SEEING THE NENANA RIVER VALLEY FROM SPACE - MODIS Data

MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard two different satellites: Terra (EOS AM) and Aqua (EOS PM).

Terra's orbit around the Earth is timed so that it passes from north to south across the equator in the morning, while Aqua passes south to north over the equator in the afternoon. Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS are viewing the entire Earth's surface every 1 to 2 days, acquiring data in 36 spectral bands, or groups of wavelengths (see MODIS Technical Specifications). These data will improve our understanding of global dynamics and processes occurring on the land, in the oceans, and in the lower atmosphere.

These images show the Nenana River Valley in summer (left) and winter (right).

The numbers mark the same spots on each image and are the same as those found on the topographic map.

What are some of the similarities and differences between the two images?
Which image would you use to map vegetation? water features?

See a larger version of the summer and winter images.