Satellite sensor measurements can offer important insights into changing vegetation conditions, as rainfall patterns vary across Texas. MAGIC maintains a data archive from NASA’s Terra and Aqua MODIS instrument that can be used to compare the current vegetation response to long-term decadal (2001-2010) conditions. Statistical results from vegetation indices can be compared for different dates and years.
Vegetation may also impact water availability and water quality, especially when the spread of invasive plants begins to dominate the landscape. One MAGIC investigation conducted for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers documented the presence of invasive salt cedar (tamarisk) along the Forgotten River reach of the Rio Grande between Fort Hancock and Presidio, Texas.