Southern Africa Fire Emissions Estimates from MODIS Burned Area

September 2000 emissions data for southern Africa provides MODIS-based estimates of pyrogenic carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from grassland and woodland fires at 1 km spatial resolution. The dataset, produced by ORNL DAAC for the SAFARI 2000 campaign, uses a dynamic regional fuel load model and ecosystem-specific emission factor algorithms. It is intended to be expanded with estimates for other trace gases and particulates, including CO2, CH4, NMHC, and PM2.5.

Use Cases

• Modeling regional carbon monoxide emissions from savanna fires using the provided GeoTIFF emission layers.
• Analyzing spatial patterns of biomass burning in southern Africa during the dry season.
• Integrating fuel load model data with satellite-derived burned area products for emission inventories.
• Studying the relationship between fire dynamics and trace gas emissions in grassland and woodland ecosystems.

Strengths

• High spatial resolution of 1 km for detailed regional analysis.
• Based on the MODIS burned area product, a standard satellite-derived fire data source.
• Employs ecosystem-specific emission factor algorithms tailored for southern African savannas.
• Developed as part of the coordinated SAFARI 2000 field campaign, ensuring methodological rigor.

Limitations

• Data is limited to a single month (September 2000), restricting temporal analysis.
• Conflicting last updated dates (2000-09-30 vs. 2026-03-12) create uncertainty about versioning and finalization.
• The dataset currently only provides carbon monoxide emissions; other promised trace gas and particulate data may not be finalized or available.

Provenance

Source

ORNL DAAC for the SAFARI 2000 campaign.

Collection Method

Calculated from MODIS burned area product using a dynamic regional fuel load model and ecosystem-specific emission factor algorithms.

Time Range

September 2000

Freshness

2026-03-12 21:49:48.182654

Geography

Southern Africa