Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Forces of Ecological Environment Quality in the Qinling Mountains, China

Jiachen Liu, Tao Xie (), Du Lyu, Lu Cui and Qiuman Liu
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Jiachen Liu: College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China
Tao Xie: School of Artificial Intelligence, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
Du Lyu: Shaanxi Satellite Application Center for Natural Resources, Xi’an 710002, China
Lu Cui: Shaanxi Satellite Application Center for Natural Resources, Xi’an 710002, China
Qiuman Liu: Shaanxi Satellite Application Center for Natural Resources, Xi’an 710002, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: The Qinling Mountains serve as a vital ecological barrier for China, needing regular monitoring for sustainable progress. The present study analyzed the Qinling Mountains (sections in Shaanxi province) via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Landsat images, constructing a Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) for quantitatively analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of the ecological environment quality from 1990 to 2020. Additionally, this study integrated geodetector and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to discern the driving factors influencing ecological quality. The results indicated the following: (1) over the 30 years, the RSEI in the study area initially declined (1990–2005) and then began to improve (2005–2020), demonstrating an overall upward trend; (2) RSEI varied with topography: lower values corresponded to lower elevations (<1200 m) and gentle slopes (<10°), whereas higher values were linked to higher elevations (>1600 m) and steeper slopes (>20°); and (3) NDVI, DEM, land use, and the presence of protected areas emerged as the main driving forces of ecological quality. The interaction between ecological conservation policies and socioeconomic factors enhanced the explanatory strength for the differentiation in ecological environment quality. In conclusion, factors like increased vegetation cover and the establishment of protected areas have significantly promoted the improvement of ecological environment quality in the Qinling region, making this study a scientific reference for providing ecological environment protection and promoting high-quality development.

Keywords: Qinling Mountains; China; ecological environment quality; Remote Sensing Ecological Index; Google Earth Engine; spatial and temporal change; geodetector; multiscale geographically weighted regression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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