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Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3466
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3466
07 Nov 2024
 | 07 Nov 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

Earth observation for Shrub Encroachment 

Irini Soubry and Xulin Guo

Abstract. Woody plant encroachment (WPE) refers to the increase in density, cover, and biomass of trees and shrubs, affecting both the environment and economy. Many regions lack quantification of WPE, and its driving factors remain unclear. Shrub encroachment, involving woody plants up to 1.5 meters tall, is particularly challenging to quantify due to the lower height and coverage of shrubs. Remote sensing can address this by leveraging spectral and structural properties to improve shrub detection. Integrating accurate quantifications of shrub encroachment over time in models with a variety of potential driving factors can shed light on primary encroachment patterns and mechanisms, aiding local management efforts. We present a case study in the Cypress Upland ecoregion of Canada, where we examine the relationship between 22 different topo-edaphic, anthropogenic, and climatic factors, and shrub cover changes from 2011 to 2018.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
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Short summary
Our study investigates the increase in shrubs, known as shrub encroachment (SE). Initially, we...
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