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Analysis of a sequence of SPOT multispectral and panchromatic images has been carried out to find confirmation of 
soot deposition in the area of Shadegan, in the Imam Khomeini major shipping port and in the surrounding marshlands. 
A SPOT multispectral image, acquired before the Gulf war (July, 1990 XS), shows clear lands without any soot (Plate 
3a). Visual comparison of this image with an image taken just after the war (July 14, 1991 Pan) Plate 3b shows that the 
contrast between adjacent fields and between other soil-related features has diminished considerably. It is assumed that 
this is due to soot deposition in the Shadegan and Mahshahr areas. After matching the histograms of the above- 
mentioned images, specific windows were selected for detailed spectral analysis. 
Comparing the histograms of the selected windows of the images of 1991 and 1992, a significant decrease in the 
percentage of reflectance can be clearly distinguished in the SPOT panchromatic image of 1991. More research is 
required to determine whether this decrease in reflectance of the land surface can indeed be attributed to the soot 
deposition observed in the field. In such research the possibilities of a seasonal effect and of rainfall should also be 
taken into account. In addition, from the previous visual analysis of the smoky NOAA AVHRR images during May 
and June 1991, can be concluded that the Shadegan and Mahshahr areas are predominantly covered by smoke clouds. 
  
Plate 3a: sub window of SPOT image (XS, (B1+B2 
)/2), indicates smoke and soot free land in Shadegan area, 
Iran, Aug. 28, 1990 
Plate 3b: sub window of SPOT image (Pan) indicates smoke and soot deposition on land in Shadegan area, 
Iran, July 14, 1991 
3.1 Density of smoke and soot estimation, using satellite images over the territory of Iran 
After performing analysis and calculations on full series of proper available NOAA-AVHRR images the following 
results have been obtained. 
Density of smoke coverage over the Persian Gulf area was estimated, using digital image processing and smoke 
detection model, for whole smoky period (nine months). 
  
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000. 1023