Vol. 29 (2019)
Artículos de Investigación

Burned areas and changes in land uses in southwest Chihuahua, México, during 2013-2017: Identification with the normalized burn ratio index (NBR)

K. M. Valdez-Zavala
Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Bio
L. C. Bravo Peña
Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
L. L. Manzo Delgado
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Published 2019-10-30

How to Cite

Valdez-Zavala, K. M., Bravo Peña, L. C., & Manzo Delgado, L. L. (2019). Burned areas and changes in land uses in southwest Chihuahua, México, during 2013-2017: Identification with the normalized burn ratio index (NBR). Acta Universitaria, 29, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.15174/au.2019.2418

Abstract

Fires are a problem on forest ecosystems, affecting the natural diversity. Currently, several spectral indices have been implemented for the identification of burned areas. In this study, burned areas and transitions of land use were identified and quantified in the southwest of Chihuahua, Mexico, by the normalized burn ratio index (NBR) obtained from 28 satellite images. The NBR identified 1260.73 ha of burned areas; 1030.12 ha showed change in vegetation coverage and land use, while the remaining area keep unchanged. In polygons with change, a transition from forest cover to secondary vegetation was observed, while the polygons without change maintained their original agricultural coverage. The method used facilitates the monitoring and environmental management of affected areas by fire in Chihuahua, and it can be replicated in regions with similar conditions.