Abstract
Recent satellite imagery has achieved the capability to accurately characterize vegetated surfaces at high temporal and spatial resolution, but standard satellite products often fail to capture the complex, fragmented, and heterogeneous spatial patterns of mountain environments. Using tailored satellite-derived products, we quantify the spatial distribution of grasslands and meadows and assess their year-to-year dynamics in response to processes such as pasture abandonment, shrub encroachment, and glacier retreat. In addition, we are developing dedicated algorithms to detect subtle changes in vegetation structure and biomass, including those caused by mowing and grazing. Together, these efforts enable a more accurate quantification of the impacts of climate and land-use change on mountain grassland resources.
