Global burned-land estimation in Latin America using MODIS composite data
Emilio Chuvieco1, Sergio Opazo, Walter Sione
1Departamento de Geografía, Colegios 2, Universidad de Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain. emilio.chuvieco@uah.es
Summary
This study mapped monthly burned land across Latin America using MODIS satellite data. Herbaceous vegetation experienced the most significant fire impact, highlighting the need for systematic burned area monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Remote Sensing
- Ecology
Background:
- Wildfires are a significant ecological factor in Latin America.
- Accurate burned area mapping is crucial for understanding fire impacts and ecological processes.
- Existing data limitations hinder comprehensive regional fire analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop monthly burned-land maps for Latin America using MODIS reflectance data.
- To analyze the spatial distribution and land cover types affected by fires in the region.
- To provide a systematic product for ecological process assessment.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition and preprocessing of MODIS 500m reflectance data.
- Discrimination of burned pixels using spectral indices and change detection techniques.
- Validation of burned area maps using Landsat and CBERS imagery.
Main Results:
- An estimated 153,215 km² of land burned annually across Latin America.
- Cuba, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela showed the highest proportion of territory affected by fire.
- Herbaceous vegetation (savannas, grasslands) had the highest proportion of burned area; perennial forests had the lowest.
Conclusions:
- The AQL2004 project successfully generated regional burned-land maps.
- Systematic monitoring of burned areas is essential for understanding ecological dynamics.
- Further research is needed to refine croplands' fire impact assessment due to commission errors.
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