ISS012-E-11144
| NASA Photo ID | ISS012-E-11144 |
| Focal Length | 180mm |
| Date taken | 2005.12.11 |
| Time taken | 09:36:48 GMT |
1000 x 661 pixels 540 x 357 pixels 540 x 405 pixels 1520 x 1008 pixels 639 x 435 pixels
Photo center point: 37.0° N, 3.5° W
Photo center point by machine learning:
Country or Geographic Name: | SPAIN |
Features: | SIERRA NEVADA, GRANADA |
| Features Found Using Machine Learning: | |
Cloud Cover Percentage: | 10 (1-10)% |
Sun Elevation Angle: | 23° |
Sun Azimuth: | 142° |
Camera: | Kodak DCS760c Electronic Still Camera |
Focal Length: | 180mm |
Camera Tilt: | 45 degrees |
Format: | 3060E: 3060 x 2036 pixel CCD, RGBG array |
Film Exposure: | |
| Additional Information | |
| Width | Height | Annotated | Cropped | Purpose | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 pixels | 661 pixels | No | Yes | Earth From Space collection | Download Image |
| 540 pixels | 357 pixels | Yes | Yes | Earth From Space collection | Download Image |
| 540 pixels | 405 pixels | Yes | Yes | NASA's Earth Observatory web site | Download Image |
| 1520 pixels | 1008 pixels | No | No | Not enhanced | Download Image |
| 639 pixels | 435 pixels | No | No | Download Image |
The Sierra Nevada, part of the Betic Cordillera of southern Spain, were formed during the Alpine Orogeny, a mountain-building event that also formed the European Alps to the east and the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa across the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Sierra as observed today formed during the Tertiary Period (65 to 1.8 million years ago) from the collision of the African and Eurasian continental plates. The former Tethys Sea also closed during this time period; the Mediterranean Sea is the largest surviving remnant basin of the ancient Tethys.
The Sierra Nevada in the Granada province of Spain are perhaps the southernmost skiing location in all of Europe. Veleta Peak, at an elevation of 3,398 meters (11,148 feet) above sea level, is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. The rapid transition from lofty ski runs to Mediterranean beaches within a few hours' drive has made the Sierra Nevada region popular for both outdoor and urban tourism. This astronaut photograph depicts the Veleta Peak region of the range and illustrates the sharp contrast between the snow-capped mountains, adjacent dry lowlands to the west and north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
