MULTIYEAR VARIABILITY OF VEGETATION INDICES IN THE MOUNTAINOUS AND FOOTHILL REGIONS OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS

Based on a statistical analysis of the variability trends of the NDVI using remote sensing data from the MODIS spectroradiometer, it is demonstrated that high-altitude and rocky areas of the Main Caucasus and Lateral Ridges, covered by glaciers or rocky outcrops devoid of vegetation, exhibit minimal values of the NDVI index. In contrast, areas with alpine meadows and sparse forests are characterized by higher values of the index