The city of La Rioja is located on the eastern foothills of the Sierra de Velasco mountain range in northwestern Argentina. The Los Sauces Reservoir and Dam can also be seen to the west of the city.



These Landsat images, acquired in 1984 and 2013, display the urban growth and other changes in the local landscape.

With growing population, the city has expanded into the surrounding landscape. Agricultural land use has also increased, as shown in the green and light tan blocks east of the city. The arid climate makes irrigation systems vital to the region’s crops.



The information contained in Landsat imagery helps land managers observe land use and manage hydrological resources.