San Francisco Bay area seen from space
author: Nasa/Novapix
reference: t-nacal-00005
Image Size 300 DPI: 33 * 50 cm
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) photographed the San Francisco Bay area on april 21, 2002. The gray urban footprint of San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and their surrounding suburbs contrast strongly with the green hillsides. Of particular note are the Pacific Ocean water patterns that are highlighted in the sun glint. Sets of internal waves traveling east impinge on the coastline south of San Francisco. At the same time, fresher bay water flows out from the bay beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, creating a large plume traveling westward. Tidal current channels suggest the tidal flow deep in the bay.