Marina Muñiz Martínez
Environmental data analyst and geospatial scientist with experience in large-scale datasets, spatial
modelling and Earth Observation. Strong background on EU research projects handling multi-source
data integration, processing and automation of analytical workflows (skilled in Phyton, R and Google
Earth Engine), and producing decision-suport outputs (maps, visual graphs, presentations) for policy
makers, technical groups and general stakeholders.
I am currently working for CREAF as Research Technician in the SEACURE Project, addressing nutrient pollution in Mediterranean river basins through the integration of environmental datasets across multiple administrative and ecological levels. More specifically, my work involves developing terrestrial nutrient budgets at the river basin scale to identify critical pollution hotspots and nutrient flux pathways, as well as producing high-resolution cartographic outputs to support evidence-based decision-making.
I did my master in the University of Córdoba focusing on geomatics and remote sensing techniques applied to forest management, and this work that I am presenting here belongs to the final thesis developed for my masters.
Sessions
Mediterranean pine reforestations are increasing its vulnerability to climate change, particularly to recurrent drought events -as raising tree decline and mortality rates have been identified-. In Spain, decades of limited forest management have contributed to mature dense stands characterized by high water stress and reduced ecosystem resilience. In this context, adaptive silviculture emerges as a key strategy to enhance forest stability under changing environmental conditions.
This study evaluates the effects of thinning treatments on the eco-resilience of mature pine plantations across Spain by integrating field data and multi-source remote sensing observations. First, spectral information derived from vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI, EVI or NBR) and shortwave infrared bands (SWIR1) are analyzed for detecting forest cover reduction promoted by thinning. Second, these observations and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) are used for assessing how adaptive silviculture modulates forest responses to drought events. Third, dendrochronological data are incorporated to compare radial growth patterns with spectral dynamics, enabling cross-validation between traditional growth-based approaches and remote sensing indicators to evaluate forest resilience. Results show that forest management induces measurable changes in the spectral behavior, and that treated stands exhibit faster recovery dynamics following extreme droughts compared to unmanaged stands.
Beyond these findings, the current study aims to frame ongoing research towards a more integrative assessment of forest resilience, combining spectral indicators with structural and ecohydrological perspectives. This approach seeks to advance the development of scalable indicators of eco-resilience, supporting forest management strategies under future climate scenarios.