of the next months, the volcano produced a [significant ash plumes](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/09/volcanoes-seen-from-space-for-september-29-2011/?pid=2207) that disrupted [air travel across much of southern South America](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/06/puyehue-cordon-caulle-ash-makes-it-to-buenos-aires-and-paraguay/) into the fall and as far away as New Zealand and Australia, with the ash wrapping its way around the globe. One of the other impressive results of the eruption was a blocky lava flow from the Cordon Caulle vent. The flow had all the hallmarks of a dacite lava flow, with a steep flow front, well-developed pressure ridges and levees. The [BBC has an article](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18338334) for the post on the recovery of the area since the eruption, including the estimate 250,000 truck trips it took to clear Villa La Angostura of ash. Now, the volcano is currently under a "yellow alert" status according to the [latest update from SERNAGEOMIN](http://www.sernageomin.cl/reportesVolcanes/20120507093335607RAV_N371_Los-Lagos_30042012.pdf). The eruption has become much more subdued, with little to no activity at Puyehue-Cordon Caulle besides the occasional small steam-and-ash plumes (low level of activity and energy compared to previous months". To mark the occasion, I've compiled a little slide show from images from the [*NASA Earth Observatory* of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle eruption](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/event.php?id=50859). Some of these we've seen before, but it is still fascinating to see an eruption of this magnitude unfold. *Image: The initial ash plume from Puyehue-Cordón Caulle seen on [June 4, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=50862) punching through low level clouds and topping out at ~13.5 km / 45,000 feet. Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*
02
puyehue-cordon-caulle-june-4-2011-2
June 6, 2011 ------------ *Image: The Puyehue-Cordón Caulle stretching across southern South America on [June 6, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=50858), when the ash plume was still reaching over 12 km / 40,000 feet. Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*

03
puyehue-cordon-caulle-june-11-2011
June 11, 2011 ------------- *Image: A close-up, false color image of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle vent on [June 11, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=51020) showing the ash plume and some of the prominent pumice deposits of lakes near the volcano. Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*
04
puyehue-cordon-caulle-june-13-2011
June 13, 2011 ------------- *Image: Ash from *Puyehue-Cordón Caulle* stretched across the southern hemisphere within 10 days of the eruption, prompting airspace closures in places like New Zealand and Australia. This image is from [June 13, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=50985), courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*

05
puyehue-cordon-caulle-july-2-2011
July 2, 2011 ------------ *Image: The ash plume from Puyehue-Cordón Caulle heading off over the Pacific Ocean in [July 2, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=50985). Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*
06
puyehue-cordon-caulle-july-8-2011
*Image: The ash plume from Puyehue-Cordón Caulle on [July 8, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=51316) heading in the opposite direction as it had been only 6 days ago. Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*

07
puyehue-cordon-caulle-october-9-2011
*Image: A close-up view of the lava flow from P-CC seen on [October 9, 2011](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=76107), when the main ash plume had begun to subside. Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*
08
puyehue-cordon-caulle-march-7-2012
March 7, 2012 ------------- *Image: Very subdued activity from the P-CC eruption seen on [March 7, 2012](http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=77349), showing clearly the extend of the area fully affected by the ash and tephra from the volcano. Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.*

Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home

Protect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.

Molly Higgins

The Best Duffel Bags for Commuters and Chronic Overpackers

Need to schlep some stuff? These field-tested duffels can handle your baggage.

Louryn Strampe

Get the Most Out of Your iPad With These Accessories

Kit out your Apple tablet with our favorite stands, cases, keyboards, and styli.

Julian Chokkattu

The WIRED Guide to Los Angeles for Business Travelers

A tech industry guide to where to stay, eat, work, and play while visiting LA.

Jordan Michelman

The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)

Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.

Simon Hill