Image of the Day

Landsat 5 TM scene over Rotterdam, Netherlands Image credits: USGS/ESA
Source:  https://earth.esa.int/web/sppa/mission-performance/esa-3rd-party-missions/landsat-1-7/tm-etm/sensor-description
I found this image compelling because it demonstrates the role of remote sensing in monitoring and
assessing environmental change.  Coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to changes in sea level so image assessment spanning several years is a valuable tool in identifying shrinking coastlines.  High density urban areas are identified by their grey and white tones.  Agricultural fields can be identified by their rectangular shapes and various shades of green and beige.  The rivers, identified by their meandering pattern, vary in color.  This could indicate differences in sediment levels.  One interesting feature is the geometric, man-made shape of the canals indicating the manipulations of waterways for urban planning.