The Effects of Drought on Vegetation Phenology and Wildlife
Dates
Publication Date
2019-02
Citation
Brown, J.F., and Lei, J., 2019, The Effects of Drought on Vegetation Phenology and Wildlife: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7Z89BB3.
Summary
It is well understood that plant phenology is sensitive to climate, however it is not so clear exactly how climate change might alter the spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation phenology. Satellite remote sensing offers a unique vantage point from which to observe phenological cycles across large regions. Although ubiquitous, cycles of green-up and brown-down are complex and exhibit great variability across space and time. Herbivore species such as elk, moose, and deer depend on the availability of herbaceous plants and deciduous shrubs for forage. These vegetation types are most nutritious for herbivores from early season to peak green-up, so characterizing vegetation cycles, or phenology, over the long term can provide crucial [...]
Summary
It is well understood that plant phenology is sensitive to climate, however it is not so clear exactly how climate change might alter the spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation phenology. Satellite remote sensing offers a unique vantage point from which to observe phenological cycles across large regions. Although ubiquitous, cycles of green-up and brown-down are complex and exhibit great variability across space and time. Herbivore species such as elk, moose, and deer depend on the availability of herbaceous plants and deciduous shrubs for forage. These vegetation types are most nutritious for herbivores from early season to peak green-up, so characterizing vegetation cycles, or phenology, over the long term can provide crucial information towards understanding how shifts in climate could affect the behavior and health of the herbivores.
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Comprehensive Metadata.xml Original FGDC Metadata
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Vegetation Phenology and Wildlife Data with Metadata.zip
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Purpose
Use satellite data to track changes in vegetation responses during the growing season and document specific events such as start and end of season and growing-season duration. These indicators can reveal phenological trends that are difficult to detect over large areas with ground-based methods. Available archived satellite data support retrospective analyses of longer-term changes in phenology