STUDY AREA
Our study area focuses on the northwestern part of Hawai'i Island (The Big Island).
Hawai'i's nickname as the Big Island is fitting as it is the largest island of the eight Hawaiian islands.
It has a total surface of 4,028 square miles, or 10,432 square kilometers (1).
Despite its size, it is only home to roughly 15% of the state’s total population (2).
Climate
The Big Island has many climatic contrasts and distinct environments (3).
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Maunakea, the world’s tallest sea mountain, sits in the northern half of the island.
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Maunaloa, the world’s largest active volcano, covers nearly half of the island!
The island is home to many diverse ecosystems from sub alpine grasslands, and subterranean lava tube systems to Anchialine ponds. Hawaii is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and home to many endemic species, meaning plants and animals only found on island. However, many of these species are at risk of endangerment with vegetation changes to Hawai'i's dry and rain forests. The presence of healthy vegetation is crucial in maintaining the balance of this islands extensive ecosystems.
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Hawaii has two seasons: a wet season from November through March and a dry season from April through October. The wet season is characterized by greater rainfall and increased trade winds, and the dry season sees a drop in the intensity of trade winds and rainfall.
Our project aims to study past and present images from the wet and dry seasons to analyze trends in vegetation. To analyze vegetation change we will use calculations of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) to compare relationships between NDVI change by season and throughout time.