Amazon deforestation satellite

Satellites monitor Amazon deforestation in real time, providing crucial data for environmental policies and conservation.

About this subject

Deforestation in the Amazon is monitored by satellites such as Landsat (NASA/USGS) and Sentinel (ESA), which capture high-resolution images every few days. These satellites detect changes in forest cover, fires, and illegal activities. The DETER system (Real-Time Deforestation Detection) from INPE uses Landsat and Sentinel data to issue weekly alerts. These alerts are used by Ibama for enforcement and by researchers to study trends.

The Amazon has lost about 17% of its original coverage since 1970, with deforestation peaks in 1995, 2004, and recently in 2019-2021. Radar satellites like ALOS (JAXA) and Sentinel-1 can see through clouds, common in the region. Machine learning algorithms process these data to identify deforestation in remote areas.

Beyond government monitoring, organizations like Global Forest Watch and MapBiomas use these images to create public maps. Satellite accuracy has increased: Landsat 9 captures 15-meter pixels, allowing detection of clearings as small as 0.2 hectares. This data is essential for international agreements like REDD+ and carbon emission reduction targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which satellites are used to monitor Amazon deforestation?

Main ones are Landsat (NASA/USGS), Sentinel (ESA), ALOS (JAXA), and CBERS (China-Brazil). Landsat 9 and Sentinel-2 provide 10-30 meter resolution.

How is deforestation detected by satellite?

Algorithms compare images over time to detect changes in forest cover. INPE's DETER and PRODES systems use this technique to issue alerts.

What is DETER and how does it work?

DETER (Real-Time Deforestation Detection) is an INPE system that processes satellite images every 5 days, generating alerts for deforestation and degradation in areas larger than 0.2 hectares.