Image: Dust Plume off Mauritania

Description: In this image, the dust varies in colour from nearly white to medium tan. The dust plume is easier to see over the dark background of the ocean, but the plume stretches across the land surface to the east, as well. The dust plume’s structure is clearest along the coastline, where relatively clear air pockets separate distinct puffs of dust. West of that, individual pillows of dust push together to form a more homogeneous plume. Near its south-west tip, the plume takes on yet another shape, with stripes of pale dust fanning out toward the north-west. Occasional tiny white clouds dot the sky overhead, but skies are otherwise clear.
Usage Terms: Public domain