Analysis of long-term wetland variations in China using land use/land cover dataset derived from Landsat images

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and regulating climate. In this paper, 30 m resolution land use/land cover (LULC) data (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) were employed to analyze the characteristics of spatial and temporal changes in the distribution of wetlands in China and their evolution patterns in the last two decades. The results indicated that the total area of wetlands in China showed an increasing trend during 2000–2020. During the study period, provinces with more increase in wetland area were concentrated in Qinghai Province, Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. And the provinces with more reduction in wetland area were mainly in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The analysis of wetland change driving mechanism by introducing PLS-SEM model and GWR model found that good climate conditions as well as agricultural and economic conditions are favorable for wetland conservation in 2000–2020, while accelerated urbanization and population growth showed negative effects on wetland change. The spatial distribution pattern of wetland and NPP (Net Primary Production) changes showed spatial consistency in the extent of NPP changes and wetland transfer. The results of this study are intended to provide a basis for wetland conservation, rational use of wetland resources and scientific restoration in China.