Research on Groundwater Drought and Sustainability in Badain Jaran Desert and Surrounding Areas Based on GRACE Satellite

Xiaojun Liu, Naiang Wang (), Yixin Wang, Nan Meng, Yuchen Wang, Bin Qiao, Rongzhu Lu and Dan Yang
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Xiaojun Liu: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
Naiang Wang: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
Yixin Wang: Tourism School, Lanzhou University of Arts and Science, Lanzhou 730030, China
Nan Meng: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
Yuchen Wang: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
Bin Qiao: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
Rongzhu Lu: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
Dan Yang: College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Groundwater plays a crucial role in the formation of the Badain Jaran Desert-Sand Dune Lake System, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024. However, the region’s wetland ecosystem is significantly impacted by climate change and human activities. This study utilizes GRACE satellite data and in situ observation data to establish a groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) time series for the Badain Jaran Desert and its surrounding areas (BJDCA) from 2003 to 2022. The analysis reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of groundwater drought and sustainability, as well as the underlying factors affecting regional groundwater sustainability. The results indicate that 99.2% of the study area exhibited a significant decline in GWSA (α ≤ 0.01), with the annual mean GRACE Groundwater Drought Index (GGDI) dropping from 1.44 to −1.54, reflecting a worsening groundwater drought. In 2022, the GGDI in the southeastern part of the BJDCA reached as low as −3.04, highlighting severe groundwater stress. Furthermore, the Sustainability Index (SI) of the study area declined markedly from 1.00 to 0.01, underscoring the critical impact of human activities on groundwater resources in the BJDCA. These findings provide valuable insights for formulating more effective groundwater resource management policies and promoting sustainable development in arid regions.

Keywords: groundwater drought; GRACE; Badain Jaran Desert; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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