ASSESSMENT OF THE SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF THE NORMALIZED DIFFERENTIAL VEGETATION INDEX (NDVI) AND ITS CORRELATION WITH CLIMATE PREDICTORS IN WETLANDS “LA TEMBLADERA” (ECUADOR)

Wetlands are considered critical ecosystems due to declining quality of their services. Nevertheless, there have not been any climate related researched devoted vegetation condition and biomass amount. Thus, this study examines the seasonal dynamics its correlations with climatic factors. This is important for understanding regulatory function ecosystem during change. Two Landsat OLI8 images made in 2020 were analyzed. One image refers rainy season (April 12), other dry (August 2). The radiometric atmospheric corrections determination boundaries site (ROI) developed ENVI 5.3 program. normalized differential index (NDVI) was calculated program (histograms allowed determine biomass), ArcGIS 10.3 (for classification index). Pearson coefficient (r) Statistica software applied between variables. linear relationship NDVI, amount variables identified. In (April) higher temperature precipitation, NDVI >0.5 372613.0 t major part “la Tembladera”, while (August) a lower precipitation rate, both (0.14–0.5) (333856.95 t) decreased considerable area wetland. Consequently, caused by fluctuations these increased (higher temperature, humidity). These results can be used further modelling effects change ecosystems.