The Spatiotemporal Impacts of Heat Waves on Vegetation Dynamics across the United States
Topics:
Keywords: Heat waves, drought, remote sensing, NDVI, SPEI
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract
Authors:
Erin Leigh Bunting, Michigan State University
David Keellings, University of Florida
Vasya Tolmanov, Michigan State University
Dan Wanyama, University of Oklahoma
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Abstract
A single extreme event can have a large impact on both the socioeconomic stability and environmental health within and across a system. However, when an area is repeatedly impacted by extreme events, particularly long duration or high severity events such as heat waves, the long-term socioenvironmental impacts are immense. This study examines the impacts of persistent heat wave exposure on environmental health across the United States over the last 20 years. Metrics of heat wave persistence, duration, severity, and shape were developed and combined into the new Combined Heat wave Characteristics Index (CHCI) which, were studied in combination with metrics such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Additionally, CHCI regions was studied in conjunction with the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). A critical climate period analysis was used to gain insight into the overall impact of heat waves on the landscape and their various lag or legacies of impact.
The Spatiotemporal Impacts of Heat Waves on Vegetation Dynamics across the United States
Category
Paper Abstract
