2003-2009 Nighlight Series

In order to view a different aspect of the destruction caused by the 2004 Tsunami, we analyzed nightlight images taken annually from years 2003 to 2009. The color coded nightlight images we created, using data downloaded from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s website, show a general trend of increased lighting as the years move forward. An interesting occurrence took place in 2005, the year immediately following the great 2004 tsunami. The 2005 image displays dark areas that were once lit, as well as areas that continued to increase in luminosity despite the tsunami event. The dimming of light that occurred along the west side of the island is due to the tsunami event. Since the tsunami hit the northwest side of the island, central and eastern Sumatra were not affected, and the nightlight concentration continued to increase each year.