DETECTION OF VEGETATION COVER CHANGES AND SOIL OIL POLLUTION IN AREAS AFFECTED BY LONG-TERM ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT FROM OILFIELD ACTIVITIES

N.R. Jafarova¹,  Kh.R. Ismatova²

¹ Institute of Geography PLE, Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan

²National Aviation Academy, Baku, Azerbaijan

natavacafarova@bsu.edu.az

DOI: 10.59423/gnr.2026.10.21.014

Abstract. This article demonstrates the advantages of using remote sensing methods for environmental monitoring of areas subject to long-term anthropogenic impact, particularly in areas affected by the oil and gas industry. The study focused on the areas of Balakhany, most frequently affected by oil pollution. This article has both theoretical and practical significance. It describes methods for applying technologies that allow for the clear identification of pollution boundaries and changes in vegetation cover. The article also presents the results of processing and interpreting multi-temporal satellite images using a method for calculating vegetation indices, specifically the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), using the example of an oil field on the Absheron Peninsula. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of using satellite data to identify the spatiotemporal dynamics of environmental change. The use of the SAVI index made it possible to determine the degree of vegetation degradation and localize zones of intense oil pollution. The analysis demonstrates the potential of remote sensing methods as an important tool for monitoring environmental conditions, assessing the impact of anthropogenic loads, and developing recommendations for the reclamation of contaminated lands.

Keywords: oil, monitoring,  vegetation, SAVI, soil, Absheron Peninsula

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Accepted for publication: November 20, 2025

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N.R. Jafarova,  Kh.R. Ismatova – Detection of vegetation cover changes and soil oil pollution in areas affected by long-term anthropogenic impact from oilfield activities. Geography and Natural Resources, №2 (24), 2025, pp. 104-112.