Characterization and interaction of driving factors in karst rocky desertification: a case study from Changshun, China
As the most severe ecological issue in southwest China, karst rocky desertification (KRD) has both threatened and constrained regional sustainable development. Comprehensively understanding the relationship between the evolution of KRD and relevant driving data would provide more information to comb...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2014-12-01
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| Series: | Solid Earth |
| Online Access: | http://www.solid-earth.net/5/1329/2014/se-5-1329-2014.pdf |
| Summary: | As the most severe ecological issue in southwest China,
karst rocky desertification (KRD) has both threatened and constrained
regional sustainable development. Comprehensively understanding the
relationship between the evolution of KRD and relevant driving data would
provide more information to combat KRD in such complex karst environments.
Past studies have been limited in quantifying the relative importance of
driving factors influencing fine-scale KRD evolution, and have also lacked
insight into their interactive impacts. To address these issues, we have
used geographical information system techniques and a geographical detector
model to explore the spatial consistency of driving factors and their
interactions in relation to the evolution of KRD. Changshun County in China
was selected as a representative area for the study. Nine relevant driving
factors, including both natural and anthropogenic factors, were studied in
regard to their relationships with KRD transformation between 2000 and 2010.
Our results demonstrate the relative importance of driving data in
influencing the improvement and deterioration of KRD. Lithology, soil type
and road influence are identified as the leading factors. Interestingly, to
our study at least, there is no significant difference between the impacts
of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing KRD improvement, and even
natural factors have a higher impact on KRD deterioration. Factors were
found to enhance the influence of each other for KRD transformation. In
particular, the results show a non-linearly enhanced effect between driving
factors, which significantly aggravates KRD. New information found in our
study helps to effectively control and restore areas afflicted by KRD. |
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| ISSN: | 1869-9510 1869-9529 |