Detecting coal fires using remote sensing techniques

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the theory and case studies of detecting coal fires by using remote sensing techniques. Coal fires, either man-made or spontaneous combustion, not only cause losses of natural resources, but also cause environmental problems. The surface feature and by-products of coal fires include pyro-metamorphic rocks, fumarolic minerals, burnt pits and trench, subsidence and cracks, and surface thermal anomalies. These features can be detected from visible, near infrared, short-wave infrared, radar and thermal infrared remote sensing images. The ability to detect these features is limited by the spectral, spatial and temporal resolution of the remote sensing data. The advances of new remote sensing systems will enhance the capability to detect coal fire related features. © 2004 Taylor and Francis Ltd.