Abstract
Assessment of ecological environment is an indispensable part of the eco-environment protection and restoration. This study utilizes a remote sensing-based ecological index (RSEI) to better understand the environmental scenario in the Ganga basin. RSEI has been computed using five parameters: Wetness, Dryness, Greenness, Heat, and a newly incorporated parameter Albedo representative of land degradation. Median-based RSEI maps have been constructed using LANDSAT archives in Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, covering three decades (1990–2021). The Ganga basin has been divided into five agro-climatic zones. For each zone and time frame (1990–99, 2000–09, 2010–19, and 2020–21), a median-based RSEI map has been generated. The analysis reveals that RSEI becomes poorer for sub-basin 1 (SB1), sub-basin 2 (SB2), and sub-basin 5 (SB5) in the 2010–19 period compared to the 1990–99 and 2000–09 periods. On the other hand, RSEI for sub-basin 3 (SB3) improved in the 2010–19 period compared to the previously mentioned periods. Sub-basin 4 (SB4) remained the least fluctuated region compared to the other sub-basins. The Global Moran's I value is highest for SB3 for the 1990–99 and 2000–09 periods, while for the 2010–19 and 2020–21 periods, SB2 has the highest Global Moran's I. This study incorporates big data analysis and can be indispensable in exploring the interactions between ecosystem services and anthropogenic activities in river basin systems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
