Spatio-temporal mangrove canopy variation (2001–2016) assessed using the MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI)

Variation patterns in mangrove canopies were evaluated for the Marismas Nacionales coastal ecosystem (northwest Mexico), based on a monthly time series (2001 to 2016) of the MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI). By using a non-centralized normalized principal component analysis (PCA), the imagery series was decomposed to the S and T modes, allowing the identification of recurrent temporal patterns as well as spatial patterns over time. It was found that the maximum vegetation vigor in mangroves occurs in autumn, 4–5 months after the driest season, while approximately 15% of the mangrove canopy displayed decreasing trends because of disturbance events, including anomalies in temperature and precipitation. Most of the mangrove canopy was stable (78%), while the remaining 7% was found to be in a recovery phase. The most vulnerable mangrove canopies were detected in areas defined in previous studies as dominated by Avicenia germinans , while resistant and resilient forests where located in areas dominated by Laguncularia racemosa .