Amazon deforestation satellite

Satellites such as CBERS-4 and Sentinel-1 monitor Amazon deforestation in near real-time, providing crucial data for conservation efforts.

About this subject

Amazon deforestation monitoring relies heavily on Earth observation satellites that capture high-resolution imagery at regular intervals. Key systems include the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) program, which since 1999 has provided free images to Brazilian environmental agencies, and the European Copernicus Sentinel constellation, particularly Sentinel, 1 with its synthetic aperture radar capable of penetrating cloud cover. These satellites detect changes in forest cover with accuracy down to 10 meters.

Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) operates the DETER (Real-Time Deforestation Detection) system, using data from CBERS, 4 and Amazonia, 1 satellites to issue daily deforestation alerts. The PRODES (Amazon Deforestation Calculation Program) relies on images from Landsat (NASA/USGS) and CBERS, 4A to produce the official annual deforestation rate. In 2023, PRODES recorded a 22% reduction in deforestation compared to the previous year, following peaks in 2020, 2021.

Radar satellites such as ALOS, 2 (JAXA) and Radarsat, 2 (CSA) complement monitoring by operating independently of cloud cover, a persistent challenge in the Amazon. The combination of optical and radar sensors allows detection not only of clear-cutting but also of forest degradation from fires and selective logging. Open data from these missions are essential for researchers, NGOs, and government agencies combating illegal deforestation.

The history of space-based Amazon monitoring dates to the early 1990s, when INPE began using Landsat imagery. Since then, Brazil has developed its own satellites, such as Amazonia, 1 (launched in 2021), which operates in a polar orbit covering the entire region every 5 days. The partnership with China on CBERS was a milestone: CBERS, 4A, launched in 2019, offers 2-meter resolution in panchromatic mode. These technologies have made Brazil a world reference in tropical forest monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which satellites are used to monitor Amazon deforestation?

Key satellites include CBERS-4 and CBERS-4A (Brazil-China), Amazonia-1 (Brazil), Landsat 8/9 (USA), and Sentinel-1 (Europe). INPE combines optical and radar data for daily alerts.

How often do satellites detect new deforestation?

The DETER system issues daily alerts based on high-resolution satellite images (CBERS-4, Amazonia-1). PRODES calculates the official annual rate using medium-resolution images (Landsat, CBERS-4A).

Does cloud cover affect satellite monitoring in the Amazon?

Optical satellites are hindered by clouds, but radar sensors (Sentinel-1, ALOS-2) can penetrate cloud cover, ensuring continuous monitoring even during the rainy season.