SPACEPHOTOS

By carefully measuring the wavelengths and intensity of visible and near-infrared light reflected by the land surface back up into space, the Imaging Team can quantify the concentrations of green leaf vegetation around the world. The above Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) map shows the density of plant growth over the entire globe. Very low values of EVI (white and brown areas) correspond to barren areas of rock, sand, or snow. Moderate values (light greens) represent shrub and grassland, while high values indicate temperate and tropical rainforests (dark greens). The EVI gives scientists a new tool for monitoring major fluctuations in vegetation and understanding how they affect, and are affected by, regional climate trends.