Abstract
Blowout is the initial form of sand steppe, sand belts, or dunes; the continuous development of blowouts leads to desertification expansion and ecological degradation. The study area is a typical blowout area of 30762 hm2 near a sand belt north of the Hulunbuir Grassland. Seven images from Landsat TM (30 m) taken in 1984, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016 were analyzed using ArcGIS and FRAGSTATS software and the landscape pattern index method to investigate the spatial pattern change of blowouts. The results show that the distribution of blowouts is intensive, primarily comprising blowouts < 10 hm2, with the largest blowout in the study area being equal to 96.59 hm2. There was a significant correlation among blowout patch area, shape index, and fractal dimension. The long axis of the blowouts is consistent with the prevailing wind. As the blowout area increases, it forms a saucer-trough irregular shape. In summary, although there is a wide blowout distribution, there is a local aggregation distribution in certain areas resulting in significant landscape fragmentation. As a result, there is a risk of blowout fragments forming a large area of sandy land or partially broken sand dune landforms. To prevent desertification, corresponding measures for vegetation restoration should be implemented during early-stage blowouts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
