Evaluating the impact of vegetation dynamics and climatic factors on groundwater storage in Abu Dhabi: insights from satellite imagery (2003–2022)

The reliance on limited groundwater for agriculture is causing alarming shifts in water quality and availability in Abu Dhabi. This study analyzes the impact of vegetation changes and climatic factors on groundwater storage (GWS) between 2003 and 2022 using NDVI from Landsat and the GRACE satellite for different zones in Abu Dhabi Emirate. In the eastern zone of Abu Dhabi, vegetation increased from 978 to 1,639 km², with a significant decrease in GWS due to increased transpiration and reduced rainfall. In the southern zone, vegetation decreased from 843 to 620 km², with GWS recovery linked to higher soil moisture and lower temperatures. In the western zone, vegetation increased from 497 to 917 km², while GWS decreased due to reduced recharge. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between vegetation dynamics, climatic factors and groundwater storage across Abu Dhabi.