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Earth becomes art in breathtaking satellite imagery

From above, the Vatnajokull Glacier is an eerie splash of blue against the florid hues of the surrounding landscape. This image of Iceland's Skaftafell National Park was taken by a satellite miles above the Earth. It's beautiful and also just one of the many geographical wonders showcased in the Earth as Art collection.

Unlike most of the satellite images captured by the Landsat 7 satellite, these were taken for their aesthetic value and not for scientific purposes. The color-enhanced photographs not only reveal a view of the planet few will ever see but also a glimpse of natural phenomenons like a giant whirlpool cloud parked above the sea between Spain and Morocco.

The entire Earth as Art collection is free to download from Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center Image Gallery. It's also possible to purchase printed copies of the satellite images from the US Geological Survey store.

USGS Earth as art

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Dasht-e Kevir, October 1st, 2000. The Great Salt Desert is the largest in Iran.