Sentinel satellite imagery shows that the Budhi Gandaki event was another example of the failure of a steep rock slope that transitioned into a rock avalanche and then a debris flow. Almost a month ago, a less well reported but significant debris flow swept down the Budhi Gandaki river in Nepal, causing extensive damage. I […]
satellite imagery
Posted inNews
In Northeastern North America, Alpine Zones Are Turning Green
Using satellite data, scientists have detected where once-stable alpine ecosystems are transforming into greener, shrubbier places.
Posted inThe Landslide Blog
High resolution Pléiades Satellite imagery of the 26 August 2026 Langtang Lirung landslide in Nepal
Simon Gascoin has posted some high resolution satellite imagery of the source of the dreadful landslide disaster in Nepal. On the CESBIO Multitemp blog, Simon Gascoin has posted high resolution CNES Pléiades satellite imagery of the source area of the 26 August 2026 Langtang Lirung landslide in Nepal. This is the first high resolution imagery […]
Posted inThe Landslide Blog
Precursory indications of movement for the 26 August 2026 Langtang Lirung landslide in Nepal
Examination of Planet Labs satellite imagery before the collapse of the slope suggests that there were surprisingly few signs of incipient failure. The catastrophic landslide – debris flow – flood that swept through Tibet and Nepal on 26 August originated with very large rock slope failure on the flanks of Langtang Lirung, a massif located […]
Posted inResearch & Developments
We’ve Lost 11 Trillion Metric Tons of Ice Since the 1980s
Researchers have calculated that Greenland and Antarctica have lost 11 trillion metric tons of ice since the 1970s, which has led to a global rise in sea level of more than 3 centimeters.
Posted inThe Landslide Blog
The evolution of the Wanlixi landslide in Taiwan
Planet Labs satellite imagery highlights how the Wanlixi landslide in Taiwan evolved prior to the main failure on 21 June, and how it has continued to move subsequently. On 31 July 2026 I highlighted the valley-blocking Wanlixi landslide in Hualien County, Taiwan. The location of the landslide is 23.78859° N, 121.27236° E (for machine readable […]
Posted inThe Landslide Blog
The 4 July 2026 landslide disaster at Cantzama in Ecuador
On 4 July 2026, 19 people were killed in a massive landslide in Zamora Chinchipe province, Ecuador. Planet Labs imagery shows that this was caused by a c.1 km long landslide that occurred 13 km upstream of Cantzama. This transitioned into a channelised debris flow that destroyed the community. On 4 July 2026, a massive […]
Posted inNews
Tracking Penguin Poop from Space Reveals Antarctica’s Changing Ecosystems
Long-term records documenting the colors of penguin guano shed light on how declining sea ice may be affecting penguin diets.
Posted inNews
Big Trouble from Little Wetlands
New research suggests that small wetlands, previously unaccounted for in the global methane budget, are responsible for about 25% of global methane emissions.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Tracking 20 Years of Productivity in Tidal Wetlands
A new study suggests warming temperatures and increased solar radiation have boosted carbon fixation in tidal wetlands across the country.