Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Impact of Landscape Changes on Vegetation and Land Surface Temperature over Tamil Nadu

Land-use changes adversely may impact ecological entities and humans by affecting the water cycle, environmental changes, energy balance at global regional scales. Like many megaregions in fast emerging countries, Tamil Nadu, one of largest states most urbanized (49%) industrial hubs India, has experienced extensive landuse landcover change (LULC). However, extent level landscape associated with vegetation health, surface permeability, Land Surface Temperature (LST) not yet been quantified. In this study, we employed Random Forest (RF) classification on Landsat imageries from 2000 2020. We also computed soil moisture, LST metrics for two decades to delineate Nadu using Google Earth Engine (GEE). The health drought 2020 was more accurately assessed combining Condition Index (TCI) Vegetation (VCI). A Soil moisture index subsequently used identify permeability. 75% expansion urban areas detected mainly towards suburban periphery major cities between observed an overall increase coverage (built-up), while a decrease vegetated (cropland forest) Soil-Adjusted (SAVI) values showed decline permeability (from maximum 41 °C 43 °C) temperature Nadu’s highest upsurge built-up Major non-vegetation were depicted as potential hotspots. Our results deliver significant condition, temperature, monitoring urges planning authorities address current status social-ecological preserve ecosystem services.