GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE DETECTION OF BIOMASS BURNING IN SOUTH-AMERICA

This paper presents the results of using Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) data to monitor biomass burning associated with deforestation and grassland management in South America. The technique of Matson and Dozier has been adapted to GOES VAS short-wave and long-wave infrared window data to determine the size and temperature of fires associated with these activities. Although VAS data do not offer the spatial resolution available with Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data (7 km versus 1 km), this decreased resolution does not seem to hinder the ability of the VAS instrument to detect fires; in some cases it proves to be advantageous, in that saturation does not occur as often. Sequences of VAS visible data are helpful in verifying that the hot spots sensed in the infrared are actually related to fires. Furthermore, the smoke of the fires can be tracked in time to determine their motion and trajectory. In this way, the GOES satellite offers a unique ability to monitor diurnal variations in fire activity and transport of related aerosols.