Landscape Dynamics of the Mu Us Sandy Land Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Images

Bingqiang Fei, Huirong Ma, Jie Yin, Lingguang Zhang, Jia Li, Xiaomin Xiu, Dezheng Zhou, Yingjun Pang, Yandong Zhang, Xiaohong Jia and Bo Wu ()
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Bingqiang Fei: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Huirong Ma: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Jie Yin: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Lingguang Zhang: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Jia Li: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Xiaomin Xiu: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Dezheng Zhou: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Yingjun Pang: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Yandong Zhang: Otog Front Banner Forestry Ecological Protection Center, Ordos 016200, China
Xiaohong Jia: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Bo Wu: Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: This study meticulously investigates landscape alterations within the Mu Us Sandy Land, a critical region for desertification control in China. The research dissects the dynamic characteristics and inter-conversion of landscape elements across eleven distinct periods by employing multi-source remote sensing imagery spanning 1963 to 2020, alongside visual interpretation, random forest classification, and the desertification difference index (DDI). The analysis uncovers significant landscape transformations within the Mu Us Sandy Land over the past six decades, following a precise chronological sequence. A pivotal shift occurred around 1986, characterized by opposing trends within fixed and shifting sandy land. The earlier stage (pre-1986) witnessed a substantial decrease (66.9%) in the fixed sandy land area, accompanied by a corresponding rise (38.7%) in shifting sandy land. Conversely, the later stage (post-1986) era exhibited a remarkable increase (309.7%) in fixed sandy land, alongside a significant decline (78.9%) in shifting sand land coverage. This study identifies two stages of landscape transformation: a pre-1986 phase dominated by the conversion of fixed sandy land to semi-fixed sandy land and a post-1986 reversal toward shifting sand land into fixed sandy land. These sequential transformations have shaped the landscape pattern alterations observed in the Mu Us Sandy Land since 1963. The dramatic landscape improvements observed after 1986 can be primarily attributed to the implementation and continued investment in large-scale ecological restoration projects. This study’s findings, which reveal the intricate landscape dynamics and their implications for ecosystem management, provide a scientific foundation for refining and formulating comprehensive strategies to control desertification and manage the Mu Us Sandy Land’s unique ecosystem.

Keywords: Mu Us Sandy Land; multi-source remote sensing images; landscape pattern; transfer matrix (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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