Publications
Kairouan Manuscript Cultures / Cultures des manuscrits à Kairouan
The Kairouan Collection, housed at the National Laboratory for the Preservation and Conservation of Parchment and Manuscripts in Raqqada, Tunisia, represents one of the oldest near-intact collections of Islamic manuscripts globally, with many dating back before 900 CE. This collection offers a rare opportunity to study the evolution and use of Islamic manuscripts over a millennium, supported by historical records from early Kairouan scholars and colonial-era documentation. The study provides unprecedented insights into the cultural and intellectual history of the region, bridging gaps between ancient manuscript traditions and modern scholarly inquiry.
Kairouan and the medieval ceramic industry in Tunisia: New data from compositional analysis of glazed and unglazed wares from the sites of Bulla Regia and Chimtou
A new study reveals that Kairouan was a significant medieval ceramic production center in Tunisia, with its wares distributed across the Medjerda Valley. Analysis of 65 glazed and unglazed ceramics (9th-12th centuries) from Bulla Regia and Chimtou using thin section petrography, LA-ICP-MS, and SEM-EDS shows that most were locally manufactured in central Tunisia, with only two imports from Sicily. The findings suggest Kairouan's workshops specialized in different ceramic types, while smaller regional production centers may have also contributed to the supply chain. All glazes were lead-based, primarily translucent, with a few tin-opacified, indicating complex sourcing and recycling of lead from silver extraction byproducts.
The Earliest Manuscripts of Kairouan (9th-11th Centuries): New Approaches for a More Accurate Dating
A groundbreaking analysis of 32 Kairouan manuscripts from the 9th to 11th centuries challenges traditional dating methods, revealing that some dated notes may not reflect the actual production time but rather earlier events like readings or auditions. This finding undermines established termini ante quem for manuscript dating. The study also introduces new palaeographic criteria to better understand Ifrīqī scripts, tracing their origin and development with unprecedented precision. By re-evaluating paratextual content and script features, researchers provide a more accurate framework for contextualizing these historically significant manuscripts, offering fresh insights into Islamic scholarly traditions in early medieval Kairouan.
Water Footprint of Cereals by Remote Sensing in Kairouan Plain (Tunisia)
A study on the Kairouan plain, Tunisia, reveals that cereal crops—wheat and barley—exhibit significant variability in water efficiency, with over 30% of cultivated areas showing low yields coupled with high water consumption. This inefficiency is particularly pronounced during dry years, where blue water footprint (WFb) dominates, indicating unsustainable irrigation practices. The research employed the S-SEBI model to estimate actual evapotranspiration (ETa) using Landsat satellite data and an empirical NDVI-based model for yield estimation over three growing seasons (2010–2013). Findings highlight that while average water footprints ranged from 1.08 m³/kg to 1.22 m³/kg, spatial analysis using a novel Water Footprint Index (WFI) exposed critical inefficiencies in water use, with 40% of low-yield plots irrigated in 2012—contrasting sharply with 6% in 2011. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to optimize water management in cereal production under varying climatic conditions.
Applying Multivariate Analysis and Machine Learning Approaches to Evaluating Groundwater Quality on the Kairouan Plain, Tunisia
Groundwater on the Kairouan Plain, Tunisia, exhibits diverse chemical characteristics primarily influenced by water–rock interaction, dolomite dissolution, evaporation, and ion exchange. Analysis revealed three distinct water types: Ca-Mg-SO4, Na-Cl, and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl/SO4, with ions following the order Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and SO42− > HCO3− > Cl−. While most groundwater is suitable for agriculture, irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs) indicate high-to-severe restrictions in some areas. Machine learning models, particularly ANN-HyC-9 and XGBoost regression, demonstrated high accuracy in predicting IWQIs, with R² values exceeding 0.823 for testing datasets. These findings provide critical insights for sustainable water resource management.
The Developmental Stages of the Inner Courtyard of the Mosque: an Analytical Study of (Kairouan Mosque and Mosque of Sultan Hassan Shrine)
A key insight from this study is that the inner courtyard of Islamic mosques, including those at Kairouan and Sultan Hassan Shrine, has consistently served as a multifunctional space, evolving with aesthetic elements to enhance both functionality and beauty. The research reveals that engineering ratios played a pivotal role in shaping these courtyards' layouts, ensuring their significance across different eras and architectural styles. By analyzing historical developments, the study highlights the courtyard's enduring importance—its privacy and centrality to mosque design—while demonstrating how it adapted to serve diverse purposes during Islamic rule.
Vulnérabilité de la population face aux fortes chaleurs dans l’agglomération de Kairouan (Tunisie centrale)
A significant increase in heat intensity and prolonged heatwaves, particularly in the last three years, has been observed in Kairouan, Tunisia. This study highlights that the city's population, especially those residing in unplanned neighborhoods, is highly vulnerable to these extreme conditions. Adaptation strategies during heatwaves are largely influenced by household income levels, with lower-income populations facing greater challenges. The research combines meteorological data from 1980 to 2023 with a survey of 425 residents, revealing spatial disparities in vulnerability and the socio-economic factors shaping adaptive responses.
A tenth-century Islamic manuscript from Kairouan, Tunisia
A tenth-century Islamic manuscript from Kairouan, Tunisia, offers rare insights into the literary and cultural production of North Africa during the ninth and tenth centuries. This parchment bifolio, part of a unique collection, provides clues to its author, text, and the scholarly community that preserved it, much like an archaeological find in situ. The manuscript's significance extends beyond Tunisia, shedding light on broader Islamic world dynamics during this period. The study leverages contextual analysis to unravel the mysteries surrounding the fragment, highlighting its importance in understanding historical intellectual and cultural exchanges.
Characterization of Soil Moisture Regime in the Kairouan Region, Tunisia
A novel approach to estimating soil moisture (SM) with high accuracy has been developed, combining optical satellite data indices (NDVI and NDWI), radar backscatter data, digital elevation models (DEM), and environmental covariates. This method significantly improves the understanding of horizontal and vertical SM availability and redistribution over time in the Kairouan region, Tunisia. By analyzing correlations between these data sources, researchers identified the most informative inputs for a soil hydrological model, which can support precision agriculture, land use optimization, and water resource management. The findings highlight the potential of integrating remote sensing with geospatial data to enhance decision-making in agricultural practices under varying climatic conditions.
Few Shot Crop Mapping Using Transformers and Transfer Learning with Sentinel-2 Time Series: Case of Kairouan Tunisia
Two transformer-based deep learning models, PSE-TAE and PSE-LTAE, achieved nearly 93% accuracy for detailed land cover mapping in Kairouan, Tunisia, using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. This breakthrough demonstrates the effectiveness of transfer learning from pre-trained models (e.g., French LPIS) to adapt to new, data-scarce regions with limited labeled examples. The study leverages multi-headed self-attention mechanisms, outperforming traditional deep learning methods like CNNs and RNNs in agricultural contexts. By combining pixel-set encoders with temporal self-attention, the models generalize well even with few in-field observations, offering a scalable solution for precision agriculture in regions lacking comprehensive land parcel data.
Integrated Groundwater Flow Modeling for Managing a Complex Alluvial Aquifer Case of Study Mio-Plio-Quaternary Plain of Kairouan (Central Tunisia)
A significant decline in groundwater inflows from rivers by 48% between 1990 and 2017, coupled with an 119% increase in pumping rates, has critically impacted the Mio-Plio-Quaternary aquifer in Kairouan, Tunisia. This finding stems from a comprehensive groundwater flow model developed using Modflow, calibrated with data from 1969–2017 and validated for 2007–2017. The study, integrating borehole logs, seismic lines, and petroleum wells, reveals that while dams (El Houareb and Sidi Saad) have altered natural recharge processes, unsustainable groundwater management remains the primary driver of depletion. Simulations without dams but with current pumping rates show reduced upstream depletion, whereas eliminating dams and increasing withdrawals could worsen declines by 22 meters near Draa Affane.
Testing the earthquake damage and vulnerability of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge, Kairouan (Tunisia) with discrete element modeling
A detailed analysis of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge (CAB) in Kairouan, Tunisia, reveals that while earthquake ground motions can cause damage to its structure, they are unlikely to be the sole cause of its total collapse. Using discrete element modeling based on a laser scan model and historical data, researchers simulated the dynamic behavior of the Aghlabid-period CAB under various seismic scenarios. The study found that single-component ground motions with peak particle velocities above 1.0 m/s can damage the bridge's upper section, including the water canal, but only a nearby thrust fault activation among full 3D earthquake simulations resulted in distinct damage patterns. Fractures observed in the ruins of the CAB align with those produced in the model, suggesting seismic activity may have contributed to disruptions in water flow, though not necessarily to its complete collapse.
ALOS-2 and Sentinel-1 use for retrieving soil moisture over cereal fields in semi-arid area: the Kairouan plain – central Tunisia
A study on the Kairouan plain, Tunisia, reveals that L-band data from ALOS-2 and C-band data from Sentinel-1 satellites are significantly influenced by soil roughness when retrieving soil moisture over cereal fields in semi-arid regions. The research highlights the sensitivity of L-band data to soil moisture, particularly in areas with dense vegetation cover (NDVI > 0.6). Two versions of the Water Cloud Model (WCM) were employed to simulate radar signals, one integrating soil-vegetation interaction and the other excluding it. Findings indicate that incorporating the soil-vegetation interaction component substantially improves soil moisture estimation using L-HV data, whereas its impact on C-band data inversion accuracy is negligible. This study underscores the potential of multi-incidence satellite data for precise soil moisture retrieval in semi-arid agricultural landscapes.
Archaeoseismological study of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge, Kairouan, Tunisia
A detailed archaeoseismological study of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge in Kairouan, Tunisia, reveals that the AD 859 earthquake likely caused significant damage to the Aghlabid-era bridge, potentially rendering it dysfunctional. The research combines historic accounts, 3D laser scan modeling, radiocarbon dating, and geological analysis to assess damage patterns attributable to earthquakes or severe flash floods. Eighteen earthquake scenarios were modeled, with magnitudes ranging from MW6.1 to 7.2, indicating that while some damage may stem from flooding, most is consistent with seismic activity. The study suggests the AD 859 event was particularly destructive but leaves unresolved whether later earthquakes in AD 911 or 1041 led to its complete destruction, pending further dating of bridge sections.
Étude malacologique du site Capsien supérieur de Kef Ezzahi (Kairouan, Tunisie)
Recent excavations at the Upper Capsian site of Kef Ezzahi, located in Kairouan, Tunisia, have uncovered a rich malacofaunal assemblage, providing insights into prehistoric dietary practices. The study reveals that Sphincterochila candidissima was the dominant helicid species found, suggesting potential human selection based on economic or environmental factors. Taphonomic analysis of these snail shells indicates intentional perforations made with flint tools and human canines, hinting at their possible use in prehistoric subsistence strategies. This research contributes to understanding the role of terrestrial gastropods in the diet of Upper Capsian populations, offering a glimpse into their resource utilization and technological practices.
Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Olive Trees in Kairouan, Tunisia
Olive farms in Kairouan, Tunisia, could significantly reduce water use by 63.7% to 82.8% through improved irrigation efficiency and optimal scaling of operations. A study using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) revealed that average water use efficiency varies between 17.2% under constant returns to scale (CRS) and 36.3% under variable returns to scale (VRS), highlighting substantial inefficiencies in current practices. The findings suggest that addressing scale inefficiency and considering factors like water and soil quality could lead to more effective irrigation management, benefiting both resource conservation and productivity.
Répartition spatio-temporelle des températures dans l’agglomération de Kairouan (Tunisie) pendant la saison chaude 2019
Urban heat island (UHI) intensity in Kairouan, Tunisia, varies significantly with weather conditions, ranging from 2 to 9°C during the summer of 2019. This study reveals that while the average UHI effect is around 4°C compared to rural areas, its intensity fluctuates based on atmospheric conditions. The research employed both fixed and mobile measurements to map spatio-temporal temperature variations, identifying northwest agricultural and hilly zones as the coolest areas in the agglomeration. Notably, the study also highlights a disconnect between UHI patterns and perceived thermal comfort: dry air in the city center can lower felt temperatures despite higher actual temperatures. These findings underscore the complex interplay of urban morphology, substrate characteristics, and microclimatic factors in shaping local heat dynamics.
The Damaging Earthquake of 9 October 859 in Kairouan (Tunisia): Evidence from Historical and Archeoseismological Investigations
A devastating earthquake struck Kairouan, Tunisia, on October 9, 859, causing widespread destruction with macroseismic intensity reaching IX–X on the Medvedev–Sponhauer–Karnik scale. Historical accounts and modern archaeoseismic investigations, including laser scanning and radiocarbon dating of damaged features like the Great Mosque's dome and an aqueduct 20 km west of the city, reveal extensive damage across 13 villages. The seismic source is linked to the Sbiba east–west-trending transpressive fault system, characterized by late Quaternary thrust-related en echelon folds, confirming its seismogenic potential. This study integrates historical records with advanced field techniques to reconstruct the earthquake's impact and tectonic context.
Aïn Bou Rkhiss and Aïn Kibrit, two springs from the Merguellil basin (Kairouan, central Tunisia): diatom assemblages, biological polluosensitivity indices hydrogeology and societal aspects
A new variety of the diatom genus Luticola was identified from springs in the Merguellil basin, Kairouan, Tunisia. The study revealed that these springs, despite their proximity and shared geological context, exhibit distinct bio-geochemical characteristics and uses—one supplying drinking water for domestic use, the other sulfur-rich water. Biological pollution sensitivity indices (BDI and SPI) indicated lower water quality than perceived by local users, suggesting a potential gap in knowledge about alternative high-quality water sources or limitations of European-derived assessment methods when applied to southern diatoms. The research combined diatom assemblage surveys with physical-chemical measurements to evaluate ecological status and societal perceptions of groundwater circulation.
Hydroclimatologie des zones urbaines dans les villes de Kairouan et de Sidi Bouzid : approche intégrée du risque inondation
Urban flood risk in Kairouan and Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, remains significant despite hydraulic infrastructure built post-1969 floods. Research indicates that these structures may not fully protect against extreme rainfall events similar to those in 1969, particularly under projected climate change scenarios for 2030 and 2050. The study integrates hydroclimatological analysis with land-use assessment to map flood risk, identifying factors influencing runoff and drainage patterns. Key findings suggest that urban expansion into previously flooded areas has increased vulnerability, necessitating adaptive hydraulic planning to mitigate future damage.
Soil Moisture and Irrigation Mapping in A Semi-Arid Region, Based on the Synergetic Use of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
A novel technique for mapping soil moisture and irrigation at the scale of agricultural fields has been developed, achieving high accuracy with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of less than 5%. This approach combines multi-temporal optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 satellites. The method was tested in the Kairouan plain, a semi-arid region in Tunisia, using an algorithm based on the Water Cloud Model (WCM) for soil water content spatialization between 2015 and 2017. Validation through ground measurements and neural networks confirmed the accuracy of the retrieved soil moisture products. The study further classified irrigated and rainfed areas by analyzing soil moisture and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series, producing irrigation maps at the field scale with an accuracy of 77% when using soil moisture indices alone.
Time‐domain electromagnetic imaging of a clayey confining bed in a brackish environment: A case study in the Kairouan Plain Aquifer (Kelbia salt lake, Tunisia)
A first geophysical map of the near-surface aquifer system in the extremely conductive environment of Sebkha Kelbia, Tunisia, reveals the geometry of a clayey confining bed that separates two groundwater reservoirs. This study highlights significant differences in electrical conductivity between the shallow (1,200 mS/m) and deeper aquifers, with the latter being used for irrigation. The research utilized time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) surveys to assess potential connectivity between these reservoirs, addressing recent salinity increases that pose challenges for agriculture. By combining TDEM with vertical electrical soundings, the study provides critical insights into the subsurface structure of this semi-arid Plio-Quaternary aquifer, offering a foundation for managing groundwater resources in the Kairouan Plain.
Kairouan, une ville au cœur des réseaux savants andalous (iiie/ixe - ive/xe siècle)
Kairouan emerged as the preeminent intellectual hub of the Islamic world during the 9th to 10th centuries, serving as a pivotal node in scholarly networks connecting al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) and the broader Muslim Mediterranean. Analysis of biographical dictionaries reveals that scholars from Iberian Peninsula frequently traveled to Kairouan for advanced studies, drawn by its reputation as home to renowned masters like Saḥnūn and Ibn Abī Zayd. Unlike other centers, no rival city matched Kairouan's scholarly prominence, cementing its role as a crossroads of knowledge exchange between West and East. This study leverages extensive textual analysis to reconstruct these intellectual networks, offering new insights into the dynamics of medieval Islamic scholarship.
Potential of Sentinel-1 Radar Data for the Assessment of Soil and Cereal Cover Parameters
Sentinel-1 radar data shows significant potential for estimating soil characteristics and cereal vegetation parameters, including soil roughness, water content, leaf area index (LAI), and vegetation height (H). The study, conducted over the Kairouan Plain in Tunisia from 2015 to 2017, found that Sentinel-1 measurements are highly sensitive to variations in soil moisture, particularly under low vegetation cover conditions, with stronger sensitivity observed in vertical polarization (VV) compared to cross-polarization (VH). Additionally, the radar signal strength decreases with increasing LAI and H in VV polarization, while no such sensitivity is detected in VH polarization due to volume scattering effects. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Landsat images also demonstrated a strong correlation with in situ LAI measurements.
Topographies of Power in Aghlabid-Era Kairouan
Aghlabid-era Kairouan emerges as a pivotal node in early medieval North African economic and political networks, challenging its historical neglect despite the enduring significance of its monuments. This study reveals how the Aghlabids, the first dynasty to mint gold dinars outside Abbasid heartlands (800–909), interacted with Mediterranean neighbors and rivals through interdisciplinary analysis of history, art, architecture, archaeology, and numismatics. By synthesizing findings from international specialists, it demonstrates Kairouan's centrality in global trade and diplomacy, reshaping our understanding of the region's role in early Islamic art and political dynamics.
Evidence for a new regional NW–SE fault and crustal structure in Tunisia derived from gravity data
A new regional northwest–southeast fault in Tunisia, extending from Eastern Kairouan to the Algeria-Tunisia boundary, has been identified using advanced gravity data analysis. This fault terminates north-south Jurassic structures in the Kairouan plain and coincides with deep crustal features, including Moho flexures, suggesting its role in the initiation of Mesozoic rift systems. The study employed Gaussian filtered residual anomaly, total horizontal gradient, and Moho discontinuity morphology to reveal this previously unrecognized fault system, which has significant implications for mineral and petroleum exploration. Additionally, the research highlights other known fault systems and crustal structures in Tunisia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the region's geodynamic evolution.
Kairouan plain lowlands: from marginalized lands to experimental agriculture
The Kairouan plain lowlands, once marginalized due to flood risks and limited agricultural suitability, have transformed into experimental agricultural lands since the 1960s. This shift was driven by upstream dam construction and flood regulation, enabling young, often multi-occupied farmers to exploit these areas as an alternative to competing for groundwater resources in more established regions. The study employs a systematic and diachronic approach to analyze how these lowlands were developed differently from other plains, highlighting their role as testing grounds for new agricultural practices and economic opportunities. This research underscores the adaptive potential of historically challenging lands when integrated into broader water management strategies.
Monitoring Irrigation Consumption Using High Resolution NDVI Image Time Series: Calibration and Validation in the Kairouan Plain (Tunisia)
A novel approach using high-resolution NDVI image time series significantly improves the monitoring of irrigation consumption, offering unprecedented accuracy for water balance assessments in semi-arid agricultural regions. The study, conducted in Kairouan, Tunisia, leveraged the SAMIR software and FAO-56 dual crop coefficient model to estimate evapotranspiration and irrigation volumes with high precision. By normalizing SPOT5 time series data against a SPOT4 reference, researchers generated NDVI profiles that enabled robust calibration and validation at both plot and perimeter scales. Results demonstrated an average Nash efficiency of 0.57 for modeled versus observed evapotranspiration in barley and wheat plots, while aggregated irrigation volumes closely matched observed values (135 mm vs. 121 mm). This method holds promise for refining water resource management in semi-arid landscapes, though further improvements at finer timescales are needed.
Soil Clay Content Mapping Using a Time Series of Landsat TM Data in Semi-Arid Lands
A study demonstrates that soil clay content can be effectively mapped using a time series of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images, achieving reasonable accuracy (R² = 0.65, RMSE = 100 g/kg). This method offers a fine spatial resolution alternative to existing soil maps in semi-arid regions like the Kairouan plain in Tunisia, which are often insufficiently precise for water balance modeling or thematic mapping. Researchers analyzed relationships between textural indices from four Landsat TM images and topsoil clay content using 100 soil samples, producing a 30-meter resolution map that was further refined with cokriging to address gaps caused by vegetation. The resulting map aligns well with existing soil maps but shows notable differences when compared to TerraSAR-X radar-derived clay content, with in-situ observations supporting the Landsat TM approach's accuracy.
Presence of sandfly-borne phleboviruses of two antigenic complexes (Sandfly fever Naples virus and Sandfly fever Sicilian virus) in two different bio-geographical regions of Tunisia demonstrated by a microneutralisation-based seroprevalence study in dogs
A seroprevalence study in Tunisia reveals that sandfly-borne phleboviruses, including Toscana virus, Punique virus, and Sicilian virus, are present in the governorate of Kairouan, with seroprevalence rates of 7.5%, 43.5%, and 38.1% respectively. The study demonstrates that dogs can serve as sentinels for these viruses, similar to their role in detecting leishmaniasis. While data from Bizerte was limited due to hemolysis and cytotoxicity issues, the validated results aligned with those from Kairouan. This suggests a significant presence of sandfly-borne phleboviruses in Tunisia, warranting further investigation into both animal and human populations.
Characterization and Classification of Groundwater from Wells Using an Electronic Tongue (Kairouan, Tunisia)
Groundwater from the Kairouan plain (Tunisia) can be effectively characterized and classified using an electronic tongue—a sensor array combined with pattern recognition tools. The study, involving 17 samples analyzed for nine chemical parameters (e.g., potassium, sodium, calcium, ammonium), demonstrated that multi-sensor responses paired with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) provide a rapid, reliable method for assessing water quality. PCA reduced data redundancy while CA identified spatial similarities among sampling sites, revealing distinct groundwater profiles. This approach offers a promising alternative for monitoring and classifying groundwater in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kairouan.
Ribāṭ et idéal de sainteté à Kairouan et sur le littoral Ifrīqiyen du iie/viiie au ive/xe siècle d’après le Riyāḍ al-Nufūs d’al-Mālikī
A groundbreaking analysis of the Ribāṭ (monastic community) and the ideal of sainthood in Kairouan and the Ifrīqiyen coast reveals how these institutions evolved from the 2nd/8th to the 4th/10th century, with significant implications for understanding Islamic spiritual practices and political dynamics during this period. The study leverages the Riyāḍ al-Nufūs, a biographical dictionary compiled by Abū Bakr al-Mālikī around 1072, which provides rare insights into the social and religious transformations of the time. This work sheds light on the interplay between saintly figures, monastic life, and broader historical events such as the Hilaliene invasion, Zīrīdo-ḥammādide rivalries, and Almoravid expansion, offering a nuanced perspective on the Islamization and Arabization of medieval North Africa.
Kairouan, un islam des Lumières
Kairouan emerges as a pivotal center of intellectual and architectural brilliance during the Arab conquest, distinguished by its strategic location at the crossroads of the Orient, Mediterranean, and Europe. This study highlights Kairouan's enduring legacy as a beacon of Islamic civilization, epitomized by its iconic Great Mosque. The research approach combines historical analysis with architectural examination to elucidate the city's multifaceted role in shaping cultural and intellectual exchanges across regions. By synthesizing primary sources and spatial studies, the work underscores Kairouan's significance as both a symbol of religious devotion and a hub for knowledge dissemination.
Relationship between soil moisture and vegetation in the Kairouan plain region of Tunisia using low spatial resolution satellite data
A strong correlation exists between soil moisture and vegetation dynamics in the Kairouan plain, Tunisia. Researchers developed a semiempirical model using low-resolution satellite data (1991–2006) to predict normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values based on soil moisture profiles from prior months during the rainy season (October–May). Validated against rainfall events and Global Soil Wetness Project data, this approach offers a simple yet effective tool for modeling vegetation in semiarid regions. The study highlights how satellite-derived moisture data can serve as a reliable indicator of vegetation development, advancing our understanding of water-vegetation interactions in arid ecosystems.
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