Fires in central South America - related image preview

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Fires in central South America

Hundreds of fires were detected across South America by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite on August 1, 2003. Fires (red dots) were detected in Brazil (right), Argentina (bottom left), and Paraguay (top left). Biomass burning is concentrated during the months of July-October in the Southern Hemisphere portion of South America, and is linked to agricultural activities, including the use of fire to permanently deforest areas and convert them to agricultural land. In the image, isolated patches of intact forest appear deep green, while agricultural lands and tropical savannas appear lighter green.


Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published August 4, 2003
Data acquired August 1 - 1, 2003

Source:
Aqua > MODIS
Topics:
Human Dimensions > Environmental Impacts > Biomass Burning
Human Dimensions > Environmental Impacts > Deforestation
Human Dimensions > Natural Hazards > Fires
Collections:
MODIS Rapid Response
Visible Earth