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Are land degradation and desertification worsening in Northern China? Quantitative evidence and enlightenment from satellites
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  • Zecheng Guo,
  • Yaowen Xie,
  • Hui Guo,
  • Xueyuan Zhang,
  • Xihuang Zhang,
  • Guilin Xi,
  • Changhui Ma,
  • Hanming Duan
Zecheng Guo
Lanzhou University

Corresponding Author:18709424424@163.com

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Yaowen Xie
Lanzhou Univ
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Hui Guo
Lanzhou University
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Xueyuan Zhang
Lanzhou University
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Xihuang Zhang
Lanzhou University
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Guilin Xi
Lanzhou University
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Changhui Ma
Lanzhou University
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Hanming Duan
Lanzhou University
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Abstract

Land degradation and desertification (LDD) has become one of the most urgent global environmental issues. The complexity of LDD make it difficult to quantify, how to monitor quickly and accurately has become the key to realize the sustainability for land resources. To achieve this target, firstly, a comprehensive index—land degradation and desertification status index (LDDSI) is built, which integrates the information in fractional vegetation cover (FVC), net primary productivity (NPP), albedo and modified temperature vegetation drought index (MTVDI) based on the spatial principal component analysis (SPCA). Then, identifies LDD from dynamics of land degradation and desertification status (LDDS) in 2001-2018. Based on this, we analyze the spatio-temporal process and driving mechanism of LDD in Northern China. The result indicates that: (a) LDDSI has a better monitoring performance, (b) LDD has been effectively alleviated, but the spatial distribution of LDDS maintains a high clustering pattern, which is difficult to be broken, (c) LDD in local regions is further expanded (1.75%) affected by many factors, which deserves our attention, and (d) the differences in climate, environmental backgrounds and human activities play a key role in LDDS and LDD. In addition, we assess the effectiveness of ecological projects implemented by the Chinese government. The current understanding in the change pattern and influencing mechanism for LDDS and LDD can provide a scientific basis for formulating ecological policies based on local conditions.
31 Dec 2021Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
04 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
04 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
03 Feb 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
03 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 May 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
27 Jun 20221st Revision Received
27 Jun 2022Submission Checks Completed
27 Jun 2022Assigned to Editor
04 Sep 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Oct 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Oct 20222nd Revision Received
30 Oct 2022Submission Checks Completed
30 Oct 2022Assigned to Editor
30 Oct 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Nov 2022Editorial Decision: Accept