Monitoring the effects of air pollution on terrestrial ecosystems in Varanger (Norway) and Nikel-Pechenga (Russia) using remote sensing

摘要: Abstract During the period 1988–1993, NORUT Information Technology carried out a research project on effects of air pollution terrestrial ecosystems in areas Varanger (Norway) and Nikel-Pechenga (Russia). To maintain environmental surveillance over extensive border area, used satellite remote sensing data combination with ground truth measurements. project, we produced vegetation cover maps for four different years (1973, 1979, 1985, 1988), change detection image, map. One major changes that can be observed is area lichen-dominated decreased from 2783 km 2 1973 to 538 1988. Comparison map total number emissions SO industry shows strong correlation between decrease dramatic increase 1973–1988. A degradation concentration has also been documented. The severe impacts increased approximately 400 more than 5000 This study critical loads/levels have exceeded types eastern parts area. Finally, this concludes use optical (Landsat MSS data) related was successful, an overall classification accuracy about 80%.