SPACEPHOTOS

Large sediment plumes flowing into the South China Sea can be seen from the Rajang and Igan Rivers in this south-looking view. The Rajang River rises in the Hose Mountains of north-central Borneo and flows 350 miles (564 km) generally westward into the South China Sea. The river is navigable from its mouth inland for 80 miles (129 km) to east of Sibu, the chief city on the river. Some clearing and draining of the swamp for agriculture has begun in the delta region. Some evidence of this clearing is visible on the elongated island of Beruit, which is discernible just to the right of center on the image. The Igan River (left center of the image) is actually a branch of the Rajang River. The Igan River flows generally north-northwest from the city of Sibu (not discernible) across the broad swampy lowland. Clearing has begun along the Igan River as along the Rajang River, thus causing the silted appearance of the river and the rather large sediment plume.