July 4, 2011JPEG

Here is your chance to play geographical detective and win the MISR Mystery Image contest. Follow the clues below to figure out the geographic region shown in this image. Submit your answers here no later than midnight, Pacific Daylight Time, on August 3, 2011.

The image was acquired by the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), and represents an area of about 262 by 200 kilometers (163 by 124 miles). Please note that North may not be at the top of the page.

The statements below refer to a landmark, area, or province within the pictured region. Answer the questions and tell us where on Earth you think we are. You may use any reference materials you like to answer the quiz.

From the statements below, please indicate which are TRUE and which are FALSE.

1. Located within the lower third of the image is a dramatic landmark that has lain dormant for thousands of years.
2. The southwest part of the region pictured overlooks a capital city.
3. This area was once rich in biodiversity. However, urbanization over the past several decades has reduced the wealth of flora and fauna in the region by nearly 30 percent.
4. One of the seven natural wonders of the world lies to the northeast of this region, less than a week away by car.
5. The highest point in this region, located near the peninsula in the image, was first successfully climbed in the 16th century, according to records.
6. The country in which this region is located is home to one of the world’s largest (by volume) rivers.
7. On the west coast of the region pictured lies a World Heritage Site surrounded by water.

What location is shown in this image?

Quiz Rules

Send your answers, name (initials are acceptable if you prefer), and hometown by Wednesday, August 3, 2011, using the quiz answer form. Answers will be published on the MISR web site and on the Earth Matters blog. The names and home towns of respondents who answer all questions correctly by the deadline will be published in the order responses are received. The first three people on this list who are not affiliated with NASA, JPL, or MISR, and who have not previously won a prize, will be sent a print of the image.

New “Where on Earth...?” mysteries appear periodically. Today's image also appears on the Planetary Photojournal, and the Atmospheric Sciences Data Center home page.

Image courtesy NASA/GSFC/LaRC/JPL, MISR Team. Caption by Amber Jenkins and Karen Yuen, JPL.