High-resolution Satellite-derived Changes in Vegetation Phenology and Lake Area in a Central European Peatland

Abstract Current climatic conditions are leading to the drying of peatland ecosystems, compromising their ability to store carbon due to increased decomposition and vegetation shifts. Large-scale monitoring of peatlands is thus essential to quantify the impacts of climate change on their vegetation and hydrology. A central European peatland was studied using PlanetScope high-resolution imagery over seven years as a proof of concept. The results have shown prolonged vegetation season and increased peak value of the Enhanced Vegetation Index due to the changing climate conditions. Higher than average temperatures negatively affected vegetation characterised by higher moss abundance. However, areas dominated by vascular plants have higher greenness and extended vegetation seasons despite elevated temperatures. Moreover, the lake situated in the area has shown a drying pattern, increased intra-annual variations, and a relationship with peatlands’ water table depth dynamics. Hence, the drying reduces the lake area while the peatland part experiences a progressive vegetation shift and phenological changes.