Detection of rainstorm pattern in arid regions using MODIS NDVI time series analysis

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was used to delineate potential water suppliers west of the Arabian Peninsula. Time series NDVI data extracted from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer NDVI product were used to develop a robust estimate of rainstorm frequency and intensity. A total of 216 NDVI images were acquired between February 2000 and January 2018 to carry out this investigation. As NDVI values of negative records correspond to water, it was possible to address and delineate the occurrence and duration of temporal ponded water. Results showed that at least 7 locations are potential to harvest water from flashfloods. Some locations witnessed 10, 11 and 13 rainstorms and ponding of water ranged from 1 to 20 months. These locations, if properly managed, could sustain a fresh water resource for local uses. The study demonstrates that NDVI time series curves could help identify the time/duration of previous rainstorms.