While the International Space Station orbited over the Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 19, 2022, NASA astronaut Bob Hines captured this image of South Padre Island, a barrier island along the coast of Texas.
While the International Space Station orbited over the Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 19, 2022, NASA astronaut Bob Hines captured this image of South Padre Island, a barrier island along the coast of Texas. The island is part of the greater Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world, which spans a length of 113 miles (182 kilometers).
Barrier islands along the Gulf and East coasts of North America play a critical role protecting the mainland from the damaging effects of storms. They bear the brunt of large storm surges and reduce flooding on the mainland.
Image Credit: NASA/Bob Hines