Spatiotemporal Vegetation Dynamics and Climatic Drivers in Qinshui Coalfield: MODIS-based Analysis

Based on MODIS remote sensing images and NDVI values, this research systematically investigates the temporal-spatial variations of vegetation coverage and their underlying drivers in the Qinshui coal mining area over a 20-year period (2001–2020).This study investigates vegetation dynamics in mining-affected ecosystems, with three primary objectives: to characterize vegetation cover evolution patterns under mineral resource extraction pressures;to quantify natural factors influencing vegetation changes; and to establish an empirical foundation for ecological rehabilitation strategies. The key findings reveal:(1) Spatial-temporal analysis demonstrates marked vegetation improvement across the Qinshui mining region (2000-2020), with distinct geographic variability - western and southern sectors exhibit superior vegetation conditions compared to central areas.(2) Statistical modeling identifies precipitation as the dominant climatic driver, showing strong positive correlation with NDVI, while temperature exhibits weaker association. Temperature generally has a positive correlation with vegetation index values, but its spatial influence varies significantly across regions. (3) Human activities have significantly influenced vegetation cover changes. The most intensive development of industrial, mining and residential zones is concentrated in northeastern and southeastern sectors, particularly near urban agglomerations. This urban expansion has directly reduced both grassland and farmland coverage. Grassland has largely been converted to cultivated land and forest, whereas forest loss is most evident in Qin County, Anze County, Qinshui County, and Fushan County.