Fire behavior and vegetation responses in experimental fires on Amazonian Savanna using remote sensing and in situ measurements

Abstract

The project seeks to assess the behavior of fire and vegetation responses in experimental fires during early dry season (simulating usual prescribed fires) and late dry season (simulating usual wildfires) over Amazonian Savanna environments using a new approach: linking the monitoring of environmental variables derived from remote sensing with multitemporal in situ measurements. For this purpose, the largest Savanna enclave of Southern Amazonia is considered as study area, with selected areas within the Campos Amazônicos National Park. A total of 24 experimental plots (100x100 m) are defined (12 for each fire treatment), and 6 plots will remain monitored as controls, without induced fire. In situ variables associated with fire behavior (intensity, flame speed, height of the flames, among others), the accumulation of combustible materials (fuel loads) and the fire impact over different vegetation strata will be sampled. These measurements will be related with satellite-derived spectral indices used for the monitoring of fire-affected areas. This new approach integrates multitemporal systematization of in situ measurements into a satellite data validation perspective, exploring the potential of field data to extrapolate to the landscape level, and reinforcing its correspondence in characterizing fire behavior and its effects on vegetation regeneration. This project will be the first to report a set of experimental fires in environments of Amazonian Savanna, which will allow to progress in the understanding of the relationships between fire and vegetation in these areas. It will be also an opportunity to compare the results obtained with other experiments conducted in core areas of the Cerrado, contrasting similarities and differences. Our methodological and scientific advances will also contribute to the consolidation of research and monitoring protocols for the implementation of fire management plans, supporting the territorial management of protected areas. (AU)