Spatial pattern analysis on the functions of water resources economic–social–ecological complex system

Abstract

In order to realise the spatial equilibrium allocation of water resources in basin, a spatial pattern analysis model on the functions of water resources economic–social–ecological complex system (SP-FWESE) is constructed based on emergy analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The function indicators (function, function intensity, and function density) of the water resources economic–social–ecological complex system (FWESEs) are corrected by the outlier detection and optimal interpolation methods based on local outlier factor (LOF) after quantifying by the emergy analysis method and their spatial patterns (spatial distribution, spatial correlation, and spatial aggregation characteristics) are explored by spatial autocorrelation analysis. The model is applied to nine Yellow River Basin (YRB) provinces (regions) to study the spatial pattern of the FWESEs, which verify the feasibility of SP-FWESE model from theoretical research and practical application. Major findings are: (1) There are differences in the spatial distribution of FWESEs in provinces (regions) of the YRB, some measures should be taken to adjust the spatial distribution of FWESEs. (2) The Moran's I of FWESEs is greater than 0, indicating the FWESEs have potential correlation among provinces (regions). (3) FWESEs in each province (region) of the YRB have obvious spatial aggregation characteristics, and the development stages of each province (region) are different and uncoordinated. These findings provide policy suggestions for the optimal allocation of water resources in the YRB from the perspective of spatial patterns. In addition, SP-FWESE model is also suitable for studying the spatial pattern of FWESEs in other regions.