Gypsy Moth populations are at their highest levels since the 1980s, causing damage to hardwood trees in the New England area.
At the USGS EROS Center, we study land change, operate the Landsat satellites, and maintain the longest, continuously acquired collection of images of the Earth's land surface.
Rhode Island and Landsat

See Rhode Island from Space
Use the links below to explore more Landsat resources highlighting Rhode Island.
Detailed Description
Rhode Island is an oasis of natural calm surrounded by heavily urbanized East Coast areas, which may explain why the smallest State in the United States is such a popular tourist destination for residents of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, or perhaps its popularity is a measure of the Ocean State’s abundant wildlife and picturesque views. Although small in land area, Rhode Island claims the largest estuary in New England in the 147-square-mile Narragansett Bay. Locals and visitors feast on clams caught in the bay, trek to glimpse shorebirds, or boat to 1 of 30 islands.
As with any coastal State, the natural wonders of Rhode Island face threats related to sea level rise and warming ocean temperatures. State agencies also work to fend off foes like the invasive Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758; spongy moth) and protect the forests that cover more than one-half of Rhode Island.
The U.S. Geological Survey Landsat Program, with 50 years of recurring Earth observations from space, offers a unique and freely available public data source for the study of land and coastal change across Rhode Island and the United States.
Visit Landsat Benefits, State By State to learn more about how Landsat brings science to your state.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.