Full image, 114Kb jpg

This RADARSAT image clearly delineates the land flooded by the Red River on the 9th of May, 1996. In this region of Manitoba the combination of above normal snowfall and late spring runoff created optimal conditions for flooding on this river. RADARSAT imagery was collected on three different dates during the spring and the sequence of flooding can be clearly seen.

Smooth, standing water appears very dark on this radar image (A). These dark tones clearly stand out against the non flooded areas seen in the brighter tones. Where standing water is present under trees or bushes, a special condition is created, called corner reflection, and these areas appear very bright (B).

The town of Morris can be identified in the centre of the image, as a light rectangle (C). The town is protected by a levee and as a result has not been flooded.

This image clearly demonstrates the potential of RADARSAT for flood monitoring, for the evaluation and planning of flood mitigation measures and damage assessment. A more detailed discussion of the Red River flood imagery is also available.