This sections deals with the photosynthetic activity of plants (NDVI) within the Western Cape which is illustrated by means of four different maps. The first map shows plant activity within the current season (figure 1). The second map compares plant activity of the current season to the previous season (figure 2), while the third map compares plant activity of the current season to the historical long-term average (figure 3). In addition, figure 4 is a compilation of accumulated plant activity since November 2010.
How are the colours applied in each map? Above normal rains result in above normal conditions for plant activity and is illustrated by different shades of green. Conversely, below normal conditions relate to poor plant activity which is identified by yellow / brown / red areas. Incidentally, areas subjected to veldfires are depicted by brown / red patches.
21-31 January 2008 compared with 21-31 January 2009
NDVI values reflect the vegetation activity with higher values over the coastal and mountainous areas as well as the extreme northeastern parts where rainfall was above average during December and January.
21 – 31 January 2008 compared with the long-term mean
DVI values are lower than a year ago over the southern parts of the province and higher over the northeastern areas.
21 – 31 January 2008 compared with the long-term mean
Vegetation activity is higher than the long-term average the western and eastern interior but lower than average over the southern areas where drought conditions prevail.
Percentage of Average Seasonal Greenness for November 2010 to January 2010
Percentage of Average Seasonal Greenness (PASG) for this period is above-normal over most of the province except the southern and southeastern parts where drought conditions have been reported.