Images Dated 2nd March 2005

Chance in the universe

Chance in the universe. Computer illustration representing the chance, randomness and probability inherent in the universe according to the theory of quantum mechanics. Dice are seen spiralling towards a black hole, their numbers producing a random sequence. This randomness and probability in quantum physics (subatomic physics) was described by Werner Heisenberg in his Uncertainty Principle, and by Erwin Schrodinger. Einstein did not believe in a random universe and consequently said "God does not play dice with the universe"

© MEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

River Congo in forest

River Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, satellite image. Formerly known as the Zaire, the Congo is seen flowing through forest (dark green) and swamp land (light green). Salmon pink indicates areas of deforestation, where nothing can grow and the soil is having its fertility leached by water. Primarily these areas are around the river, indicating that in such remote areas it is the primary source of transport, but, at upper left, logging roads can be seen

© PLANETOBSERVER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Amazon delta, Brazil

Amazon River delta, Brazil, satellite image. The Amazon River drains much of northern South America, meeting the Atlantic Ocean towards the north of Brazil. In terms of volume of water it is the largest river in the world, depositing 180, 000 cubic metres of water per second into the Atlantic in the rainy season. The delta, of which this image shows a small part has a tidal bore, which means that silt is carried off and does not deposit

© PLANETOBSERVER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY