Spatiotemporal dynamics of Sentinel-2 NDVI as indicators of bio-hydromorphological interactions: implications for river management

Abstract

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can be effectively used for monitoring the spatial and temporal dynamics of riparian vegetation. However, quantitative and efficient evaluations of the links between NDVI and bio-hydromorphological processes remain limited, particularly in river management contexts where dense in-channel vegetation can obstruct flow and reduce conveyance capacity. Using 200 cloud-free Sentinel-2 images (2015–2024) covering a 20-km reach of the Chikuma River (Japan), we evaluated the utility of high temporal resolution NDVI and greenness index (defined as NDVI > 0.2) as quantitative indicators of bio-hydromorphological dynamics and its implications for riverine management. The analysis focused on the relationships between NDVI dynamics, flood magnitude, relative elevation along lateral channel morphology, and seasonal vegetation variability within a frequently disturbed channel. The results show that NDVI fluctuations strongly correspond to flood disturbances at lower relative elevations, whereas vegetation at higher elevations remains relatively stable. The annual maximum greenness ratio was well described by a logistic model along the cross-sectional transects. Annual greenness ratio exhibited clear seasonal patterns, showing a late-summer (August–September) greenness peak. These spatiotemporal and seasonal NDVI characteristics demonstrate the potential of Sentinel-2 imagery to operationalize both the “when” (timing) of vegetation management and the “where” (priority zones defined by relative elevation), providing a transferable, remotely sensed basis for flood-risk mitigation in frequently disturbed riverine environments.