Analysis Of Satellite Imagery Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSES OF SECONDARY ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION FOLLOWING WILDFIRES IN THREE DISTINCT FOREST TYPES. A STUDY CASE FROM MOGUER, SPAIN

Wildfires have become increasingly prevalent and destructive in forest ecosystems worldwide, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of post-fire recovery dynamics for effective conservation and management. Remote sensing technology, coupled with vegetation indices such as Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), and Red Vegetation Index (RVI), offers a powerful means to investigate these processes. In this study, we utilize remote sensing techniques to conduct a comparative analysis of secondary ecological succession following wildfires in three distinct forest types (Coniferous, Sclerophyll and Mixed) of a forest affected by fire near Moguer, Spain. Through the acquisition and analysis of multispectral satellite imagery, we monitored changes in vegetation health and recovery across the region of interest. The NBR index allowed us to assess the severity and extent of wildfire damage, while NDVI quantified vegetation greenness and regrowth. GRVI and RVI provided insights into subtle variations in vegetation composition and health. We identified distinct temporal and spatial patterns in post-fire recovery among the different forest types by applying these indices for the period between 2017 and 2021. Our findings underscore the significance of understanding the diverse responses of these ecosystems to wildfires. While common recovery patterns emerged, such as an initial decrease in NDVI followed by regeneration, variations were observed in the timing and magnitude of recovery. These distinctions are attributed to differences in species composition, fire adaptations, and ecological processes specific to each forest type. In conclusion, the utilization of NBR, NDVI, GRVI, and RVI indices allows for a more nuanced evaluation of post-fire recovery dynamics.

Concept for long-term geo-monitoring of the post-mining environment using the example of the Prosper-Haniel mine

The operation of a mining facility provides a wealth of data, starting from mining licenses, documentation of extracted deposits, tunnel reinforcement methods, to documentation regarding the termination of mining operations, which impacts the natural environment at the local, regional, and supra-regional levels. The results of projects conducted by the Research Center of Post-Mining at the Technical University of Georg Agricola in Bochum present the possibilities of integrating environmental geo-monitoring methods to understand the processes occurring both during and after mining operations. Among the research methods used, spatiotemporal multispectral analyses of satellite imagery and images from drone flights stand out, and these will be presented in this paper. Additionally, in-situ measurements using soil sensors, weather stations, the application of mobile GIS, and three-dimensional modelling of geological structures should be noted. A key aspect of mining process research is the implementation and integration of all available geospatial data, allowing the consideration of post-mining processes as a cycle of interconnected, independent values that, through data analysis and validation, enable a comprehensive understanding.

SUSTAINABLE USE OF GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FORMS IN TOURISM, THE CASE OF HALF MOON BAY, EASTERN REGION, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

The Coastal geomorphology of the Half Moon Bay in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia has created great opportunity for human interventions. Public and private tourism and entertainment facilities were established along the Bay cost leading to modifications of natural phenomena. Therefore, this study aims at assessing tourism uses of geomorphological forms in the Half-moon Bay and identifying practical aspects related to sustainable tourism. It was based on literature review, field survey, analysis of google earth satellite imagery, risk analysis and SWOT analysis. Depending on the characteristics of the different coastal forms, various tourist activities were developed in the study area. However, environmental alterations, such as change of direction, length and meander of coastline have been recognized mainly, due to land excavation and backfilling of shallow sea water. Despite some constrains, several opportunities are available in order to promote and develop sustainable tourism in the region mainly supported by a set of legislations, efforts and actions at the national and local levels.

Research on Optical Site Diversity for Space Communications over Asia-Pacific Region

Our research on optical site diversity for space optical direct communications over the Asia-Pacific region based on satellite imageries is described. The objective of this research is to find groups of geographically separate locations with high fine-weather rates to place optical ground stations and form an optical site diversity network based on data analysis of geostationary meteorological satellite (GMS) imageries for 10 years, covering the Asia-Pacific region. Our other objective is to propose optical ground stations network over Japan and between Japan and Australia. In this analysis, target areas are focused on Japan and Australia because of the long operation backgrounds of radio communication ground station networks in these areas. We first talk about our analysis system for optical site diversity based on registered locations over Japan and Australia. Next, we study groups of geographically separate locations corresponding to sites for optical ground stations to form an optical site diversity network over Japan and between Japan and Australia with their operation availabilities. Our discussions on the network topologies formed by these optical ground stations are also given: not only over Japan but also between Japan and Australia in the Asia-Pacific region to connect them with NASA’s and the ESA’s optical ground stations for international optical ground station networks.

An interdisciplinary synthesis of floodplain ecosystem dynamics in a rapidly deglaciating watershed

Glacier retreat is rapidly transforming some watersheds, with ramifications for water supply, ecological succession, important species such as Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), and cultural uses of landscapes. To advance a more holistic understanding of the evolution of proglacial landscapes, we integrate multiple lines of knowledge starting in the early 1900s with contemporary data from the Taaltsux̱éi (Tulsequah) Watershed in British Columbia, Canada. Our objectives were to: 1) synthesize recent historical geography and Indigenous Knowledge, including glacier dynamics, and hydrology; 2) describe the limnology of a proglacial lake; 3) quantify decadal-scale downstream physical floodplain change; and 4) characterize riverine physical, chemical, and biological differences relative to distance from the proglacial lake. Since 1982, the Tulsequah Glacier has receded 0.07 km/yr, exposing a cold, deep, and growing proglacial lake. The downstream floodplain is rapidly changing; satellite imagery analysis revealed a 14 % increase in vegetation from 2003 to 2017 and Indigenous Knowledge described increases in vegetation and wildlife habitat over the last century. Contemporary measurements of physical-chemical water properties differed across sites representing the upper and lower watershed, and mainstem and off-channel habitats. Catches of juvenile salmonids in the upper watershed (closer to the glacier) were mostly limited to warmer, clearer groundwater-fed channels, whereas in the lower watershed there were salmonids in both groundwater-fed and mainstem habitats. There was limited zooplankton taxa diversity from the proglacial lake and benthic macroinvertebrates in the river. Collectively, our synthesis suggests that the transformation of proglacial landscapes experiencing rapid ice loss can be influenced by interlinked abiotic processes of glacier retreat, lake formation, and altered hydrology, as well as corresponding biological processes such as beaver repopulation, wetland formation, and riparian vegetation growth. These factors, along with expected increases to proglacial lake productivity and salmon habitat suitability, are an important consideration for forward-looking watershed management of glacier-fed rivers.

Waterborne Disease Risk Assessment and Mapping for a Floating Village by Combining 3D Hydraulic Simulation and Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment

Spatiotemporal changes in waterborne disease risk were evaluated for the Chhnok Tru floating village in the Tonle Sap Lake by combining a hydraulic simulation and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). First, a three-dimensional (3D) hydraulic simulation was performed, and the transport of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was simulated. Prior to the simulation, by coupling satellite imagery analysis using the normalized difference water index (NDWI) and a sounding survey using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), a new digital elevation model was generated for the complex channel network with high resolution. The results of the 3D hydraulic simulation revealed the flow regime and nonuniform pathogen distribution in the floating village. QMRA was performed for the village using the E. coli distribution calculated by the 3D hydraulic model. Subsequently, the disease risk in the village was visualized through an effective and easy-to-understand disease risk map. To demonstrate the usefulness of the hydraulic-simulation-based disease risk map, the map was used to quantitatively compare simple policies by evaluating their reduction in disease risk.

Rapid seaward expansion of seaport footprints worldwide

As global maritime traffic increases, seaports grow to accommodate and compete for higher volumes of trade throughput. However, growth trajectories of seaport footprints around the world have gone unmeasured, likely because of a lack of readily available spatio-temporal data. Here, we use geospatial analysis of global satellite imagery from 1990–2020 to show that 65 seaports among the world’s top 100 container ports, as ranked by reported throughput, have been expanding rapidly seaward. Collectively, these seaports have added approximately 978 km2 in gross port area in three decades through coastal land reclamation. We also find that the relationship between footprint expansion and throughput volume is highly variable among seaports. Understanding patterns of seaport expansion in space and time informs global assessments of critical infrastructure and supply chain vulnerability to climate-driven hazard. Seaport expansion also sets up complex trade-offs in the context of environmental impacts and climate adaptation.

Rapid Saline Permafrost Thaw Below a Shallow Thermokarst Lake in Arctic Alaska

AbstractPermafrost warming and degradation is well documented across the Arctic. However, observation‐ and model‐based studies typically consider thaw to occur at 0°C, neglecting the widespread occurrence of saline permafrost in coastal plain regions. In this study, we document rapid saline permafrost thaw below a shallow arctic lake. Over the 15‐year period, the lakebed subsided by 0.6 m as ice‐rich, saline permafrost thawed. Repeat transient electromagnetic measurements show that near‐surface bulk sediment electrical conductivity increased by 198% between 2016 and 2022. Analysis of wintertime Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite imagery indicates a transition from a bedfast to a floating ice lake with brackish water due to saline permafrost thaw. The regime shift likely contributed to the 65% increase in thermokarst lake lateral expansion rates. Our results indicate that thawing saline permafrost may be contributing to an increase in landscape change rates in the Arctic faster than anticipated.

Collective action, replanting and resilience; Key lessons from 40 years of smallholder oil palm cultivation in the Ophir plantation, Indonesia

CONTEXTOil palm smallholders often have difficulty implementing good agricultural practices and replanting, and tend to obtain low yields compared to corporate plantations. A frequent strategy to improve the sustainability of smallholder production systems is sustainable intensification, aimed at increasing land productivity and farmers' incomes. To facilitate sustainable intensification, many leading public and private sustainability initiatives require farmers to join farmer organisations as a precondition for certification and assistance, with the objective of achieving advantages of scale. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this article is to analyse the resilience of farmer organisations in the Ophir plantation when faced with replanting. We do so by linking actors, situations, and contexts relevant to collective action in five farmer cooperatives in Ophir over a 40-year period. Our aim is to offer unique insights into the enduring dynamics that influence the resilience of farmer organisations, shed light on smallholder oil palm replanting strategies, and draw several key lessons from this case. METHODSOur findings are based on field visits by the lead author before, during and after replanting. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to enable a holistic overview. During visits, 110 interviews with relevant stakeholders were recorded, project reports were collected, as were data on yields, costs, and other information on the functioning of the farming system. Analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery of the Ophir plantation and plantation inspections allowed us to further quantify replanting methods and replanting progress. A combined IAD-SES-NAS framework was used to structure findings and link variables, key events and context. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that farmer organisations can facilitate sustainable intensification in smallholder systems, but the resilience of farmer organisations proved diverse during replanting. Thus, farmer organisations are by no means a silver bullet for sustainable intensification. Landscape conditions, palm tree age, smallholder diversity and financial (mis)management play crucial roles in the resilience of farmer organisations and replanting strategies. Significant investment in various types of collective action is needed to encourage sustainable intensification through farmer organisations. SIGNIFICANCEThis article reports a rare holistic analysis of the bio-physical, socio-economic, and institutional aspects impacting collective action and replating in smallholder oil palm plantations. We present significant empirical data, which allows us to link 40 years of interactions between farmers, their institutions, plantations and changing contexts. Thereby we provide unique insights into farmer organisations, collective action and smallholder oil palm replanting.

Modeling NO2 air pollution variation during and after COVID-19-regulation using principal component analysis of satellite imagery

By implementing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of multitemporal satellite data, this paper presents modeling solutions for air pollutant variation in three scenarios related to COVID-19 lockdown: pre, during, and after lockdown. Tropospheric NO2 satellite data from Sentinel-5P was used. Two novel PCA-models were developed: Weighted Principal Component Analysis (WPCA) and Rescaled Principal Component Analysis (RPCA). Model results were tested for goodness-of-fit to empirical NO2 data. The models were used to predict actual near-surface NO2 concentrations. Model-predicted NO2 concentrations were validated with NO2 data acquired at ground monitoring stations. Besides, meteorological bias affecting NO2 was assessed. It was found that the weather component had substantial impact on NO2 built-ups, propitiating air pollutant decrease during lockdown and increase after. WPCA and RPCA models well fitted to observed NO2. Both models accurately estimated near-surface NO2 concentrations. Modeled NO2 variation results evidenced the prolongated effect of the total lockdown (up to half a year). Model-predicted NO2 concentrations were found to highly correlate with monitoring station NO2 data collected on the ground. It is concluded that PCA is reliable in identifying and predicting air pollution variation patterns. The implementation of PCA is recommended when analyzing other pollutant gases.

Identifying the ecologically significant habitats of Yellow-fin tuna (Thunnus albacares, Bonnaterre, 1788) of Iranian purse seine fishery in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean: An approach using satellite imagery and fishery data

Ecological fluctuations are influential factors affecting marine fish populations. The main primary objective of this study was to determine the catch probability of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares, Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, as well as its environmental preferences. This study employs generalized additive models (GAMs) to examine the spatiotemporal pattern of yellowfin tuna purse seiners, placing particular emphasis on the analysis of satellite imagery and environmental data. The results derived from the GAMs showed that the presence of yellowfin tuna was related to factors including sea surface height (SSH), salinity (SAL), latitude, and sea surface current velocities (velocity). Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that Iranian waters of the Gulf of Oman provide suitable habitats for yellowfin tuna during the autumn season, while in the Indian Ocean, these conditions are observed during the summer. Furthermore, the probability of successfully catching yellowfin tuna is higher in the Gulf of Oman than in the studied region of the Indian Ocean, with the catch probability predicted to be higher between 57°E and 69°E and for latitudes ranging from 5°N to 5°S and 20°−25°N. The study also found that areas with a sea surface temperature (SST) of 23–33 °C, SSH of 151–223 cm, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration of 0.08–0.6 mg/m3 achieve higher catches than those with low SST, SSH, and Chl-a concentration. The model trained with data from all seasons was used to examine the seasonal variation in potential fishing grounds. Yellowfin tuna abundance varies seasonally and from year to year, depending on sea conditions and their behavior.

ETHOS.PASSION: An open-source workflow for rooftop photovoltaic potential assessments from satellite imagery

The assessment of rooftop photovoltaic potential has become increasingly accurate due to the expanding availability of satellite imagery and improvements in computer vision methods. However, the analysis of satellite imagery is impeded by a lack of transparency, reproducibility, and standardized description of the methods employed. Studies are heterogeneous, target different types of potential with redundant efforts, and are mostly not open source or use private datasets for training. With respect to the estimation of photovoltaic potential, this study proposes a conceptual frame of reference for clearly identifying tasks, their relationships, and their data. Additionally, the open-source workflow ETHOS.PASSION is introduced, which integrates the assessment of geographical, technical and economic potentials of regions under consideration along with the calculation of surface areas, orientations and slopes of individual rooftop sections. ETHOS.PASSION also includes the detection of superstructures, i.e., obstacles such as windows or existing photovoltaic installations. The novel two-look approach combines two deep learning models identifying rooftops and sections, and an additional model for the identification of superstructures. The three models show a mean Intersection Over Union between classes of 0.8478, 0.7531 and 0.4927 respectively, and more importantly display consistent results amongst randomly sampled real world images. The final results are evaluated for multiple datasets and compared against other studies, with a case study in the Aachen region of Germany being presented.

Diachronous Quaternary Development of the Jiayuguan Fault and Implications for Strain Compartmentalization and Modern Earthquake Hazards in the NW Hexi Corridor, China

AbstractThe NNW‐trending Jiayuguan Fault (JYGF) is an actively developing thrust fault that delimits the SW margin of Jiayuguan, a major industrial city in the northwestern Hexi Corridor, China. In this study, we document the geometry, kinematics, and slip rates of the JYGF based on analysis of satellite imagery, low‐altitude photogrammetry, field observations, paleo‐seismic trenching, and Quaternary dating. The JYGF hanging‐wall contains a NE‐vergent asymmetric anticline of Cretaceous redbeds unconformably overlain by faulted, tilted and folded alluvial fan and fluvial terrace surfaces. Subsidiary fault scarps are associated with anticlinal flexure and contractional strain. The vertical uplift and crustal shortening rates are both ∼0.1 mm/a since ∼420 ka and geomorphic markers and dated landforms indicate southeastward fault propagation and hanging‐wall uplift from the Heishan toward the modern Beida River channel. The NW end of the fault appears to connect with the Altyn‐Tagh‐Heishan‐Jinta'Nanshan sinistral strike‐slip fault array suggesting that the JYGF is one of several parallel, splay faults that transfer strike‐slip motion to active folding and thrusting in the region. We relocate the 1992 Ms 5.4 earthquake epicenter using the NonLinLoc method and suggest that the JYGF may link southeastward with Quaternary‐active faults and folds in the Wenshushan. A seismic rupture along the total fault length of 25–40 km for the JYGF‐Wenshushan deforming belt corresponds to a potential earthquake magnitude in the 6.6–7.0 range. Compartmentalized faulting and folding in the NW–most Hexi Corridor defines a triangular block of active deformation where NE‐directed contractional deformation of the Qilian Shan foreland interacts with E‐W left‐lateral displacement along the Altyn‐Tagh‐Heishan‐Jinta'Nanshan sinistral strike‐slip system.

Integrated satellite imagery and electrical resistivity analysis of underground mine-induced subsidence and associated risk assessment of Barapukuria coal mine, Bangladesh

Integrated satellite imagery and electrical resistivity analysis of underground mine-induced subsidence and associated risk assessment of Barapukuria coal mine, Bangladesh

Ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) Anomalies as Earthquake Precursors: Unveiling the Geophysical Connection Leading to the 2023 Moroccan 6.8 Mw Earthquake

The study delves into the relationship between ionospheric total electron content (TEC) anomalies and seismic activity, with a focus on Morocco’s 6.8 Mw earthquake on 8 September 2023, lying within a tectonically active region at the convergence of the African and Eurasian Plates. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we incorporate space weather conditions, utilizing indices (Dst, Kp, and F10.7) to pinpoint periods of stable space weather. This minimizes the possibility of erroneously attributing natural ionospheric fluctuations to seismic events. Notably, our TEC analysis unveils positive and negative anomalies, with some occurring up to a week before the earthquake. These anomalies, exceeding predefined thresholds, provide compelling evidence of significant deviations from typical ionospheric conditions. Spatial mapping techniques employing both station-specific vTEC data and pseudorandom noise codes (PRNs) from multiple global navigation satellite system (GNSS) stations highlight a strong correlation between ionospheric anomalies and the earthquake’s epicenter. The integration of PRNs enhances coverage and sensitivity to subtle anomalies. Additionally, the analysis of satellite imagery and ground displacement data using Sentinel-1 confirms significant ground uplift of approximately 15 cm following the earthquake, shedding light on surface responses to seismic events. These findings underscore the potential of ionospheric science in advancing earthquake early warning systems and deepening our understanding of earthquake precursors, thus contributing to the mitigation of seismic event impacts and the protection of lives and infrastructure.

Preliminary geological work, based on remote sensing analysis, using artificially enhanced satellite data

Abstract This study aims to identify areas that present similar spectral characteristics to collected rock samples through the use of satellite imagery and spectral analysis. The results indicate that pixels marked in the satellite images exhibit similarities to the spectral characteristics of the samples. Misclassified objects or areas may be included in the results due to mixed pixels and spatial resolution limitations. The similarities identified could result from the region’s mineral composition of building materials, bare land, or dry vegetation. The averaged spectral curve patterns of the samples show similarity overall, but they are not identical, as reflected by the tenth quantile of the similarity coefficient. This research provides a valuable support tool for preliminary geological assessment, and information relating to vast and challenging-to-access parts of prospective areas for further investigation.

Anthropogenic induced land use land cover dynamics of the Black Volta River Corridor in north-western Ghana, 2011-2021

This study employed remote sensing-based satellite imagery analysis to investigate the anthropogenic induced land use land cover (LULC) dynamics of the Black Volta River Corridor (BVR) in north-western Ghana. The mixed methods research approach was adopted. Satellite data were supplemented with questionnaires administered to 170 households and key informant interviews. Findings show that agriculture, charcoal burning, illegal mining, sand winning and logging are the predominant land use (livelihood) activities in the corridor. The confusion matrix of the classified images produced an overall accuracy of 88.8% with kappa coefficient of 0.9. From 2011-2021 closed savannah, bare land/agriculture areas and water resources decreased by 6.5%, 3% and 0.1% respectively. On the other hand, open savannah increased by 9.7% for the same time frame. This suggests that closed savannah areas continue to suffer degradation from the anthropogenic activities taking place in the corridor. The impact of anthropogenic activities cuts across all the sections (300m buffer zone) of the corridor. Anthropogenic activities within the corridor show a spatially clustered distributed pattern. Consequently, the article argues that the destructive human activities taking place within the corridor can easily be monitored and halted by the responsible stakeholders. The article therefore tasks the Government of Ghana to design and enforce laws on a permissible ecological-friendly buffer zone for riparian communities within the corridor and similar areas in the country. The article again recommends that some degraded sections of the BVR corridor should be reclaimed for posterity.

Pit lakes from gravel and sand quarrying in the Po River basin: An opportunity for riverscape rehabilitation and ecosystem services improvement

Since the 1950s, an intense sand and gravel quarrying from the river floodplains led to the formation of pit lakes (PLs) that have changed the morphology and the drainage system of several Italian river basins. In the last decade, a renewed interest in PLs has grown as tools for rehabilitating rivers and their floodplains, in order to provide a similar ecological service once offered by pristine riverine wetlands, which were lost due to anthropogenic pressures. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the number, distribution, and major morphometric characteristics of these ecosystems in the Po River basin, in order to assess their relevance and suitability for ecological restoration purposes. To achieve this aim, a synergistic approach was used including remote sensing techniques, satellite archives, and regional databases. The results show that more than 12,650 small lentic water bodies are present in the Po River basin, with agricultural ponds the most represented category, followed by PLs. Specifically, 1580 PLs were identified, divided into three subcategories: active (338), ceased (1188) and doubtful (54). These artificial ecosystems, when compared with pristine riverine wetlands, are more numerous, widely distributed, and on average more extensive, although more regularly shaped. The temporal analysis of satellite imagery showed that the number and the total area of PLs have increased from 1990 to 2021. PLs currently account for 63.5 km2 surface area, an average water volume of 378 × 106 m3 and for a removal of 26.6 mg N m−2 d−1 via denitrification. Therefore, PLs can contribute ecosystem services, e.g., water provisioning and regulation of the nitrogen cycle, and can be exploited for rehabilitating the riverscape. In this context, remote sensing is a very reliable tool for quantifying and analysing PLs and others water bodies in a vast area such as the Po River basin.

Remote sensing as a key tool for assessing war-induced damage to soil cover in Ukraine (the case study of Kyinska territorial hromada)


 
 
 The war is damaging one of Ukraine’s main assets its soil resources. Soil takes the brunt of military operations, suffers the most contamination and, as an inert ecosystem com- ponent, can bear the consequences of war for a long time. Thus, the assessment of the degree of soil disturbance and contamination enables us to estimate the consequences of the ecocide carried out by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. The article presents preliminary research on the impact of the war on the soil cover of arable land in the Kyinska territorial hromada (Chernihiv region), where warfare lasted only a month, but during this short time, they caused irreparable damage to the environment. The study was conducted based on the analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery by Maxar. 4914 craters were identified in the Kyinska hromada, including 2912 craters within arable land, ranging in diameter from 0.5 to 13.8 m. According to the morphometric parameters of the craters, the probable caliber of the ammunition and the volume of soil displaced were estimated, which is 3136 m3. It is proposed to distinguish bombturbation and contamination zones aroundthe craters, which differ in the degree and nature of their impact on the soil. In the bombturbation zone, the soil was redeposited, ejected, displaced, compacted, deformed, and heavily contaminated, whereas in the contamination zone, the soil was mostly physically undisturbed, however, slightly contaminated by explosives, shells, and bomb fragments. The estimated area of both zones was determined to be 44.3 hectares for the bombturbation zone and 386.9 hectares for the contamination zone. Areas of possible soil compaction and deformation due to the maneuvers of heavy military vehicles were identified. Moreover, the issue of the high risk of soil contamination with heavy metals as a result of shells and bombs exploding was considered. The contamination is apparently limited to the contamination zone. Over time, vertical and horizontal migration of heavy metals can lead to secondary risk of contamination with heavy metals. Furthermore, geomorphological hazards can occur on the slopes and at the bottom of craters, leading to engineering complications of the territory, unfavorable physical and chemical processes in the soil, and an expansion of the contamination zone. In accordance with the Methodology set out in the Order of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine No. 167 dated 04.04.2022, the amount of damage from soil contamination of arable land in the Kyinska territorial hromada was calculated at 192.2 million UAH.
 
 

An Investigation of the Densification Process of the Residential Areas of Dhaka

Dhaka is one of the most densely populated megacities of the world with demography of over 20 million people. With an annual population growth rate of 4.2% Dhaka is set to face the challenges of habitat crisis, lack of communal facilities, and constant pressure on transportation and infrastructure. In response to the demand of the rapidly growing population and scarcity of developable land, urban consolidation through vertical expansion was carried out without any proper diagnosis of the sites or any contextually appropriate densification policy. The unguided nature of densification not only brought a transformation in the urban landscape but also in the built form itself by infusing the concept of compactness into them. The compactness of multi-storied dwellings is often found to compromise with the livability condition posing questions on residential sustainability. Drawing on three residential areas of varied density, age and, settlement type this paper, therefore attempts to investigate the trend of densification of the densifying residential areas of Dhaka in terms of the spatial quality of the built form its effect on the built environment. Key methods of data collection employed extensive field surveys, observations, measurements, map analysis, satellite imagery analysis, interviews with officials, and block surveys for detailed analysis of FAR, land coverage in plot and block level, height, land use pattern, and other design aspects of the built form. The survey findings were analyzed through descriptive statistical methods including frequency distribution and presented through tables, charts, and cross-analysis charts contributing to a better understanding of the ongoing trend of densification. The findings indicate that the spatial quality of the built environment was largely compromised in terms of inadequate ventilation and solar access, loss of acoustic and visual privacy, obstruction of view, and leftover unusable open spaces. However, the interior dwelling spaces conforming to the acceptable standard is suggestive of a moderate degree of urban consolidation. By investigating how urban densification has transformed the urban fabric and residential environment, the study reveals the unintended consequences of unguided densification in Dhaka.