Astronaut Loral O'Hara took this photograph of the Três Marias Reservoir, a man-made body of water located in southeastern Brazil, while on a mission in space from @ISS in December 2023. One of three large reservoirs on the São Francisco River, this body of water is used to irrigate the circular fields along its banks.

Areas unsuitable for agriculture, such as uncultivated fields and dirt roads, stand out in bright shades of red and yellow. These vibrant colours are due to the iron- and aluminium-rich clays and soils found in the Minas Gerais region, which become prominent when these minerals are exposed to the weather. The light blue tones on the surface of the reservoir are explained by an optical effect caused by the reflection of sunlight off the smooth water surface.

Image description:

A bright blue river winds its way through a colourful landscape rich with shades of green, red and orange. Circular blotches mark farms irrigated by centrally pivoted irrigation. White, fluffy clouds are scattered all around.

 

Credit: NASA/Loral O'Hara

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