The Ganges Delta region, Bangladesh, seen from Shuttle Discovery during Mission STS-29. The dark area in centre frame is a region of mangrove swamps, growing in the fertile silts of the fan of the Ganges Delta. Further silt sedimentation may be seen off-shore. The silt comes down river from the Ganges Plain, where there is intensive agriculture causing widespread soil erosion. Immediately inland of the mangrove swamps are areas of very high population, areas which have suffered greatly from destructive floods in recent years with very high loss of life. Shuttle Mission STS-29 was launched on 13 March 1989, returning safely to Earth on 18 March 1989.