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Research article · 2026 · Full text

International Journal of Geography Geology and Environment

Climate vulnerability assessment of vegetation under rainfall variability in Andhra Pradesh using satellite time series data (2015-2025)

MR GouthamSuneel Kumar Duvvuri

Volume 8(3) · Pages 71–84 · DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2026.v8.i3a.496 ↗

Research areasRemote Sensing in AgricultureHydrology and Drought AnalysisClimate change impacts on agriculture

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Abstract

Author-written

Vegetation patterns change with climate conditions. Rainfall variability is especially important in regions that depend on the monsoon. This study examines how rainfall changes affect vegetation across the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, from 2015 to 2025. Satellite data were used to study both vegetation condition and rainfall distribution. Vegetation status was analysed using the MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset. Rainfall information was obtained from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) dataset. All data processing and analysis were carried out on the Google Earth Engine platform. Annual NDVI composites were prepared to study patterns of vegetation greenness. Changes in rainfall and rainfall anomalies were examined to identify climate fluctuations across the region. Long-term vegetation trends were analysed using linear regression, the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test, and Sen’s slope estimation. Vegetation health was evaluated through the Vegetation Condition Index. Pearson correlation analysis was also applied to explore the link between rainfall and vegetation greenness. Finally, a Climate Vulnerability Index was created by combining vegetation trends, rainfall trends, and vegetation condition indicators. The results show moderate spatial differences in rainfall across Andhra Pradesh. Coastal districts receive more rainfall than the semi-arid districts of the Rayalaseema region. NDVI values range from 0.445 to 0.529, which suggests a moderate level of vegetation cover in the state. Trend analysis shows an overall increase in vegetation, with a Mann-Kendall τ value of 0.363 and a Sen’s slope of 0.00657 per year. The NDVI-rainfall correlation indicates that vegetation growth is generally linked to rainfall availability. However, the strength of this relationship differs among districts. Vegetation Condition Index values varied between 0.43 and 0.57, which suggests moderate vegetation health. The Climate Vulnerability Index results indicate that some districts in the northern and coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh are relatively more sensitive to climate variability. In contrast, several districts in the Rayalaseema region and southern parts of the state show lower levels of vulnerability. The findings show that changes in rainfall play a key role in controlling vegetation patterns across the region. Combining satellite-based vegetation monitoring with climate analysis offers a practical way to study ecosystem resilience. This approach can also support climate adaptation planning in semi-arid agricultural areas of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Summary

Source-checked

Plain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.

  1. Why it matters

    • Understanding vegetation response to climate shifts is critical for food security and ecological resilience in India, where approximately 60% of agriculture depends on rainfall. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Understanding vegetation response to climate shifts is critical for food security and ecological resilience in India, where approximately 60% of agriculture depends on rainfall.

      In the paper's own words

      “Since nearly 60% of Indian agriculture remains rain-dependent, understanding how vegetation responds to these climatic shifts is essential for regional food security and ecological resilience”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  2. The question

    • The study aims to conduct a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment using a decade of satellite data to analyze how different vegetation types in Andhra Pradesh respond to rainfall fluctuations. View evidence ↗

      The question

      The study aims to conduct a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment using a decade of satellite data to analyze how different vegetation types in Andhra Pradesh respond to rainfall fluctuations.

      In the paper's own words

      “This research aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment. We utilize a decade of satellite time series data to analyze the sensitivity of different vegetation types to rainfall fluctuations.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
  3. What they did

    • The research was conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, analyzing data from the period 2015 to 2025. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The research was conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, analyzing data from the period 2015 to 2025.

      In the paper's own words

      “This study examines how rainfall changes affect vegetation across the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, from 2015 to 2025.”

      Page 1

      “The study was conducted for the state of Andhra Pradesh (Figure 1) located in the southeastern part of India.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Methodology 3.1 Study area

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • The study utilized MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for vegetation status and the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) dataset for rainfall data. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The study utilized MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for vegetation status and the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) dataset for rainfall data.

      In the paper's own words

      “Vegetation status was analysed using the MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset. Rainfall information was obtained from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) dataset.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Data sources

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • Data processing and analysis were performed using the Google Earth Engine cloud platform. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      Data processing and analysis were performed using the Google Earth Engine cloud platform.

      In the paper's own words

      “All data processing and analysis were carried out on the Google Earth Engine platform.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Conclusion

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • Vegetation trends were analyzed via linear regression, the Mann-Kendall test, and Sen's slope estimation, while Pearson correlation was used to link rainfall to vegetation greenness. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      Vegetation trends were analyzed via linear regression, the Mann-Kendall test, and Sen's slope estimation, while Pearson correlation was used to link rainfall to vegetation greenness.

      In the paper's own words

      “Long-term vegetation trends were analysed using linear regression, the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test, and Sen’s slope estimation.”

      Page 1

      “Pearson correlation analysis was also applied to explore the link between rainfall and vegetation greenness.”

      Page 1

      Found in: NDVI trend analysis

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  4. What they found

    • Annual rainfall in the region varied between approximately 810 mm (lowest in 2016) and 1260 mm (peak in 2020). View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Annual rainfall in the region varied between approximately 810 mm (lowest in 2016) and 1260 mm (peak in 2020).

      In the paper's own words

      “Annual rainfall ranged from approximately 810 mm to 1260 mm during the study period. The lowest rainfall occurred in 2016, when precipitation declined to nearly 810 mm... reached a peak of approximately 1260 mm in 2020”

      Page 7

      Found in: Methodology 3.1 Study area

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 7 ↗
    • Vegetation greenness, measured by NDVI, ranged from 0.445 to 0.529 during the study period. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Vegetation greenness, measured by NDVI, ranged from 0.445 to 0.529 during the study period.

      In the paper's own words

      “NDVI values varied between 0.445 and 0.529 during the study period.”

      Page 8

      Found in: Vegetation dynamics and spatial patterns

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 8 ↗
    • The state showed a moderate positive trend in vegetation greenness, with a Mann-Kendall tau of 0.363 and an average NDVI increase of approximately 0.0066 units per year. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The state showed a moderate positive trend in vegetation greenness, with a Mann-Kendall tau of 0.363 and an average NDVI increase of approximately 0.0066 units per year.

      In the paper's own words

      “The state level Mann-Kendall result produced a tau value of 0.363, indicating a moderate positive trend in vegetation greenness across Andhra Pradesh during the study period.”

      Page 9

      “The state level Sen slope value of 0.00657 indicates that NDVI increased by approximately 0.0066 units per year between 2015 and 2025.”

      Page 9

      Found in: NDVI trend analysis

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 9 ↗
    • Vegetation health was found to be moderate across the state, with Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) values ranging from 0.43 to 0.57. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Vegetation health was found to be moderate across the state, with Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) values ranging from 0.43 to 0.57.

      In the paper's own words

      “VCI values across Andhra Pradesh range from approximately 0.43 to 0.57, indicating moderate vegetation health across the state.”

      Page 11

      Found in: Vegetation condition assessment

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 11 ↗
    • Most regions of Andhra Pradesh showed a positive correlation between rainfall and vegetation greenness, confirming rainfall's key role in productivity. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Most regions of Andhra Pradesh showed a positive correlation between rainfall and vegetation greenness, confirming rainfall's key role in productivity.

      In the paper's own words

      “The results indicate that most regions of Andhra Pradesh exhibit positive correlation between rainfall and vegetation greenness, confirming that rainfall availability plays a key role in determining vegetation productivity.”

      Page 10

      Found in: Rainfall trends and vegetation response

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 10 ↗
    • Districts in northern and coastal areas, such as Konaseema (CVI 0.507) and West Godavari (CVI 0.443), exhibited relatively higher climate vulnerability. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Districts in northern and coastal areas, such as Konaseema (CVI 0.507) and West Godavari (CVI 0.443), exhibited relatively higher climate vulnerability.

      In the paper's own words

      “District | CVI | VCI | Konaseema | 0.507 | 0.534 | West Godavari | 0.443 | 0.512 | Kakinada | 0.418 | 0.460 | Krishna | 0.412 | 0.477 | Srikakulam | 0.395 | 0.454”

      Page 12

      Found in: Methodology 3.1 Study area

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 12 ↗
    • Lower climate vulnerability was observed in districts such as Annamayya (CVI 0.056) and Chittoor (CVI 0.059). View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Lower climate vulnerability was observed in districts such as Annamayya (CVI 0.056) and Chittoor (CVI 0.059).

      In the paper's own words

      “District | CVI | VCI | Annamayya | 0.056 | 0.515 | Chittoor | 0.059 | 0.479 | Sri Sathya Sai | 0.070 | 0.504 | Prakasam | 0.079 | 0.548 | SPSR Nellore | 0.091 | 0.509”

      Page 12

      Found in: Literature Survey

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 12 ↗
  5. What it means

    • The authors conclude that combining satellite vegetation indices with rainfall and trend analysis is an effective framework for monitoring environmental changes and identifying vulnerable regions. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors conclude that combining satellite vegetation indices with rainfall and trend analysis is an effective framework for monitoring environmental changes and identifying vulnerable regions.

      In the paper's own words

      “The integrated use of satellite-based vegetation indices, rainfall analysis, and statistical trend methods provides a useful framework for monitoring environmental changes and identifying climate vulnerable regions.”

      Page 14

      Found in: Literature Survey

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 14 ↗
    • The authors state that future research should include factors like land use change, irrigation patterns, soil moisture, and temperature variability for a more comprehensive understanding. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors state that future research should include factors like land use change, irrigation patterns, soil moisture, and temperature variability for a more comprehensive understanding.

      In the paper's own words

      “Future research could incorporate additional factors such as land use change, irrigation patterns, soil moisture, and temperature variability to provide a more comprehensive understanding of vegetation dynamics and climate impacts in the region.”

      Page 14

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 14 ↗

Visual summary

3 visuals

Illustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.

AI-generated illustration
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Tropical landscape of Andhra Pradesh with mixed vegetation and agricultural fields). It explains the idea and does not show study data.↗ Enlarge
Rainfall-Vegetation Relationship
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Tropical landscape of Andhra Pradesh with mixed vegetation and agricultural fields). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

AI-generated conceptual illustration (Tropical landscape of Andhra Pradesh with mixed vegetation and agricultural fields). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

Open full-size image ↗

Rainfall-Vegetation Relationship

AI-generated conceptual illustration (Tropical landscape of Andhra Pradesh with mixed vegetation and agricultural fields). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 7 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
CVI: Konaseema vs West Godavari vs Kakinada vs Krishna vs Srikakulam
Replotted from Table 7 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 7 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

CVI: Konaseema vs West Godavari vs Kakinada vs Krishna vs Srikakulam

Replotted from Table 7 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 8 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
CVI: Annamayya vs Chittoor vs Sri Sathya Sai vs Prakasam vs SPSR Nellore
Replotted from Table 8 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 8 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

CVI: Annamayya vs Chittoor vs Sri Sathya Sai vs Prakasam vs SPSR Nellore

Replotted from Table 8 (page 12) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗

Figures & tables

From the original paper
Satellite datasets used in the studyTable 1Page 3Outline map of the Study AreaFigure 1Page 3Interpretation ofTable 3Page 4Typical interpretation of NDVI values:Table 2Page 4Interpretation of VCI valuesTable 4Page 5Spatial distribution of mean rainfall across Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).Figure 2Page 6Annual rainfall variability across Andhra Pradesh from 2015 to 2025.Figure 3Page 7Mean NDVI distribution across Andhra Pradesh.Figure 4Page 7NDVI time series for Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).Figure 5Page 8NDVI trend map derived from linear regression analysis.Figure 6Page 8Districts with strongest positive vegetation trendsTable 5Page 9Mann-Kendall NDVI trend map.Figure 7Page 9Sen slope map representing NDVI change rate.Figure 8Page 9Rainfall trend map across Andhra Pradesh.Figure 9Page 10NDVI rainfall correlation map.Figure 10Page 10Districts with higher vegetation conditionTable 6Page 11Vegetation Condition Index distribution across Andhra Pradesh.Figure 11Page 11Rainfall anomaly distribution across Andhra Pradesh.Figure 12Page 11Districts with lower climate vulnerabilityTable 8Page 12Districts with relatively higher climate vulnerabilityTable 7Page 12Rainfall variability map based on coefficient of variation.Figure 13Page 12Climate Vulnerability Index map showing spatial distribution of vegetation vulnerability across Andhra Pradesh.Figure 14Page 13District Wise Climate Vulnerability IndexFigure 15Page 13
FULL TEXT Original article · reflowed for reading

Introduction

The global climate is shifting rapidly, with increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns disrupting terrestrial ecosystems [1] . Among these, vegetation serves as a vital indicator of environmental health, acting as a primary carbon sink and a regulator of hydrological cycles [2] . However, in semi-arid and tropical regions like Andhra Pradesh, India, the stability of these green covers is increasingly threatened by high rainfall variability [3] . Since nearly 60% of Indian agriculture remains rain-dependent, understanding how vegetation responds to these climatic shifts is essential for regional food security and ecological resilience [4,5] . Andhra Pradesh presents a complex landscape where seasonal monsoons dictate the phenological cycles of both natural forests and vast agricultural tracts [1] . In recent years, the frequency of extreme weather events, including prolonged dry spells and unseasonal heavy downpours, has intensified [1,6] .

These fluctuations lead to significant vegetation stress, often resulting in land degradation and loss of biomass [7] . For instance, districts such as Anantapur frequently face severe moisture deficits, which directly impact the photosynthetic activity and greenness of the local flora [7] . Remote sensing has emerged as a transformative tool for monitoring these dynamics across large spatial scales [4] . Satellite-derived indices, particularly the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), allow researchers to quantify vegetation health by measuring the contrast between near-infrared and red light reflectance [8] . By utilizing long-term time series data from platforms like Landsat or Sentinel, it is possible to track how vegetation "greenness" correlates with precipitation patterns over a decade [8] . Modern geospatial frameworks now integrate these spectral indices with climate variables to delineate vulnerability hotspots [7] . Despite existing studies on regional climate impacts, there is a lack of high-resolution, long-term assessments focusing specifically on the last decade (2015-2025) in Andhra Pradesh. This period is particularly significant as it encompasses a series of record-breaking heat years and shifting monsoon windows. This research aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment. We utilize a decade of satellite time series data to analyze the sensitivity of different vegetation types to rainfall fluctuations. The findings seek to provide a robust spatial framework for targeted land restoration and sustainable resource management in the state's most vulnerable ecosystems.

Literature Survey

The literature surrounding vegetation dynamics in Andhra Pradesh highlights a complex interplay between monsoon patterns and ecological health. Recent research indicates that while the state receives a significant portion of its annual rainfall during the Southwest monsoon, districts such as Anantapur and Chittoor remain chronically waterstressed, necessitating robust monitoring frameworks that go beyond simple precipitation totals [9] . Scholars have established the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a primary metric for quantifying biomass and photosynthetic activity across these semi-arid landscapes, proving its utility in distinguishing between natural forest cover and seasonal agricultural crops [10] . To improve the accuracy of drought detection, integrated systems now utilize a combination of NDVI, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) for real-time assessments that reflect both chlorophyll content and leaf water potential [4] . National-scale studies have identified over 80 million hectares in India as highly vulnerable to rainfall-induced climate shifts, with the rain-shadow regions of Andhra Pradesh consistently appearing as high-risk zones in climate models [6] . District-level vulnerability indices further confirm that the state is among the most exposed to hydrometeorological extremes, which directly impacts local livelihoods and regional food security [11] . Long-term performance evaluations suggest that nearly 94% of the agricultural land in the region is susceptible to drought, emphasizing the need for high-resolution satellite monitoring to capture sub-district variations [12] . Furthermore, investigations into the lag effects of precipitation reveal a specific temporal delay between rainfall events and the subsequent greening of vegetation, a factor that is critical for developing early warning systems for crop failure [13] . The response of flora to extreme weather has also been a focal point, with evidence suggesting that maximum NDVI values offer a clearer picture of ecosystem recovery following heavy precipitation than mean averages, which can often smooth out critical stress events [14] . Validating these satellite observations against ground-based lysimeter data and soil moisture sensors remains a priority for ensuring the reliability of climate-vegetation models in tropical climates [15] . Global climatic drivers, such as El Niño and La Niña cycles, have been shown to cause significant inter-annual fluctuations in the state's vegetation vigor, often leading to "false springs" or delayed harvests [16] . These shifts are often exacerbated by land cover transformations in major river basins, which alter the local thermal environment and reduce the land's natural buffering capacity against heatwaves [17] . The application of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) alongside spectral data has allowed researchers to delineate zones of high ecological resilience, providing a blueprint for where to focus reforestation efforts [18] . Advancements in impactbased forecasting are now being integrated into state-level policies to mitigate the risks posed by erratic rainfall, transitioning from reactive to proactive disaster management [19] . However, identifying desertification hotspots remains a challenge, particularly in the Rayalaseema region where soil erosion and moisture deficits lead to permanent vegetation decline [20] . Consequently, experts advocate for localized adaptation strategies informed by long-term geospatial time series to ensure sustainable land management and the protection of biodiversity in the face of a changing climate [21] .

Methodology 3.1 Study area

The study was conducted for the state of Andhra Pradesh (Figure 1) located in the southeastern part of India. The state lies between approximately 12°41'N to 19°54'N latitude and 76°46'E to 84°46'E longitude. Andhra Pradesh covers an area of about 162,975 square kilometers and includes 26 administrative districts. The region is characterized by a diverse physiography that includes fertile river deltas, the discontinuous mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats, and the semi-arid peneplains of the Deccan Plateau. Bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the state possesses the secondlongest coastline in India at roughly 974 km, which significantly influences its atmospheric moisture and vulnerability to tropical cyclonic activity. Climatically, Andhra Pradesh experiences a tropical environment primarily governed by the monsoonal cycle. The state is broadly categorized into distinct regions: Coastal Andhra, which features fertile alluvial plains, and Rayalaseema, characterized by rocky terrain and higher elevations. Average annual rainfall typically ranges from 600 mm in the western rain-shadow areas to over 1200 mm in the northern coastal districts. Precipitation is largely concentrated during the Southwest monsoon (June-September) and the Northeast monsoon (October-December), with the latter contributing significantly to the moisture regime of the southern coastal belt. The state is further delineated into six major Agro-Climatic Zones based on soil types, rainfall distribution, and cropping patterns: the North Coastal Zone, the Godavari Zone, the Krishna Zone, the Southern Zone, the Scarce Rainfall Zone (Rayalaseema), and the High-Altitude Tribal Areas [12] . The "Scarce Rainfall Zone" is of particular ecological concern, as it frequently records a low length of growing period (LGP) of only 70-90 days compared to 210-240 days in the delta plains [12] . Temperatures peak during the summer months, often exceeding 42 °C, while winter minimums generally remain between 15 °C and 25 °C [22] . This intricate mosaic of climatic and topographical features makes Andhra Pradesh an ideal laboratory for studying the sensitivity of vegetation to rainfall variability. Agriculture is the dominant land use in the region, and vegetation growth is largely dependent on rainfall availability and irrigation resources. Therefore, analysing the relationship between rainfall variability and vegetation dynamics is important for understanding ecosystem stability and climate vulnerability. The administrative boundary of Andhra Pradesh was used as the spatial boundary for all analyses.

Figure 1. Outline map of the Study Area
Outline map of the Study Area↗ Enlarge
Figure 1
Outline map of the Study Area

Outline map of the Study Area

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 3 ↗

Data sources

This study uses satellite remote sensing datasets and precipitation data available through cloud based geospatial platforms.

NDVI dataset: Vegetation dynamics were analysed using the MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) product. Dataset details are given in Table 1. observations with station measurements and provides reliable rainfall estimates for climate studies.

Table 1. Satellite datasets used in the study
DatasetSensorResolutionTemporal resolutionSource
MOD13Q1 NDVIMODIS250 m16 daysNASA
CHIRPS rainfallSatellite + gauge5 kmDaily / monthlyClimate Hazards Center

Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.

View original table image
Satellite datasets used in the study↗ Enlarge
Table 1
Satellite datasets used in the study

Satellite datasets used in the study

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Original paper tableSource PDF · page 3 ↗

Data preprocessing

All satellite datasets were processed using Google Earth Engine, which enables large scale geospatial analysis using cloud computing.

The following preprocessing steps were applied:

1. Import administrative boundary of Andhra Pradesh. Annual composite images were generated to reduce seasonal noise and provide a stable representation of vegetation conditions.

NDVI calculation

Vegetation greenness was measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). NDVI is calculated using reflectance values from the red and near infrared bands of satellite imagery. The NDVI formula is:

(1) Where NIR = reflectance in near infrared band, Red = reflectance in red band. NDVI values range between -1 and +1. In this study, NDVI values mostly ranged between 0.44 and 0.53, indicating moderate vegetation density across the state.

Trend analysis

Long term vegetation trends were evaluated using linear regression analysis.

For each pixel, NDVI values were fitted to a linear model:

Mann-Kendall trend test

The Mann-Kendall test [23,24] is a non-parametric statistical method used to detect monotonic trends in time series data. The Mann-Kendall statistic S is calculated as:

Where and represent NDVI values at different time points.

The sign function is defined as

The Kendall τ coefficient is computed as: (5) Where n = number of observations In this study, the state level τ value was 0.363, indicating a moderate increasing trend in vegetation greenness.

Sen's slope estimator

Sen's slope estimator [24] was used to determine the magnitude of the vegetation trend. Sen's slope is calculated as the median of all pairwise slopes: The state level Sen slope obtained in this study is 0.00657, indicating that NDVI increased by approximately 0.0066 per year.

Vegetation Condition Index

Vegetation health was evaluated using the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI). VCI measures vegetation stress relative to historical NDVI values.

The VCI formula is: (7) Where VCI values range between 0 and 1. In this study, VCI values ranged from 0.43 to 0.57, indicating moderate vegetation health across most districts.

Rainfall anomaly

Rainfall anomaly analysis was conducted to examine deviations from long term average rainfall.

The rainfall anomaly formula is:

Where Positive anomaly values indicate above average rainfall, while negative values indicate rainfall deficits.

Rainfall-vegetation correlation

The relationship between rainfall and vegetation greenness was examined using Pearson correlation analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient r is calculated as:

Where = rainfall values, = NDVI values Positive r values indicate that higher rainfall corresponds to higher vegetation greenness.

Climate Vulnerability Index

The Climate Vulnerability Index was used to assess the combined influence of rainfall variability and vegetation trends. The CVI integrates multiple indicators including NDVI trend, rainfall trend and vegetation condition index The index was normalized and combined using a weighted approach. (

Results and Discussion

Results and Discussion

Spatial distribution and variability of rainfall

Rainfall plays a critical role in controlling vegetation productivity in monsoon dominated regions such as Andhra Pradesh. The spatial distribution of average rainfall across the state during the study period is illustrated in Figure 2. The results show that rainfall is unevenly distributed across the region. Coastal districts and northern parts of the state generally receive higher rainfall compared to the semi-arid districts of Rayalaseema.

Figure 2. Spatial distribution of mean rainfall across Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).
Spatial distribution of mean rainfall across Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).↗ Enlarge
Figure 2
Spatial distribution of mean rainfall across Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).

Spatial distribution of mean rainfall across Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 6 ↗

Vegetation dynamics and spatial patterns

Vegetation conditions were evaluated using MODIS derived NDVI data. The spatial distribution of average NDVI values across Andhra Pradesh is presented in Figure 4. Vegetation greenness declined slightly during the early part of the study period, reaching its lowest value in 2018. After this period, NDVI values increased significantly and reached approximately 0.505 in 2020. This increase coincides with the higher rainfall observed during the same period. Although NDVI experienced slight fluctuations between 2022 and 2024, vegetation conditions remained relatively stable. By 2025, NDVI increased to 0.529, which represents the highest vegetation greenness during the study period. The temporal patterns observed in NDVI suggest that vegetation growth across Andhra Pradesh responds strongly to rainfall availability and seasonal climatic variability.

Figure 4. Mean NDVI distribution across Andhra Pradesh.
Mean NDVI distribution across Andhra Pradesh.↗ Enlarge
Figure 4
Mean NDVI distribution across Andhra Pradesh.

Mean NDVI distribution across Andhra Pradesh.

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 7 ↗

NDVI trend analysis

Long term vegetation trends were examined using linear regression, Mann-Kendall trend analysis, and Sen's slope estimation. The spatial pattern of NDVI trends derived from linear regression is shown in Figure 6. The map indicates that most regions of Andhra Pradesh exhibit positive vegetation trends, suggesting gradual improvement in vegetation greenness over time. The magnitude of vegetation change was estimated using Sen's slope estimator. The Sen slope map is presented in Figure 8, which shows the rate of NDVI change across the state. The state level Sen slope value of 0.00657 indicates that NDVI increased by approximately 0.0066 units per year between 2015 and 2025. Although the rate of increase is modest, the consistent positive trend suggests gradual improvement in vegetation conditions across several districts.

Figure 8. Sen slope map representing NDVI change rate.
Sen slope map representing NDVI change rate.↗ Enlarge
Figure 8
Sen slope map representing NDVI change rate.

Sen slope map representing NDVI change rate.

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 9 ↗
Figure 6. NDVI trend map derived from linear regression analysis.
NDVI trend map derived from linear regression analysis.↗ Enlarge
Figure 6
NDVI trend map derived from linear regression analysis.

NDVI trend map derived from linear regression analysis.

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 8 ↗

District level vegetation trends

District level analysis reveals considerable spatial variation in vegetation trends. These districts are mainly located in the Rayalaseema region, where vegetation growth appears to have improved during the study period. The improvement may be associated with irrigation expansion, agricultural intensification, and groundwater utilisation.

Rainfall trends and vegetation response

Rainfall trends derived from linear regression analysis are presented in Figure 9. The rainfall trend map indicates spatial variation in precipitation changes across the state. Some regions show increasing rainfall trends, while others exhibit weaker or slightly negative trends. To examine the relationship between rainfall and vegetation growth, Pearson correlation analysis was performed. The resulting NDVI rainfall correlation map is shown in Figure 10. The results indicate that most regions of Andhra Pradesh exhibit positive correlation between rainfall and vegetation greenness, confirming that rainfall availability plays a key role in determining vegetation productivity. However, the strength of correlation varies spatially. Some districts show moderate correlation values, indicating that vegetation growth may also be influenced by factors such as irrigation practices, cropping patterns, and land management strategies.

Figure 10. NDVI rainfall correlation map.
NDVI rainfall correlation map.↗ Enlarge
Figure 10
NDVI rainfall correlation map.

NDVI rainfall correlation map.

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 10 ↗
Figure 9. Rainfall trend map across Andhra Pradesh.
Rainfall trend map across Andhra Pradesh.↗ Enlarge
Figure 9
Rainfall trend map across Andhra Pradesh.

Rainfall trend map across Andhra Pradesh.

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 10 ↗

Vegetation condition assessment

Vegetation resilience was further analysed using the Vegetation Condition Index. The spatial distribution of mean VCI values is presented in Figure 11. VCI values across Andhra Pradesh range from approximately 0.43 to 0.57, indicating moderate vegetation health across the state. District level VCI values provide insights into the relative stability of vegetation conditions. Table 6 summarises selected districts with higher vegetation condition values.

Figure 11. Vegetation Condition Index distribution across Andhra Pradesh.
Vegetation Condition Index distribution across Andhra Pradesh.↗ Enlarge
Figure 11
Vegetation Condition Index distribution across Andhra Pradesh.

Vegetation Condition Index distribution across Andhra Pradesh.

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 11 ↗
Table 6. Districts with higher vegetation condition
DistrictVCI
Palnadu0.574
Prakasam0.548
Kurnool0.542
Konaseema0.534
Guntur0.530

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Table 6
Districts with higher vegetation condition

Districts with higher vegetation condition

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Rainfall anomaly and variability

Rainfall anomaly analysis was conducted to identify deviations from long term average rainfall. The spatial distribution of rainfall anomalies is presented in Figure 12. Positive anomaly values indicate areas receiving above average rainfall, whereas negative values represent rainfall deficits. The results reveal considerable spatial variation in rainfall anomalies across the state. Rainfall variability was further examined using the coefficient of variation of annual rainfall. The resulting rainfall variability map is shown in Figure 13. Areas with higher variability values indicate regions where rainfall fluctuates significantly from year to year. Such variability can increase ecological stress and influence vegetation productivity.

Figure 13. Rainfall variability map based on coefficient of variation.
Rainfall variability map based on coefficient of variation.↗ Enlarge
Figure 13
Rainfall variability map based on coefficient of variation.

Rainfall variability map based on coefficient of variation.

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Figure 12. Rainfall anomaly distribution across Andhra Pradesh.
Rainfall anomaly distribution across Andhra Pradesh.↗ Enlarge
Figure 12
Rainfall anomaly distribution across Andhra Pradesh.

Rainfall anomaly distribution across Andhra Pradesh.

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Climate vulnerability assessment

The Climate Vulnerability Index integrates NDVI trends, rainfall trends, and vegetation condition to evaluate the vulnerability of vegetation systems to climate variability.

The spatial distribution of CVI values across Andhra Pradesh is presented in Figure 14. Regions with higher CVI values represent areas where vegetation systems are more vulnerable to climatic fluctuations. District level CVI values presented in Figure 15 were extracted to identify areas with relatively higher vulnerability and given in Table 7.

Figure 15. District Wise Climate Vulnerability Index
District Wise Climate Vulnerability Index↗ Enlarge
Figure 15
District Wise Climate Vulnerability Index

District Wise Climate Vulnerability Index

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Figure 14. Climate Vulnerability Index map showing spatial distribution of vegetation vulnerability across Andhra Pradesh.
Climate Vulnerability Index map showing spatial distribution of vegetation vulnerability across Andhra Pradesh.↗ Enlarge
Figure 14
Climate Vulnerability Index map showing spatial distribution of vegetation vulnerability across Andhra Pradesh.

Climate Vulnerability Index map showing spatial distribution of vegetation vulnerability across Andhra Pradesh.

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Table 7. Districts with relatively higher climate vulnerability
DistrictCVIVCI
Konaseema0.5070.534
West Godavari0.4430.512
Kakinada0.4180.460
Krishna0.4120.477
Srikakulam0.3950.454

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Table 7
Districts with relatively higher climate vulnerability

Districts with relatively higher climate vulnerability

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Conclusion

This study analysed the relationship between rainfall variability and vegetation dynamics across Andhra Pradesh during the period 2015 to 2025 using satellite remote sensing datasets and statistical trend analysis techniques. Vegetation patterns were examined using MODIS derived NDVI data, while rainfall variability was assessed using the CHIRPS precipitation dataset. The analysis was carried out using the Google Earth Engine platform, which enabled efficient processing of large scale geospatial datasets.

The spatial analysis revealed clear differences in rainfall

Figures and tables from the paper

Table 3. Interpretation of
Tau valueTrend interpretation
τ > 0Increasing trend
τ < 0Decreasing trend
τ ≈ 0No trend

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Interpretation of

Interpretation of

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Table 2. Typical interpretation of NDVI values:
NDVI rangeVegetation condition
< 0Water or barren land
0 - 0.2Sparse vegetation
0.2 - 0.5Moderate vegetation
> 0.5Dense vegetation

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Typical interpretation of NDVI values:

Typical interpretation of NDVI values:

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Table 4. Interpretation of VCI values
VCI valueVegetation condition
< 0.3Vegetation stress
0.3 - 0.5Moderate condition
> 0.5Healthy vegetation

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Interpretation of VCI values

Interpretation of VCI values

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Figure 3. Annual rainfall variability across Andhra Pradesh from 2015 to 2025.
Annual rainfall variability across Andhra Pradesh from 2015 to 2025.↗ Enlarge
Figure 3
Annual rainfall variability across Andhra Pradesh from 2015 to 2025.

Annual rainfall variability across Andhra Pradesh from 2015 to 2025.

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Figure 5. NDVI time series for Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).
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Figure 5
NDVI time series for Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).

NDVI time series for Andhra Pradesh (2015-2025).

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Table 5. Districts with strongest positive vegetation trends
DistrictMann Kendall TauSen Slope
Chittoor0.5880.0102
Annamayya0.5240.0107
Sri Sathya Sai0.5130.0111
Anantapur0.5120.0104

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Districts with strongest positive vegetation trends

Districts with strongest positive vegetation trends

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Figure 7. Mann-Kendall NDVI trend map.
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Figure 7
Mann-Kendall NDVI trend map.

Mann-Kendall NDVI trend map.

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Table 8. Districts with lower climate vulnerability
DistrictCVIVCI
Annamayya0.0560.515
Chittoor0.0590.479
Sri Sathya Sai0.0700.504
Prakasam0.0790.548
SPSR Nellore0.0910.509

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Districts with lower climate vulnerability

Districts with lower climate vulnerability

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