A preliminary study on the theory and method of comprehensive regionalization of cryospheric services

Abstract

As one of the five most important spheres affecting climate systems globally, the cryosphere not only exerts crucial impacts on natural environment, but also plays a key role in guaranteeing the goods and services provision of the oasis in the cold and arid regions. However, there is a lack of synthesized knowledge about the contributions and profitability on socio-economic aspects of the cryospheric services (CSs). To cope with this key and urgent sustainable development issues, this study constructs a comprehensive regionalization research system that integrates the natural and socio-economic aspects for cryospheric characteristics with emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. Guided by the supply-demand equilibrium model and the service maximization model, the research system consists of establishing a classification system for CSs, identifying the spatial distribution pattern of CSs, and constructing the comprehensive regionalization of CSs, which finally divides the research area into relatively independent, complete, and organically linked CS units of multiple spatial levels. By setting up a bridge between the CSs with socio-economic needs, it has profound and practical significance and implications for implementing the sustainable utilization strategies and macroeconomic policymaking for global environmental protection. Keywords: Principle, Method, Service, Comprehensive regionalization, Cryosphere