Climate variability and satellite – observed vegetation responses

Climate and vegetation growth of an area are interrelated processes; both take place on small to global scales. However, climate change and variability impacts on vegetation in most places in the world including Tanzania is of great concern since vegetation supports many socio-economic sectors, and play a crucial role in atmospheric greenhouse gas moderation.This study was carried out to investigate the changes in satellite observed vegetation greenness through the use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its relationship with the climatic factors, mainly rainfall and sea surface temperatures (SST) in Tanzania. Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)-NDVI data from 1982 to 2008 were used.This study has improved the current understanding of the vegetation and rainfall trends together with their relationships.The study also forms a basis for future studies in climate-vegetation relationship studies. College students,environment,ecologists and climate change scholars will find it very useful.