THE USE OF THE NDWI INDEX IN ANALYSING HYDROLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE WATER REGIME OF STANDING WATER BODIES OF THE WETLAND SNR KOVILJSKO- PETROVARADINSKI RIT

Determination of spatial distribution of standing water in wetlands is challenging due to their small size, abundance, and temporality. Remote sensing techniques effectively monitor water availability and assess climate change impacts on wetland ecosystems. This study uses the NDWI index to process satellite imagery from April to September (2020- 2024), focusing on the wetland SNR Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit. The results indicate seasonal variations in the standing water regime – a reduction in water surface during dry periods and an increase in early autumn. These patterns highlight wetlands' strong dependence on and sensitivity to climatic conditions and human activities.