Question: A geographer is analyzing 10 satellite images of a coastal region, each showing either a healthy (H) or degraded (D) ecosystem. If each image independently has a 60% chance of showing H and 40% of showing D, what is the probability that exactly 7 images show H?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:20:41 +0000

**Understanding Coastal Health Through Satellite Imagery: A Probability Insight** A growing number of environmental researchers and data analysts are turning to satellite imaging to track changes in coastal ecosystems across the United States. With rising concerns over climate change, pollution, and habitat loss, identifying subtle shifts in coastal health has become essential for conservation, policy planning, and community awareness. One key question driving this analysis is: If a geographer analyzes 10 satellite images of a coastal region, each independently showing a healthy ecosystem (H) with 60% probability, what is the chance that exactly 7 images reveal healthy conditions? This inquiry not only highlights the power of data in environmental science but also reveals how statistical modeling helps interpret real-world ecological patterns. Why monitoring coastal health matters now Coastal regions are vital to both biodiversity and human economies, supporting fisheries, tourism, and natural storm protection. Monitoring these areas using satellite data offers a safe, scalable way to detect ecosystem changes over time and space. As extreme weather and rising sea levels intensify, understanding which regions are under stress grows more urgent. Using probability models like the binomial distribution helps researchers estimate the likelihood of observing certain outcomes—like exactly 7 out of 10 images showing healthy ecosystems—based on consistent environmental conditions. This kind of analysis turns raw data into meaningful insight, informing decisions that protect both nature and communities.