Construction and application of the diagnostic indicator system of wetland health based on remote sensing

Abstract

Known as “the kidney of earth”, wetland is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, with huge environmental functions and ecological benefits. Remote sensing technology can obtain wetland-related parameters at a large scale repeatedly, making large-scale and rapid wetland ecosystem health assessment possible. In this study, we construct the “Element-Landscape-Society” conceptual model based on the wetland water, soil and vegetation element, which is consistent with the wetland ecosystem characteristics. Then as many as 18 indicators were selected and a diagnostic indicator system of wetland health was established based on remote sensing which is suitable for different types of wetlands in different regions. Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, the weights for all the indicators were acquired and this indicator system was applied in the Ruoergai wetland in Sichuan, China. This study can provide reference in the monitoring and diagnosis of wetland health, which would be helpful for the wetland protection and utilization.