Vegetation trends and dynamics in Shada Mountain, Saudi Arabia, (1984–2023): insights from Google Earth Engine and R analysis

Abstract

This research analyses the long-term vegetation trends in Shada Mountain across six elevation zones, utilizing Landsat 5, 7, 8, and 9 imageries processed via Google Earth Engine and R. The study managed differences in images resolution through meticulous calibration and image processing techniques. The study is structured around two objectives: examining the relationship between vegetation and its proximity to streams and land surface temperature and analyzing trends in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between vegetation and proximity to streams in lower zones (1–3), with no significant effect in higher zones (4–6). NDVI trend analysis indicated an overall increase in vegetation across most zones, with the exception of zone 5, which displayed a negative trend (slope −0.0025). The findings reveal that the decline is particularly pronounced among key tree species such as Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia and Acacia asak, suggesting potential impacts from climate change and land use alterations. These zone-specific insights deepen our understanding of the dynamic ecological processes in semi-arid environments and guide targeted environmental management and conservation efforts.