USE OF NOAA/AVHRR IMAGERY IN MONITORING SIBERIAN MOTH OUTBREAKS

Abstract

A large-scale outbreak of the Siberian moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus) in the forests of the Lower Angara valley region (1993-1996) was analyzed on the basis of NOAA/AVHRR imaagery. The applicability of this type of imagery for detecting the foci of damage of tree stands with the discrimination of strong (50-75%) and very strong (>75%) dying and dead trees is demonstrated. The applicability of data from a winter survey was determined by the discovery of damaged tree stands. Summer/winter images were used in demarcating the northern boundary of the focal propagation of the Siberian moth.