This is an image of the Colima volcano in Jalisco, Mexico, a vigorously active volcano that erupted as recently as July 1994. The eruption partially destroyed a lava dome at the summit and deposited a new layer of ash on the volcano's southern slopes. Surrounding communities face a continuing threat of ashfalls and volcanic mudflows from the volcano, which has been designated one of 15 high-risk volcanoes for scientific study during the next decade. Observations from space are helping scientists understand the behavior of dangerous volcanoes and will be used to mitigate the effects of future eruptions on surrounding populations.

Mexico: Colima Volcano with smoke. Date: April 1991 Altitude: 139 nautical miles Latitude: 19.5 Longitude: -103.5 Direction: looking to the S Tilt: Low oblique Lens: 250 mm