Earth from Space - Image Description

NM23-773-056 Rio Parana, Argentina/Paraguay Winter/Spring 1997
For geographic reference the Yacyreta-Apipe Dams are visible on the Rio Parana near the eastern edge of the picture (right margin). The Rio Parana is the border between Paraguay (top) and Argentina (bottom). In addition to the well-defined, natural floodplain of the Rio Parana (darker feature, mainly on the Paraguay side of the river), the entire scene shows a complex hydrologic pattern. Complicated and intricate drainage patterns can be observed on both sides of the river. It appears that the Rio Parana has repeatedly made significant course changes. South of the river, well defined, older drainage channels, primarily aligned in a northeast-southwest pattern, can be traced across this flat, swampy terrain. North of the Rio Parana in Paraguay the older drainage channels are aligned more east-west. Two large smoke plumes (white features-one originating in Paraguay, the other in Argentina) appear on the right side. A small section (solar array truss) of the Space Station Mir is visible in the lower right corner of the picture.

This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Earth Science & Remote Sensing Unit, ARES Division, Exploration Integration Science Directorate.