Vegetation Recovery Patterns in Burned Areas Assessed with Landsat 8 OLI Imagery and Environmental Biophysical Data

Vegetation recovery after the large wildfires that occurred in central Portugal 2017 is assessed present study. These had catastrophic consequences, among which were human losses and a vast extent of forest devastation. Landsat 8 OLI images used to obtain land use cover (LUC) classification determine Normalized Burned Ratio index (NBR) for different times. NBR results difference between (dNBR) before fire (pre-fire) (post-fire), obtained cross-checked with LUC. The dNBR cross-referenced biophysical data identify characteristics most important burned areas need vegetative recovery. showed spatial differentiation vegetation recovery, highlighting factors this process, particular type (the predominant species bank seeds available), (for example, soil areas), continentality gradient, climate conditions. was differentiated by time according pre-fire. In general, shrubland faster than tree species, more marked regenerated rhizomes fire. process also influenced season study area. It efficient spring at beginning summer, importance optimal conditions needed regeneration, such as temperature precipitation (soil humidity water availability growing plants). research are planning: definition strategies ecosystems’ adoption preventive measures avoid occurrence wildfires, modification anthropogenic practices, etc.