Landscape change and sandy desertification in arid areas: a case study in the Zhangye Region of Gansu Province, China |
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| Authors: | F Luo S Z Qi H L Xiao |
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| Institution: | (1) Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 260 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China;(2) College of Urban Development, Jinan University, No. 106 Jiwei Road, Jinan, 250022, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China;(3) College of Population, Resources and Environment, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, 250014, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China |
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| Abstract: | The Zhangye Region of Gansu Province is an important agricultural base in arid northwestern China. During the twentieth century, especially in the last five decades, the region has experienced sandy desertification. To document the status and causes of this deterioration, satellite images, meteorological and socioeconomic data to assess landscape change from 1993 to 2002 were interpreted and analyzed. The results show that during the intervening 9-year period the area of sandy lands has increased by 642.2 km2, which consist of aeolian sand dune (357.1 km2) and potential sandy land (216.3 km2). Although the development and reversion of sandy desertification co-exist, the sandy desertification in this area seems serious and is attributable to the irrational use of water and land. |
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| Keywords: | Sandy desertification Landscape type Zhangye Region Arid northwestern China |
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