Abstract

GONZALEZ LOYARTE, M. M; MENENTI, M.  and  ROIG, F. A.. Phenological patterns of the province of Mendoza, Argentina, through a temporal series of NOAA-AVHRR NDVI GAC images. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2010, vol.45, n.3-4, pp.343-362. ISSN 1851-2372.

The temporal dynamics of vegetation in Mendoza is described through analysis of regional foliar phenology using a series of 108 monthly NOAA-AVHRR NDVI GAC images. A Fast Fourier Transform was used to decompose the series into dynamic parameters: mean NDVI, amplitudes (maximum NDVI variability) and phases (time from start of cycle to maximum NDVI) for different time periods. A classification is made based on those parameters with larger information content (inter- and intra-annual variability), achieving a map of 18 areas of phenological behaviour. This map is related to ecosystems and vegetation units. The phenological pattern (monthly NDVI curve) is modelled for 17 vegetation units. The map contributes dynamic elements to the regional study of vegetation, generating a new zonation explained by variables that determine vegetative activity. The phenological pattern describes the functioning of vegetation and allows understanding of its geographic variations. The overall vegetation of Mendoza responds to an annual cycle with localized weak bimodal patterns. The patterns of low winter-summer contrast correspond to xeric climate conditions, expressing the vegetative maximum at the end of the summer; water availability enhances this contrast, shortening the time of maximum vegetative expression.

Keywords : Foliar phenology; NOAA-AVHRR NDVI GAC images; Fourier Transform; Vegetation; NDVI modelling; Phenological behaviour; Phenological pattern.

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