Application of Remote Sensing for Karst Rocky Desertification in Southwest China

Abstract

Karst rocky desertification (KRD) is a special kind of desertification occurring in karst areas, which has caused a great impact on the natural environment, economy, and society in southwest China and has received wide attention from the government and researchers. Remote Sensing can monitor large area, and has fast and accurate data acquisition capability, which provides the scientific basis for evolution analysis and subsequent management of KRD and lays the foundation for conducting related research. This paper analyzes the application of Remote Sensing in the study of KRD in southwest China. Firstly, it introduces how Remote Sensing was used in the assessment of the severity of stone desertification, as well as the commonly used models and research ideas, summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and explains the advantages of using Remote Sensing. Then, the paper introduces how Remote Sensing was applied in the study of the correlation between geological factors, vegetation factors, and human factors and rocky desertification. Finally, the paper summarizes the possible prospect using Remote Sensing to assist KRD study. This paper expects to inspire researchers by summarizing and analyzing the common ways of Remote Sensing in the study of KRD in southwest China and hopes to enrich the Remote Sensing’ s usage to assist in the study of KRD in southwest China.