The lightened lenticular cloud above the crater of Villarica volcano (image: P.O.V.I.)
The activity of the volcano continues at stable levels.
The latest infrared camera from 7 May depicts glowing steam and gas emissions suggesting the small active lava pond characterized by a delicate equilibrium between incoming and consumption of magma.
In addition, a magnificent lenticular cloud was being illuminated above the crater resulted from the glowing pond.
Lenticular clouds form when moist, stable air flows over a larger swirls, usually formed by mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves form on the leeward side of the mountain. If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops below the dew point, moisture in the air may condense to form these clouds.
Satellite image of the lava pond within the Villarica volcano summit crater detected on 3 May (image: Sentinel 2)