Post-typhoon assessment of surface greenness disturbance using Landsat series observations

Extreme climate events are projected to increase under the context of global warming associated with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, coastal regions which are also characterized with significant urbanization will be vulnerable to the extreme events, such as severe typhoon. Timely assessment and accurate information on the extent and severity of the damage caused by extreme event is necessary to better facilitate decision-making for disaster alleviation and post-recovery. Satellite remote sensing has an important advantage in assessing the impacts caused by extreme events on natural environment and socio-economic dimension at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Surface greenness disturbance mainly over Xiamen, China, caused by Typhoon Meranti (2016) was investigated using a pair of observations by Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI. Significant decreases in greenness were detected, which mainly located along the Maluan Bay and the settlements in suburban and rural areas surrounding the track of typhoon.