THE THERMAL STATE OF LANDSCAPES IN THE SOUTHERN LAKE BAYKAL REGION FROM REMOTE SENSING METHODS

The paper describes an experiment in mapping the emissivity of surface features (e.g., vegetation, bare soil, water, snow, and ice) of diverse surfaces in the Lake Baykal region using IR radiation thermometers carried on board a helicopter. Nine different thermal (emissivity) structures were identified from mid-summer overflights, which are linked to corresponding vegetation/landscape assemblages and levels and types of human landscape modification. Emissivity contrasts among water surfaces, sparse and dense forest associations, and various steppe and alpine landscapes are described. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1996, No. 4, pp. 61-71.