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| Image from the original article |
The accompanying map compares snow-covered area in Iran during Bahman 1398 and Bahman 1399 (approximately January–February 2020 and 2021). Snow cover from 1398 is shown in indigo and snow cover from 1399 in red.
The colours are not natural colour. The observations use infrared-sensitive band combinations—described by the source as 7-2-1 and M3-I1-M11—from radiometric instruments aboard the Terra and Suomi satellites. These wavelengths are particularly useful for identifying snow-covered terrain and distinguishing snow from cloud cover in satellite imagery. [source] [source]
Areas covered by snow in both years appear pink through the combination of the two display colours. Vegetation is shown in green, while surface water appears black.
The comparison shows substantially reduced midwinter snow cover in 1399 across broad areas adjoining the Zagros Mountains, especially in Fars Province. The original article interpreted this reduction as an indication that less snowmelt would be available during the following half-year to replenish groundwater and contribute to surface runoff, potentially creating water-resource constraints.
The comparison and its water-resource interpretation reflect conditions described in the original January 2021 post.