Interpretation of a Landsat image of an unusual flood phenomenon in Australia

A Landsat image of part of the flooded area of Cooper Creek, Queensland, Australia, in February 1974, shows large dark areas within the flooded valley. The dark areas are believed to be wet, but unflooded, areas of dark alluvial soil. These striking features, which have not previously been identified on Landsat images, must be properly interpreted so as not to confuse them with clear water.