Integration of Sentinel-2 data and the Google Earth Engine platform for spatiotemporal monitoring of peat extraction locations

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of the ecological transformation and dynamics of the vegetation cover at the “Koz-Berezina” peat deposit (Volyn Oblast, Ukraine) under the influence of anthropogenic pressure. Given the intensive industrial exploitation of peatlands in the Ukrainian Polissya, which is inevitably accompanied by a radical change in the hydrological regime, degradation of natural habitats, the formation of a loose layer of peat crumbs, and an increased fire hazard, the need for continuous cross-scale monitoring of such areas has become extremely urgent. The aim of this study is to quantitatively and spatially assess the extent of ecosystem devastation resulting from open-pit peat extraction, as well as to identify processes of natural flora recovery (secondary succession) over a 9-year period (2017–2025).
Multispectral images with high spatial and temporal resolution from the Sentinel-2 satellite mission were used as the primary source of geospatial data. Data processing was performed in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud environment and GIS QGIS. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) served as the primary biophysical indicator of the state and volume of phytomass. For in-depth spatial modeling of ecosystem development vectors and visualization of area transitions between different NDVI classes from year to year, flow analysis using a Sankey diagram was applied.
The results of long-term monitoring indicate a heterogeneous response of the wetland ecosystem to anthropogenic intervention. A distinct spatial localization of the focal point of ecological devastation was recorded directly within the quarry zone (Dolyna tract), where NDVI values dropped critically (below 0.1–0.2) as a result of vegetation removal. An analysis of transition dynamics confirms that the highest level of degradation and spatial expansion of areas with exposed peat will occur in 2023–2024.
At the same time, the study revealed high ecological plasticity and strong regenerative potential of the deposit’s background ecosystem. It was established that the overall linear trend of NDVI values for the entire study period remains stable with a positive slope. As of 2025, the territorial expansion of peat extraction has ceased. Analysis of the Sankei diagram clearly visualizes macro-stabilization and an upward trend at the end of the period: significant areas of vegetation have massively shifted to higher NDVI classes (0.8–1.0). 
It has been established that the integration of open Sentinel-2 multispectral optical data, the capabilities of the GEE platform, and methods for visualizing transition dynamics is an objective, reliable, and highly effective approach for environmental monitoring of active peatlands, enabling the optimization of strategies for sustainable natural resource use and wetland management.