Evolution of landscape patterns and driving forces in rural areas of the Fuchun River Basin

Abstract

At the optimal analysis granularity and extent, this study reveals the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of landscape patterns in rural areas of the Fuchun River Basin from 1990 to 2020. It also explores the spatiotemporal differentiation of driving forces using Geodetector and Geographically Weighted Regression. The results indicate that: 1) The optimal analysis granularity for the study area is 30 m × 30 m, and the optimal analysis extent is 200 m. 2) Compared to the 1990s, the past two decades have seen an increased degree of landscape fragmentation, higher isolation, and stronger human disturbance in the study area, with significant differentiation. These changes are most pronounced in the semi-urbanized areas along the river and in the northern regions. 3) Digital Elevation Model and land cover type are the most critical driving factors. Over time, the explanatory power of most driving factors shows an overall increasing trend. 4) There is a significant spatial heterogeneity in the driving forces. The influence of the Digital Elevation Model and slope is stronger in the north and south, weaker in the central region, while the influence of temperature increases from north to south. The impact of land cover type is stronger in the central area and weaker in the periphery. This study provides a reference for the scientific use of land resources and the protection of ecological spaces in rural areas within highly urbanized regions at the basin scale.