Aerial Photos of Redoubt Volcano in EruptionJust six hours after the Plinian eruption of 4 April 2009, Norbert and Marco managed to fly over Redoubt Volcano, still erupting a steam and ash column up to about 5000m.a.s.l. Thanks to heavy snowfall which had occurred on 3 April, the lahar in Drift River Valley (north of the volcano) and heavy ash fallout on the mountains SE of the volcano were perfectly visible. The flight took place from 11h50m till 12h20m local time (GMT - 8hr). |
We approach Redoubt in eruption after crossing Cook Inlet. | Flying over the lower Drift River Valley, entirely flooded by the lahar which occurred six hours before. | As close to Redoubt as permitted: note the steam from pyroclastic flows on the volcano's northern flank. | Steaming pyroclastic flow (right) and ash column erupted from the horseshoe-shaped crater (left). |
Fresh snow in the foreground strikingly contrasts with grey ash on the volcano's SE flank and peaks SE of it. | Clean, fresh snow on Iliamna volcano (left background) contrasts with the huge ash fallout on the mountains SE of Redoubt. | Flying back over the lower Drift River Valley: note that a major flood caused by melted snow and glacier ice is still flowing. | The lahar delta of black mud is clearly visible against fresh snow from 3 April (Alaska Range in the background). |
Zoom on the lahar delta crossing the road reaching the Drift River Oil Terminal. Note that Drift River is still frozen (white meanders at upper left). | The main lahar delta has reached the sea and has surrounded the Drift River Oil Terminal (at left). | Zoom on the oil tanks still protected by walls constructed as protection against the lahars. Cook Inlet in the upper background | After the flight, we relax on the shore of Cook Inlet near Kenai, enjoying great views of Redoubt Volcano. |
Photos by Marco Fulle. All photos taken with a 24-85mm zoom lens (digital camera with 18x24mm sensor). |