ESA - Observing the Earth - Space sentinels track desertification on Mediterranean shores

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Space sentinels track desertification on Mediterranean shores

19 November 2004

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Desertification is not the spread of existing deserts but the loss of a landscape's productive capacity through degradation, often due to human activities, such as overfarming or land clearance. It is a global problem, recognised as such by the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD). Arid or dryland ecosystems across the world are at risk, which includes European territory bordering the Mediterranean. A new satellite-based service called DesertWatch offers continuous monitoring of susceptible areas.

Credits: AP Photo/Keystone, Sandro Campardo

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The rugged coastline of Western Turkey is shown spectacularly in this Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) image. The Greek Dodecanese islands in particular Lesbos, Chios, Kos and Rhodes in the south of the contrast perfectly against the blue of the Aegean Sea.
On the Turkish mainland to the north of the image the city of Istanbul can be seen partially covered in cloud, with the Bosporus separating the Black Sea from the Sea of Marmara and then the Aegean. On the west coast is the city of Izmir, and on the south is Antalya.

Technical Information:

Instrument: MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS)
Date of Acquisition: 30 October 2002
Orbit number: 03482
Instrument features: Full Resolution image (300 - metre resolution)

Credits: ESA 2002

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A trio of images of the south region of Portugal - Monchique, Algarve - acquired by Envisat's Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) during Auugust 2003's forest fires. The first image was acquired 8 August, before the fires started, the second was acquired 14 August during the midst of the blazes, and the last was acquired 20 August. Burnt areas appear as very dark patches.

Credits: ESA 2004

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The Eastern Mediterranean Sea area is highlighted in this Envisat's MERIS image, featuring Turkey, Cyprus and Crete, acquired on 21 July 2004.

This area is vulnerable to earthquakes and Earth Observation satellite images are useful for providing updated views of how the landscape has been affected as well as creating reference cartography for emergency operations.

Credits: ESA

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