A huge and obscure river in eastern Siberia brings great volumes of warm water to the Arctic Ocean each summer. Ecologically this delta is very important for the continent’s migratory birds and sea life. As the Arctic warms this coast will carry new ship traffic, and the delta will be subjected to a broad series of changes, including man-brought contamination. The USGS has long offered this image in an enhanced infrared version, which is garishly beautiful and otherworldly. Here the intent was to bring a more realistic and understated mood.

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