Image of the day

The Bowknot bend, carved by the Green river, USA

Earth Observation | Copernicus
Rivers
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Satellite image of Bowknot Bend on the Green River in the United States, showing the river winding through a series of tight, looping meanders carved into pale desert canyon terrain. The river appears dark blue with bright red margins in the false-color imagery. A label identifies the Green River, with location coordinates and a 500 m scale shown on the map.
Location: United States
Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Bowknot Bend lies in the arid landscape of eastern Utah, north of Canyonlands National Park, in the United States. It marks the point where the Green River flows into a deeply entrenched meander, flowing around a narrow rocky saddle before returning close to its starting point. Continued erosion may eventually one day cut through the saddle, shortening the river’s course.  

Acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 10 July 2026, this false-colour image highlights the winding river in dark blue. Vegetation along the channel and across parts of the canyon floor appears bright red, contrasting with the pale sandstone plateaus, steep cliffs, and exposed rock surrounding the meanders. 

Copernicus Sentinel-2 data support the monitoring of river systems, riparian areas, and changing landforms, contributing to environmental assessment and long-term observation of erosion processes. 

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