Incredible Images: Earth in 2011

Ash-Spewing Eruption in Chile

On June 4, Chile's Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano began erupting with the opening of a fissure -- the first major eruption at the complex in 51 years, according to the Eruptions blog. [More eruption images.]

The spewing volcano emitted ash to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet (14,000 meters), according to the Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC). The ash plume remained at or above 40,000 feet (12,000) for at least the next two days.