Impact of water table depth of groundwater on vegetation in fractured volcanic hillslope

Abstract

This study investigates the complex dynamic relationships between groundwater depth, vegetation conditions and climatic factors in Hong Kong's unique volcanic slope. Using remote sensing (RS) techniques, we used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to represent vegetation cover and health. We dissected the correlation and non-linear relationship between groundwater depth and NDVI through correlation analysis, regression analysis and regression discontinuity design. In addition, the study highlights the influence of climatic variables (mainly temperature and precipitation) on this relationship. Our findings suggest that there are multiple and complex interactions between groundwater depth, vegetation vigour and climatic factors. This investigation not only explored the relationships between these interrelated variables, but also provided recommendations for hydrological and vegetation management in the study area. The techniques of RS and GIS will assist in delineating the interaction between groundwater dynamics and vegetations. Ultimately, this study will potentially pave the way for effective hydrology and vegetation management, and policy development in fractured volcanic slope environments.