Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study investigates the temporal evolution of extreme rainfall seasons over Botswana, and their relationships to the growing season cycle of natural vegetation. Ground‐based precipitation data and remotely sensed Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)‐normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data are analysed for the July 1981–June 2006 period. Results confirm that Botswana's annual cycle of precipitation is characterized by substantial intra‐seasonal variation, which is resonated in natural vegetation cover. During extreme wet (dry) years, the most extreme surpluses (shortfalls) of monthly rainfall were observed in the middle of the rainfall season (January–February). While rainfall receipts during season onset and cessation may not be the highest, they were found to have strong influence on NDVI coefficient of variation. Extreme wet seasons could be distinguished from moderate wet seasons by examining their monthly peak patterns. Furthermore, the November–December period was identified through the NDVI as the critical period when extreme conditions may begin to emerge. These findings could have important implications for supporting seasonal forecasts and optimizing rainfed agricultural adaptation and natural resources management in southern Africa.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.