Seasonal variations of forest leaf area index and its thermal effect on water-eroded areas in 2000–2014 using remote sensing imageries

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of forest vegetation and its relationship with ground temperature in severe water erosion areas in Southern China. Methodology: The spatiotemporal variations of leaf area index (LAI) at a seasonal scale of the study area, Changting County in Fujian Province, China, were derived and compared with ground temperature (T) in 2000-2014 through remote sensing imageries. Results: Average seasonal LAI of central towns (< 2.3) were less than those of other towns, and negative correlations were found between LAI and T in 2000 and 2014. The R squares of the LAI–T relationship models were > 0.4 in 2000 and < 0.4 in 2014. Interpretation: This study demonstrated that more factors were involved in the thermal effect with the increase of LAI and the multi-year conservation management. Conservation measures should be prioritized in the central and south-eastern areas of the county with intense erosion. Key words: County, Leaf area index, Remote sensing, Seasonal variations, Soil erosion grade