The study on variability of NDVI over Kerala using satellite observations

Abstract

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a measure of vegetation productivity and health. Many previous studies have established its utility in understanding the changes that happen to vegetated regions. Temperature and precipitation are closely associated with the vegetation quantity and quality in a place. Natural variability in climate along with human interactions have profound influence on this. Sustaining the natural ecosystem of a region requires understanding these interactions. Remote sensing systems provide valuable measurements to study changes in the various environmental factors and provide a means for observing regions that are not easily reachable using ground-based techniques alone. The state of Kerala is witnessing big changes in its climate pattern in the recent times. Disastrous phenomena like recurring floods and hazards like landslides are posing threats to plants and trees along with human lives and livelihoods. In addition to these climate-based changes, we are also witnessing modifications to our natural ecosystem due to man-made constructions and such activities. Both the natural and man-made modifications may have far reaching consequences for the environment as a whole and plant life specifically. The current study investigates the spatial and temporal variability of NDVI over Kerala. Estimation of NDVI is performed using the NIR and visible bands of Landsat-8 satellite. This study analyses the observed variability in NDVI using remote sensing observations without looking into the underlying causes and mechanisms that might have led to it.