STS111-E-5224
| NASA Photo ID | STS111-E-5224 |
| Focal Length | 70mm |
| Date taken | 2002.06.12 |
| Time taken | GMT |
Resolutions offered for this image:
1024 x 768 pixels 540 x 405 pixels 540 x 908 pixels 1000 x 1571 pixels 3032 x 2064 pixels 639 x 435 pixels
1024 x 768 pixels 540 x 405 pixels 540 x 908 pixels 1000 x 1571 pixels 3032 x 2064 pixels 639 x 435 pixels
Cloud masks available for this image:
Spacecraft nadir point:
Photo center point: 33.5° N, 116.0° W
Photo center point by machine learning:
Photo center point: 33.5° N, 116.0° W
Photo center point by machine learning:
Nadir to Photo Center:
Spacecraft Altitude: nautical miles (0km)
Country or Geographic Name: | USA-CALIFORNIA |
Features: | SALTON SEA, IMPERIAL VALLEY, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK |
| Features Found Using Machine Learning: | |
Cloud Cover Percentage: | 10 (1-10)% |
Sun Elevation Angle: | ° |
Sun Azimuth: | ° |
Camera: | Kodak DCS760c Electronic Still Camera |
Focal Length: | 70mm |
Camera Tilt: | |
Format: | 3060E: 3060 x 2036 pixel CCD, RGBG array |
Film Exposure: | |
| Additional Information | |
| Width | Height | Annotated | Cropped | Purpose | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1024 pixels | 768 pixels | Photographic Highlights | Download Image | ||
| 540 pixels | 405 pixels | Photographic Highlights | Download Image | ||
| 540 pixels | 908 pixels | Yes | Yes | Earth From Space collection | Download Image |
| 1000 pixels | 1571 pixels | No | Yes | NASA's Earth Observatory web site | Download Image |
| 3032 pixels | 2064 pixels | No | No | Download Image | |
| 639 pixels | 435 pixels | No | No | Download Image |
Download Packaged File
Download a Google Earth KML for this Image
View photo footprint information
Download a GeoTIFF for this photo
Image Caption: Southern California's Salton Sea is a prominent visual for astronauts. This large lake supports the rich agricultural fields of the Imperial, Coachella and Mexicali Valleys in the California and Mexico desert. The Salton Sea formed by accident in 1905 when an irrigation canal ruptured, allowing the Colorado River to flood the Salton Basin. Today the Sea performs an important function as the sink for agricultural runoff; water levels are maintained by the runoff from the surrounding agricultural valleys. The Salton Sea salinity is high--nearly 1/4 saltier than ocean water--but it remains an important stopover point for migratory water birds, including several endangered species.
The region also experiences several environmental problems. The recent increased demands for the limited Colorado River water threatens the amount of water allowed to flow into the Salton Sea. Increased salinity and decreased water levels could trigger several regional environmental crises.
The agricultural flow into the Sea includes nutrients and agricultural by-products, increasing the productivity and likelihood of algae blooms. This image shows either a bloom, or suspended sediment (usually highly organic) in the water that has been stirred up by winds.
The region also experiences several environmental problems. The recent increased demands for the limited Colorado River water threatens the amount of water allowed to flow into the Salton Sea. Increased salinity and decreased water levels could trigger several regional environmental crises.
The agricultural flow into the Sea includes nutrients and agricultural by-products, increasing the productivity and likelihood of algae blooms. This image shows either a bloom, or suspended sediment (usually highly organic) in the water that has been stirred up by winds.
