A Geospatial analysis of Climate Change Impacts: Relationship of Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI and Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract This study presents a geospatial assessment of climate change impacts in the Kumaun Himalaya region, focusing on the relationship between Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). Leveraging Google Earth Engine, Landsat 5, and MODIS Terra Aqua data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the study period from 1992 to 2020. NDWI and LST were utilized as indicators to investigate the hydrological and thermal dynamics of the region in response to climate change. Our findings reveal significant temporal trends and spatial patterns in NDWI and LST, highlighting the complex interactions between water dynamics and surface temperature in the Kumaun Himalaya. We observed a notable decline in NDWI over the study period, indicative of changes in water availability and distribution, while LST exhibited an increasing trend, suggesting rising temperatures in the region. Spatial analysis further elucidated the spatial heterogeneity of these trends across different land cover types and elevation zones. Through this geospatial assessment, the research study contribute to a better understanding of climate change impacts on the hydrological and thermal regimes of the Kumaun Himalaya, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and adaptation strategies in the face of environmental change. The temporal change from 1992-2000-2010-2020 revealed a negative relationship between LST and NDWI, indicating that as surface temperatures increase, water content or availability tends to decrease. The research study reveals that the Himalayan region is facing about more heat and adverse climatic change impacts specially effects on water body as well glaciers river streams and moisture of soils. This study presents a geospatial assessment of climate change impacts in the Kumaun Himalaya region, focusing on the relationship between Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). Leveraging Google Earth Engine, Landsat 5, and MODIS Terra Aqua data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the study period from 1992 to 2020. NDWI and LST were utilized as indicators to investigate the hydrological and thermal dynamics of the region in response to climate change. Our findings reveal significant temporal trends and spatial patterns in NDWI and LST, highlighting the complex interactions between water dynamics and surface temperature in the Kumaun Himalaya.