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| Credit: NASA/GSFC/LaRC/JPL, MISR Team | |
NASA has released vivid images of the Gulf coast region after the massive BP oil spill. The images were obtained from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument located on NASA's Terra spacecraft. As seen in the image to the right, black oil is visibly approaching the southeastern (bottom right) edge of the Mississippi River delta. Information combined from several MISR channels was used to create this false-color image. Silt-laden water due to runoff from the Mississippi River shows up as orange, red, and violet. Land and clouds appear in shades of cyan.
The oil spill is an increasing threat to Gulf coast land biomes and aquatic communities. This region is home to various species of fish, birds, mammals, and other organisms. With an estimated 5,000 barrels of oil leaking from the underwater well a day, it is sure to have a domino effect on organisms in the region. For example, oil kills plankton that other animals such as oysters, crabs and shrimp rely on for food. Other larger animals in turn depend on oysters, crabs and shrimp for food. No plankton means no food for animals higher up in the food chain. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries estimates that over 400 species are threatened by the spill.
Learn more about this story:
- NASA Images Show Oil's Invasion Along Louisiana Coast Science Daily
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