On the influence of Chernobyl nuclear disaster on the coniferous forests state in the surrounding area using SIR-C/X SAR data

Accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (NPP) in April 1986 appeared to be one of most serious ecological catastrophes. It led to the nuclear pollution of vast surrounding territories and had severe global ecological consequences. In their report the authors investigate manifestation of footprints of the nuclear catastrophe on the SIR-C/X SAR images of the NPP area obtained 8 years since the accident. Coniferous forests in the area of nuclear power plant may be used as a descriptor of the level and spatial distribution of nuclear pollution using SAR data. L-band SAR data seem to be one of the most useful for the purpose of monitoring of the Chernobyl forests state.