Abstract ID: 3.13244 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Geospatial science is crucial in monitoring snow cover and vegetation dynamics in high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas. Various factors, including temperature variations, changes in precipitation patterns, and human activities, influence ecological shifts in this region. While previous studies have explored the impact of a warming climate on plant functional traits, the role of snow cover in these ecological changes has received limited attention. This study investigates the relationship between vegetation dynamics and snow cover changes in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, located in the central Himalayan region, by integrating vegetation data with detailed climate and snow cover information. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) datasets, known for their high temporal resolution, are utilized for large-scale spatial analysis. To address the coarse resolution of MODIS datasets, the study employs regional climate models and downscaling techniques. Specifically, the analysis incorporates: (i) Snow cover data: MODIS/Aqua Snow Cover 5-Min L2 Swath (500m Near Real-Time, MYD10_L2), and (ii) Vegetation cover data: MODIS Near Real-Time (NRT) Level-3 Vegetation Indices (8-Day Rolling Data, MOD13Q4N). The study spans a two-decade period (1999–2024), with two primary objectives: monitoring snow cover dynamics in the Uttarakhand Himalaya and analyzing long-term patterns of vegetation cover changes in response to these dynamics. Findings indicate a significant impact of snow cover depletion on vegetation patterns, with a noticeable upward shift in vegetation lines. The results reveal a steady decline in snow cover area and an increase in vegetation cover. These changes have critical implications, particularly for water resources, potentially leading to economic and social disruptions in the near future.