Earth from Space - Image Description

STS085-716-022 James Bay, Quebec/Ontario, Canada August 1997
Most of the southern half of relatively shallow and salty James Bay, a southeastern extension of Hudson Bay, is shown in this southeastward view. Several islands are visible in James Bay between the western shore of Quebec and the eastern coast of Ontario. The larger islands, all uninhabited, include Akimiski Island (largest island --northwest), North and South Twin Islands (northeast), and Charlton Island (south). The islands and the surrounding mainland support numerous species of wildlife. The islands provide suitable habitats for water birds, and the eastern half of Akimiski Island has been designated a migratory bird sanctuary site. During the short summer, when bay waters thaw, fresh water enters saline James Bay carrying sediments and nutrients (lighter-colored water between Akimiski Island and the Ontario shore).

This service is provided by the International Space Station program and the JSC Earth Science & Remote Sensing Unit, ARES Division, Exploration Integration Science Directorate.