Karst Research Articles

The condition status index for doline lakes in urban areas

Karst represents approximately 15% of the planet’s surface, hundreds of millions of people live on and rely on these aquifers for water supply and agricultural irrigation. In karstic landscapes, groundwater is exposed in sinkholes, inundated caves, and artesian wells, which are two-way communication spots. When the phreatic level is exposed, the groundwater can change substantially as a result of anthropogenic impacts, modifying the water quality and the environmental integrity by incoming excess nutrients, contaminants, pathogens, and other hazardous substances such as metals and microplastics. In this paper, we develop and test a multimetric index to evaluate the condition status of dolines located within urban areas, including seven indicators: trophic index, fecal bacteria, fecal viruses, microplastics, heavy metals, zooplankton biodiversity, and fish biodiversity. Lastly, we made a proof of concept for the index in the dolines on the island of Cozumel (Mexico), resulting in evaluations from fair to good. The index is powerful due to its sensitivity to pathogens and exotic invasive species. This additive weighted index allows to assess the condition status of dolines in urban areas anywhere in the world; if required, modifications are possible.

Cave morphology and moonmilk deposits of Ryongmun Cavern, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: A Study for the Conservation of Natural Heritage

The Ryongmun Cavern, registered on the World Heritage Tentative List, is the largest and most beautiful karst cave on the Korean peninsula. The characteristics of the cave morphology and moonmilk deposits in the Ryongmun Cavern were studied. A cross section of the main direction of the cave shows that the Ryongmun Cavern is made up mainly of four strata and this caused 4 stages of decline in underground waterline in the course of cave formation. The cave is mainly characterized by NW–SE-trending, NWW–SEE-trending and NNE– SSW-trending passages. The horizontal passages usually have large and wide spaces, whereas the inclined ones are relatively small and narrow. The cave minerals in the Ryongmun Cavern are mainly calcite and aragonite. In the cave, stalactites, stalagmites, limestone columns, cave pearls, etc. Are calcite; and, anthodites are aragonite. In the cave, speleothems display a wonderful underground landscape in harmony with the cave bedrock and groundwater (streams, waterfalls and ponds). The main scenes of the underground karst landscape in the cave are stalactites, stalagmites, limestone columns, stone waterfalls anthodites, underground waterfalls, and underground ponds.The deposits that have been formed recently on the surface of speleothems and walls in the cave are mainly moonmilk composed of hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2•4H2O) with an average particle size of 0.55 μm and chemical composition of MgO–29.43% and CaO–6.28%. The moonmilk is present in a white, fine powder form, a hand-rubbed smooth, and a moisture content of 42.0%. Also, the pH is 10.09, which is alkaline. In the Ryongmun Cavern, moonmilk was formed at sites with very low supply of karst water and relatively high wind speeds. The unique underground karst features provide sufficient evidence for geoheritage value of the cave and the characteristics of moonmilk provide a significant implication for management and preservation of the cave environment.

Implementation of complementary methods for bat sampling in a karstic landscape in central–northern Guatemala, Central America

The use of complementary sampling methods for bats is recommended to improve inventories of species. Here we performed direct and indirect sampling in caves, in the main river, and in various forest vegetation covers in a karst landscape in central–northern Guatemala. We determined efficiency and complementarity between methods. Using mist nets and with an effort of 2,670 m²h, we captured 296 individuals of 19 species. Using ultrasonic microphones and after 71 hours of recording, we obtained 1,598 effective files of 16 species/sonotypes. Using a harp trap and after 79 hours of operation, we captured 939 individuals of 12 species. In total, we report 34 species/sonotypes. Regarding the percentage of species richness sampled, according to an extrapolation to double the sampling effort, this varied between 69.8 % and 91.5 %, which we consider satisfactory. The percentages of complementarity between methods were over 70 %, notably high between mist nets and ultrasonic microphones (91 %). To date in Guatemala, inventories have been incomplete, mainly because they are biased by the use of mist nets and the capture of bats of the Phyllostomidae family. Training and implementation of non–extensively used methods such as acoustic detection is needed to improve our knowledge about this taxonomic group and provide fundamental information for conservation strategies. Dataset published through GBIF (DOI: 10.15470/3vcvof). Key words: Harp trap, Karstic caves, Lanquín, Mist nets, Riparian environments, Ultrasonic microphones

Research on Spatial Morphological Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Industrial Heritage: A Case Study of Nine Industrial Heritages in Guizhou Province

Industrial heritage, recognized as a significant aspect of historical and cultural heritage, has garnered considerable attention from scholars globally. To elucidate the spatial morphological characteristics and the underlying influencing factors of industrial heritage within karst regions, this study employs methods such as the interstice index, fractal dimension analysis, and spatial syntax. It conducts research on the spatial morphological characteristics of nine typical industrial heritages in Guizhou Province. The primary factors contributing to the variations in layout forms are the intricate karst topography and the functional requirements of production. The functional zoning of industrial heritage aligns with its layout, characterized by straightforward functional zones that have not developed into composite spaces. The overall connectivity of industrial heritage is relatively low, exhibiting weak integration, significant disparities in control values, low average depth values, and a deficiency in comprehensibility and diversity of options. This indicates that the internal connectivity of industrial heritage spaces is generally inadequate, with low accessibility, strong interrelations, average convenience, limited connectivity, and generally acceptable passage. The overall spatial, architectural, and roadway configurations of industrial heritage predominantly exhibit a uniform pattern. Importantly, industrial heritage reveals a highly variable overall spatial form, with an average fractal dimension of 1.57, complex architectural layouts (average fractal dimension of 1.50), and simplistic road network designs (average fractal dimension of 1.43), which collectively suggest high spatial complexity and irregular characteristics. This study can provide a reference for the analysis of spatial characteristics and influencing factors of other material cultural heritages, and it is of great significance for the systematic protection and revitalization of industrial heritage.

Structural and Karst Studies Using 3D Digital Outcrop Model: A Case Study in Gunung Keriang, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia

A digital outcrop model (DOM) of the Permo-Triassic limestone of Gunung Keriang, Kedah, was constructed for structural analysis and karst study. Structural analysis of beddings and fractures within the DOM revealed that the limestone beds are characterized by gently inclined planes with NE ̶ SW and NW ̶ SE strikes, forming an upright N ̶ S trending synclinal fold, and being cross-cut by four steeply-dipping fracture sets (NE ̶ SW, NW ̶ SE, N ̶ S, and E ̶ W). The synthesis of these fracture sets indicates that the NW ̶ SE and NE ̶ SW fractures form a conjugate pattern suggestive of E ̶ W shortening, which aligns with the observed N ̶ S fold. Karst development, including elongated sinkholes and cave paths oriented in the NE ̶ SW direction, correlates with the fracture patterns, highlighting the NE ̶SW fracture network significant role in karst formation. The integrated data supports the hypothesis that these fracture patterns are major factors in the dissolution and development of karst features in the region.

A vulnerable soil environment study in karst areas: a bibliometric analysis

Karst landforms are widely distributed around the world, and karst rocky desertification has occurred on a large scale in many countries and regions, causing significant adverse impacts on local natural environments and societies. The improvement and rational use of karst soil is a key aspect of rocky desertification governance. Karst soil science studies are of great value in karst regions and are essential for controlling karst rocky desertification and ecological restoration. In order to understand the research hotspots and the development directions in the field of vulnerable karst soil environment, we undertook bibliometrics citation analysis on 1913 contributions to the literature written in the range from 2001 to 2019 based on the “Web of Science” core collection citation index database. Hopefully, this work will help to set up a scientific foundation for further studies. Using CiteSpace visualization software, we analyzed the distribution of disciplinary categories, reference co-citation clusters, and keyword clusters in the literature. The results show the basic characteristics and evolution of the literature related to karst pedology. We then recognized the main intellectual bases in the domain of karst soil science. This study also revealed the research hotspots and trends in this field. Through a bibliometrics citation analysis of research on karst vulnerable soil environment, the present study provides a quantitative and objective understanding of development directions that have emerged in this field over the past 19 years, offering a reference for future research.

Study on field and numerical analysis of karst collapse as railway hazard

The vulnerability of karst ecosystems and the weak mechanical performance of caves pose hidden risks in railways, leading to increased karst collapses. To analyse karst collapse as a railway hazard, the Beijing–Guangzhou railway line in China was selected to identify karst features, using the multi-source frequency domain method because of its operational advantages. Abaqus was also used to numerically analyse the factors (dynamic loading, groundwater fluctuations, over-burden thickness) affecting the collapse mechanism. The study reveals diverse stratigraphy, transitioning from a Quaternary layer to stable rock formations. A notable finding is that the presence of a karst cavity in the railway embankment significantly increases the vertical dynamic displacements, particularly within the soil layer, by 72%, highlighting the significant impact of karst sections on soil dynamics. The study also reveals that due to the groundwater table fluctuations from the subsoil surface to the subgrade surface, the maximum displacement increases by 73% in the subgrade section of the railway embankment. The authors consider soil overburden thickness to validate confirmation of reliability through field data and theoretical study. The findings offer crucial insights for managing karst hazards, enhancing railway safety and ensuring durable infrastructure in challenging geological conditions.

Ecological Suitability Evaluation of City Construction Based on Landscape Ecological Analysis

Ecological suitability evaluation is a critical component of regional sustainable development and construction, serving as a foundation for optimizing spatial patterns of regional growth. This is particularly pertinent in karst mountainous regions characterized by limited land resources and heightened ecosystem vulnerability, where a quantitative assessment of ecological suitability for land development is both crucial and urgent. Based on the fundamental principles of structural and functional dynamics in landscape ecology, this study focuses on Gui’an New Area, a designated urban development zone situated in the karst landscape of Guizhou Province. An index system was established encompassing three dimensions: ecological elements, ecological significance, and ecological resilience, utilizing the integrated ecological resistance (IER) model to evaluate the suitability of regional development and construction. The results reveal that the eastern region exhibits higher suitability compared to the central and western regions, with the northwest region demonstrating the lowest suitability overall. Relatively speaking, the evaluation of geological environment suitability and the comprehensive ecological constraints associated with development and construction indicates that the areas currently planned and ongoing reflect flat terrain and low ecological risk. Furthermore, within the scope of ecosystem dynamic adaptation, developmental activities in these regions exert minimal impact on the natural ecosystem, thereby demonstrating a high suitability for development and construction. In terms of future key development zones, areas with gentle slopes ranging from 8 to 15 degrees are recommended, aligning with the actual requirements for cultivated land protection. The total area designated as prohibited development zones constitutes the smallest proportion, representing only 9.45%, which is significantly lower than that of priority development zones (38.75%) and moderate development zones (22.45%). From the perspective of landscape ecology, this paper provides a comprehensive investigation into the ecological suitability evaluation system for development and construction in the karst regions of Southwest China, offering valuable insights for assessing ecological suitability in similar areas.

Integrative Taxonomy Revealed High Diversity of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and the Description of Three New Species from Yunnan Province, China.

The karst landform in Yunnan Province, China, represents one of the most biodiverse regions for Hemiphyllodactylus. Previous research has revealed that the karst forests in this province host a greater diversity of Hemiphyllodactylus than previously acknowledged. However, substantial fundamental data essential for taxonomic and biogeographical studies are lacking. We conducted extensive surveys for Hemiphyllodactylus in the Yunnan Province that led to the discovery of three new species from Menglian Dai, Lahu, and Wa Autonomous County and Jinghong City based on morphological and genetic data. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on the ND2 gene (1038 bp) placed the three new species into clade 3 and clade 4 of Agung et al. The uncorrected genetic pairwise distance of the Menglian specimens were greater than 5.7%, and those of the Jinghong City specimens were greater than 5.2% and 8.5%, respectively. They could be distinguished from their congeners by body size, chin scales, internasal scales, ventral scales, dorsal scales, and the total number of femoral and precloacal pores. Furthermore, we update the distributional knowledge of the known species.

Realistic Simulation of Dissolution Process on Rock Surface

Hydraulic dissolution, driven by carbon dioxide-rich precipitation and runoff, leads to the gradual breakdown and removal of soluble rock materials, creating unique surface and subsurface features. Dissolution is a complex process that is related to numerous factors, and the complete simulation of its process is a challenging problem. On the basis of deep investigation of the theories of geology and rock geomorphology, this paper puts forward a method for simulating the dissolution phenomenon on a rock surface. Around the movement of water, this method carries out dissolution calculations, including processes such as droplet dissolution, water flow, dissolution, deposition, and evaporation. It also considers the lateral dissolution effect of centrifugal force when water flows through bends, achieving a comprehensive simulation of the dissolution process. This method can realistically simulate various typical karst landforms such as karst pits, karst ditches, and stone forests, with interactive simulation efficiency.

Responses of soil properties and foliar traits of a dominant tree species Pseudotsuga sinensis to rocky desertification in a karst ecosystem

Rocky desertification is a prevalent environmental challenge across karst landscapes that hinders regional sustainable development. Understanding how soil properties and plant traits respond to increasing levels of rocky desertification is crucial for developing effective restoration strategies. Here, we investigated soil characteristics and intraspecific leaf stoichiometric traits of Pseudotsuga sinensis across a gradient of rocky desertification in a karst ecosystem. We employed principal component analysis to assess changes in soil properties and leaf chemical traits and used leaf trait network analysis to explore shifts in trait network topology. Our results revealed that severe desertification sites had soil with high bulk density and pH, and low levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as soil organic carbon. Leaf stoichiometry shifted markedly along the gradient, with elevated nitrogen limitation and cation imbalance in degraded sites. Trait network analysis showed that network diameter and modularity increased while connectance decreased with rocky desertification, indicating reduced integration among traits. On the other hand, higher adaptation capacity to environmental harshness under moderate level of rocky desertification was also observed. These findings suggest that both soil properties and leaf traits would experience substantial shifts across rocky desertification gradient, with increasing functional fragmentation and nutrient limitation as degradation intensifies. Based on our results, we propose management strategies targeted to different levels of rocky desertification to mitigate its negative impacts and promote ecosystem recovery.

Spatial–Temporal Variations in Water Use Efficiency and Its Influencing Factors in the Li River Basin, China

As a vital indicator for measuring the coupled carbon–water cycle of an ecosystem, water use efficiency (WUE) can also reflect the adaptive capacity of plants in different ecosystems. Located in Southwest China, the Li River Basin has a representative karst landform, and the uneven rainfall in the region leads to severe water shortage. In this study, we analyzed the spatial–temporal transformation characteristics of the WUE of the basin and its relationship with different influencing factors from 2001 to 2020 based on a correlation analysis and trend analysis. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The average value of WUE in the Li River Basin was 1.8251 gC· mm−1·m−2, and it kept decreasing at a rate of 0.0072 gC· mm−1·m−2·a−1 in the past 20 years. With respect to the spatial distribution of the multi-year average of WUE, it exhibits a gradual increasing trend from west to east. (2) Between gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET), it was found that ET was the primary influencing factor of WUE. Precipitation was positively correlated with WUE in the Li River Basin, accounting for 67.22% of the total area of the basin. The air temperature was negatively correlated with WUE, and the area was negatively correlated with WUE, accounting for 92.67% of the basin area. (3) The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and leaf area index (LAI) were negatively correlated with WUE, and the proportions of negatively correlated areas to the total area of the basin were similar; both were between 60 and 70%. The growth of vegetation inhibited the increase in WUE in the basin to a certain extent. Regarding Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD), the proportions of positive and negative correlation areas with WUE were similar, accounting for 49.58% and 50.42%, respectively. (4) The occurrence of drought events and the enhancement in its degree led to a continuous increase in WUE in the basin; for different land cover types, the correlation of the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was in the following order from strongest to weakest: grassland > cropland > forest > shrubland.

An inception framework hypothesis for karst development in the Burren, Ireland

The Inception Horizon Hypothesis (IHH) postulates that certain stratigraphic horizons in a limestone sequence, combined with structural surfaces such as joints, provide a framework for cave development. Although subsurface and surface karst landforms are fundamentally linked, the IHH has not yet been extended to surface karstification. We tested this extension of the IHH in the world-renowned Burren karst due to its stratigraphic and structural simplicity. We used very high-resolution remote sensing datasets and detailed fieldwork to develop an updated map of the Burren's surface karst features, combined with a 3D geological model containing over 60 km of mapped cave passages.Our analysis shows that karstic connectivity between the surface and subsurface is primarily provided by a suite of vertically-persistent calcite and silica-rich veins, which form a non-stratabound fracture system across the Burren. The flow pathways provided by these veins then intersect the following inception horizons: (i) boundaries between distinct lithological units in the limestone sequence; (ii) crinoidal cycle tops, and more sporadically chert lenses, within one of those units (the Slievenaglasha Formation); (iii) thin horizons of non‑carbonates (‘clay wayboards’) within another unit (the Aillwee member). At the surface, the same horizons have been preferentially exploited by glacial processes, creating surfaces from which meteoric waters now recharge the subsurface and form new surface karst depressions and other karst landforms. Our new inception framework for karstification thus provides a new basis for understanding surface and subsurface connectivity in the karst critical zone in the Burren landscape, and it provides new geological insight into the functioning of carbonate critical zones more generally.

Rainfall water collection and irrigation via stone bud and karren on karst rocky desertification slopes: Application and benefit analysis

Lack of surface water is a key factor leading to agricultural drought in karst regions and exacerbates the karst rocky desertification, which is characterized by high rate of exposed bedrock. With the characteristics of impermeability, runoff collection, and wide distribution, stone bud and karren (SBK), a unique karst landscape type composed of exposed bedrock and gullies, has a great potential to solve water shortage in agricultural irrigation, especially in the rain-rich karst regions of Guizhou Province, China. Using unmanned aerial vehicle images to identify SBK and measured rainfall–runoff data for validation, we applied SBK as a basic unit to harvest rainfall water on rocky desertification slopes and analyzed the benefits of rainfall water collection and irrigation via SBK. The results showed the following: (1) Karrens on rocky desertification slopes could be identified using a method coupling terrain opening difference and depression filling, and the simulated runoff on SBK could achieved the average NSE and R2 of 0.82 and 0.86, with RMSE and RSR less than 0.03 m3 and 0.51, respectively. (2) The exposed bedrock utilization rate and rainfall water collection coefficient of SBK were 0.62 and 0.55, respectively, such that the area ratio of exposed bedrock to the cultivated land meeting irrigation water demand reached 1:3.1, 1:3.7 and 1:7.0 under 90 %, 80 % and 50 % possibilities of irrigation. (3) Implementing SBK for rainfall water harvesting and irrigation could efficiently avoid crop failure in the karst regions where crops faced drought within only one week after rainfall, and was at an affordable cost to local farmers with limited environmental damage. The use of SBK to harvest rainfall water could also alleviate surface water shortages in karst regions caused by problems such as uneven temporal distribution of rainfall and engineering water shortages. Consequently, SBK demonstrate a strong application potential to alleviate agricultural drought in karst rocky desertification regions.

Ironing out complexities in karst chronology: (U-Th)/He ferricrete ages reveal wet MIS 5c.

Karst landforms provide insights into landscape evolution and paleoclimate but are inherently challenging to date. An ancient interval of particularly intense weathering of Western Australian Pleistocene aeolianites is recorded in a spectacular pinnacle karst landscape with associated ferricrete nodules. (U-Th)/He dating of the ferricrete nodules revealed an age of 102.8 + 10.6/-11.4 thousand years, corresponding to marine isotope stage 5c. The (U-Th)/He age thus directly dates the wettest interglacial period in the region over the last 500 thousand years, which was responsible for the dissolution that formed the pinnacles. The reliability of the ferricrete (U-Th)/He age is supported by bounding optically stimulated luminescence and U-Th dates on associated aeolianites and carbonate precipitates, respectively. A (U-Th)/He approach is globally applicable to aeolianites with associated ferricretes, allowing more accurate dating of the environmental changes affecting these lithologies, and temporally constraining rapid Pleistocene climatic oscillations to better contextualize the associated evolution of the biosphere.

The effect of geology and agricultural development on the groundwater, West Minia, Egypt

Fifty groundwater samples were collected from the Oligocene sand and Middle Eocene limestone aquifers and analyzed for major ions and stable isotopes. Aquifer sediment samples were examined to determine hydraulic properties, and sixty-six well logs were investigated to understand the subsurface geology. The study reveals that lithofacies, mineral composition, and geologic structures significantly influence groundwater quality and behavior. Karst features in the Middle Eocene limestone aquifer create subsurface caves, leading to challenges such as abrupt salinization and well failure. In the Oligocene aquifer, groundwater is predominantly of the sodium chloride type. In the Middle Eocene aquifer, 80 % of samples are sodium chloride, with variations of sodium bicarbonate (10 %) and sodium sulfate (10 %) types. Remote sensing from 2013 to 2021 shows significant agricultural expansion, with vegetation increasing by over 227 km². This growth, driven by large agricultural projects, has led to substantial groundwater consumption, resulting in a 5-meter decline in water levels within just one year (from 2020 to 2021). The over-extraction poses a risk to the aquifers, threatening long-term sustainability. Understanding the region's geology is crucial for mitigating these issues and ensuring sustainable groundwater management.

Assessing and explaining rising global carbon sink capacity in karst ecosystems

Global karst vegetation is crucial for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. However, research on the carbon sink capacity of vegetation and its potential driving mechanisms across different geographic types of global karst remains scant. This research delineates the trend characteristics and differences of net primary productivity (NPP), heterotrophic respiration (Rh), and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) across various bedrock and climatic zones within global karst landscapes. Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), Neural Network fitting, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling were utilized to investigate the nonlinear impacts and underlying mechanisms exerted by the explanatory variables on NPP, Rh, and NEP. The findings indicate that from 1981 to 2019, the rates of increase in NPP (2.02 gC·m⁻2 yr⁻1), Rh (1.47 gC·m⁻2 yr⁻1), and NEP (0.54 gC·m⁻2 yr⁻1) were marginally higher in global karst regions compared to non-karst areas. Additionally, when contrasted with various bedrock types, the differences in mean values and trends of these three indicators were more pronounced across different climatic zones of karst areas. XGBoost effectively captures the nonlinear relationship between NEP and its explanatory variables, while SHAP provides a detailed explanation of the contribution and interaction of these variables. The leaf area index (LAI) was the major contributor to NEP. Additionally, the nonlinear effects of individual critical drivers on NEP varied across different aridity gradients. The cascade effect of explanatory variables on NEP follows a pathway where geography affects climate, climate change subsequently alters vegetation characteristics, and these changes in vegetation directly drive NPP and Rh, ultimately leading to an indirect impact on NEP. This impact pathway exhibits minimal difference across different bedrock and climate types. This study enhances our comprehension of the role of vegetation carbon sinks and their underlying mechanisms across various bedrock and climate types in global karst regions.

Chromosome‐level genome assembly of a rare karst‐growing Rhododendron species provides insights into its evolution and environmental adaptation

AbstractRhododendron is a significant plant genus, with over 600 identified species in China. The subgenus Hymenanthes holds the largest number of Rhododendron germplasms and showcases strong environmental adaptability. However, there remains a lack of understanding regarding Rhododendron's evolution and environmental adaptations. Rhododendron bailiense Y.P.Ma, C.Q.Zhang & D.F.Chamb., an exceedingly rare species, thrives in the alkaline karst landforms of Guizhou, southwest China, different from the typical growing environment of other Rhododendron species. In this study, we present a chromosome‐level genome assembly of R. bailiense, revealing a genome size of 923.3 Mb, a contig N50 of 24.5 Mb, and a total of 47 567 predicted genes. An evolutionary analysis indicated that R. bailiense diverged from its ancestors prior to the other subgenus Hymenanthes rhododendrons, with the expanded and contracted genes being notably enriched in “stress response” and “growth,” respectively. Rhododendron bailiense is predominantly found on limestone soil in the mountains of Guizhou, with only two wild populations known. The genome of R. bailiense contained a high copy number of ankyrin repeat (ANK) and Ca2+‐ATPase (CAP) genes, primarily involved in Ca2+ transport, shedding light on how R. bailiense copes with karst high‐calcium stress. In contrast, the structures of the ANKs displayed unique characteristics, while the CAPs showed conservatism. The R. bailiense genome provides new insights into the adaptation and evolutionary history of Rhododendron plants in karst environments, potentially offering valuable information for adaptive breeding and ecological enhancement in such challenging settings.

Analysis of land use changes and soil erosion using the EPM-IntErO model in the Sokobanja Basin, Serbia

Soil erosion, with the progressive loss of fertile topsoil and its negative impact on agricultural productivity, has become a critical global environmental problem. In the second half of the 20th century, many municipalities in Serbia experienced significant changes in land use, vegetation, and environmental conditions. The drive towards industrialization and urbanization aimed to improve the living standards of the population, but as a consequence, it led to substantial depopulation of rural areas and the adoption of inadequate agricultural practices, which, in turn, further intensified soil erosion. This study focuses on the Sokobanjska Moravica River basin (Eastern Serbia), extending to the Bovan Lake Dam and upstream, with a total area of 540.4 km². The basin is situated in a characteristic karst landscape. Changes in erosion intensity and runoff from this basin are analyzed using the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model, which algorithmically integrates the widely used Erosion Potential Method (EPM) with innovative computational techniques to predict sediment production and runoff from the river basin accurately. This analysis utilizes GIS software and official statistical yearbook data, focusing on the period from the second half of the 20th century, including the analysis of the current state. According to our research, the most intensive changes in land use occurred between 1961 and 1971, marking the beginning of the period of a decline in rural population and, consequently, a decrease in erosion intensity. Key findings indicate that predominant changes in land use and vegetation led to a shift from crop farming to animal husbandry. After 1971, ongoing depopulation, particularly in rural areas, resulted in a gradual and steady decrease in erosion intensity. The primary aim of this study is to support policymakers in developing more effective soil and water conservation regulations. By making recommendations for the protection of vegetation, and thus the soil within this river basin, this research helps ensure their long-term preservation. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of current land use practices and develop strategies to mitigate erosion in the context of changing climate conditions.

Uncovering the impact of climate and vegetation changes on runoff in karstic regions of southwest China

The vegetation-runoff relationship remains unclear in karstic regions. The karst landform in southwest China is a focal area where significant changes in vegetation have occurred in the past few decades, which may substantially impact water resources. To date, the effects of these changes on runoff remain uncertain. This study employed statistical analysis, numerical simulation, and scenario analysis to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns of runoff, climate, and vegetation in 20 typical catchments. The study also evaluated the response of runoff to vegetation and climate changes and the underlying factors. The findings revealed precipitation changes dominated changes in runoff in these catchments (mean contribution of 53.03%), whereas the contributions of vegetation and potential evapotranspiration changes were 23.16% and 23.82%, respectively. The study also revealed that the impacts of vegetation changes on runoff were significantly dependent on vegetation and climate factors (R2 = 0.60, P < 0.01). Furthermore, under the same climate change conditions, a higher distribution of natural vegetation (such as forest) in the catchment resulted in a larger decreasing trend in runoff. The results provide guidelines for the prediction of runoff variation in southwest China, and benefits to decision-making on ecological restoration and water resources development.