Neglected dynamics of individual tree growth and mortality in hyper-arid areas

Key Points

• The aim is to quantify tree growth and mortality dynamics in hyper-arid areas using advanced monitoring techniques.
• Used ultra-high resolution satellite images (0.5 meters) for tree distribution mapping.
• Combined satellite imagery with deep learning methods for analysis.
• Monitored over 11 million trees from 2017 to 2024.
• Focused on a 29,437 square kilometer region in northern Saudi Arabia.
• Mapped the distribution of over 11 million trees.
• Tracked individual growth and mortality rates over the seven-year period.
• Addressed challenges of traditional monitoring methods due to sparse tree canopies.