Latest news with #Sentinel-2
Euronews
4 days ago
- Climate
- Euronews
Athens' reservoirs are now very close to historic lows, study warns
Water reservoirs in Attica, the Greek region encompassing Athens, are approaching historic lows, according to the latest analysis of the FloodHUB service of the BEYOND Operational Unit of IADET/EEA for the water supply system of Athens. The research team identified that water supplies for the region are now under very high pressure due to the prolonged drought in recent years. Attica's water supply system draws water from four main reservoirs: Mornos, Evinos, Yliki, and Marathon. Mornos is the main source of supply, providing the largest amount of water consumed. The Evinos reinforces the Mornos through the Evinos-Mornos tunnel, acting as a transitional reservoir. The Yliki - a natural lake - and Marathon are complementary to the two main reservoirs. The FloodHUB service of the BEYOND Operational Unit of IAADET/EEA has assessed the hydrological and climatic conditions in the two main reservoirs supporting the Athens water supply system - the Mornos and the Evinos - in order to estimate the degree of hydrological stress and drought in the system for the first half of 2025. It found that in the last year, the system appears to be under intense pressure, requiring immediate action from authorities. How did experts analyse the status reservoirs supplying Athens? Medium and high resolution Landsat-5,7,8 (1984-2021) and Sentinel-2 (2017-2025) satellite data were used for estimating the surface area of the lakes. ERA5-Land climate data (1950-2025) allowed researchers to estimate monthly/daily climate variables for drought conditions and unusually hot days that increase evaporation. Here's what they found out about the state of the reservoirs. In May 2025, the surface of Lake Mornos covered only around 65 per cent of the (near) maximum area of depression based on historical data for the month of May. Similarly, in 2024 it was at 79 per cent, and in 2022 it had reached nearly 100 per cent. The current 2025 value of around 11.64 km² is among the lowest observed since the Evinos reservoir was incorporated into the system in 2002, with the exception of the summer/fall of 2008, when the surface area dropped to less than 10 km². In May 2025, the surface area of the lake was only 2.30 km², significantly below the surface area at the overflow level (3.6 km²). The 2024 values are correspondingly low, while other years, such as 2021 or 2022, show a much better picture. In 2024, Lake Mornu saw low snow cover (snow cover of less than 10 per cent), very high heat stress (around 30 per cent), and low precipitation values (SPI-3 < 0, indicating hydrological drought). In 2025, there were slightly better conditions with SPI-3 precipitation index between -0.5 and +1, snow cover ratio around 20 per cent, and heat stress below 10 per cent. With similar climatic patterns to Morno, there was no evidence of statistically strong precipitation or significant reduction in drought at Lake Evinos. Lake levels are approaching historic lows Current reservoir conditions as of May 2025 indicate a retreat of the lake surface to the second-lowest levels in the last 20 years. The 2008 period remains the worst hydrologically, but 2025 shows similar characteristics. In recent years, the surface of the Mornos reservoir has shown a continuous downward trend. In 2025, compared to 2024, although the values of the precipitation index show a relative improvement, they are not sufficient to compensate for the decrease in the amount of stored water. Instead, there is a roughly 10 per cent decrease compared to 2024. Evinus seems to be more strongly affected by drought conditions, due to its small storage volume. The present situation as of early 2025 presents combined unfavourable conditions for the Evinos to Mornos system. Both reservoirs show significantly low filling levels of around 60 per cent, which exacerbates the level of hydrological stress in the system. According to the above analysis, the system in the last year seems to be in a state of intense pressure, requiring immediate action from authorities. Greece faces a growing water scarcity crisis. It ranked 19th worldwide for water shortage risk, according to a World Resources Institute study and a Deloitte report commissioned by the Greek government in May. It found that the country faces severe challenges driven by tourism, agriculture, and ageing infrastructure. What is the Beyond unit? The Space Applications and Satellite Remote Sensing Unit (BEYOND) is a global operational unit, designed to identify hazards in a timely manner and protect societies, the environment and critical infrastructure from natural, man-made or near-space threats. In particular, it provides standard continuous monitoring services for natural disasters in the wider region of South-Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa, utilising large satellite data collection antenna infrastructures installed at the NSA. Through the systematic activation of the Copernicus Emergency Management Services programme, BEYOND also serves the global community of Crisis Management Agencies and Services in a wide range of natural disasters. The BEYOND operational unit specialises in monitoring natural disasters such as fires, extreme weather events, volcanic activity, landslides, soil erosion, water shortages, toxic industrial accidents, earthquakes, floods, and desert dust and smoke transport.
Biz Bahrain
11-07-2025
- Science
- Biz Bahrain
AGU Study Evaluates Impact of Land-Based Activities on Askar Coastline
Arabian Gulf University: Ms. Anwar Jaber Al Aseemi, a researcher in the Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, College of Education and Administrative and Technical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has assessed the impact of land-based activities on Bahrain's Askar coastline by employing geographic information systems (GIS) and remote-sensing techniques. The study formed part of her doctoral thesis, supervised by Dr Sabah Al Jenaid (principal supervisor) and Dr Thamer Al Dawood (co-supervisor). Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 2015-2024, Ms. Al Aseemi analysed six spectral indices to produce more than 100 monthly maps detailing vegetation cover, soil aridity and built-up areas. Her hydrological modelling showed that the terrain is largely flat: nearly 40 per cent (approximately 5 km²) of the study area is level, with no significant elevations to influence surface-water flow. A further 23 per cent is almost flat, while 52 per cent has a gentle slope. Built-up land expanded noticeably over the decade, rising from 9.7 per cent (1 km²) in 2015 to more than 16 per cent (about 2 km²) in 2024. Wetlands around the shoreline remained almost unchanged at 2.3 per cent (0.3 km²). Green vegetation is confined largely to gardens within residential plots, and the road network grew from 6.8 per cent (0.9 km²) to 10.5 per cent (1.4 km²) over the same period. The spectral indices confirmed persistent aridity, a factor that heightens airborne dust and other pollutants. Analysis within the DPSIR framework indicated that escalating land-based activities have exerted continuous pressure over the past ten years, potentially increasing marine pollution along the coast. The thesis recommends a clear action plan and overarching framework for sustainable management, in line with the Bahrain 2030 strategy, to mitigate the environmental impact of development projects on marine and coastal ecosystems.
Yemen Online
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen : Satellite images appear to show damage at Houthi ports after Israeli strikes
Publicly available images taken by the European Union's Sentinel-2 satellite appear to show damage to a Houthi-controlled port in the Yemeni city of Hodeida and another port nearby following Israeli strikes there this week. The photos show extensive damage to the Hodeida port and at least three ships there, as compared to satellite photos taken before the strikes, with one vessel largely submerged and two others unmoored from the dock. Nearby buildings appear to be flattened, and parts of the concrete dock are no longer visible. The images also appear to show damage to a building identified online as a fish market in a part of the city south of the port. Extensive damage can also be seen at the nearby port of as-Salif. On Tuesday, British security firm Ambrey said it had observed imagery showing damage to the concrete docks at the Hodeida port as well as to two Barbados-flagged bulk carriers. Israel said Monday it had carried out extensive airstrikes on Houthi targets including the ports of Hodeida, Ras Isa and Salif, and the Ras Khatib power station.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Update: Satellite Photo Shows U.S. Forces at Key Indian Ocean Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New satellite imagery showed an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer stationed just north of Diego Garcia, the remote Indian Ocean island where the U.S. operates a key military base. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for comment. Why It Matters With a fragile situation in the Middle East, the U.S. is strengtening its military posture in key command areas, deploying warplanes and ships to reinforce deterrence and be preapred for any attack. The constant reinforcements underscore the base's strategic role in responding to major threats from Iran, Houthi forces in Yemen, and broader regional instability. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know New satellite imagery also revealed four B-52 bombers, six KC-135 tankers, and six F-15 fighters, backed by an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer patrolling outside the atoll at the Diego Garcia base, according to open-intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly Twitter. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows military aircrafts at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows military aircrafts at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission warships equipped with advanced radar, long-range missiles, naval guns, and anti-submarine systems, designed to carry out both offensive and defensive missions—either independently or as part of a carrier strike group. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on July 6 shows a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer positioned near the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub The U.S. gains a major military advantage in the Indo-Pacific from Diego Garcia's location, about 2,200 miles from Iran and 3,000 from southern China. The base gives both the U.S. and Britain access to key capabilities — some secret — like an airfield, deep-water port, global GPS support, space tracking, and tools for monitoring nuclear activity. In the Middle East, aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where the Yemeni Houthis continue to pose threats to maritime navigation. The Iranian-backed rebels, undeterred by heavy U.S. airstrikes earlier this year, have attacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea for the first time since December, raising the prospect of renewed military conflict. The Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Gaza as Israel wages war on Hamas there. What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump, quoted by The Hill: "I will tell you that in my view, I hope it's over. I think Iran wants to meet. I think they want to make peace and I'm all for it. Now, if that's not the case, we are ready, willing, and able." Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran's Army Chief of Staff, as quoted by IRNA: "In the event of any evil act from the enemies, our response will be more crushing than before." What Happens Next The fragility of the situation in the Middle East means that U.S. forces could be called into action at any time on numerous fronts.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
New Satellite Image Shows U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deployed Near Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new satellite image reveals the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier deployed in the Arabian Sea, near Iran. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The deployment demonstrates the continuing active U.S. naval presence in the region and preparedness for further conflict despite the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The aircraft carrier has been operating within the CENTCOM's area of responsibility where it has been operating in April during the U.S. military campaign against Yemen's Houthi group and remained during Israel's war with Iran, in which the United States also conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 28 shows the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Image captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on June 28 shows the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Copernicus/Sentinel Hub Copernicus/Sentinel Hub What To Know The satellite image capturing the USS Carl Vinson near Iran was identified by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson on X, formerly Twitter. Two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers were accompanying the carrier, he added. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) conducts operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 28, 2025 The U.S. Naval Institute's fleet and marine tracker update on Monday revealed the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, along with Carrier Air Wing 2, conducting operations in the Arabian Sea. The ship was spotted six days after the U.S. hit three major Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan — with B-2 stealth bombers which took off overnight from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, flying over 13,000 miles in a 36-hour-long round trip, according to the Pentagon. On Saturday, the Pentagon announced a $961.6 billion defense budget request. For the U.S. Navy, it revealed plans to build 19 new ships and improve nuclear shipyards, maintaining an overall fleet of 287 ships in 2026. What People Are Saying Open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson wrote on X: "After playing hide-and-seek since May 4, 2025, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and Carrier Strike Group 1 have finally popped back onto our radar. New satellite imagery from June 28, 2025, confirms their presence in the Northern Arabian Sea... It's a strong reminder that even when quiet, these global assets are always on mission. The reappearance of a full CSG highlights sustained readiness and strategic presence in a key region." U.S. Department of Defense on X, Monday: "Revitalizing the maritime industrial base in the United States ensures a robust naval presence and safeguards our interests at sea. @SECNAV emphasizes that shipbuilding is not just a matter of industry, it's vital for our national security." Iran's Armed Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, as quoted by Mehr News Agency: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has never considered the word 'cessation of conflict' as an option. The Zionist regime is never trustworthy, neither for anywhere in the world nor for Iran." What Happens Next The United States is sustaining naval readiness in the Middle East to ensure rapid response capabilities as tensions with Iran persist and there remains a high risk of a resumption of hostilities.
