Absolutely stunning images of Gabon and Tchad from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Biomass satellite.
The first image shows the Ivindo River in Gabon, stretching from the DRC border all the way to Makoukou in the Ogooué-Ivindo province. This region is known for its dense forests. Typically, when we look at forests from above, all we see are the treetops. However, Biomass uses a special kind of radar, called P-band radar, which has the ability to penetrate through the forest canopy to reveal the terrain below. This means it can measure all the woody material—the trunks, branches, and stems—offering a much more complete picture than ever before.
The second image features the Tibesti Mountains in northern Chad, and it looks like something straight out of space. Here, the radar demonstrates its ability to see up to five meters beneath dry sand. This opens up fascinating possibilities for mapping and studying hidden features in deserts, such as ancient riverbeds and lakes that have long been buried. Such insights are incredibly valuable for understanding Earth’s past climates and even for locating vital water sources in arid regions.
It’s an exciting time as our ability to collect information about Earth continues to advance, especially with progress in remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The rise of geospatial AI, in particular, is opening up fascinating new avenues for understanding our planet and opening new fields of research.
If you’re a student considering a career in understanding Earth through technology, leveraging AI. In my opinion, this field presents some interesting opportunities. You can explore more about the amazing Biomass mission on the official ESA website:
Image credit: ESA