Fires in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia

Numerous fires (red dots) were detected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) throughout central Africa on July 7, 2002. Fire is a recurring phenomenon in this region at this time of year, as farmers and herders use fire as a tool for clearing the landscape for farming or to spur fresh fodder for their herds.

At top center of the image, Lake Tanganyika separates Democratic Republic of Congo (left) from Tanzania (right). Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi (bottom right) are two of Africa.s Great Rift lakes, formed in a geologic fault that runs nearly the length of the eastern part of the continent.

At the bottom center of the image, fewer fires are burning in northern Zambia. At bottom right is the Tete region of Mozambique.

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Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published July 13, 2002
Data acquired July 7 - 7, 2002

Source:

Terra > MODIS

Topic:

Human Dimensions > Natural Hazards > Fires

Collection:

Visible Earth