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[[image]]

The atlas also lets you put the image in larger context. A map of North America shows the full of the Mississippi, as it flows and grows over a thousand miles, from its headwaters in Minnesota, through the heartland of North America, to its end point here in the image.

Now we know what part of the world is shown in this image. We also start seeing hints of answers to some of our questions. The Mississippi River (brown because of all the silt it is carrying) flows through the center of the image, and out into the Gulf of Mexico (which appears dark blue). The wispy patterns in area A result from the muddy river flowing into and then mixing with the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a lot more to this story, but at least we have begun to figure it out.

Teachers' Guide             Page9.11