Evaluation of functional properties of various types of vegetation cover using remotely sensed data analysis

Abstract

Abstract:The dissipation of solar energy and consequently the formation of the hydrological cycle are largely dependent on the structural and optical characteristics of the land surface. In our study, we selected seven units with different types of vegetation in the Mlýnský and Horský catchments (south-eastern part of the Šumava Mountains, Czech Republic) for the assessment of the differences in their functioning expressed through the surface temperature, humidity, and energy dissipation. For our analyses, we used Landsat 5 TM satellite data from june 25 th , 2008.The results showed that the microclimatic characteristics and energy fluxes varied in different units according to their vegetation characteristics. a cluster analysis of the mean values was used to divide the vegetation units into groups according to their functional characteristics. The mown meadows were characterised by the highest surface temperature and sensible heat flux and the lowest humidity and latent heat flux. On the contrary, the lowest surface temperature and sensible heat flux and the highest humidity and latent heat flux were found in the forest. Our results showed that the climatic and energetic features of the land surface are related to the type of vegetation. We state that the spatial distribution of different vegetation units and the amount of biomass are crucial variables influencing the functioning of the landscape.

Variations of selected soil properties in the grass fields invaded and uninvaded by invasive goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.)

“…Then, the groups feeding upon dead and decaying plant organic matter profit from the permanent presence of a huge amount of plant litter. The invaded plots point the higher decomposition rates, food chain change from plant based to detritus based (Ehrenfeld, 2003;Ernst, cappuccino, 2005;Frouz et al, 2007;de Groot et al, 2007;Herr et al, 2007;topp et al, 2008;Brom et al, 2009). accordingly, the higher humus content could be expected in the invaded plots.…”

“…in association with exotic plants, lower water extraction from the soil because of shallower and smaller root system is expected (Ehrenfeld, 2003). cultivated grass fields, as mown meadows, are characterised by higher surface temperature and low humidity because of removal of plant cover and thus reducing the shadow (Brom et al, 2009). in opposite, abandoned invaded plots without regular cultivation support the more efficient shadowing and thus reduce the soil heating and evapo-transpiration.…”

The impact of vegetation cover on temperature and humidity properties in the reclaimed area of a brown coal dump

“…the evaluation of landscape surface through field measuring and satellite data, were also carried out in localities unaffected by mining. Using the example of a river basin with different land cover, their authors came to similar conclusions: the amount and function of vegetation cover were linked to the temperature and moisture behaviour of the surface, having a direct impact on the function of the landscape [34][35][36][37][38].…”