With nearly all of the Colorado River’s water diverted for human uses, its delta has withered. A plan to release some water from dams and reservoirs this spring offers hope for a greener future.
Published Mar 22, 2014
The release of a burst of extra water on the lower Colorado River allowed vegetation on the banks to revive and sprout new growth.
Published Dec 18, 2014
With so much of its water diverted, the Colorado River Delta has dried out and lost much of its vegetation and wildlife.
Published Jun 18, 2020
Acquired September 30, 2010, this astronaut photograph shows part of the Syr Darya River Floodplain in Kazakhstan, where the river flows through braided channels.
Published Nov 1, 2010
Sections of Australia have been experiencing their worst drought in 100 years. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station documented conditions in Australia in 2002, including these images of Lake Tandou in the Menindee Lake system along the Darling River. The Menindee Lakes are part of an innovative water conservation project. This lakebed is protected from flooding and is used for agriculture—primarily cotton, sunflower and grains. It is one of several interconnected lakes that sit along the lower Darling River like a string of pearls. Other lakes function as water capture reservoirs to support controlled water flow for environmental and agricultural needs down river, and to provide flood mitigation.
Published Dec 1, 2002
Acquired August 8,10, and 12, 2010, these false-color images show a substantial rise in water levels on the Indus River downstream from Sukkur, Pakistan.
Published Aug 12, 2010
The flooded South Platte River covered roads and farmland when Landsat 8 acquired this image on September 17.
Published Sep 20, 2013
