Mapping of air pollution effects on the vegetation cover in the Kirkenes-Nikel area using remote sensing

Air pollution impact on the vegetation cover in the north-eastern region of Norway is documented using satellite remote sensing. Landsat images obtained from 1973 to 1994 are analysed. Vegetation cover maps and change detection maps are produced. One of the main changes observed is that the area with lichen heaths decreased from 30% of the investigated area in 1973 to only 1.5% in 1992. A correlation between the degradation of the vegetation and the SO₂ concentration in the air is documented. Analysis of Landsat TM images obtained after 1988 reveals that the situation is now stabilized, consistent with a decrease in SO₂ emissions