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San Salvador, Island Wake

12. San Salvador, Island Wake

In this photograph of the Galapagos Islands, a strong island wake trailing San Salvador is evident (at bottom of the frame). As in the view of the Hawaiian islands (slide #11), a color discontinuity signifies the presence of the island wake, with the wake appearing much paler than the surrounding ocean. Through the course of 5 years of shuttle missions, shuttle Earth observation photography has recorded changes in the direction and length of island wakes, reflecting changes in the prevailing current due to the effects of El Nino. An interisland wave train, caused by the hydrodynamic acceleration of the current between Isabella and San Salvador Islands, can also be seen.

STS-41G, October 1984. Picture #17-43-021

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