Remote sensing applications for assessing climate change impacts on deciduous forests—A systematic review


Yel S. G., Özmen H. B., Öney Birol S., TUNÇ GÖRMÜŞ E., Kaplan G.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, cilt.143, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 143
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.pce.2026.104321
  • Dergi Adı: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chimica, Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Climate change, Forest, Phenology, Remote sensing
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Deciduous forests play a vital role in global carbon sequestration, hydrological regulation, and biodiversity conservation, yet they are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This review synthesizes recent advances in remote sensing applications for assessing climate-induced changes in phenology, productivity, and resilience of deciduous forests. A systematic literature analysis was conducted using Web of Science, incorporating 70 peer-reviewed studies that employed satellite-based datasets such as MODIS, Landsat, and Sentinel-2. The review identifies key remote sensing metrics, including NDVI, EVI, LAI, and SIF, which are used to monitor phenological shifts, drought impacts, and changes in forest productivity. Analytical approaches such as time series analysis, regression models, and machine learning (e.g., RF, LMEM) were evaluated for their effectiveness in modeling forest-climate interactions. Results highlight distinct regional patterns in phenological responses, sensor preferences across climate zones, and a growing reliance on multi-sensor data fusion to enhance monitoring precision. Despite advancements in remote sensing technologies, critical research gaps persist, especially regarding the biological interpretation of spectral indices and the assessment of forest resilience mechanisms at finer spatial scales. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches and advanced remote sensing frameworks to support future forest conservation and climate adaptation strategies.