Sierra de Velasco

Shimmering blues and greens accentuate the textures of the Sierra de Velasco Mountains of northern Argentina. The urban area (pinkish circle) near the lower left part of the mountain range is La Rioja, the capital of the province of La Rioja. Follow the foothills to the upper right, where the city of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca lies near extensive vineyards and fruit-growing areas (blue blocky shapes).

Image date: 28 February 1985
Source: Landsat 5

Part of the US Geological Survey's "Earth as Art 3" collection of images taken by the Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 satellites.

Since 1972, Landsat satellites have collected from space information about Earth’s continents and coastal areas, enabling scientists to study many aspects of the planet and to evaluate changes caused by both natural processes and human practices. This image was created by visualizing both visible-light and infrared data in colors visible to the human eye; band combinations and colors were chosen to optimize their dramatic appearance.

Credit: Geological Survey [source has higher resolution version]

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