Seasonal Vegetation Trends in Biomes of Türkiye: A Decade-Long (2014-2023) Analysis Using NDVI Time Series

Abstract

This study analyzes Türkiye's biomes' seasonal vegetation trend from 2014 to 2023 using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Google Earth Engine (GEE). Focusing on Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands & Scrub; Temperate Broadleaf & Mixed Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands; and Temperate Coniferous Forests biomes, it aims to illuminate vegetative trends and inform conservation strategies in line with the European Green Deal. Using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) satellite imagery and GEE's computational capabilities, the study efficiently processes large datasets, revealing distinctive vegetative responses to climatic conditions across biomes. Key findings include the resilience of Mediterranean vegetation to drought, stable growth in temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, dynamic seasonal shifts in grasslands, and consistent photosynthetic activity in coniferous forests. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and suggests future research integrating remote sensing and ground observations for ecosystem management under climate change.

Keywords

• NDVI
• biomes
• Türkiye
• vegetation trend
• google earth engine

Türkiye Biyomlarında Mevsimsel Bitki Örtüsü Trendleri: NDVI Zaman Serileri ile Son On Yılın (2014-2023) Analizi

Öz

Bu çalışma, Normalize Edilmiş Fark Bitki Örtüsü İndeksi (NDVI) ve Google Earth Engine (GEE) kullanarak 2014-2023 yılları arasında Türkiye biyomlarının mevsimsel bitki örtüsü eğilimini analiz etmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma, Akdeniz Ormanları, Ağaçlık ve Çalılıklar; Ilıman Geniş Yapraklı ve Karışık Ormanlar; Ilıman Otlaklar, Savanlar ve Çalılıklar; ve Ilıman İğne Yapraklı Ormanlara ait biyomlara odaklanmaktadır. Biyomlar içerisinde bitkisel eğilimlerin incelenmesi ve Avrupa Yeşil Mutabakatı doğrultusunda koruma stratejilerinin incelenmesi temel hedeflerdendir. Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) uydu görüntülerini ve GEE'nin veri işleme yeteneklerini kullanan bu çalışma, büyük veri kümelerini analitik bir şekilde işleyerek biyomlar boyunca iklim koşullarına verilen farklı bitkisel tepkileri ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Çalışmanın temel bulgular arasında Akdeniz bitki örtüsünün kuraklığa karşı dayanıklılığı, ılıman geniş yapraklı ve karışık ormanlarda istikrarlı büyüme, otlaklarda dinamik mevsimsel değişimler ve iğne yapraklı ormanlarda tutarlı fotosentetik aktivitelerden söz edilebilir. Çalışma, ekolojik açıdan oldukça önemli bu alanların sürekli izlemenmesinin önemini vurgulamakta ve iklim değişikliği altında ekosistem yönetimi için uzaktan algılama ve yer gözlemlerini entegre eden gelecekteki araştırmaları önermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• NDVI
• biyom
• Türkiye
• vejetasyon trendi
• google earth engine

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