Space scientists at the University of Leicester have released
satellite images of vast plumes of smoke emanating from the peat
bog fires which are currently sweeping across central and
western Russia. Using equipment on the European satellite
MetOp-A researchers from the University's Earth Observation
Science group have analysed and released still images taken on
4, 8 and 9 August. Each satellite image is available as both a
true colour image and as a false colour version in which the
smoke shows up as yellow. Using this technique, the extent of
the smoke plumes and their encirclement of Moscow becomes
obvious. As well as demonstrating the massive extent of the
smoke clouds across Western Russia, the satellite images
indicate another interesting phenomenon: pyrocumulonimbus
clouds. These are water clouds, caused by hot air rising
directly from a fire, which can trap airborne pollution and
transport it for thousands of kilometres. The image from 8
August clearly shows these clouds moving towards Finland in the