Earth from Area: Côte d’Ivoire

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over Côte d’Ivoire in western Africa. 

Zoom in to discover this picture at its full 10 m decision or click on on the circles to be taught extra. 

Côte d’Ivoire is positioned on the southern coast of west Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. Acquired in December 2023 in the course of the dry season, this picture reveals the central a part of the nation, which is principally forested however dotted with quite a few villages and cities, seen in mild brown.

The nation’s capital Yamoussoukro might be seen on the backside of the picture. Zooming into the bigger city settlements within the picture, buildings stand out in white.

Northwest of Yamoussoukro lies Lake Kossou, the most important water physique within the nation, protecting about 1700 sq km. It is a vital habitat for aquatic animals and an growing variety of hen species which were recorded residing right here or visiting the realm.

Lake Koussou is a synthetic basin created from the development of the Kossou Dam throughout the Bandama River. Strategic for the nation’s economic system by way of each agricultural and vitality manufacturing, the dam is the most important within the nation. It’s seen on the southern shore of the lake, the place the Bandama River resumes its course southward.

Bandama is the longest and, commercially, a very powerful river in Côte d’Ivoire. It drains half of the floor space of the nation earlier than coming into the Gulf of Guinea.

The reddish areas all through the picture denote excessive iron concentrations within the soil.

Like many international locations in west Africa, Cote d’Ivoire is experiencing the consequences of the local weather disaster, reminiscent of drought. Earth observing satellites, reminiscent of Copernicus Sentinel-2, may also help monitor fluctuations in water ranges over time and help the sustainable administration of water sources.