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Spatiotemporal Evolution and Drivers of Ecological Quality in the Tengger Desert (2001–2021)

Author

Listed:
  • Feifei Dong

    (Desert Management College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China)

  • Fucang Qin

    (Desert Management College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
    Key Laboratory of State Forest Administration for Desert Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Hohhot 010018, China
    Inner Mongolia Academy of Forestry Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China)

  • Xiaoyu Dong

    (Desert Management College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China)

  • Yihan Wu

    (Desert Management College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China)

  • Kai Zhao

    (Desert Management College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China)

  • Longfei Zhao

    (Desert Management College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China)

Abstract

Desert ecosystems, particularly in arid regions like the Tengger Desert, are highly sensitive to both anthropogenic activities and climate change, making the monitoring and evaluation of ecological quality critical for sustainable management and restoration efforts. This study analyses the spatiotemporal evolution of ecological quality in the Tengger Desert from 2001 to 2021 using the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), incorporating meteorological factors (temperature, precipitation, wind speed), topographical factors (elevation, slope, relief) and anthropogenic indices (land use and land cover). The mean RSEI fluctuated between 0.1542 and 0.2906, indicating poor ecological quality, with a peak in 2008 attributed to national ecological projects. Despite initial improvements, overall ecological quality declined at a rate of 0.0008 a −1 from 2008 to 2021. Spatially, degradation was most pronounced in the central and southern areas. Due to sand-binding engineering in the Tengger Desert in 2008 and the mountain climate suitable for vegetation growth, improvements occurred in the northeast and southwest. Moran’s I and Hurst index analyses revealed significant spatial clustering of ecological quality and persistence of degradation trends, with over 49.53% of the area projected to experience further deterioration. Geodetector analysis identified land use and land use cover as the most influential factors on RSEI, especially in combination with wind speed, temperature, and precipitation, underscoring the role of both human activities and climate. The study highlights the need for sustained ecological management, particularly in areas showing continuous degradation, to prevent further ecological deterioration.

Suggested Citation

  • Feifei Dong & Fucang Qin & Xiaoyu Dong & Yihan Wu & Kai Zhao & Longfei Zhao, 2024. "Spatiotemporal Evolution and Drivers of Ecological Quality in the Tengger Desert (2001–2021)," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:11:p:1838-:d:1514357
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tianxiang Long & Zhuhui Bai & Bohong Zheng, 2024. "Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Forces of Ecological Environment Quality in Coastal Cities: A Remote Sensing and Land Use Perspective in Changle District, Fuzhou," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-20, August.
    2. Arshad, Salman & Ahmad, Sajid Rashid & Abbas, Sawaid & Asharf, Ather & Siddiqui, Nadia Asad & Islam, Zia ul, 2022. "Quantifying the contribution of diminishing green spaces and urban sprawl to urban heat island effect in a rapidly urbanizing metropolitan city of Pakistan," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    3. Gossling, Stefan & Hansson, Carina Borgstrom & Horstmeier, Oliver & Saggel, Stefan, 2002. "Ecological footprint analysis as a tool to assess tourism sustainability," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(2-3), pages 199-211, December.
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