Particulate and Gas Emissions from Wildfires in the Southern Amazon, from 2020 to 2022, from GOES-16 Fire Radiative Power Retrievals

Abstract

This study delves into the Amazon Basin, which is pivotal for global climate regulation but is threatened by human activities. This work uses geostationary satellite GOES-16 data from 2020 to 2022 to study fire patterns and emissions in the southern Amazon. The Fire/Hotspot Characterization algorithm processes GOES-16’s Advanced Baseline Imager data, providing insights into fire dynamics with an unparalleled temporal resolution of 10 min. This allows one to retrieve a more accurate temporal evolution of wildfire radiative power, and emission estimates, than previous efforts based on polar satellites. Results for 2020 show an average burn activity radiative power cycle duration of approximately 4.56 h, temperature ranges estimated for the flaming (829 K to 1188 K) and smoldering phases (433 K to 686 K), and an average active fire area size of 0.464 km². Using the FEER (Fire Energetics and Emissions Research) emission inventory, emissions for CO₂, CO, CH₄, and TPM (Total Particulate Matter) during peak fire activity (days of the year 150–350) were estimated. Between 2020 and 2022, the yearly total emissions increased from 434.7 to 523.8 Tg for CO₂, 27.91 to 33.63 Tg for CO, 1.744 to 2.102 Tg for CH₄, and 2.33 to 2.81 Tg for TPM. The outcomes enhance understanding of Amazon wildfires, their emission fluxes, and environmental implications, contributing valuable insights to the complex Amazon Basin ecosystem.

Analyzing GOES-16 satellite data from 2020 to 2022, this study reveals fire dynamics and emission patterns in the southern Amazon, highlighting significant environmental impacts on the Amazon ecosystem and global climate.