Variation of vegetation cover and the relationship with land surface temperature across Thailand (2007 to 2022)

Abstract

Understanding vegetation-climate interactions is essential amid escalating global climate change. This study investigates spatial-temporal and seasonal variations in Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) across six regions of Thailand (2007–2022). Results reveal distinct regional and seasonal characteristics, with significant negative correlations between LST and NDVI (R = 0.61 dry; 0.39 rainy; 0.72 winter). The strongest negative correlation occurred during the rainy season in 2017, highlighting complex interannual variations. Seasonal LST fluctuations (winter-summer: 1.24, winter-rainy: -1.54, summer-rainy: -2.78, p < 0.001) and NDVI variations (winter-summer: 0.09, winter-rainy: 0.07, summer-rainy: -0.03, p < 0.001) were statistically significant. These findings emphasize monitoring LST and NDVI as vital for understanding ecological impacts of climate change and urbanization. The study specifically explores whether increased vegetation consistently is associated with lower temperatures, underscoring the importance of strategies to mitigate heat and enhance climate resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.