February 14, 2013 - Fires in Queensland, Australia

Fires in Queensland, Australia

This true-color satellite image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite on February 03, 2013 as it passed over Queensland, Australia. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS’s thermal bands, are outlined in red.

Queensland fire authorities are on high alert these days as temperatures in the area continue to rise. Temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been plaguing the area for weeks. The high temperatures combined with dry conditions are the perfect mix for outbreaks of wildfires which is exactly what is taking place in Queensland and what the fire authorities are trying to keep under control. Several years of wet conditions in the area have created a surplus of natural fuel to start and keep those fires going.

Image Facts
Satellite: Aqua
Date Acquired: 2/3/2013
Resolutions: 1km ( B), 500m ( B), 250m ( B)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC