Images
May 22, 2025 - Dust in the Taklamakan Desert
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On May 22, 2025, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this true-color image of a massive dust storm in progress over the Taklamakan Desert. The dust appears thickest in the east end of the desert where a rippling cloud of dust completely obscures the land beneath.
Located in Western China, the Taklamakan is one of the driest and most barren expanses on Earth. Springtime brings some greening to any areas that receive moisture, particularly the edges of the dry desert. Springtime also brings increased occurrence of gusting winds, which easily pick up loose sand and lofts it into the atmosphere, creating widespread dust storms.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 5/20/2025
Resolutions:
1km (603.7 KB), 500m (1.4 MB), 250m (903.6 KB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
On May 22, 2025, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this true-color image of a massive dust storm in progress over the Taklamakan Desert. The dust appears thickest in the east end of the desert where a rippling cloud of dust completely obscures the land beneath.
Located in Western China, the Taklamakan is one of the driest and most barren expanses on Earth. Springtime brings some greening to any areas that receive moisture, particularly the edges of the dry desert. Springtime also brings increased occurrence of gusting winds, which easily pick up loose sand and lofts it into the atmosphere, creating widespread dust storms.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 5/20/2025
Resolutions:
1km (603.7 KB), 500m (1.4 MB), 250m (903.6 KB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
