From building goliath dams that harness great rivers, to the natural construction of new land by volcanic activity, our planet is in a state of continuous change.
NASA spacecraft provide a unique vantage point for understanding the sweeping transformations, be they naturally caused or manmade.
These comparative photographs span time periods from just days to several decades. Earth is ever changing, both naturally, and due to our actions. Slide the reveal bars below to see just how massive those changes can be.
Additional reporting by NASA.
Reservoir growth following the construction of the Manatali Dam in western Mali.
Images: NASA
The retreat of Pedersen Glacier, Alaska.
Images: NASA
Agricultural growth shown in a farming region of Paraguay. The region is part of the Gran Chaco -- a vast plain of 328,000 square miles (850,000 square kilometers), which spans Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil.
Images: NASA
A new island develops in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen, following a volcanic eruption in December 2011.
Images: NASA
Shrinkage of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan--largely a result of irrigation water being drawn from the surrounding rivers that kept it filled.
Images: NASA
A 434 square mile iceberg breaks away from Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica.
Images: NASA
Deforestation in Rodônia, Brazil.
Images: NASA
A dust storm sweeping across the region of Liaoning, China, and parts of northern and western Korea.
Images: NASA
Delta growth at Lake Turkana, Kenya.
Images: NASA
Topaz Solar Farm, California. The 550-megawatt power station is able to power 160,000 homes. The visible green discoloration is seasonal.
Images: NASA
Vegetation regeneration following heavy summer rains in Mitchell Grasslands, Australia.
Images: NASA
Urban growth in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica.
Images: NASA
Holuhraun lava field, Iceland, continues to grow and may continue for years since an eruption in August 2014.
Images: NASA
Air pollution reductions shown in northeast United States.
Images: NASA
Reforestation in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda.
Images: NASA
The melt of Muir Glacier, Alaska.
Images: NASA
Development of Escondida Mine in the Atacama Desert, Chile. The blue and white areas are the mine pits and infrastructure.
Images: NASA