# Response of vegetation phenology to hydrothermal variables on the QTP using EVI and MSAVI

## TL;DR

This study explores how vegetation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau responds to changes in temperature, moisture, and albedo using satellite data.

## Contribution

The study introduces alternative hydrothermal variables (LST, effective moisture, and albedo) to better understand vegetation phenology on the QTP.

## Key findings

- Land surface temperature (LST) is the primary driver of vegetation phenology on the QTP.
- Effective moisture significantly regulates the start of the growing season (SOS) on the QTP.
- Surface albedo reflects human activities and shows vegetation improvement will exceed degradation in the future.

## Abstract

Vegetation phenology is a key indicator of how the Qinghai-Tibet plateau (QTP) ecosystem responds to changes in the hydrothermal environment. However, sparse QTP meteorological stations make observed traditional hydrothermal variables (air temperature and precipitation) insufficient for research needs. Building upon analyses of vegetation phenology using enhanced vegetation index and modified soil-adjusted vegetation index, this study adopts alternative hydrothermal variables (land surface temperature [LST], effective moisture and surface albedo). Geodetector and partial correlation analysis were employed to reveal the response mechanisms between vegetation phenology and hydrothermal variables. Results indicate that the length of the growing season (LOS) is primarily driven by the end of the growing season (EOS). From 2001 to 2020, EOS showed a significant positive correlation with LST. Compared to traditional variables, these variables demonstrated stronger explanatory power for vegetation changes. Hurst index analysis revealed vegetation recovery trends. This study provides scientific support for ecological management on the QTP.

•LST is the primary driver of vegetation phenology on the QTP•Effective moisture is a key factor regulating SOS on the QTP•Surface albedo can characterize human activities•Future vegetation improvement on the QTP will exceed degradation

LST is the primary driver of vegetation phenology on the QTP

Effective moisture is a key factor regulating SOS on the QTP

Surface albedo can characterize human activities

Future vegetation improvement on the QTP will exceed degradation

Botany; Earth sciences; Environmental science