Ymele:South.island.arp.750pix.jpg

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This true-color image provides a nearly cloud-free look at the South Island of New Zealand. The scene was acquired by NASA’s Terra satellite, on October 23, 2002.
Forested areas are clearly indicated by the very dark green, particularly in the northwest and southwest. The braided Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers can also clearly be seen as they make their way to the east coast on either side of Banks Peninsula.

Image courtesy Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC.

SOURCE: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=10881
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Picture prepared for Wikipedia by Adrian Pingstone in November 2003.