An Introduction to VegDRI Dr. Brian Wardlow National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bismarck, ND October 22, 2007

What is VegDRI? VegDRI is a new drought index that combines climate-based drought index data satellite-based observations of vegetation conditions biophysical information (land cover type and soils) to produce a high spatial resolution (1-kilometer2) indicator of drought-related vegetation stress that is updated every 2 weeks throughout the growing season.

What is VegDRI?

VegDRI vs. U.S. Drought Monitor VegDRI map for July 25, 2002 Drought Monitor map for July 23, 2002 Goal of VegDRI: Map and monitor more localized patterns of drought-related vegetation stress than commonly used drought indicators such as the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM).

VegDRI Concept: Integration of Satellite, Climate, and Biophysical Data Regression Tree Model Climate Data Biophysical Data VegDRI Map

VegDRI Concept: Integration of Satellite, Climate, and Biophysical Data Satellite-based observations are used to highlight areas with anomalous vegetation conditions. - Provides continuous spatial coverage of general vegetation conditions at high spatial resolution (1-km2) over large geographic areas. - Deficits (compared to average condition) might be caused by drought, flooding, late greennup, land cover conversion, etc.

Coarser-resolution climate information provides evidence VegDRI Concept: Integration of Satellite, Climate, and Biophysical Data Satellite Data Climate Data Biophysical Data Coarser-resolution climate information provides evidence of the level of dryness for the interpretation of the satellite data anomalies to identify vegetation impacted by drought. - Drought areas identified by below average vegetation conditions recorded in the satellite data and drier than normal conditions in the climate data.

Biophysical data are incorporated into the VegDRI to VegDRI Concept: Integration of Satellite, Climate, and Biophysical Data Satellite Data Climate Data Biophysical Data Biophysical data are incorporated into the VegDRI to account for the different climate-vegetation response relationships that can occur for different - land cover types - soil types - land use practices (irrigated cropland) - ecosystem types

VegDRI Modeling Approach Model Inputs Standardized Precipitation Index Land Cover Available Water Capacity % Irrigated Farmland Start of Season Anomaly Regression Tree Model % Avg Seasonal Greenness 1-km2 VegDRI Map Blue: climate input Green: satellite-based observation of vegetation Red: biophysical variable

VegDRI Expansion Schedule for the U.S. Operational in 2007 Spring 2008 Spring 2009 Expansion Schedule (*) Note: All states will have a historical record of VegDRI from 1989 to present.

VegDRI Website and Products VegDRI products are available at the VegDRI page (debuted in May 2007) within the Monitoring section of the NDMC website. http://www.drought.unl.edu/vegdri/VegDRI_Main.htm

1. VegDRI Quick-View Maps (multiple spatial scales) Regional-level State-level Sub-state level

1. VegDRI Quick-View Maps (cont). (land cover type) Complete view Cropland view Rangeland view

2. VegDRI Area Statistics (% area) (currently available at state-level only) Wyoming – June 4, 2007 Entire state Cropland

3. Change Maps 3 Types: Prior period ex. - Sep 4, 2007 vs. Sep 10, 2007 2) Same period from the prior year or a specific year in past (* currently not available) ex. – Sep 24, 2007 vs. Sep 24, 2006 Historical average (* currently not available) ex. – Sep 24, 2007 vs. average for Sep 24 (1989 through 2006)

4. Animations Goal: Visualize spatial and temporal changes in drought patterns across a specific year or multiple years for a state or sub-state region.

5. Trendlines Plots the average VegDRI values over the growing season for a specific geographic area (e.g., county) and land cover type (e.g., cropland and rangeland). Comparisons of VegDRI could be made between specific years and/or the long-term average condition.

Additional VegDRI Project Activities Complete time series of VegDRI maps (1989 – present)

Additional VegDRI Project Activities Complete a time series of VegDRI map (1989 – present) Weekly VegDRI map production

Additional VegDRI Project Activities Complete time series of VegDRI map (1989 – present) Weekly VegDRI maps Evaluation of VegDRI’s accuracy feedback from ag. producers and climate experts comparison to crop yield data and soil moisture observations comparison to other drought monitoring info. (U.S. Drought Monitor)

Additional VegDRI Project Activities Complete time series of VegDRI map (1989 – present) Weekly VegDRI maps Evaluation of VegDRI’s accuracy feedback from ag. producers and climate experts comparison to crop yield data and soil moisture observations comparison to other drought monitoring info. (U.S. Drought Monitor) Research to enhance the current VegDRI model

Additional VegDRI Project Activities Complete time series of VegDRI map (1989 – present) Weekly VegDRI maps Evaluation of VegDRI’s accuracy feedback from ag. producers and climate experts comparison to crop yield data and soil moisture observations comparison to other drought monitoring info. (U.S. Drought Monitor) Research to enhance the current VegDRI model Higher spatial resolution VegDRI (500- or 250-meters)

Possible Uses of VegDRI Information by Ranchers: Justify sub-county declarations for the release of CRP lands for emergency grazing for parts of counties that might be severely impacted by drought.

Possible Uses of VegDRI Information by Ranchers: Justify sub-county declarations for the release of CRP lands for emergency grazing for parts of counties that might be severely impacted by drought. Gauge rangeland and haying conditions in other states to determine locations to move cattle for grazing and purchase hay and other feed

Possible Uses of VegDRI Information by Ranchers: Justify sub-county declarations for the release of CRP lands for emergency grazing for parts of counties that might be severely impacted by drought. Gauge rangeland and haying conditions in other states to determine locations to move cattle for grazing and purchase hay and other feed. Guide to assist new ranchers better manage their grazing lands and become better land stewards during drought events.

The User’s Perspective of VegDRI - Initial impressions? - Comments? - Suggestions? - Questions? If you would like further information or have questions regarding VegDRI, please contact: Brian Wardlow bwardlow2@unl.edu