Irrigation along the Shebelle River

Position of center of photo (Lat/Long): [5.999/43.245]

This astronaut photograph illustrates a network of irrigation canals and fields located approximately 42 kilometers to the west-northwest of the city of Gode. Floodplain sediments and soils are dark brown to gray (image center), and contrast with the reddish rocks and soils on the adjacent plateau. Vegetation in the flood plain (image top center) and agricultural fields is dark green.

Water in the Shebelle River and the irrigation canals has a bright, mirror-like appearance due to sunglint, or light reflecting off the water surface back toward the International Space Station. The river water supports a variety of crops - the most common being sorghum and maize - as well as grazing for livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, and camels).

The Shebelle River does not reach the Indian Ocean during most years, but disappears into the sands near the coast in Somalia. During periods of heavy rainfall and flooding however, the Shebelle can reach the Indian Ocean.