From space, Earth is a magnificent sight, splashed with vivid colors, patterns, textures, and abstract forms. But such views can also reveal some of our planet's biggest problems: deforestation, urban sprawl, intensive farming, pollution and natural disasters.
In his new book, Earth from Space, aerial photographer and environmental activist Yann Arthus-Bertrand explores our planet from above. His pictures, along with insights from scientists, activists, and other experts, point out environmental and sociological problems and suggest how satellite imagery can be used to solve them.
Shown here, an image of the Mississippi delta released by NASA two months after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. Red indicates plant cover, which contrasts with the shades of white and blue representing the water.
Oil slicks increase reflection on the surface and therefore appear as brighter white. The image reveals the extent to which hydrocarbon pollution penetrated the delta's marshlands, which are so rich in biodiversity.
Bombetoka Bay, Madagascar
Bombetoka Bay, the Betsiboka River's sludgy estuary, spans some 6 miles on Madagascar's west coast.
Alluvial islands stretch out in the direction of the current, preceded and extended by sandbanks; they are partially covered by mangrove trees, seen in red in this image.
In the surrounding area, the heavily cleared forest gives way to brush and cassava and rice plantations.
Salamiyah and Dilam Oases, Saudi Arabia
Approximately 62 miles southeast of Riyadh, the Slamiyah and Dilam oases combine traditional and modern irrigation methods.
The remnants of former palm groves are visible, concentrated right next to the road, surrounded by the circles typical of aspersion irrigation zones: Pivots with ranges of approximately 650 feet provide water to grain plots over an area of approximately 15 square miles.
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