Fractional vegetation cover estimation in northern China and its change analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the spatial- temporal pattern and change of fractional vegetation cover( FVC) in northern China since 2000. FVC of northern China from 2000 to 2012 was estimated using dimidiate pixel model based on the normalized difference vegetation index( NDVI) calculated by MODIS spectral reflectance data. The FVC change trends and characteristics of the study area during the 13 years were analyzed. The inner annual FVC change trend in northern China indicated that the maximum FVC generally appeared in July or August,which was consistent with the vegetation growth season. The maximum annual FVC showed a slightly increase trend in the whole study area,and the annual increase rate was 0. 2%. However,the spatial distribution of maximum annual FVC change trend had great differences. The typical regions of the Three- North Shelter Forest Region such as Northeast China,North China and Loess Plateau region had an obviously increase in maximum annual FVC.