Wetlands at risk: Satellite data reveals alarming water stress, threatening vital ecosystems.
Wetlands are important but face water stress due to climate change. Researchers adapted a water stress index (CWSI) to monitor wetland health using temperature data from drones. The CWSI correlated well with plant health and soil moisture measurements, showing promise for tracking water stress in wetlands. However, it could not detect early meteorological drought stages. This study suggests that the CWSI could be a useful tool for monitoring water stress in wetland habitats.