Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 13 crew

ISS013-E-16599 (9 May 2006) --- Wave sets and tidal currents in the Gulf of California are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 13 crewmember on the International Space Station. In this image, sunglint off the Gulf of California gives the water a silver-gray appearance rather than the usual azure blue color. The sunglint allows us to see several active features which would not be visible otherwise. In this view of Punta Perihuete, Mexico we can see three major features: biological or man-made oils floating on the surface; the out-going tidal current; and complex wave patterns. The oils on the surface are recognizable as light grey, curved and variable-width streamers shaped by the local winds and currents. Plankton, fish, natural oil seeps and boats dumping bilges are all potential sources for these oils.