Land Use Change and Driving Force Analysis of the Ten Tributaries Basin in the Yellow River Basin from 1986 to 2020

Abstract

[Objective] The Ten Tributaries Basin, an important part of Yellow River Jizi Bay, exhibits a sensitive and fragile ecological environment. Investigating the alterations in land use and identifying the driving forces behind these changes are essential for fostering high-quality development within the Yellow River Basin, which holds significant ecological implications. [Methods] Employing remote sensing images from the years 1986, 2000, 2010 and 2020, This study analyzed the land use changes in the Ten Tributaries Basin using the spatial analysis via ArcMap 10.8 and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). [Results] The results showed a gradual expansion in forestland, construction land, and cultivated land over the periods studied, while unused land, grassland, and water bodies demonstrated a reduction trend. By 2020, forestland had emerged as the predominant land category, covering an area of 6 308.43 km2, accounting for 59.99% of the total area. The highest comprehensive dynamic attitude was observed between 2010 and 2020 at 1.59%, indicating the most substantial changes in land use during this period. The plain area, with its relatively flat terrain, witnessed expansions in cultivated land and construction land. In contrast, due to ecological management policies and projects, the sandstorm area saw a transformation of unused land into forestland and grassland, especially evident in the eastern sandstorm area. A small proportion transformed into photovoltaic power generation areas in the central sandstorm area. In the hilly area, the primary shift was from unused land to forestland, although a minimal conversion from forestland to industrial and mining area occurred in the southeastern hilly area due to the region’s advanced industrial and mining activities. Water bodies within the Tributaries Basin decreased by 75.81 km2, whereas the cultivated land along the coast increased significantly, except in the northern plain area. Land use change was mainly driven by socio-economic factors, agricultural productivity, topographical conditions, and policy initiatives. [Conclusion] Over the past 35 years, the Ten Tributaries Basin has experienced considerable land use changes, with a notable positive shift in overall ecological conditions. The results of this study provide a scientific reference for policy-making entities in formulating ecological protection policies within the Yellow River Basin.

Keywords

• land use
• spatio-temporal evolution
• driving force
• ten tributaries basin