Assessment of the environmental status of oil-producing areas using MODIS data

Abstract

This study addresses the impact of hydrocarbon extraction on vegetation cover in hard-to-reach areas of Western Siberia. The relevance of the research lies in the necessity to monitor the environmental consequences of industrial activities under challenging logistical conditions and limited ground observation possibilities. The use of satellite radiometer MODIS data and analysis of long-term NDVI vegetation index values for the period 2019-2025 enabled the identification of spatial-temporal trends and differences between background and oil-producing territories in the Tomsk region. The research methodology involved processing 35 sixteen-day MOD13Q1 composites with a spatial resolution of 250 meters, covering the growing seasons from May to October. The analysis revealed a stable seasonal NDVI dynamic in the background area, with pronounced fluctuations in the extraction sites, particularly in late summer. A decrease in the index was observed across all territories in 2023, likely related to climatic and anthropogenic factors, whereas 2025 showed improved values, indicating partial vegetation recovery. These results emphasize the importance of satellite monitoring for assessing the ecological status and enabling timely environmental protection measures. Contribution of the authors: the authors contributed equally to this article. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.