Influence of atmospheric patterns and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on vegetation dynamics in Iceland using Remote Sensing

• Published in: European Journal of Remote Sensing
• Main Authors: Haraldur Olafsson, Iman Rousta
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2021
• Subjects: vegetation dynamics; atmospheric patterns; modis ndvi; nao; ncep/ncar; Oceanography; GC1-1581; Geology; QE1-996.5; Greenland; Iceland; North Atlantic; North Atlantic oscillation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/22797254.2021.1931462; https://doaj.org/article/930424154aa9460598840facca833dce

In this study, the relationship between vegetation dynamics and atmospheric patterns over Iceland from 2001-2019 has been assessed using remote sensing. This study is based on MODIS NDVI images, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis dataset and values of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The results show that the vegetation coverage in Iceland reaches a maximum in the period from the middle of July to late August, with an average of about 65% of the total area (66858 km2). There is not a strong relationship between NAO phases and the occurrence of the dry (less vegetation) or green months, which means that a dry year can be accompanied by a negative NAO phase (i.e. July 2009 with NDVI anomaly=-3.35 and NAO =-2.15) or with a positive phase (September 2005 with NDVI anomaly=-2.23 and NAO=0.63). The most important factor influencing the occurrence of months with denser/less dense vegetation is shifting west/eastward of Greenland Low height (GL), which is accompanied by a green/dry month in Iceland, respectively. The knowledge of this can help us to understand the variations in Iceland's vegetation and also enables us to have a closer look at the impact of changes in global atmospheric patterns on the vegetation productivity in Iceland.