Spatio-Temporal Description of the NDVI (MODIS) of the Ecuadorian Tussock Grasses and Its Link with the Hydrometeorological Variables and Global Climatic Indices

Abstract

This study examined the changes in tussock grass greenness over 18 years (2001–2018) using NDVI data from 10 key areas of the Páramo ecosystem in the Ecuadorian Andes. In addition, the study investigated the influence of hydrometeorological variables (precipitation, soil temperature, and water availability) and climatic indices (AAO, MEI, MJO, NAO, PDO, El Niño 1 + 2, 3, 3.4, and 4) on greenness dynamics. The spatial and temporal variations of NDVI were studied, applying several analysis and indicators, such as: the standard deviation, z-score anomalies, Sen slope, Mann–Kendall test, and time integrated-NDVI (TI-NDVI). Linear and multilinear correlations were used to evaluate the influence of hydrometeorological variables and climatic indices on the greenness of tussock. The findings of the study show that Páramo, located in the Inter-Andean valley above 2° S, is the most productive, followed by those located in the Royal Range (eastern cordillera). The anomalies and trends of NDVI on the Royal Range tended to be greening over time. NDVI showed a moderate multilinear correlation with precipitation and soil temperature, and a strong response to water availability. Finally, NDVI was weakly linearly related to the climatic indices, the most representative being the MJO, and slightly related to ENSO events. Understanding the regional and global-scale variables that control tussock grasses’ phenology will help to determine how present and future climate changes will impact this ecosystem.