Editorial

3 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue “Vegetation and Climate Relationships”

by Xiangjin Shen and Binhui Liu

Atmosphere 2022, 13(11), 1881; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13111881 - 10 Nov 2022

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The study of the relationships between climate change and the vegetation of terrestrial ecosystemsis the core topicof biometeorology research [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

Research

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17 pages, 3582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climatic Relationship of Vegetation in Forest Stands in the Mediterranean Vegetation Belt of the Eastern Adriatic

by Damir Ugarković, Vinko Paulić, Irena Šapić, Igor Poljak, Mario Ančić, Ivica Tikvić and Igor Stankić

Atmosphere 2022, 13(10), 1709; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13101709 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

The Mediterranean vegetation belt on the eastern Adriatic covers an area of nearly 15,000 km². It is comprised of forest stands that can be divided into three vegetation zones based on the presence of certain plant species within each: sub-Mediterranean, eu-Mediterranean, [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean vegetation belt on the eastern Adriatic covers an area of nearly 15,000 km². It is comprised of forest stands that can be divided into three vegetation zones based on the presence of certain plant species within each: sub-Mediterranean, eu-Mediterranean, and steno-Mediterranean. The dominant ecological factors result in the domination of specific tree species within the floral composition between these vegetation zones. The aim of this study was to collect climate data from 38 weather stations over a 30-year period to compare climate data and bioclimate properties in the area of these three vegetation zones. The results confirmed statistically significant differences between the main climatic elements and most bioclimatic indices between the vegetation zones. Cooler and more humid conditions were found in the sub-Mediterranean zone, warmer and somewhat drier conditions in the eu-Mediterranean zone, and particularly pronounced warm and dry conditions in the steno-Mediterranean zone. However, the analysis of the main components for researching climate parameters showed that the mean annual air temperature, average minimum air temperature of the coldest month of the year and continentality index, length of the dry season, and de Martonne aridity index contribute the most to the grouping of vegetation in forest stands in the Mediterranean vegetation belt of the eastern Adriatic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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18 pages, 5997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring the Dynamic Changes in Vegetation Cover Using Spatio-Temporal Remote Sensing Data from 1984 to 2020

by Sajjad Hussain, Shujing Qin, Wajid Nasim, Muhammad Adnan Bukhari, Muhammad Mubeen, Shah Fahad, Ali Raza, Hazem Ghassan Abdo, Aqil Tariq, B. G. Mousa, Faisal Mumtaz and Muhammad Aslam

Atmosphere 2022, 13(10), 1609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13101609 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4095

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities and natural climate changes are the central driving forces of global ecosystems and agriculture changes. Climate changes, such as rainfall and temperature changes, have had the greatest impact on different types of plant production around the world. In the present study, [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic activities and natural climate changes are the central driving forces of global ecosystems and agriculture changes. Climate changes, such as rainfall and temperature changes, have had the greatest impact on different types of plant production around the world. In the present study, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation of major crops (cotton, rice, wheat, and sugarcane) in the District Vehari, Pakistan, from 1984 to 2020 using remote sensing (RS) technology. The crop identification was pre-processed in ArcGIS software based on Landsat images. After pre-processing, supervised classification was used, which explains the maximum likelihood classification (MLC) to identify the vegetation changes. Our results showed that in the study area cultivated areas under wheat and cotton decreased by almost 5.4% and 9.1% from 1984 to 2020, respectively. Vegetated areas have maximum values of NDVI (>0.4), and built-up areas showed fewer NDVI values (0 to 0.2) in the District Vehari. During the Rabi season, the temperature was increased from 19.93 °C to 21.17 °C. The average temperature was calculated at 34.28 °C to 35.54 °C during the Kharif season in the District Vehari. Our results showed that temperature negatively affects sugarcane, rice, and cotton crops during the Rabi season, and precipitation positively affects sugarcane, rice, and cotton crops during the Kharif season in the study area. Accurate and timely assessment of crop estimation and relation to climate change can give very useful information for decision-makers, governments, and planners in formulating policies regarding crop management and improving agriculture yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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14 pages, 3286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regeneration of Pinus sibirica Du Tour in the Mountain Tundra of the Northern Urals against the Background of Climate Warming

by Natalya Ivanova, Nikolai Tantsyrev and Guoqing Li

Atmosphere 2022, 13(8), 1196; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13081196 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1964

Abstract

Climate is one of the key drivers of the plant community’s structure and trends. However, the regional vegetation-climate features in the ecotone have not yet been sufficiently studied. The aim of the research is to study features of Pinus sibirica Du Tour germination, [...] Read more.

Climate is one of the key drivers of the plant community’s structure and trends. However, the regional vegetation-climate features in the ecotone have not yet been sufficiently studied. The aim of the research is to study features of Pinus sibirica Du Tour germination, survival, and growth in the mountain tundra of the Northern Urals against the background of a changing climate. The following research objectives were set: To determine the abundance and age structure of P. sibirica undergrowth on the mountain tundra plateau, identify the features of P. sibirica growth in the mountain tundra, and examine the correlation between the multi-year air temperature pattern, precipitation, and P. sibirica seedling emergence. A detailed study of the Pinus sibirica natural regeneration in the mountain stony shrub-moss-lichen tundra area at an altitude of 1010–1040 m above sea level on the Tri Bugra mountain massif plateau (59°30′ N, 59°15′ E) in the Northern Urals (Russia) has been conducted. The research involved the period between 1965 and 2017. Woody plant undergrowth was considered in 30 plots, 5 × 5 m in size. The first generations were recorded from 1967–1969. The regeneration has become regular since 1978 and its intensity has been increasing since then. Climate warming is driving these processes. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between the number of Pinus sibirica seedlings and the minimum temperature in August and September of the current year, the minimum temperatures in May, June, and November of the previous year, the maximum temperatures in May and August of the current year, and precipitation in March of both the current and previous years. However, the young tree growth rate remains low to date (the height at an age of 45–50 years is approximately 114 ± 8.8 cm). At the same time, its open crowns are rare single lateral shoots. The length of the side shoots exceeds its height by 4–5 times, and the length of the lateral roots exceeds its height by 1.2–1.5 times. This is an indicator of the extreme conditions for this tree species. With the current rates of climate warming and the Pinus sibirica tree growth trends, the revealed relationships allow for the prediction that in 20–25 years, the mountain tundra in the studied Northern Urals plateau could develop underground-closed forest communities with a certain forest relationship. The research results are of theoretical importance for clarifying the forest-tundra ecotone concept. From a practical point of view, the revealed relationship can be used to predict the trend in forest ecosystem formation in the mountain forest-tundra ecotone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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14 pages, 3761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sensitivity of Vegetation Dynamics to Climate Change across the Tibetan Plateau

by Biying Liu, Qunli Tang, Yuke Zhou, Tao Zeng and Ting Zhou

Atmosphere 2022, 13(7), 1112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13071112 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1642

Abstract

Vegetation dynamics are key processes which present the ecology system’s response to climate change. However, vegetation sensitivity to climate change remains controversial. This study redefined vegetation sensitivity to precipitation (VSP) and vegetation sensitivity to temperature (VST) by the coefficient of determination (R² [...] Read more.

Vegetation dynamics are key processes which present the ecology system’s response to climate change. However, vegetation sensitivity to climate change remains controversial. This study redefined vegetation sensitivity to precipitation (VSP) and vegetation sensitivity to temperature (VST) by the coefficient of determination (R²) obtained by a linear regression analysis between climate and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), as well as by using an analysis of variance to explore the significant differences between them in different seasons from 1982 to 2013, and exploring the general changed rules of VSP/VST on a timescale. Moreover, the variations in VSP and VST across the Tibetan Plateau were plotted by regression analysis. Finally, we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to verify the hypothesis that the respondence of VSP and VST to the NDVI was regulated by the hydrothermal conditions. Our results showed that: (1) the annual VSP increased in both spring and winter (R² = 0.32, p < 0.001; R² = 0.25, p < 0.001, respectively), while the annual VST decreased in summer (R² = 0.21, p < 0.001); (2) the threshold conditions of seasonal VSP and seasonal VST were captured in the 4–12 mm range (monthly precipitation) and at 0 °C (monthly average temperature), respectively; (3) the SEM demonstrated that climate change has significant direct effects on VSP only in spring and winter and on VST only in summer (path coefficient of −0.554, 0.478, and −0.428, respectively). In summary, our findings highlighted that climate change under these threshold conditions would lead to a variation in the sensitivity of the NDVI to seasonal precipitation and temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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16 pages, 2535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Dynamics and Response to Climate Change of Different Vegetation Types Using GIMMS NDVI3g Data over Amathole District in South Africa

by Gbenga Abayomi Afuye, Ahmed Mukalazi Kalumba, Kazeem Abiodun Ishola and Israel Ropo Orimoloye

Atmosphere 2022, 13(4), 620; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13040620 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2525

Abstract

Monitoring vegetation dynamics is essential for improving our understanding of how natural and managed agricultural landscapes respond to climate variability and change in the long term. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has been majorly threatened by climate [...] Read more.

Monitoring vegetation dynamics is essential for improving our understanding of how natural and managed agricultural landscapes respond to climate variability and change in the long term. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has been majorly threatened by climate variability and change during the last decades. This study explored long-term dynamics of vegetation and its response to climate variations using the satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index from the third-generation Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS NDVI3g) and the ERA5-Land global reanalysis product. A non-parametric trend and partial correlation analyses were used to evaluate the long-term vegetation changes and the role of climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation and wind speed) during the period 1981–2015. The results of the ADM’s seasonal NDVI3g characteristics suggested that negative vegetation changes (browning trends) dominated most of the landscape from winter to summer while positive (greening) trends dominated in autumn during the study period. Much of these changes were reflected in forest landscapes with a higher coefficient of variation (CV ≈ 15) than other vegetation types (CV ≈ 10). In addition, the pixel-wise correlation analyses indicated a positive (negative) relationship between the NDVI3g and the ERA5-Land precipitation in spring–autumn (winter) seasons, while the reverse was the case with other climatic variables across vegetation types. However, the relationships between the NDVI3g and the climatic variables were relatively low (R < 0.5) across vegetation types and seasons, the results somewhat suggest the potential role of atmospheric variations in vegetation changes in ADM. The findings of this study provide invaluable insights into potential consequences of climate change and the need for well-informed decisions that underpin the evaluation and management of regional vegetation and forest resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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13 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transpiration of a Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest in Yucatan, Mexico

by Evelyn Raquel Salas-Acosta, José Luis Andrade, Jorge Adrián Perera-Burgos, Roberth Us-Santamaría, Bernardo Figueroa-Espinoza, Jorge M. Uuh-Sonda and Eduardo Cejudo

Atmosphere 2022, 13(2), 271; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos13020271 - 05 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

The study of forest hydrology and its relationships with climate requires accurate estimates of water inputs, outputs, and changes in reservoirs. Evapotranspiration is frequently the least studied component when addressing the water cycle; thus, it is important to obtain direct measurements of evaporation [...] Read more.

The study of forest hydrology and its relationships with climate requires accurate estimates of water inputs, outputs, and changes in reservoirs. Evapotranspiration is frequently the least studied component when addressing the water cycle; thus, it is important to obtain direct measurements of evaporation and transpiration. This study measured transpiration in a tropical dry deciduous forest in Yucatán (Mexico) using the thermal dissipation method (Granier-type sensors) in representative species of this vegetation type. We estimated stand transpiration and its relationship with allometry, diameter-at-breast-height categories, and previously published equations. We found that transpiration changes over time, being higher in the rainy season. Estimated daily transpiration ranged from 0.562 to 0.690 kg m^–2 d^–1 in the late dry season (April–May) and from 0.686 to 1.29 kg m^–2 d^–1 in the late rainy season (September–October), accounting for up to 51% of total evapotranspiration in the rainy season. These daily estimates are consistent with previous reports for tropical dry forests and other vegetation types. We found that transpiration was not species-specific; diameter at breast height (DBH) was a reliable way of estimating transpiration because water use was directly related to allometry. Direct measurement of transpiration would increase our ability to accurately estimate water availability and assess the responses of vegetation to climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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21 pages, 12100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of Vegetation Net Primary Productivity and Its Response to Drought in the Mongolian Plateau

by Xiaomeng Guo, Siqin Tong, Jinyuan Ren, Hong Ying and Yuhai Bao

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1587; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12121587 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is an important aspect of the global carbon cycle, and its change is closely related to climate change. This study analyzed the spatial-temporal variation of the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and NPP in the Mongolian Plateau, and [...] Read more.

Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is an important aspect of the global carbon cycle, and its change is closely related to climate change. This study analyzed the spatial-temporal variation of the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and NPP in the Mongolian Plateau, and investigated the effect of drought on NPP. To this end, NPP was simulated using the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) model. The results showed that from 1982 to 2014, NPP exhibited an upward trend in different seasons, and a significant increasing trend in most areas in the growing season and spring. The degree of drought also showed an increasing trend in each season. Moreover, the decrease in NPP and SPEI in Mongolia was larger than that in Inner Mongolia. Vegetation showed a positive correlation with SPEI in the growing season and summer, but a negative correlation in the other seasons. Moreover, the impact of drought on vegetation in the growing season showed a lag effect, whereas the lag response was inconspicuous during the early stages of the growing season. Different vegetation NPP responded strongly to the SPEI of the current month and the previous month. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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17 pages, 8091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Variation Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Vegetation in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2019

by Peirong Shi, Peng Hou, Jixi Gao, Huawei Wan, Yongcai Wang and Chenxi Sun

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1576; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12121576 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

Vegetation is a crucial and intuitive index that can be used to evaluate the ecological status. Since the 20th century, land use has changed significantly in Yellow River Basin (YRB), along with great changes of vegetation, serious soil erosion, and gradual ecological deterioration. [...] Read more.

Vegetation is a crucial and intuitive index that can be used to evaluate the ecological status. Since the 20th century, land use has changed significantly in Yellow River Basin (YRB), along with great changes of vegetation, serious soil erosion, and gradual ecological deterioration. To improve the ecological environment in the YRB, China has carried out a series of ecological protection projects since the 1970s. Therefore, long-term sequence monitoring of vegetation in YRB is necessary to show the conservation effect and better support the further protection and restoration. This study analysed vegetation changes from 2000 to 2019 based on an annual mean fractional vegetation cover (FVC) dataset. The Theil–Sen median trend analysis method was used to analyse trends in FVC. The results showed that the vegetation in the YRB has improved significantly, with an average annual growth rate of 0.65%, and the ‘green line’ of vegetation has moved approximately 300 km westward. The influence of climate on vegetation is essential; therefore, this study also analysed the influence of temperature and precipitation on vegetation over time and space. Ecological control and afforestation are important anthropogenic factors that affect vegetation. The growth trend (0.6%/a) in key ecological function regions (KEFRs) was the fastest, and even though the protection measures are not strict, they provide space for afforestation. The China Ecological Conservation Red Line (CECRL) and the national nature reserves (NNRs) showed relatively flat trends. Ecological afforestation projects were closely correlated with the growth trend of the FVC. The correlation between FVC and the intensity of ecological engineering was significant in typical areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation and Climate Relationships)

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