(CN) - NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren took this photograph on Nov. 11, 2015, from the International Space Station.
In a caption to the image he shared on Twitter over the weekend, Lindgren wrote: "The delicate fingerprints of water imprinted on the sand. The #StoryOfWater."
NASA emphasized in a statement Monday that supporting water-purification efforts worldwide is "one of the ways research on the space station benefits life on Earth."
"Drinkable water is vital for human survival. Unfortunately, many people around the world lack access to clean water," NASA added. "Using technology developed for the space station, at-risk areas can gain access to advanced water filtration and purification systems, making a life-saving difference in these communities. Joint collaborations between aid organizations and NASA technology show just how effectively space research can adapt to contribute answers to global problems. The commercialization of this station-related technology has provided aid and disaster relief for communities worldwide."
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