Rivers
laden with iron oxide are like arteries of blood flowing to the sea in northwestern
Madagascar. The red color is not exaggerated in this image taken from a low-flying
plane, and is like no other color we have ever seen in a river. The land is
fast disappearing as it washes away from exposed, deforested areas. An exploding
human population is clearing the land of its native forests, mostly by burning.
A smoky haze from burning vegetation fills the air.
