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Satellite Image of Bam, Iran Earthquake

This one-meter resolution satellite image of Bam, Iran was taken by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite on Dec. 27, 2003, just one day after a catastrophic earthquake struck the historic city. The full image shows widespread destruction as a result of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that leveled 70 percent of the buildings according to news reports.

Clearly seen in the center of the image (see thumbnail below) is the 2,000-year-old citadel, considered the world's largest mud fortress. According to news reports, much of the medieval fortress crumbled like a sand castle when the quake hit. The citadel was a popular tourist attraction and is on the register of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and has been a World Heritage site.

Bam is located about 1,000 km (620 miles) southeast of Tehran.

Photo Credit: Space Imaging


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http://www.fas.org/irp/imint/bam_quake.htm
Maintained by Steven Aftergood
Updated December 29, 2003