Assessment of vegetation cover changes and the contributing factors in the Al-Ahsa Oasis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

A significant improvement in the ecological environment of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, has been observed from 1987 to 2021, with a notable increase in vegetation cover. This was evidenced by an increase in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values exceeding 0.10, particularly in the 'green' zones where NDVI values surpassed 0.40. The study, using Landsat satellite images and ground validation points, found that while low NDVI areas remained stable, high NDVI regions expanded, especially in northern and southern parts of the oasis from 2002 to 2021. High accuracy (92%) was achieved in detecting vegetation cover changes. The research suggests that strengthening forestry projects could help combat sand encroachment and further enhance the oasis's ecological environment.

Chouari, W. (2024). Assessment of vegetation cover changes and the contributing factors in the Al-Ahsa Oasis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Regional Sustainability, 5(1), 100111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.005