Fig. 7

Results of the structural equation models (SEMs) explaining the direct influences of the volume moisture content (VWC), enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and albedo for the growing season (a), non-growing season (b), and the whole year (c). Indirect influences of temperature, radiation, and precipitation are considered via their direct influences on the EVI, VWC, and NDSI. Significance levels are indicated by solid arrows and insignificant relationships by dashed-arrows. The numbers on each line indicate the estimated standardized path coefficient. Coefficients of determination (R²) for explained variables are given below the variable names