Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 13 crew

ISS013-E-71468 (27 Aug. 2006) --- Bajo Nuevo Reef in the western Caribbean Sea is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 13 crewmember on the International Space Station. The Bajo Nuevo reef is approximately 26 kilometers long, comprising two separate U-shaped cays, with only tiny sandy islands associated with them. This detailed view reveals small, low islands that fringe the upwind side (image right) of the lagoon. These islands seem dwarfed by wave swells, which almost appear to wash over them. The clearest feature is the broad pattern of swells which show two slightly different orientations, producing a tightly crossed pattern. These swells are oriented transverse to the wind direction and were probably set in motion by two different storms hundreds of kilometers east of the reef. A single irregular line of light color--also suggestive of surface oil--traces a path along the south side of the lagoon.