Spatial-temporal pattern evolution and geological influence factors analysis of ecological vulnerability in Western Sichuan mountain region

Abstract

Compared to plains, hills and basins, mountainous areas with complex topography are more prone to ecological and environment vulnerability to climate change, human interference and geological disasters. This type of region is usually located in abrupt transitional zones, which marked by active neotectonic movements, high-incidence mountain disasters, abundant available resources, slower economic development, diverse eco-environment and insufficient cultivated land resources. Therefore, it is of great significance to determ the vulnerability status and spatial–temporal change process of the eco-environment in mountainous area with complex topography. In this study, data derived from vegetation, topography, soil, meteorological and human social factors were used to develop an evaluation index system that can reflect the characteristics of the eco-environment in the mountain area. Employing the Genetic Projection Tracing Model (RAGA-PPM), we developed a framework for assessing the vulnerability of mountainous areas with complex terrains and applied it to the western Sichuan mountain region, China. In addition, the relationship between the geological factors and the vulnerability of eco-environment was quantitatively analyzed by using the geographic detector. The results indicate that (1) The overall vulnerability was medium and the spatial distribution was higher in the central and eastern parts and lower in the surrounding areas. The area with high vulnerability accounted for 27.9%. (2) The overall degree of vulnerability increased from2010 to 2020, the eco-environment experienced a rapid deterioration from 2010 to 2015, followed by a slower improvement from 2015 to 2020. (3) Correlations were minimal between vulnerability results and fault density and earthquake dynamic peak acceleration, the influence of other geological factors ranged from 10% to 25.8%, indicating a nonlinear correlation. (4) This study reveals that the ecological vulnerability of mountain areas was the effect of multiple human and natural factors, and there was a certain correlation between geological environment and vulnerability distribution. These findings can assist decision-makers in providing a scientific basis for managing and developing the ecological environment in mountainous regions.