Analysis of coal fire dynamics in the Wuda syncline impacted by fire-fighting activities based on in-situ observations and Landsat-8 remote sensing data

摘要: Abstract Coal fires are a global catastrophe for valuable coal resources, the environment, human health and safety. Fire-fighting activities approach to limit these catastrophic influences extinguish active fires. The Wuda syncline in Inner Mongolia is one of biggest coalfields suffering from China, coalfire areas globally, which has been analyzed most comprehensively. Massive fire-fighting have undertaken quench syncline. Particularly, such as blasting excavation accelerated since year 2010. Influence on fire dynamics significant topic but rarely reported yet. Although airborne spaceborne earth observation data holds potential monitor extinguishing activities, this applied purpose. Airborne thermal scanner cost intensive fly, Landsat-7 system with band at 60 m spatial resolution 2003 led limited exploitation source. Just recently, Landsat-8 satellite data, infrared 100 m available early 2013 able fill gap. We conducted in-depth in-situ surveys May 2014 after visiting coalfield 2012. integrated our observations anomalies extracted both (SLC-on, acquired before failure) using an automated moving-window anomaly extractor (regional extractor, RAE), impacted by state Results show that over 4 years efforts fight against syncline, Nos. 1–7, No. 9, 12, 13 zones extinct. However, 8, 10, 11, 14–No. 18 still active, furthermore three novel evolved. In light coalfield, newly developed mainly attributed related affected areas, lead exposure pure seams, weathered pillars, waste piles outside air. contact remnants oxygen triggers spontaneous combustion further develops Additionally, time-series analyses suggest propagate eastward according dip direction seams coalfield. regional extraction tool (RAE) can delineate high accuracy, confirmed surveys. This paper first investigation dozens Landsat images evaluate within year, more accurate compared previous approaches analyzing merely or several assess during period.