Variations of NDVI and Its Association with Rainfall and Evapotranspiration over Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper deals with the variability of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its association with rain rate and total evapotranspiration over Bangladesh during the period of 2003-2011 using MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Global Land Assimilation System (GLDAS) data. NDVI shows higher concentration in eastern parts of the country. The maximum NDVI is found in the month of October and minimum in February. It reveals excellent periodic variation in relation to rain rate and total evapotranspiration. NDVI shows strong spatial and temporal correlation with rain rate and total evapotranspiration especially in northwestern part of the country. Total evapotranspiration is more strongly correlated with vegetation than rain rate as it integrates rainfall, temperature and soil water statistics during the entire period. Thus, NDVI is an important variable for agronomical and climate applications. Also, it is important to study the vegetation for different seasons and different agro-ecological areas to investigate the variables affecting the vegetation types and growth rate.