Investigating the Spatio-Temporal Relationship between NDVI and LST in Abakaliki LGA, Ebonyi State Nigeria, Using Landsat and Correlation Analysis: Implications for Landscape Management

Abstract

Understanding spatiotemporal linkages between normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land surface temperature (LST) is crucial for managing landscape resilience amid global change. This study applied correlation analyses to investigate NDVI-LST relationships across Abakaliki LGA, Nigeria from 2000-2022 using Landsat data. Multi-decadal trends revealed widespread LST increases exceeding 9°C, while NDVI declined, implying vegetation clearing transformed surfaces from carbon sinks to sources dampening temperatures. In 2000, NDVI positively correlated with LST (r=0.745, p<0.01); by 2022, large-scale NDVI suppression drove strong negative correlations between NDVI and LST (r=-0.751, p<0.01). Findings documented rapid decoupling of previously heterogeneous NDVI-LST couplings tied to diverse land use. Sustainable intensification offers potential to restore climate-buffering vegetation and recouple local anthropogenic-climatic systems. Continued monitoring can track restoration progress while adaptation evolves with socio-environmental change. This research advances understanding of anthropic impacts on landscape energetics using remote sensing and correlation analyses, with implications for integrated management under global change.