The Ural River is one of the two major rivers (the other is the Volga) that empty into the northern coast of the Caspian Sea, creating extensive wetlands. This image shows details of the Ural’s tree-like (or “digitate”) delta. This type of delta forms naturally when wave action is low, and sediment content in the river is high. New distributary channels form in the delta when the river breaches natural levees created by sediment deposition. The long main channel of the river in this image and several of the distibutary channels are too regular to be entirely natural, however. Like the famous Mississippi River delta in the United States, the Ural River delta has been significantly modified to reduce flooding and divert water.
Published Jun 6, 2005
Spain's Ebro Delta has recently experienced tremendous shape-shifting.
Published Mar 13, 2018
On May 18, 2014, the Aqua satellite captured this image of dust blowing over southeastern Russia.
Published May 21, 2014
The inland sea in Central Asia has a host of distinctive features along its shores.
Published Oct 24, 2016
This view shows the sun reflecting off the surface waters that surround the spit that defines the Zaliv Kara-Bogaz-Gol from the open Caspian Sea. The sunglint reveals the flow of fresher water through the spit channel and into the bay.
Published Jul 14, 2002
The Volga Delta has grown significantly over the past 130 years.
Published Nov 12, 2018
A hazy plume drifted over the northern end of the Caspian Sea in early April 2008. The translucent plume swirling over the water contrasts with the nearby opaque white clouds. The plume might result partly from smoke from springtime agricultural fires in farmland north of the sea.
Published Apr 16, 2008
Acquired June 4, 2010, this natural-color image shows the Caspian Sea and the varied land surfaces surrounding it.
Published Jun 12, 2010
Extensive engineering projects help fend off the North Sea at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta.
Published Jun 24, 2018
The Ebro River Delta, located along the eastern coast of Spain, is one of the largest wetland areas in the western Mediterranean region.
Published Jul 26, 2004
