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New NASA satellite images

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provide a dramatic view from space

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of Brazil’s ongoing drought.

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Scientists have observed changes to Brazil’s water levels

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using NASA’s GRACE satellites since their launch in 2002.

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This data visualization created from satellite measurements

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shows how Brazil’s water levels have varied over time.

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Red and orange are areas with water losses; blues are gains.

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Current losses are centered in eastern Brazil,

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home to two of the country’s largest cities: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

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Eastern Brazil has been on this recent roller coaster of dry and wet periods.

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GRACE satellite data shows a dry period in the early 2000s,

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followed by a wet period,

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and then another dry period that has led to the current drought.

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Among other factors,

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lack of rainfall has contributed to the dry conditions in eastern Brazil.

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Since 2012, eastern Brazil has experienced water losses

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averaging 28 trillion gallons per year.

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The prolonged drought has not only lead to these losses,

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but it has disrupted many of the country’s electricity and water resources.

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Brazil has an extensive network of rivers

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that feed into reservoirs and dams,

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which generate more than 75%

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of the country’s electrical power supply.

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A number of Brazil’s reservoirs have reached

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their lowest water levels since 2005,

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including Itaipu, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power stations.

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Using satellites, we’ll continue to monitor the region

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and future changes to Brazil’s water resources.

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