Mapping Surface Parameters for Mesoscale Modeling in Forested and Deforested Southwestern Amazonia

Abstract

Surface parameter digital maps of vegetation, soil, and relief are obtained over Rondonia, Brazil, covering the 5° ×5° region 8°–13°S, 65°–60°W. Numerical maps of the natural landscape structure have been achieved by digitizing existing 1:1 000 000 paper maps. Satellite data give information about the most recent modifications of the surface due to human activities. This mapping work is the first step of a mesoscale meteorological modeling program. Surface parameter digital maps of vegetation, soil, and relief are obtained over Rondonia, Brazil, covering the 5° ×5° region 8°–13°S, 65°–60°W. Numerical maps of the natural landscape structure have been achieved by digitizing existing 1:1 000 000 paper maps. Satellite data give information about the most recent modifications of the surface due to human activities. This mapping work is the first step of a mesoscale meteorological modeling program.