Inter-comparison of Satellite- and Ground-based Area Burned Data for Use in Biomass Emission Estimates for the Continental United States

Area burned is one of four primary parameters necessary for estimating biomass burning emissions, and it is a parameter than remains illusive, particularly if we include all area burned. In this report, we compare the intensive 2002 ground-based data for the western United States to several satellite-based methodologies for estimating area burned. Unlike previous verification and validation exercises, this research compares ground-based wildfire, prescribed, agricultural and rangeland burning to several satellite-based area burned products. The collection of the intensive ground data was motivated by the Environmental Protection Agencies desire to establish a baseline year for biomass emissions through the Regional Planning Organizations. The Western Regional Air Partnership developed a baseline year dataset for 13 western states. Satellite-based data are collected by MODIS and GOES sensors and several products have been produced. We compare 7 satellite-based products to the types of burning (prescribed, agricultural and rangeland) in the 13 western states. Initial analysis demonstrates that distinct satellite products show an enhanced capability at detecting particular fires. Also, the analysis suggests that some states show an enhanced capability of reporting area burned in particular categories.