Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Quantifying the vertical distribution pattern of land-use conversion in the loess hilly region of northern Shaanxi Province 1995–2015

  • Published:
Journal of Geographical Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The mountainous and hilly region plays an important role in ecological safety and production in China. However, recent studies have poorly characterized the parallel structure of land use in the valleys of the mountainous and hilly region using topographic factors (e.g. elevation, slope, aspect). Here, the loess hilly region of northern Shaanxi Province is used as a representative case area to analyze the vertical distribution pattern of land-use conversion using the relative elevation concept and the HAND index. The differences in the vertical structure of land-use conversion between absolute elevation and relative elevation were compared. We found that the classifications of absolute and relative elevation had similar proportions of each relative elevation grade in each absolute elevation grade. Cropland, woodland, and grassland were distributed evenly in each grade of absolute/relative elevation, while water body, built-up land and unused land were more likely to spread in low grades of relative elevation than those of absolute elevation. The land-use conversion (i.e. loss of cropland and gain in woodland and built-up land) showed an apparently stepped distribution with relative elevation classification, suitable for revealing vertical distributions of land-use conversion in the loess hilly region. Cropland transformed to woodland was mainly distributed in high grade of relative elevation, decreasing with a decrease in grades, while built-up land transformed from cropland and grassland was mainly distributed in low grade of relative elevation, decreasing with increases in grades. The grade of relative elevation where cropland transformed to woodland descended with the implementation of the Grain for Green Project. Our results suggest that it is better to analyze the vertical distribution of land-use conversion with relative elevation classification in hilly regions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bai Jianjun, Bai Jiangtao, Wang Lei, 2014. Spatio-temporal change of vegetation NDVI and its relations with regional climate in northern Shaanxi Province in 2000–2010. Scientia Geographica Sinica, 34(7): 882–888. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cao Zhi, Li Yurui, Liu Yansui et al., 2018. When and where did the Loess Plateau turn “green”? Analysis of the tendency and breakpoints of the normalized difference vegetation index. Land Degradation & Development, 29: 162–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang Yue, Hou Kang, Li Xuxiang et al., 2018. Review of land use and land cover change research progress. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 113: 012087.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Guojie, 2007. Some considerations on strategy of development of mountain regions of China. Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 22(2): 126–131. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Yiping, Wang Kaibo, Lin Yishan et al., 2015. Balancing green and grain trade. Nature Geoscience, 8: 739–741.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Lollo J A, Marteli A N, Lorandi R, 2019. Flooding susceptibility identification using the HAND algorithm tool supported by land use/land cover data. In: IAEG/AEG Annual Meeting Proceedings, San Francisco, California, 2018, 2: 107–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Han Jianping, Jia Ningfeng, 2010. Relationship between topographic factor and land use: A case study of Zhuanyaogou watershed. Chinese Journal of Eco-Agriculture, 18(5): 1071–1075. (in Chinese)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang Shoubo, 1986. Advance in the investigation of the topographical microclimate in China (sum up). Geographical Research, 5(2): 90–101. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar R S, Chinnaiah K, Kumar B V S, 2012. Detection studies of land use/land cover changes in Sandur Taluk, Bellary district, Karnataka, India, using remote sensing and GIS techniques. International Journal of Earth Sciences & Engineering, 5(1): 133–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Jingjing, Li Zhi, Lü Zhemin, 2016. Analysis of spatiotemporal variations in land use on the Loess Plateau of China during 1986–2010. Environmental Earth Sciences, 75(11): 997.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Wangjun, Lü Changhe, 2015. Aridity trend and response to vegetation restoration in the loess hilly region of northern Shaanxi Province. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 25(3): 289–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Xiubin, 2002. Explanation of land use changes. Progress in Geography, 21(3): 195–203. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Yurui, Cao Zhi, Long Hualou et al., 2017. Dynamic analysis of ecological environment combined with land cover and NDVI changes and implications for sustainable urban-rural development: The case of Mu Us Sandy Land, China. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142: 697–715.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Jiyuan, Liu Mingliang, Zhuang Dafang et al., 2003. Study on spatial pattern of land-use change in China during 1995–2000. Science in China (Series D), 46(4): 373–384.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Jiyuan, Zhang Zengxiang, Xu Xinliang et al., 2010. Spatial patterns and driving forces of land use change in China during the early 21st century. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 20(4): 483–494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, 2018. Introduction to land use and rural sustainability in China. Land Use Policy, 74(5): 1–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Fang Fang, Li Yuheng, 2014. Key issues of land use in China and implications for policy making. Land Use Policy, 40(4): 6–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Guo Yanjun, Li Yurui et al., 2015. GIS-based effect assessment of soil erosion before and after gully land consolidation: A case study of Wangjiagou project region, Loess Plateau. Chinese Geographical Science, 25: 137–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Jin Xiaoyan, Hu Yecui, 2006. Study on the pattern of rural distinctive eco-economy based on land resources: A case study of Suide county in Loess Hilly Areas. Journal of Natural Resources, 21(5): 738–745. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Li Yuheng, 2014. China’s land creation project stands firm. Nature, 511: 410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Li Yuheng, 2017. Revitalize the world’s countryside. Nature, 548(7667): 275–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Yang Yuanyuan, Li Yurui et al., 2017. Conversion from rural settlements and arable land under rapid urbanization in Beijing during 1985–2010. Journal of Rural Studies, 51: 141–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yansui, Zhang Ziwen, Zhou Yang, 2018a. Efficiency of construction land allocation in China: An econometric analysis of panel data. Land Use Policy, 74: 261–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Zhengjia, Liu Yansui, Li Yurui, 2018b. Anthropogenic contributions dominate trends of vegetation cover change over the farming-pastoral ecotone of northern China. Ecological Indicators, 95: 370–378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Zhengjia, Liu Yansui, Li Yurui, 2019. Extended warm temperate zone and opportunities for cropping system change in the Loess Plateau of China. International Journal of Climatology, 39: 658–669.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lü Yihe, Fu Bojie, Feng Xiaoming et al., 2012. A policy-driven large scale ecological restoration: Quantifying ecosystem services changes in the Loess Plateau of China. PLoS One, 7: e31782.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ning Jia, Liu Jiyuan, Kuang Wenhui et al., 2018. Spatiotemporal patterns and characteristics of land-use change in China during 2010–2015. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 28(5): 547–562.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nobre A D, Cuartas L A, Hodnett M et al., 2011. Height above the nearest drainage: A hydrologically relevant new terrain model. Journal of Hydrology, 404(1/2): 13–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park T, Lee W K, Woo S Y et al., 2011. Assessment of land-cover change using GIS and remotely-sensed data: A case study in Ain Snoussi area of northern Tunisia. Forest Science and Technology, 7(2): 75–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin C Z, Gao H R, Zhu L J et al., 2018. Spatial optimization of watershed best management practices based on slope position units. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 73(5): 504–517.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin Chengzhi, Zhu Axing, Shi Xun et al., 2009. Quantification of spatial gradation of slope positions. Geomorphology, 110: 152–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reis S, 2008. Analyzing land use/land cover changes using remote sensing and GIS in Rize, North-East Turkey. Sensors, 8(10): 6188–6202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rennó C D, Nobre A D, Cuartas L A et al., 2008. HAND, a new terrain descriptor using SRTM-DEM: Mapping terra-firme rainforest environments in Amazonia. Remote Sensing of Environment, 112(9): 3469–3481.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tang Guoan, Yang Xin, 2015. ArcGIS Geographic Information System Spatial Analysis Experiment Tutorial. 2nd ed. Beijing: Science Press. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarboton D G, 1997. A new method for the determination of flow directions and contributing areas in grid digital elevation models. Water Resources Research, 33(2): 309–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tesfa T K, Tarboton D G, Watson D W et al., 2011. Extraction of hydrological proximity measures from DEMs using parallel processing. Environmental Modelling & Software, 26: 1696–1709.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Qixiang, Fan Xiaohui, Qin Zuodong et al., 2012. Changes trends of temperature and precipitation in the Loess Plateau region of China, 1961–2010. Global and Planetary Change, 92/93: 138–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Shuai, Fu Bojie, Piao Shilong et al., 2015. Reduced sediment transport in the Yellow River due to anthropogenic changes. Nature Geoscience, 9: 38–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xin Zhongbao, Xu Jiongxin, Zheng Wei, 2008. Spatiotemporal variations of vegetation cover on the Chinese Loess Plateau (1981–2006): Impacts of climate changes and human activities. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 1: 67–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Baoqing, Wu Pute, Zhao Xining et al., 2012. Changes in vegetation condition in areas with different gradients (1980–2010) on the Loess Plateau, China. Environmental Earth Sciences, 68(8): 2427–2438.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Yi, Tang Guoan, Yang Xin et al., 2010. Positive and negative terrains on northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 20(1): 64–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu Liangjun, Zhu Axing, Qin Chengzhi et al., 2018. Automatic approach to deriving fuzzy slope positions. Geomorphology, 304: 173–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Prof. Chengzhi Qin and Dr. Liangjun Zhu for the guidance and support on the AutoFuzSlpPos algorithm.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China

    Zhi Cao, Yurui Li & Zhengjia Liu

  2. Center for Assessment and Research on Targeted Poverty Alleviation, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China

    Zhi Cao, Yurui Li & Zhengjia Liu

  3. Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China

    Lingfan Yang

Authors
  1. Zhi Cao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yurui Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhengjia Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Lingfan Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yurui Li.

Additional information

Foundation: National Key Research and Development Program of China, No.2017YFC0504701; National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41801175; Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China, No.2018M631558

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cao, Z., Li, Y., Liu, Z. et al. Quantifying the vertical distribution pattern of land-use conversion in the loess hilly region of northern Shaanxi Province 1995–2015. J. Geogr. Sci. 29, 730–748 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-019-1624-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-019-1624-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation