The United States Southwest

Credit: Jeff Schmaltz; MODIS team; NASA, Posted on: Monday, 3 March 2008, 08:03 CST Download full size image

This image was captured by the MODIS on the Aqua satellite on February 26, 2008. It shows part of the southwest region of the United States, including New Mexico (far right), Arizona (middle), Nevada (left top), California (left), and Mexico (bottom).

The clear day over the region makes it easy to see some of the many landmarks. Near the top left part of Arizona is a long, curved, slightly brown crack - this is the Grand Canyon. South of the Canyon is a round brown gray area, which is Coconino Plateau. Continuing southeast, white patches of snow run across the state. Humphreys Peak, a 12,633 foot mountain lies just southeast of Coconino Plateu here. Further south in this snow-covered area is the Mogollon Rim - and the easternmost snowy patch is where Baldy Peak (11,403 feet) lies.

Near the top right part of the state are the lighter brown and orange colorations of the Painted Desert. Near the south central portion of the state is its capital, Pheonix, visible as a sprawling gray patch.

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