Landsat Mosaic of the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the East Coast, it runs north-south from the mouth of the Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace, Maryland, to the Atlantic Ocean near Virginia Beach, Virginia. While just two states—Maryland and Virginia—border the Chesapeake Bay, its enormous watershed covers parts of six states and the District of Columbia. Fed by numerous rivers and streams, including the Susquehanna, Potomac, and James rivers, its brackish waters provide habitat for an array of wildlife species. 

As one of the most productive regions in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay is a highly valued ecological, economic, and recreational resource. Yet, pollution poses a significant threat to the health of the estuary. Chemical contaminants, industrial discharge, urban stormwater, and agricultural runoff have led to declines in water quality and biodiversity. Fortunately, efforts are underway to restore the Chesapeake Bay through collaborative initiatives that are focused on reducing pollution and protecting vital habitats. Landsat data and science products offer an important means of helping scientists and land managers monitor the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.

This image is a mosaic of four different Landsat scenes:
Landsat 9, Path 015/Row 033, October 20, 2024
Landsat 9, Path 015/Row 034, October 20, 2024
Landsat 8, Path 014/Row 033, October 21, 2024
Landsat 8, Path 014/Row 034, October 21, 2024

Download Landsat data from EarthExplorer.

Explore USGS Chesapeake Bay Activities.