America 250 Map Reveals Dramatic Changes Across US Since 1976
Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released a new satellite image showing how the United States' land has changed since 1976. The image, part of the America 250 celebration marking the country's 250th anniversary, highlights environmental changes like the shrinking Great Salt Lake and different land colors across the country.Key Facts
- The USGS created a detailed satellite photo mosaic of the U.S. using data from Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites.
- This is a follow-up to the original 1976 Landsat image made for the country's bicentennial (200 years).
- The 2026 image shows more green areas in the eastern U.S. and browner, drier areas in the West.
- The Great Salt Lake in Utah has shrunk significantly due to drought, hotter temperatures, and water use by farms and cities.
- Shrinking of the lake raises concerns about dust pollution, harm to wildlife, and impacts on businesses relying on the lake.
- The Landsat program started in 1972 and provides the longest continuous satellite record of Earth's land.
- Farmers, water managers, and emergency officials use Landsat images to help with crops, water supplies, and natural disaster responses.
- NASA and USGS are planning the future of the Landsat satellite program to continue monitoring the Earth.
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