NASA's Earth Observatory

One of the largest conurbations in the world is located along East Coast of the United States, and stretches from Boston to Washington.

Acquired May 22, 2002, this natural-color image shows Valles Caldera in New Mexico.

Taken May 15, 2011, this astronaut photograph shows the Horseshoe 2 fire in southeastern Arizona.

Acquired May 20, 2011, this natural-color image shows multiple dust plumes blowing off the coasts of Pakistan and India.

Taken May 15, 2011, this astronaut photograph shows the Horseshoe 2 fire in southeastern Arizona.

Taken May 17, 2011, this astronaut photograph shows a plume of thick sediment in Lake Pontchartrain, delivered through the Bonnet Carr Spillway.

The ASTER instrument on NASA s Terra satellite captured this false-color image of the Morganza Floodway on May 18, 2011.

Acquired May 18, 2011, this natural-color image shows flooding along the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers near Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Snow and ice play an important role in keeping our planet cool, though not in the way you might think.

Acquired May 18, 2011, and May 4, 2011, these false-color images show flooded conditions along the Lower Mississippi River, including diverted water entering the Morganza Floodway on May 18.

Tan and gray smoke covers hundreds of kilometers of central Canada in this image taken on May 16, 2011.

Acquired May 16, 2011, this natural-color image shows a dust plume blowing off the coast of western Africa toward the south-southwest.

Taken May 12, 2011, this astronaut photograph shows flooding near New Madrid, Missouri.

Working with basic researchers, engineers, and applied scientists--and a dozen satellite sensors--Michael Goodman helps assemble and coordinate NASA s response to natural disasters and hazards.