Monitoring spatial temporal patterns of wildfire using remotely sensed data; with a focus on the Xinjiang-Tian Shan ecoregions

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires in flammable areas, with fossil evidence indicating their periodic occurrence. While they can benefit wildlife by promoting certain plant species, large fires often have detrimental ecological effects. This study examines the spatio-temporal patterns of wildfires in the Xinjiang-Tian Shan ecoregions of China from 2001 to 2022 using MODIS data and the burnt surface product (MCD64A1). Analysis identified 35,316 wildfires, peaking in 2014 with 4,579 incidents. Wildfire frequency was higher in autumn (40.9%) and spring (32.3%), with larger and more intense fires occurring in April and October. The Tian Shan ranges exhibited greater wildfire extent and intensity, particularly in mountain steppe and meadow grasslands, which accounted for 42.1% of occurrences. The southeastern Xinjiang regions showed the lowest wildfire impact. Weather conditions significantly influenced wildfire behavior. The findings highlight the critical role of the Xinjiang-Tian Shan ecoregions in ecological balance and climate regulation, emphasizing the need for further analysis of carbon emissions using global climate models.