Assessment of the Spatial and Temporal Variability of Vegetation Cover in Zawita Forest Using Spectral Indices and Geographic Information Systems

• Karam J. AL Beno 1*,Muzahim S. Younis 1, Mohammed Y. Salim

  Author

This study aimed to analyses the spatial and temporal variability of vegetation cover in Zawita Forest in northern Iraq using remote sensing techniques and GIS, relying on a set of spectral indices extracted from Sentinel- satellite images which included Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and leaf area index (LAI), the results showed a clear seasonal variation in the density and vitality of vegetation cover, where the spring season recorded the highest levels of vegetation activity as a result of the improvement of the leaf area index (LAI), in addition to the estimation of the leaf area index (LAI). Spring recorded the highest levels of plant activity as a result of improved climatic conditions and higher photosynthetic efficiency, while summer witnessed a significant decrease in indicator values as a result of water stress and high temperatures, while winter and autumn reflected transitional states associated with plant dormancy and moisture changes. The results also showed that areas of high vegetation density are concentrated in mountainous locations that are less exposed to human disturbances, while low and medium densities are spread in areas that are less elevated and more affected by human activities. The indicators used confirmed their efficiency in detecting physiological and hydrological changes of vegetation, with GNDVI being superior in monitoring chlorophyll-related changes, NDWI in estimating water stress, and SAVI in minimising soil impact in areas with low vegetation cover. LAI results showed a clear positive relationship between vegetation density and bioproductivity. The study emphasises the importance of integrating spectral indicators with field work to improve the accuracy of forest systems assessment and provide a scientific database to support forest management and sustainability in mountainous and semi-arid environments.

• pdf