SPACEPHOTOS

Lake Champlain, New York August 1997 Lying in a broad valley between the Adirondacks in New York (lower half of image), and the Green Mountains of Vermont (upper right of the image), the northern half of Lake Champlain can be seen in this north-northeast-looking low-oblique view. With a surface area of 435 square miles (1127 sq. km), Lake Champlain is 120 miles (193 km) long and 12 miles (19 km) at its widest point, and is the sixth largest lake in the United States. The greatest depth of the lake is 400 feet (122 meters), but the average depth is 64 feet (20 meters). Lake Champlain has nearly 587 miles (945 km) of shoreline. Over 70 islands, most in the northern half, are situated in the lake. The lake is a popular recreation region year around. Initial discussions are underway between scientists and government personnel to make Lake Champlain the sixth Great Lake adding to Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Visible near the center of the image and on the western shore of Lake Champlain is the major runway at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation. Plattsburgh, New York is a trade and distribution point with plants that make paper and plastics. Tourism is also a major industry. The city of Burlington, Vermont is discernible near the right center of the image situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and is a major industrial center. Products include missile and ordnance parts, data-processing machinery, textiles, and wood and steel products