تقييم تأثير الحرائق على الغطاء النباتي الطبيعي في محافظة طرطوس خلال المدَّة (2013- 2025)

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of fires on Natural Vegetation cover in Tartous Governorate during the period (2013- 2025) using remote sensing techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Five satellite images from Landsat for the years 2013- 2016- 2018- 2024 and 2025 were  analyzed. Land Cover was classified into four categories (water, urban areas, sparse vegetation, dense vegetation) and analyzed using the NDVI index. The results showed a significant decrease in dense vegetation cover in 2016, a significant increase in urban areas in 2025.

Fire intensity was calculated using NBR and DNBR indices and damage was classified into six categories (recovery- no damage- light damage- moderate damage- high damage- very high damage). The area for each category was calculated and results indicated that the highest damage levels occurred in the light and moderate damage categories. The sub- districts of Tartous Governorate recorded the highest number of fires and the largest damaged area in 2016. The results also indicated  a strong correlation between the number of fires and the damaged area (r = 0.86)