Start Date: End Date: Published Date Data Date
Data acquired June 4, 2005 350 x 450 26 KB - JPEG
Data acquired June 4, 2005 700 x 900 89 KB - JPEG
Data acquired June 4, 2005 1400 x 1800 226 KB - JPEG
Thought the brilliant turquoise streak of water that lines the coast of Namibia is stunning in this true-color Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image, it represents a trying event for people in Namibia. Pure sulfur gives the water this color when hydrogen sulfide gas erupts to the surface of the ocean. This toxic gas is released by bacteria breaking down plants on the ocean floor. When ocean conditions bring the gas to the surface, it interacts with oxygen in the upper layers of the ocean and forms pure sulfur. The gas is toxic and kills large numbers of fish as it erupts to the surface. It releases a powerful odor that smells like rotten eggs. MODIS flying on the Aqua satellite captured this image of a hydrogen sulphide eruption on June 4, 2005.
Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC
Published June 15, 2005 Data acquired June 4, 2005