Environmental Dynamics for Central Dry Zone Area of Myanmar

Abstract

The main aim of this research work is to create environmental profile in central dry zone area of Myanmar due to harsh climatic conditions. In the study region the adverse effects of climate change are believed to be a major constraint to uncertain ecosystem. Theses extreme climatic events are likely to increase in frequency and magnitude of serious drought periods and extreme floods. For environmental dynamics, we did vulnerability assessment in ArcGIS software by following indicators: discharge change, climate moisture, drained area, flood risk, irrigation, evapotranspiration, precipitation, surface runoff, nitrogen load and population distribution. The analysis provides some interesting methodological insights about the potential of public macro-scale datasets for environmental assessment. Results show that northeast part and Ayeyarwaddy basin of the study area are the most intensive land use and have high population density. Results were further discussed for land cover classes with their elevation information that experience relatively most pressure in terms of examined indicators in the study area. They are also home to important ecosystems and are sensitive to changes in upstream areas. This research work presents a concise and spatially distributed view of the environmental dynamics of central dry zone of Myanmar with Ayeyarwaddy basin. The spatial approach allowed the analysis of different indicators, providing a platform for data integration as well as a visually powerful overview of the study area.