A beautiful sunrise is captured over sand dunes at the beach at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 15, 2020. Teams at Kennedy are working on dune restoration efforts, which has included bringing about 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand in to Kennedy’s beaches to build up dunes that have been affected by beach erosion and storm surges. Once the dunes were built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted to help stabilize the dunes and provide a habitat for wildlife at the Florida spaceport. The first phase of dune restoration efforts are now complete, and the second phase is scheduled to be completed by March 2021.

A beautiful sunrise is captured over sand dunes at the beach at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 15, 2020. Teams at Kennedy are working on dune restoration efforts, which has included bringing about 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand in to Kennedy’s beaches to build up dunes that have been affected by beach erosion and storm surges. Once the dunes were built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted to help stabilize the dunes and provide a habitat for wildlife at the Florida spaceport. The first phase of dune restoration efforts are now complete, and the second phase is scheduled to be completed by March 2021.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. The existing dunes in the foreground are a contrast to a small portion of the dune restoration in view at far right. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. The existing dunes with the Atlantic Ocean in the background are a contrast to a small portion of the dune restoration in view. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. The existing dunes with the Atlantic Ocean in the background are a contrast to a small portion of the dune restoration in view. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Native vegetation is being planted in a portion of the restored dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Native vegetation has been planted in the restored dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Native vegetation has been planted in the restored dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Native vegetation has been planted in the restored dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in this view on April 15, 2019. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, was transported to the space center’s beaches. After the dune was built up, native coastal vegetation was replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and was targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Restoration efforts are underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Native vegetation is being planted in a portion of the restored dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. About 450,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand, tested for compatibility, is being transported to the space center’s beaches. One the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coast wildlife. Dunes are affected by beach erosion and storm surge from tropical events, such as hurricanes. Restoration began in spring 2018 and is targeted to be completed by April 2019.

Beach erosion caused by Hurricane Matthew is visible along the Atlantic shoreline at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Although some sections of shoreline suffered erosion, recently restored portions of beach fared well. Hurricane Matthew, a Category 3 storm, passed to the east of Kennedy on Oct. 6 and 7, 2016. The center received some isolated roof damage, damaged support buildings, a few downed power lines, and limited water intrusion.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine is given a tour of the Kennedy Space Center's ocean-side Beach House. The work to restore the conference center was recently completed following damage by Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Bridenstine made his first official visit to the Florida spaceport on Aug. 6 and 7, 2018.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center occupies a scenic stretch of land along Florida’s east coast, including miles of pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. The agency is nearing completion on a restoration project to shore up the dunes that create a natural barrier from the waves. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center occupies a scenic stretch of land along Florida’s east coast, including miles of pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. The agency is nearing completion on a restoration project to shore up the dunes that create a natural barrier from the waves. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife.

Plant debris caused by Hurricane Matthew is strewn across the dune line along the Atlantic shoreline at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Although some sections of shoreline suffered erosion, recently restored portions of beach fared well. Hurricane Matthew, a Category 3 storm, passed to the east of Kennedy on Oct. 6 and 7, 2016. The center received some isolated roof damage, damaged support buildings, a few downed power lines, and limited water intrusion.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this time lapse photograph, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 illuminating a beach restoration site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff was at 9:33 p.m. EST boosting the agency's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to Earth orbit. The TDRS-L spacecraft is the second of three new satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding the lifespan of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System TDRSS fleet, which consists of eight satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The spacecraft provide tracking, telemetry, command and high bandwidth data return services for numerous science and human exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. TDRS-L has a high-performance solar panel designed for more spacecraft power to meet the growing S-band communications requirements. TDRSS is one of NASA Space Communication and Navigation’s SCaN three networks providing space communications to NASA’s missions. For more information more about TDRS-L, visit: http:__www.nasa.gov_tdrs To learn more about SCaN, visit: www.nasa.gov_scan For more on beach restoration at Kennedy visit: http:__www.nasa.gov_centers_kennedy_about_sustainability_beach_erosion.html Photo credit: NASA_Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, Pete Adams, discusses a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, Pete Adams, discusses a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B were restored during a six-month effort. In a joint effort with NASA, University of Florida geologists are using weather instrumentation to study the shores of the center to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, John Jaeger, discusses a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Rich MacKenzie, who earned a doctorate in geological sciences at the University of Florida, collects Global Positioning System survey measurements along a restored 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- University of Florida geologist, John Jaeger, left, and Steve Orlando, senior director Media Relations at the University, discuss a six-month effort to restore the sand dunes along a 1.2 mile stretch of shoreline near Launch Pads 39A and B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Experts from University of Florida are working with NASA scientists to better understand beach erosion. Constant pounding from tropical storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, other weather systems and higher than usual tides, destroyed sand dunes protecting infrastructure at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper

Acquired February 5, 2013 The Danube River is the largest in the European Union, its watershed draining 801,463 square kilometers (309,447 square miles) of land across 19 countries. Where that great river reaches the Black Sea, a remarkable delta has formed—the “Everglades” of Europe. The Danube Delta is home to more than 300 species of bird and 45 species of freshwater fish. The Danube Delta has been home to human settlements since the end of the Stone Age (the Neolithic Period), and the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines all built trading ports and military outposts along this coast. Today, the border between Romania and Ukraine cuts through the northern part of the delta. The area is a United Nations World Heritage Site, both for its natural and human history, and for the traditional maritime culture that persists in its marshes. All the while, the landscape has been shaped and re-shaped by nature and man. The image above was acquired on February 5, 2013, by the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite. The Danube Delta has a number of lobes formed over the past several thousand years, and this image is focused largely on the northernmost Chilia (or Kilia) lobe. It is the youngest section of the delta—somewhere between 300 to 400 years old—and lies mostly within Ukraine. Much of the land in the image above is officially considered part of the Danube Biosphere Reserve. Near the center of the image, the small city of Vylkove is known as the “Ukranian Venice,” due to its canals. To the lower left, the older Sulina lobe of the delta stretches to the south and further inland into Romania. White and brown curved lines reveal beach ridges and former shorelines, with the whiter ridges composed almost entirely of pure quartz sand in high dunes. To the east of the ridges, most of the landscape is flat marshland that is mostly brown in the barren days of winter. The Bystroye Canal through the center of the Chilia lobe has been the subject of heated debate over the past two decades. Over the centuries, damming and channeling of the Danube throughout Europe has reduced its water flow and sediment load to roughly 30 percent of what it once was, according to coastal geologist Liviu Giosan of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In recent years, the Ukrainian government has dredged some delta channels (including Bystroye) and proposed extensive dredging of others in order to provide navigational channels for large ships. Proponents argue for the economic needs of water transportation routes. Opponents note that deeper, faster channels mean less mud and sand is deposited in the delta; in some places, more is carried away by swifter currents. Both affect the sensitive ecosystems and the ability of the delta to restore itself and grow. In a 2012 report led by Giosan, scientists noted that the shape, water chemistry, and biology of Danube Delta was being altered long before the modern Industrial Era. Land use practices—particularly farming and forest clearing—added significant amounts of nutrients into the water and reduced salinity in the Black Sea, changing the dominant species of phytoplankton and sending a ripple of effects through the entire food web. NASA Earth Observatory image by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon, using EO-1 ALI data provided courtesy of the NASA EO-1 team and the U.S. Geological Survey. Caption by Mike Carlowicz. Instrument: EO-1 - ALI More info: <a href="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=80459" rel="nofollow">earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=80459</a> Credit: <b><a href="http://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" rel="nofollow"> NASA Earth Observatory</a></b> <b><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelines.html" rel="nofollow">NASA image use policy.</a></b> <b><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html" rel="nofollow">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a></b> enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. <b>Follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/NASA_GoddardPix" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a></b> <b>Like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenbelt-MD/NASA-Goddard/395013845897?ref=tsd" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></b> <b>Find us on <a href="http://instagram.com/nasagoddard?vm=grid" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></b>