NASA Photo ID: STS032-508-005      File Name: 10063463.jpg
  Film Type: 70mm                    Date Taken: 01/20/90
  Title: STS-32 Earth observation of the southern Sand Sea, Namibia, Atlantic Ocean
  Description:
  STS-32 Earth observation taken onboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102,
  is  of the southern Sand Sea.  Low sun angles on this south-looking view of
  the  sand dunes of the southern Sand Sea (foreground) shows the many subtle 
  patterns produced by winds.  Along the coast very strong southerly winds
  have  generated a zone of ribbed, transverse dunes.  Further inland,
  different  patterns appear, which may relate to present winds, or perhaps
  to winds which  blew in different directions at times in the geological
  past.  Strong Santa  Ana-type winds blow from inland (left) during the
  winter which may explain  the small patterns (center left).  The small
  fishing port of Luderitz  occupies the main bay on the coastline. 
  Otherwise the area is empty of  inhabitants on the very dry and windy
  coast.  Railways connect the post with  inland centers.           
  
  Subject terms:
  ATLANTIC OCEAN                          
  COASTS                                  
  DESERTS                                 
  EARTH OBSERVATIONS (FROM SPACE)         
  NAMIBIA                                 
  SOUTH WEST AFRICA                       
  STS-32                                  
  

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