Forest Fire Monitoring Analysis Based on X-band Dual-Polarization Phased-Array Radar and Himawari-8 Satellite Remote Sensing

To verify the detection capability of X-band dual-polarization phased-array radar for forest fires, this paper utilizes X-band dual-polarization phased-array radar data, Himawari-8 satellite data, combined with ground meteorological automatic station data. A case study of a forest fire in Ao Feng Mountain on February 19, 2021, was conducted to comparatively analyze the monitoring results from these two remote sensing methods.The results show that both methods exhibit significant features associated with the forest fire process observed and are effective modern methods of forest fire monitoring. The Himawari-8 satellite identified the fire point at 07:10 (LST; LST=UTC+8) with subsequent observations every 10 minutes until 10:00, nearly two hours before the fire was fully extinguished. Compared with the satellite, the X-band dual polarization phased array radar detectedthe fire 14 minutes earlier, with an improved temporal resolution of one minute, and was not affected by cloud cover. In the triggering stage, vigorous stage, sustained burning stage, and extinguishing stage of the forest fire, radar characteristic factors including reflectivity (Z), differential reflectivity (Z_DR), and correlation coefficient (CC) showed strong correlations with the fire progression. The radar monitoring results were continuous, complete, and precise. In summary, the X-band dual-polarization phased-array radar offers more detailed detection information, shorter detection time interval, and higher detection spatial accuracy. It presents a promising new method for forest fire detection, providing crucial guidance for on-site rescue operations, particularly for small-scale fire events.