МОНИТОРИНГ СОСТОЯНИЯ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОГО ПОКРОВА ТЕРРИТОРИИ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОГО ИРАКА С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ СПУТНИКОВЫХ ДАННЫХ LANDSAT-8

The relevance of the research is caused by the need to obtain objective information about the patterns of territorial and temporal variability of vegetation state and the factors that determine it for the most effective use of lands in extreme natural and socio-economic conditions in the Republic of Iraq. The aim of the research is to analyze the dynamics of vegetation of territories of the four provinces in Central Iraq using the normalized difference vegetation index NDVI in the period from 2014 to 2017. The objects of the research are territories of Central Iraq: Babil, Baghdad, Wasit and Diyala. The subject of the study is temporal-territorial variability of vegetation state. Methods: remote sensing, thematic mapping, image processing, spatial data analysis, statistical analysis. Results. Patterns of temporarily-territorial dynamics of vegetation state in Central Iraq were revealed using vegetation index NDVI calculated with remote sensing data obtained by Landsat-8. Regional features of the vegetation structure and the rate of its state change were established. The maximum areas of non-vegetated territories were found in Baghdad and Wasit; covered by vegetation of most classes – also in Wasit; covered by dense vegetation – in Diyala, marked as well by minimum of barren areas. Babil is characterized by minimum area covered by vegetation. Baghdad in the studied indicators is intermediate. These patterns are poorly consistent with the absolute values of the province areas. They are caused by the prevailing economic conditions and are manifested in the qualitative and quantitative heterogeneity of the distribution of vegetation in the provinces. During the active stage of vegetation, from February to March, the variations in areas of non-vegetated territories, occupied by moderate and dense vegetation, are stable. At the same time, the variability of areas of territories with very dense vegetation is growing, with weak vegetation and vegetation of maximum density decreases. A correlation analysis between NDVI values and weather conditions did not reveal any significant relationships.