Lake Erie 02/08/04

MODIS image of Lake Erie

Terra MODIS true color image and corresponding false color image of Lake Erie, 8 February 2004.

Lake Erie MODIS corresponding false color image of Lake Erie, 8 February 2004.

It is not unusual for the surface of Lake Erie to be covered by ice this time of year. This true-color image was taken on February 8, 2004, by the Terra MODIS instrument. The scene shows ice covers most of Lake Erie, with the exception of a long narrow swath of surface water visible along its northern coastline. The opening in the ice reveals light blue and turquoise patterns in the water, probably the result of sediments. Ice has also formed along most of the western coastline of Lake Huron, to the north.

To help make the ice coverage stand out, the false-color version of this image has been included. In the false-color image, the ice appears light blue against the deep blue-black water. Snow and clouds appear turquoise blue, and patches of ground with thin coverings of snow appear green.

Text courtesy of NASA's MODIS Land Rapid Response Team.