This picture captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission reveals the affect of extreme flooding following heavy rain that hit Australia’s Northern Territory in March 2024.
Zoom in to discover this picture at its full decision or click on on the circles to be taught extra.
In keeping with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, March 2024 was the second wettest March on report for the territory, with rainfall far exceeding the common. To make issues worse, tropical cyclone Megan struck the already drenched space, additional exacerbating the scenario.
This false-colour radar picture combines knowledge from two acquisitions, one from 10 March previous to the rainfall, and one from 22 March after the downpour. Flooded areas are highlighted in pink, whereas darkish areas signify everlasting water our bodies or fields which are regularly submerged.
Tarrabool Lake, the massive darkish patch within the backside proper, is a seasonal lake whose water degree fluctuates. Its swampy wetlands and the close by tropical forests present a vital habitat for small mammals, reptiles, and quite a few fowl species.
Though fed by numerous creeks, Creswell Creek, flowing down from the northeast, is its major water supply and seems to have overflowed, as did most rivers within the space.
Owing to their significance as a breeding web site for waterbirds, Tarrabool Lake and the Eva Downs swamp system are listed as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife Worldwide, as is Lake Woods, a big ephemeral freshwater wetland, seen as a black patch within the high left nook.
Sometimes round 350 sq km, Lake Woods can develop considerably during times of seasonal heavy rainfall, supporting as much as 116 000 waterbirds when absolutely inundated.
Copernicus Sentinel-1’s radar capability to ‘see’ by clouds and rain, and in darkness, makes it notably helpful for monitoring floods. These pictures can supply speedy data on the extent of inundation, aiding reduction efforts. Additionally, after such occasions, satellite tv for pc pictures are a invaluable useful resource for assessing harm and planning restoration.
