Sustainability

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21 pages, 5901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Variation of Land Use and Vegetation in the Three–North Shelter Forest Program Area from 2000 to 2020

by Cong Zhang, Xiaojun Yao, Guoyu Wang, Huian Jin, Te Sha, Xinde Chu, Juan Zhang and Juan Cao

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16489; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416489 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1401

Abstract

The Three–North Shelter Forest Program Area (TNSFPA), covering the three subregions of Northwest, North and Northeast China, is an important green ecological barrier in northern China. Research on spatiotemporal variation of land use and vegetation in this area can help us understand the [...] Read more.

The Three–North Shelter Forest Program Area (TNSFPA), covering the three subregions of Northwest, North and Northeast China, is an important green ecological barrier in northern China. Research on spatiotemporal variation of land use and vegetation in this area can help us understand the evolution of vegetation recovery. Based on MODIS image data, we built a dataset including land use/cover, annual and seasonal vegetation coverage and vegetation productivity in the TNSFPA from 2000 to 2020, then analyzed their spatiotemporal dynamics’ characteristics and further explored the driving factors. The results demonstrate that 90.05% of land area in the TNSFPA remained unchanged from 2001 to 2020. The area of barren decreased, whereas the area of all other land use types increased. From 2000 to 2020, the vegetation coverage generally presented a spatial pattern of high in the east and low in the west, and the interannual fluctuation of high coverage area was small. More than 90% of the TNSFPA had an increasing vegetation coverage (0.41%·a⁻¹), with the change rates of 0.51%·a⁻¹, 0.54%·a⁻¹ and 0.37%·a⁻¹ in Northeast, North and Northwest China, respectively. The spatial distribution of vegetation productivity was generally consistent with the vegetation coverage, and the interannual fluctuation in areas with low productivity was small. The area with an increasing vegetation productivity (3.41 gC·m⁻²·a⁻¹) occupied 51.66% of the TNSFPA, mainly in the basic stable state and significantly increased state. The change rates in Northeast, North and Northwest China were 7.34 gC·m⁻²·a⁻¹, 6.72 gC·m⁻²·a⁻¹ and 2.10 gC·m⁻²·a⁻¹, respectively. The vegetation coverage and productivity were positively correlated with climate factors, and the correlation with precipitation is significantly higher than that with temperature. The ecological protection and restoration activities in the TNSFPA have accelerated the recovery of the vegetation ecosystem. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of population has led to the acceleration of urbanization. The intensification of the interaction between humans and land has led to the reclamation and development of barren, which has a great impact on the small–scale vegetation ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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18 pages, 8459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation and Influencing Factors of Cloud Characteristics over Qinghai Lake from 2006 to 2019

by Lin Li, Meiping Sun and Jing Mei

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911935 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1595

Abstract

Clouds are an indispensable part of climate change, and the occurrence and development of clouds in the Qinghai Lake area (QHL) have great significance for the regional energy budget and precipitation system. To a certain extent, clouds will affect the water resources, agriculture, [...] Read more.

Clouds are an indispensable part of climate change, and the occurrence and development of clouds in the Qinghai Lake area (QHL) have great significance for the regional energy budget and precipitation system. To a certain extent, clouds will affect the water resources, agriculture, animal husbandry, and photovoltaic power industry in this region. In this study, we used CloudSat satellite data, combined with meteorological elements and atmospheric circulation, to analyze the cloud occurrence frequency and cloud water content in QHL. The results demonstrate that the frequency of cloud occurrences in QHL is 33% with a decreasing trend from 2006 to 2019. Altostratus and Nimbostratus are the main types of cloud systems in QHL. The cloud ice water content is 62.21 mg/m³ and the cloud liquid water content is 261.66 mg/m³. The highest value of the vertical cloud fraction occurs from March to June, at a height of 7–11 km in QHL. The height of the mixed-phase clouds is approximately 4–8 km and the ice clouds are above 8 km. The vertical distribution of ice particles is relatively dispersed, while the vertical distribution of liquid particles is relatively concentrated. The time and height of high particle effective radius and high particle concentration are consistent with the high value of cloud water content. The decrease in total cloud occurrence frequency in QHL is caused by the increase in temperature. This study helps to clarify the detailed structure of clouds and the distribution of cloud water resources, which has an important reference value for the study of climate change impact and the sustainable development of lake resources in QHL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 28045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Change of Xiao Qaidam Lake from 1990 to 2020 and Its Potential Hazards

by Yu Wang, Xiaojun Yao, Na Hu, Te Sha and Xinde Chu

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11372; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811372 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1428

Abstract

In the climatic context of warming and humidification in Northwest China, most lakes in Qinghai Province experienced a rising water level and expanding area, inundating grassland and infrastructure around lakes, and even extreme events such as lake outburst floods. Based on Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI [...] Read more.

In the climatic context of warming and humidification in Northwest China, most lakes in Qinghai Province experienced a rising water level and expanding area, inundating grassland and infrastructure around lakes, and even extreme events such as lake outburst floods. Based on Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI and GF PMS images, lake water level data, SRTM digital elevation model (DEM), GlobeLand30 and meteorological data used in this study, we analyzed the area change of Xiao Qaidam Lake in Qaidam Basin with its causes, factors and potential hazards. The results show that the area of Xiao Qaidam Lake increased by 60.42 km² (85.43%) from 1990 to 2020, which can be roughly divided into three stages: fluctuation decline in 1990–2001 (−1.89 km²/a); relatively stable in 2002–2014; and rapid expansion in 2015–2020 (8.54 km²/a). In 2020, the water level and water volume of Xiao Qaidam Lake increased by 3.62 m and 0.39 km³, respectively, compared with 2015, resulting in the inundation of an area of 54.55 km² of grassland around the lake and a direct threat to the Liuge and Dexiao Expressways. Both the increase in annual precipitation (12.63 mm/10a) and the decrease in potential evapotranspiration (−13.38 mm/10a) since 1990 are the main reasons for the rapid expansion of Xiao Qaidam Lake, and the increasing trend of climate warming and humidification will lead to the continuous expansion of Xiao Qaidam Lake in the next decades. According to the water volume growth rate from 2015 to 2020, it is predicted that by 2024 the area and water level of Xiao Qaidam Lake will reach 154 km² and 3180 m, respectively, and part of Liuge and Dexiao Expressways will be submerged. Therefore, it is urgent to strengthen the monitoring of Xiao Qaidam Lake and formulate corresponding disaster prevention and reduction measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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13 pages, 4540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Gridded Precipitation and Air Temperature Products in the Ayakkum Lake, Central Asia

by Shengjie Wang, Hongyang Li, Mingjun Zhang, Lihong Duan, Xiaofan Zhu and Yanjun Che

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10654; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710654 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1529

Abstract

We evaluated the performance of gridded precipitation and air temperature datasets near the Ayakkum Lake at the southern margin of Xinjiang, arid central Asia. Statistical measures were applied to assess these climate products on a monthly basis from 2013 to 2018. For monthly [...] Read more.

We evaluated the performance of gridded precipitation and air temperature datasets near the Ayakkum Lake at the southern margin of Xinjiang, arid central Asia. Statistical measures were applied to assess these climate products on a monthly basis from 2013 to 2018. For monthly precipitation amount, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis 5 shows a good performance among the five products based on most statistical measures, and the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset can also be used as an alternative, especially for estimating the long-term annual mean. For monthly air temperature, WorldClim historical weather data are recommended because of the low mean absolute error, root mean square error and distance between indices of simulation and observation. Better spatial and temporal coverages of in-situ observations are still needed to produce an optimal correction scheme for the mountainous regions of arid central Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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11 pages, 4967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grain Size and Sedimentary Sorting Characteristics of Atmospheric Dust in the Cele Oasis, Southern Margin of Taklimakan Desert

by Yongchong Lin, Guijin Mu and Lishuai Xu

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8093; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138093 - 1 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

Grain size is a proxy indicator of airflow intensity and also provides a scientific basis for the prevention of dust hazards. However, the variations in grain size characteristics that occur during transport and deposition processes are seldom discussed. Here, atmospheric dust samples were [...] Read more.

Grain size is a proxy indicator of airflow intensity and also provides a scientific basis for the prevention of dust hazards. However, the variations in grain size characteristics that occur during transport and deposition processes are seldom discussed. Here, atmospheric dust samples were collected before and after deposition in a sand–dust storm for grain size analysis. The results showed that the grain size distributions of the atmospheric dust were unimodal during transportation but always became bimodal after deposition. This indicates that the bimodal grain size distribution of the aeolian deposits was caused by sedimentary sorting. The coarse-grained component, which was between 20 and 200 μm, was mainly deposited during the sand–dust storm. Grain size may indicate the strength of the airflow field. The fine-grained component, which ranged in size from 0.4 to 20 μm, was mainly deposited after the sand–dust storm. This component can remain suspended in the atmosphere for a long period of time. Oasis shelterbelts can be used to reduce the fine-grained component of the dust aerosol through the interception of particles by foliage. The grain size variation found in this study from before to after sand–dust storm deposition deepens our understanding of the sediment sorting process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 6654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrochemical Characteristics and the Relationship between Surface and Groundwater in a Typical ‘Mountain–Oasis’ Ecosystem in Central Asia

by Congjian Sun, Shiyu Wang and Wei Chen

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7453; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127453 - 18 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Water environment monitoring is an important way to optimize the allocation and sustainable utilization of regional water resources and is beneficial for ensuring the security of regional water resources. In order to explore hydrochemical distributions in a mountain–oasis ecosystem in Central Asia, surface [...] Read more.

Water environment monitoring is an important way to optimize the allocation and sustainable utilization of regional water resources and is beneficial for ensuring the security of regional water resources. In order to explore hydrochemical distributions in a mountain–oasis ecosystem in Central Asia, surface water and groundwater samples from the Kaidu River basin were collected over four seasons. pH values, major ions, total dissolved solids (TDS) and stable isotopes were determined during the period from 2016 to 2017. The results showed: (1) that most water bodies in the study areas were mildly alkaline and that hydrochemical distributions showed significant seasonal and spatial variation; (2) that δD and δ¹⁸O in surface water and groundwater showed enrichment in summer and autumn and poverty in spring and winter, with higher δ¹⁸O values appearing in the oasis area and lower δ¹⁸O values appearing in the mountain area; (3) that most of the water bodies in the study areas were of HCO₃⁻Ca²⁺ type, with the hydrochemical types of groundwater presenting obvious spatial inconsistency relative to surface water; (4) that rock weathering was the main factor controlling hydrochemical composition in the study areas and that human activities had an influence on the groundwater environment in the oasis area; (5) and that surface water–groundwater interactions also displayed spatial inconsistency, especially in summer. The interaction between river water and groundwater was more obvious in the traditional oasis area, especially in spring and summer. The results will be important for regional water resource management and sustainable water utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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22 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Rural Livability Evaluation and Its Governance Path Based on the Left-Behind Perspective: Evidence from the Oasis Area of the Hexi Corridor in China

by Libang Ma, Yuqing Zhang, Zhihao Shi and Haojian Dou

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6714; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116714 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

The evaluation of rural livability for different groups of left-behind people and proposing classified governance paths are of great practical significance to solve the problem of sustainable development of left-behind villages. Taking Jinchang, China as an example, this paper aims to construct a [...] Read more.

The evaluation of rural livability for different groups of left-behind people and proposing classified governance paths are of great practical significance to solve the problem of sustainable development of left-behind villages. Taking Jinchang, China as an example, this paper aims to construct a rural livability evaluation index system based on identifying the types of left-behind villages, which combines the “individuality + commonality” of different left-behind subjects, analyzes the livability level of left-behind villages and proposes a classified governance path to help solve the problem of sustainable development of left-behind villages. The results show the following: (1) The types of left-behind villages are mainly left-behind children and left-behind elderly types, accounting for 68.75% of the total number of left-behind villages. (2) There are large differences in the livability of individual characteristics of the villages. The average livability for children is the largest, reaching 0.6608. The average livability for women is the smallest, being only 0.1418. The livability values for the elderly and children are mainly in the medium-value areas, while the livability for women is mainly in the low-value areas. (3) The overall livability level of the villages is low, mainly falling in the low-value areas. The evaluation units with values higher than the average accounted for 40.625% of the total. The level of meeting the demands of the left-behind population in villages is low. The overall levels of economic development, public services, infrastructure, and configuration need to be optimized and improved, and the living and production conditions need to be further improved. (4) According to “left-behind + livable”, we classified the villages into five types: optimizing and upgrading villages, improving short-board villages, balanced developing villages, upgrading potential villages, and comprehensive upgrading villages. In the future, it is necessary to carry out classified governance from various aspects, such as improving governance, making up for shortcomings, coordinating and balancing, and comprehensively improving quality to achieve the ultimate goal of sustainable rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 5633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recent Oasis Dynamics and Ecological Security in the Tarim River Basin, Central Asia

by Qifei Zhang, Congjian Sun, Yaning Chen, Wei Chen, Yanyun Xiang, Jiao Li and Yuting Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063372 - 13 Mar 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

As an important agricultural and gathering area in arid inland areas of China, the ecological environments of oasis areas are more sensitive to regional climate change and human activities. This paper investigates the dynamic evolution of the oases in the Tarim River basin [...] Read more.

As an important agricultural and gathering area in arid inland areas of China, the ecological environments of oasis areas are more sensitive to regional climate change and human activities. This paper investigates the dynamic evolution of the oases in the Tarim River basin (TRB) and quantitatively evaluates the regional ecological security of oases via a remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) and net primary productivity (NPP) through the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) from 2000 to 2020. The results indicate that the total plain oasis area in the TRB during the study period experienced an increasing trend, with the area expanding by 8.21%. Specifically, the artificial oases (cultivated and industrial land) showed a notable increase, whereas the natural oases (forests and grassland) exhibited an apparent decrease. Among the indictors of oasis change, the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) increased from 0.13 to 0.16, the fraction of vegetation cover (FVC) expanded by 36.79%, and NPP increased by 31.55%. RSEI changes indicated that the eco-environment of the TRB region went from poor grade to general grade; 69% of the region’s eco-environment improved, especially in western mountainous areas, and less than 5% of the regions’ eco-ecological areas were degraded, mainly occurring in the desert-oasis ecotone. Changes in land- use types of oases indicated that human activities had a more significant influence on oases expansion than natural factors. Our results have substantial implications for environment protection and sustainable economic development along the Silk Road Economic Belt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oasis Resources Environment and Sustainable Development)

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