Mexico City, (high vertical exaggeration)

Flying around a Landsat image of Mexico City as the topography of the area grows

Mexico City, Mexico. The Landsat Thematic Mapper data shows the shortwave infrared, infrared, and visible (green) channels for the region around Mexico City. USGS Digital Elevation Map data shows the rugged, steep terrain which surrounds the city. Mexico Citys position with respect to these mountains results in air from the city getting trapped so that smog accumulates. The city is built on land formed from the erosion of the mountains, so that buildings and structures in the city rest in sedimentary rocks rather than bedrock. This leaves buildings more vunerable to damage from earthquakes.

Video slate image reads "Mexico City (high vertical exaggeration) Landsat Thematic Mapper Data".