December 9, 2020 - Gulf of Martaban

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   Andaman Sea
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   Sitting on the southwestern coast of Myanmar (Burma) and at the head of
   the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Martaban receives sediment-laden water
   from four large rivers—the Sittang, Thanlwin, Yangon, and Ayeyarwady.
   The total amount of sediment output through these rivers has been
   estimated at 370-600 megatons a year, more than enough to create
   mud-laden waters. The Gulf is also subject to tides which are sometimes
   so strong they can temporarily reverse the flow of the rivers. Tides
   stir up sediment from the shallow bottom and erode shorelines,
   contributing to the muddy color of the water.

   Strong tidal action and vigorous influx from rivers create complex and
   dynamic currents within the Gulf of Martaban and the northern Andaman
   Sea. In addition, as water flows over the many underwater canyons,
   mountains, and reefs found in this region, additional waves are
   generated. As the fresh river water pours into the salty Gulf water,
   differences in temperature and salinity create distinct layers within
   the ocean, and these layers add even more complexity to the movement of
   water within the Gulf of Martaban and the northern Andaman Sea.

   The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board
   NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a stunning true-color image of the Gulf
   of Martaban on December 7 that captures sediment painting a picture of
   the complex currents at play. Sediment floating near the top of the
   water appears muddy tan. As sediment sinks, reflectivity changes and it
   appears green; the deeper it sinks, the darker the green. The intricate
   designs of varying shades of tans and greens are created by the motion
   of the currents carrying sediment higher and lower in the water column.

   Image Facts
   Satellite:  Terra
   Date Acquired: 12/7/2020
   Resolutions:  1km (24 KB),  500m (85.9 KB),  250m (273.3 KB)
   Bands Used: 1,4,3
   Image Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC



https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/individual.php?db_date=2020-12-09
 
