Satellite monitoring features of crystalline rocks mining territories within Zhitomyr region based on optical and radar remote sensing data

Abstract

Opportunities of optical and radar satellite data application for ecological state and reclamation quality assessment of disturbed by crystalline rocks open cast mining lands are considered in the article. Digital elevation models analysis is proposed for the problem of identification of mines among rock dumps and rocky outcrops solution. Radar interferograms were used as source data for DEM creating. The research was performed on three study sites within Korostishiv, Cherniahiv and Khoroshiv districts of Zhitomir region. As result of the study an abandoned quarry with no reclamation done and an illegal stone processing waste dump were found. It is stated that environmental impact of crystalline rock open cast mining not as serious as ilmenite or amber open cast mining impacts and facts of violation of law caused by mining activities were not found.