SPACEPHOTOS

The Al Burqan Oil Field, the largest oil and gas field in the world, can be seen in this north-looking view. The oil-free desert sands are visible surrounding the large oil field complex. This was the site in early 1991 of over 530 oil well fires started by the invading Iraqi troops and engineers as part of their country’s “scorched-earth policy.” The oil well fires were distinguished in November of 1991. Five years later, pools or lakes of oil are visible throughout the oil field. Many of the wells have been put back into service. The country of Kuwait possesses about one-fifth of the world’s oil reserves. To the north of the Al Burqan Oil Field, Kuwait City is discernible. New pivot-irrigation fields (dark circular features) developed since the end of the Gulf War are visible to the west (left) of the city. Oil refineries and large tanker facilities are discernible along the Persian Gulf coast.