Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 17 Crew

ISS017-E-009734 (20 June 2008) --- Island of Ischia, Italy is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 17 crewmember on the International Space Station. The island of Ischia is located approximately 30 kilometers to the southwest of Naples, in the western Bay of Naples (part of the Tyrrenhian Sea). While the island's rocks are volcanic in origin, much of the island's geology and current appearance is characterized by uplifted -- horst -- and downdropped -- graben -- fault structures. For example, the highest point on the island of Ischia is Monte Epomeo (789 meters). The mountain is not a volcanic cone, but rather is composed of erupted materials uplifted by faulting. The green slopes of Monte Epomeo are enclosed by urban development (light grey speckled areas) that rings the island. According to scientists, the last volcanic activity on Ischia took place in 1302. The neighboring island of Procida (top right) was formed from the same magma sources as Ischia, and scientists believe it likely shared the same volcanic "plumbing system". Today, the island of Ischia is a popular tourist destination due to its hot springs, hot mud baths, and the hiking opportunities afforded by Monte Epomeo. Several boat wakes are visible around both islands in this view.