Evaluation of mangrove ecosystem dynamics in the arid environment: For restoration on the Qatar coast using satellite...

Mangrove ecosystems become more consequential, as they face environmental pressures. This study examines spatial-temporal dynamics of mangrove distribution in an arid environment, the Al-Ruwaida region of Qatar coast, from 1985 to 2025 as a case study. NDVI, NDSI, and NDMI from Landsat series and Sentinel-2 data were examined for spatial distribution of mangroves. Trend lines of indices showed region experienced ecological improvement from 2010 due to declining salinity and increasing soil moisture while ERA5 temperature analysis showed an increasing trend. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) of mangroves characterized by chlorophyll absorptions in blue (∼450 nm) and red (∼670 nm) regions, and reflection in green (∼550 nm) region and classified mangroves densities as sparse (low), moderate and dense and calculated as 60.54, 29.39 and 13.97 ha respectively. HSI of leaves revealed distinct spectral signatures: young leaves reflected in green (∼500-550 nm), mature leaves in blue (∼450 nm) and red (∼670 nm), infected leaves showed reduced absorption, and dry leaves exhibited high reflectance in red (∼600-700 nm). Field sediment samples revealed grain size as silty sand and sandy silt, whereas sand dominates in southern beach and silt and clay are more prevalent in western areas. Geochemical analyses of samples showed high concentrations of calcium, sodium, magnesium of major elements, and boron, strontium and lead of trace elements. An integrated study of all the results showed a comprehensive framework for monitoring mangrove health, identifying stress and degradation hotspots, and informing conservation strategies to support ecosystem resilience under hot arid climates.