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Arid Land Geography ›› 2024, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (5): 741-752.doi: 10.12118/j.issn.1000-6060.2023.480

• The Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spatiotemporal variations of vegetation in the Ili River Basin from 2000 to 2022

LI Yaqian1(), YANG Jianhua1, XIA Haobin1, WU Jianjun1,2()   

  1. 1. Academy of Eco-Civilization Development for Jing-Jin-Ji Megalopolis, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
    2. Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
  • Received:2023-09-10 Revised:2023-12-16 Online:2024-05-25 Published:2024-05-30
  • Contact: WU Jianjun E-mail:15205503050@163.com;jjwu@bnu.edu.cn

Abstract:

The Ili River Basin, spanning China and Kazakhstan, features a delicate ecological environment. Understanding the vegetation changes throughout the basin is essential for the region’s sustainable development. This study analyzed spatiotemporal vegetation variations in the Ili River Basin from 2000 to 2022, utilizing enhanced vegetation index data from MODIS. We examined vegetation change disparities within and outside China’s portion of the basin, among various vegetation types, and across different elevations. Our findings reveal: (1) Since 2000, vegetation conditions have generally improved across the Ili River Basin, notably in Kazakhstan, whereas a decline was observed within China. Degraded regions are predominantly at elevations between 1000 m and 3000 m. Grasslands and croplands exhibited positive trends, in contrast to forests. (2) Over the past 20 years, the Ili River Basin experienced minor vegetation fluctuations, with more pronounced variations within China. Grasslands encountered higher fluctuations compared to croplands and forests, and the 2500 m to 3000 m elevation range showed relatively stable vegetation. (3) Future projections indicate a prevailing positive trend in vegetation across the Ili River Basin, with approximately 52% of the areas expected to see ongoing improvement. Grasslands are anticipated to have higher improvement ratios than croplands and forests. Regions below 1000 m and above 3000 m in elevation are likely to experience sustained positive changes. This study’s insights into vegetation dynamics will inform ecological protection strategies in the Ili River Basin.

Key words: MODIS EVI, change trend, sustainability, the Ili River Basin