Validation of a MODIS direct broadcast burned area mapping algorithm for estimating biomass burning emissions

Abstract

Biomass fires emit large amounts of trace gases and aerosols and these emissions are believed to significantly influence the chemical composition of the atmosphere and the earth's climate system. At the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory (FiSL), a MODIS direct broadcast (DB) receiving station is in place to demonstrate the potential for monitoring biomass burning in near-real-time and predicting the impact of fire emissions on air quality. A burn scar algorithm that combines active fire locations and burn scar detections for near 'real-time' measurement of fire burned areas has been developed at the Missoula FiSL. Daily wildfire burned areas in western US provide crucial input for a prototype fire emissions - smoke dispersion forecasting system.