Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Photographic Highlights

ISS017 Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Photographic Highlights

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ISS017-E-9598

photo ID ISS017-E-9598
ISS017-E-9598 Click the photo number to access all resolutions available and the database record.

Sentinel Voclanic Field, Arizona: This detailed astronaut photograph depicts a portion of the Gila River channel (image center) between the Sentinel Volcanic Field and Oatman Mountain in south-central Arizona. The northernmost boundary of the Sentinel field is visible in the image, recognizable by the irregular flow fronts, or leading edge, of thin basalt lava flows erupted from low volcanic cones approximately 3.3–1.3 million years ago. The lava flow tops range in color from dark brown exposed rock to a tan, carbonate-rich soil cover. Active agricultural fields along the Gila River are a rich green set against the surrounding desert.
In contrast to the gentle topography of the Sentinel Volcanic Field, Oatman Mountain (upper left) rises from the Gila River channel to an elevation of approximately 560 meters (1,837 feet). While Oatman Mountain is located close to the Sentinel field, it represents an earlier phase of volcanic activity in the area. Volcanic rocks comprising Oatman Mountain were more viscous, leading to shorter, stronger flows that are weathered into stream channels and scarps on the mountain slopes. The mountain is a popular hang gliding destination due to abundant thermal currents rising from the surrounding desert floor and lava surfaces.

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This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate.

Recommended Citation: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth." .

NASA Responsible Official: Tracy Calhoun

Curator: jsc-earthweb@mail.nasa.gov

Contributors: Earth Sciences Web Team

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

International Space Station National Laboratory

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This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Directorate. Recommended Citation: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth." .
	NASA Responsible Official: Tracy Calhoun Curator: jsc-earthweb@mail.nasa.gov Contributors: Earth Sciences Web Team	National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center	International Space Station National Laboratory Last Update:
Server: 1