Saharan dust off Lybia over the Mediterranean Sea

Dust from the vast Sahara Desert is often transported great distances from its source. In this MODIS image from May 8, 2002, winds are carrying a huge plume of dust from Libyan deserts out over the Mediterranean Sea. It is not uncommon for Saharan dust to be transported as far as northern Europe. Scientists are concerned that the dust, which can contain bacteria and fungi, is causing irreparable harm to Mediterranean Sea coral reefs.

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Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published May 9, 2002
Data acquired May 8, 2002

Source:

Terra > MODIS

Collection:

Visible Earth