Influence of atmospheric patterns and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on vegetation dynamics in Iceland using Remote Sensing

In this study, the relationship between vegetation dynamics and atmospheric patterns over Iceland from 2001-2019 has been assessed using remote sensing. This study is based on MODIS NDVI images, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis dataset and values of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The results show that the vegetation coverage in Iceland reaches a maximum in the period from the middle of July to late August, with an average of about 65% of the total area (66858 km²). There is not a strong relationship between NAO phases and the occurrence of the dry (less vegetation) or green months, which means that a dry year can be accompanied by a negative NAO phase (i.e. July 2009 with NDVI anomaly=-3.35 and NAO =-2.15) or with a positive phase (September 2005 with NDVI anomaly=-2.23 and NAO=0.63). The most important factor influencing the occurrence of months with denser/less dense vegetation is shifting west/eastward of Greenland Low height (GL), which is accompanied by a green/dry month in Iceland, respectively. The knowledge of this can help us to understand the variations in Iceland's vegetation and also enables us to have a closer look at the impact of changes in global atmospheric patterns on the vegetation productivity in Iceland.