Monitoring the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using Remote Sensing Techniques
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Abstract
Rapid and widespread use of remote sensing and accurate acquisition of information on the spatiotemporal distribution of large-scale vegetation is of great importance for improving and managing the environment. This research aimed to monitor the agricultural drought in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by used the spatiotemporal variability of vegetation cover. NDVI images have been used from MODIS over 24 years (2000-2023). The results showed that the vegetation cover was mainly distributed in the northeast to southeast of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, while the western region was less distributed and had almost no vegetation cover. This is clearly shown in the southwestern part of the region. While Duhok Governorate has the most control over vegetation cover in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during the study period. There is a significant temporal variation in vegetation cover over 24 years in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A decrease in vegetation cover area was observed in 2000 and 2008. The increase or decrease in vegetation cover area is not only affected by climatic conditions. Human resources are also one of the main resources that have a great influence on the increase or decrease in vegetation cover.
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