NASA Earth Observatory image of the year is...

...the image of the El Hierro eruption ! Congratulations.
The winner has just been announced a few minutes ago, and this should bring much needed publicity for El Hierro and puts the harbour and town of La Restinga on a world stage. Here's my enhanced version of the stunning view from space again:

El Hierro eruption: NASA Earth Observatory image of the year winner! (The white 'freckles' are wave crests)

Nasa commented the win as follows:
''In a true Cinderella story, the underwater volcano proceeded to knock off four higher seeds before meeting another #7 seed—the crack in the Pine Island Glacier—in the final. The matchup was not even close, as El Hierro romped with 91 percent of the votes.
Perhaps sensing its impending victory, El Hierro began stirring in late March 2013. According to Erik Klemetti’s “Eruptions” volcanology, earthquake swarms beneath the island suggested that magma was on the move. Perhaps a volcano will soon be popping some lava champagne to celebrate the win.''

Vote for El Hierro eruption image

The tournament for NASA Earth Observatory image of the year has reached the final and the image of the submarine eruption at El Hierro is guaranteed the second place. Please vote for it HERE to make it the winner and give El Hierro some much needed publicity.
The benign eruption scared away many tourists and El Hierro is struggling to recover from the economic damage. You can vote several times, but voting closes on Friday.
The winner will be announced on Monday, April 8th.
Meanwhile seismic activity at El Hierro continues - read the full story HERE

El Hierro eruption seen from space 2012. This image has now made it into
 the final of the NASA Earth Observatory tournament for image of the year
and you too can vote for it! Click:http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Vote/