Landscape Types Research Articles

Impact of climate changes on agroresources of Ukrainian Polissia based on geospatial data

Aim. To determine the patterns of the climate change impact on the transformation of agricultural production and the ecosystem of Ukrainian Polissia in terms of time and space. Methods. Satellite and statistical data for the last 40 years (1982–2022) were used. The mean temperature for the vegetation period was defined by the sum of radiation temperatures of the terrestrial surface, calculated using the data of the infrared range (10.3–11.3; 11.4–12.4 μm) of the high-precision AVHRR radiometer of artificial meteorological Earth's satellites, NOAA, and the precipitation dynamics – using the data of ERA5 ECMWF/Copernicus Climate Change Service. The impact of climate change on the vegetation state and phenological parameters, including the beginning, end, and duration of the vegetation season, was determined by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), obtained using the data of the infrared (0.72–1.1 μm) and red (0.58–0.68 μm) ranges of the AVHRR radiometer on the website of STAR NESDIS NOAA. Crop yields and the dynamics of sown areas were determined by the data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The information about the dynamics of the forest cover was obtained using the Global Forest Watch satellite data. To evaluate the impact of climate change on Ukraine's forests, the investigation was conducted on burnt forest areas, using the MCD64A1 6.1 index, developed on the basis of the MODIS satellite data. Results. According to the satellite data, the radiation temperature of the terrestrial surface during the growing period increased by 2.2 ºС on average in the territory of Ukrainian Polissia over the last 40 years. There is a regional difference in the temperature regime observed in the direction from west to east. In the territory of western Polissia, the increase in the temperature of the terrestrial surface in recent decades was within the range of 1.2–1.6, and in the central and eastern parts – within 2.3–2.9 ºС. Due to the warming, the duration of the growing period was extended by 21–35 days, mostly because of earlier spring onset. There is a descending trend in the average annual precipitation amount down to 20–30 mm, which is especially notable for central and eastern Polissia. The warming was the reason for the introduction of the crops, new for this region, into the structure of sown areas, especially corn and sunflower, which had a generally positive effect on the vegetation state by the NDVI index, which increased from 0.30 in 1982–1992 to 0.36 in 2012–2022 on average. The crop yield increased accordingly, and according to the statistical data for the recent years, amounted to: corn – 7.0–9.5 t/ha, winter wheat – 4.5–5.0, and sunflower – 1.5–2.0 t/ha, which is close to the level of their yield on chornozem. At the same time, due to climate change and the transformation of agricultural activity, there has been a higher risk of deterioration in the ecological state of typical Polissia landscapes, droughts, and soil degradation. According to the results of the analysis of twenty-two years of the dynamics in forest fires, the largest areas of burnt forests were registered in 2012 (694.30 sq.km), 2015 (1,078.81 sq.km), and 2020 (776.27 sq.km), which demonstrated the increase in fires during the recent decade along with the tendency towards longer fire hazard period. Conclusions. The increase in the temperature of the terrestrial surface of the Ukrainian Polissia during the growing period and the lengthening of the growing period created the conditions for corn and sunflower to be introduced into the arable areas, which had a positive impact on the vegetation state index, NDVI. As a result of these transformations both in the sown area of these crops and their yield, Polissia is becoming a new grain-oil belt of Ukraine. Concurrently, there are higher risks associated with maintaining high performance of agroecosystems and the increase in the risks for soil degradation processes, the deterioration of the ecological state of wetlands and forests, as well as drying-out of small rivers and lakes. Balancing the high yield of modern agroecosystems and safe nature management requires systemic measures in adapting the agricultural activity and nature management to new climatic conditions, which requires implementing the management of soil, water, and bio-resources, achieving optimal parameters of fertility for mineral and peaty-swampy soils. Reconstructing current land reclamation systems to optimize water regimes for the agricultural lands and protect typical Polissia ecosystem is needed.

Nectar and pollen in Acer trees can contribute to improvement of food resources for pollinators.

In the present study, we quantified floral resources (nectar and pollen production) and their quality (nectar sugar composition, pollen protein content, pollen amino acid composition) in five Acer species (f. Sapindaceae) growing in forests and commonly planted in urban areas in the temperate zone. Acer trees provide high amounts of sugars and/or pollen. No nectar was produced by A. negundo flowers. The other species produced nectar in functionally female flowers. The floral nectar was composed of sucrose, glucose, and fructose and was classified as hexose-rich or sucrose-rich. The pollen of all the Acer species contained essential amino acids. Acer trees should be planted for improvement of cost-effective food resources in various landscape types (agroforestry, urban areas), with the exception of A. negundo (an invasive species with no nectar available). However, maple trees alone are not sufficient to support pollinators, and other plant species flowering before and after Acer spp. should be planted to ensure a continued supply of food for pollinators.

The context‐dependent benefits of organic farming on pollinator biodiversity: A meta‐analysis

Abstract Agricultural intensification is driving declines in pollinator diversity and the degradation of pollination services worldwide. Organic management, which prohibits the use of synthetic inputs, has considerable potential for combatting these declines by enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. However, the efficacy of organic farming for promoting pollinator diversity has recently been questioned. We conducted a meta‐analysis to determine the effect of organic management on pollinator species richness and abundance. We compiled 42 studies across four continents and calculated a Hedges' g effect size for each of 76 species richness and 57 abundance observations. We then estimated average effect sizes overall and across five moderators. Species richness and abundance of pollinating insects tended to be higher in organic farms than conventional ones, with average effect sizes of 0.68 and 0.74, respectively. Landscape context, crop type, pollinator group, sampling location, and sampling method were factors impacting the response of pollinator diversity/abundance to organic farming. We found benefits for pollinator diversity from organic farming in all landscape types, with the strongest response in simple compared with more complex landscapes. Pollinator diversity benefited the most in habitats within organic cereal systems and the least in organic pastures. Among pollinator groups, bumblebee diversity benefitted the most, while moths and hoverflies showed positive but non‐significant responses. Higher pollinator diversity/abundance was detected in organic farms at various sampling locations. Transect sampling showed the greatest diversity gains among sampling methods. Synthesis and applications. Our results affirm that organic farming has positive effects for pollinator species richness and abundance, but benefits are variable and not guaranteed. We recommend that future studies adopt a standard sampling protocol and cover a larger geographic range to understand the global potential of organic farming to promote pollinator biodiversity. Efforts to increase pollinator abundance and diversity through organic farming should focus on organic systems involving cereal phases, especially within simple landscapes, for the most positive outcomes. However, due to high variability in pollinator responses alongside the challenges to achieve economic profitability from organic farming, crafting organic farming systems to specific farm‐scale opportunities and needs may be necessary.

The influence of visual and auditory environments in parks on visitors’ landscape preference, emotional state, and perceived restorativeness

Various auditory and visual factors influence people’s perception and restoration experiences in the spatial environments. However, few studies have treated these factors as a comprehensive system phenomenon to reveal their integrated effects. Therefore, a specific explanation of the primary pathways and factors that contribute to the main effects of park soundscapes and visual features and the resulting perceived restorativeness remains unclear. The study surveyed 861 visitors in five urban parks in China and collected audiovisual information. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research explored the direct, indirect, and moderating effects of common audiovisual environments in parks on perceived restorativeness, emotional states, and preferences. The results indicate that most natural-related visual and auditory factors provide direct benefits for people’s perceived restorativeness, emotional state, and preference. Additionally, certain landscape features and types of sound sources, such as trees and water sounds, have indirect effects on activating restoration through preference and emotion mediation. The study also reveals the moderating effects of landscape features and sound source types on emotional and perceived restorativeness. Another noteworthy finding is the significant relationship between bird songs and the positive impact on perceived restorativeness, emotional state, and preference, which is closely related to acoustic quality indicators. These findings offer new insights for creating urban park spaces through visual and auditory interactions.

Identification Model of Traditional Village Cultural Landscape Elements and Its Application from the Perspective of Living Heritage—A Case Study of Chentian Village in Wuhan

At present, there are limitations in the cognition of the elements of traditional village cultural landscapes, less excavation of the elements of production-type cultural landscapes, little attention to the layering of cultural landscapes in different periods and the correlation between the elements of different types of cultural landscapes, and insufficient research on the living continuity of traditional village cultural landscapes. In the context of rural cultural revitalization, it is necessary to explore strategies for the conservation and development of traditional village cultural landscapes from the perspective of living heritage. By interpreting the core connotation of the concepts of living heritage and cultural landscape, a model of traditional village cultural landscape elements and a framework for the identification of living elements are constructed. On the above basis, Chentian Village in Wuhan is taken as an example to identify its living cultural landscape elements, and to analyze the evolution of its cultural landscape elements from the dimension of “time-function”. In Chentian Village, a total of seventeen cultural landscapes were identified. Of these, ten were cultural landscapes with functional continuity and living heritage characteristics; three were cultural landscapes whose existing functions have changed significantly from their initial functions; and four were cultural landscapes that were inactive and have lost their original functions. Finally, this study proposes corresponding protection and development strategies for living heritage and non-living heritage of cultural landscapes.

Landscape Character and Management Zones in Polder Landscapes: A Case Study of the Dongting Lake Area

Polder landscapes, as a representative of lowland agriculture landscapes, possess diverse natural and cultural values. However, polder landscapes are facing multiple challenges arising from economic and climate changes, including increasing flood threats and the fragmentation of landscape patterns. These issues have severely threatened the safety and regional characteristics of the polder landscape. Therefore, this study aims to preserve the regional characteristics of polder landscapes while promoting the sustainable development of lowland environments, and the objective is to provide a foundation and baseline for the management and planning of polder landscapes. In this study, the Dongting Lake Area (DLA) was selected as a representative case of polder landscapes. To identify the landscape character and delineate the landscape management zones, this study employed the Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) method in conjunction with a polder typology method at two scales. As a result, the polder landscape types were identified and visualized at two different scales. At the Lake Scale, a comprehensive identification method for polder unit types and polder landscape regions was established, achieving a stepwise transition from polder areas to polder clusters and ultimately to individual polder units. At the Local Scale, an integrative analysis of landscape character diversity (LCD) and land construction suitability (LCS) was employed to establish five landscape management zones for polder landscapes, thereby realizing a balance between the conservation of polder landscape diversity with the sustainable development of wetland environments. This study contributes a set of cross-scale ideas and methods for identifying landscape characters and delineating management zones in polder landscapes, which could be expanded to other lowland agricultural landscapes.

All in the Details: A First Assessment for the Viability of Metabarcoding in Diet Composition Analysis of African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus).

DNA metabarcoding is a contemporary technique in diet composition studies and stands to fill key knowledge gaps left by traditional diet analysis methods. For endangered species such as the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), the fulfilment of these knowledge gaps presents an opportunity for improved management practices and vulnerability assessments. There are an estimated ~600 African wild dogs remaining in South Africa. These dogs are generally understood to prey upon impala (Aepyceros melampus) and other medium-sized ungulates. Here, we present the first assessment of DNA metabarcoding as a valuable method for diet composition analysis of this highly social carnivore. DNA from faecal samples collected across seven landscape types in the Kruger National Park (KNP) was extracted and used to determine the presence of seven unique prey taxa, including novel species such as the Cape hare (Lepus capensis). Impala was identified as a prey item in all landscape types, complementing the diet preference prediction made with stable isotope analysis using the same samples and existing understanding of wild dog diet. Given recommended improvements, the application of DNA metabarcoding in wild dog diet analysis shows promising prospects for identifying novel prey species and validating previous records of this endangered canids diet.

Examining emotional responses and psychological restoration of four types of natural landscapes

Natural environments have been identified to be more effective at inducing positive emotional responses and psychological restoration than built environments. However, there is a lack of evidence on which types of natural environments or which options for design and management are better. This study examined people’s emotional responses and psychological restoration induced by four types of natural landscapes. In addition, the impacts of landscape elements and perceived novelty on these two benefits were measured. The results showed that: (1) urban green landscapes and mountain landscapes were more likely to evoke positive emotional responses and increase psychological restoration than rock- or geyser-dominated landscapes; (2) there was an S-shaped curve between vegetation ratio and emotional responses or psychological restoration, in which 80% vegetation ratio suggests the peak of both benefits; (3) hard elements (rocks, sand, pavements or buildings) and perceived novelty decreased the two benefits provided by the natural landscapes.

Constructing Soil–Landscape Units Based on Slope Position and Land Use to Improve Soil Prediction Accuracy

Topography is one of the dominant factors in regional soil formation and development. Soil distribution has a certain pattern from high to low in space, and this pattern has a high degree of consistency with slope position. Most of the current research on soil mapping uses landscape types generated by existing methods directly as environmental covariates, and there are few landscape classification methods specifically oriented toward soil surveys. There is rarely any research on landform classification using relative slope position (RSP) and elevation. Therefore, we designed a landform classification method based on RSP and elevation, Terrainforms (TF), and combined the landform type with land use type to construct soil–landscape units for soil type and attribute spatial prediction. In this study, two commonly used landform classification methods, Geomorphons and Landforms, were also used to compare with this design method. It was found that the constructed soil–landscape units had a high consistency with the soil spatial distribution. The landform types based on RSP and elevation obtained the second-highest prediction accuracy in both soil type and soil organic carbon (SOC), and the constructed soil–landscape types obtained the highest prediction accuracy. The results show that the landform classification method based on RSP and elevation is not easily limited by the analysis scale, and is an efficient and accurate landform classification method. The TF landform type and its constructed soil–landscape types can be used as an important environmental variable in soil prediction and sampling, which can provide some guidance and reference for landform classification and digital soil mapping.

Quantitative contributions of different atmospheric circulation systems to Holocene aeolian activity in northwestern China: Evidence from a closed interdune lake in the Tengger Desert hinterland

The aeolian deserts of northwestern China are major landscape types in the arid regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and collectively they are one of the largest dust source regions on Earth. However, owing to occurrence of sedimentary hiatuses within aeolian deposits in the deserts, we lack clear knowledge of the history of Holocene aeolian activity and the interaction between aeolian processes and their potential drivers. In this study, we extracted an environmentally sensitive grain-size component from the sediments of a closed interdune lake in the hinterland of the Tengger Desert. Our methodology included the application of End Member Analysis (EMA) of different modern sediment types from catchment to regional scales. We reconstructed aeolian activity over the past 13 cal ka BP and quantified the contributions of environmental factors. The results indicated that the EM 2 fraction of the interdune lake sediments is mainly transported by local winds and reflects changes in the intensity of aeolian activity. Based on EM 2 the strongest aeolian activity occurred during 13.0–7.0 cal ka BP, especially during 8.0–7.0 cal ka BP, and the weakest activity occurred during 7.0–3.5 cal ka BP. Aeolian activity increased after 3.5 cal ka BP, but with a gradually weakening trend. The occurrence of the weakest aeolian activity in the Tengger Desert during the Middle Holocene differs from that on the Asian Summer Monsoonal Boundary and in the area influenced by the Westerlies-dominated climate regime. Thus, there was a clearly defined spatio-temporal differentiation of Holocene aeolian activity across the deserts and dune fields of northern China. Quantitative analysis of the contributions of the potential drivers indicated that wind activity forced by different atmospheric circulation systems, rather than changes in vegetation cover, were the most important driver of regional aeolian activity, although their relative effects varied during the Holocene.

Which landscape do you prefer? The role of emotions on choices for landscape management

Landscape preferences refer to the subjective likes and dislikes people have regarding various types of landscapes. However, the specific role that emotions play in this question and their impact on influencing choices for landscape is still poorly studied. To address this gap, we hypothesise that landscapes evoke emotions and we explore whether they have a role in shaping landscape preferences. Using 109 semi-structured interviews we captured the diversity of emotions on different landscapes in SE Spain, employing a random parameter logit model to explain how emotions could influence the probability of choosing a landscape. Results revealed that different landscapes were perceived as preferred, with specific emotions associated with them. Results also showed that two main factors significantly influenced landscape preference choices: specific positive emotions and distinct landscape typologies. These insights may contribute to reframe human-nature relationships in landscape management, considering emotional bonds and human behaviour as important aspects for guiding conservation policies.

Challenges in assessing the effects of environmental governance systems on conservation outcomes.

Effective governance is crucial for the success of conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife populations and supporting human well-being. However, few large-scale, comprehensive syntheses have been conducted on the effects of different environmental governance types on conservation outcomes (i.e., biological and ecological effectiveness or effects of conservation on human well-being), and clarity on the quantity and quality of evidence remains dispersed and ambiguous. We attempted a systematic map of the evidence on the effectiveness of different governance types to meet desired conservation outcomes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, early in this effort, we observed a general lack of empirical research on the links between governance and conservation outcomes. To fill observed data gaps in the evidence base, we tried triangulating governance data from alternative sources (Protected Planet database) and pooling evidence from research conducted within the same conservation areas. Limited data were contained in the Protected Planet database, and governance types in conservation areas and landscapes were complex, making it difficult to use these approaches to assign governance types to conservation areas. To illustrate our observations from the failed systematic map attempt, we prepared a rapid evidence map that outlines a subset of the evidence base of articles linking governance types and governance principles with conservation outcomes. Only 3.2% (34 of 1067) of the articles we screened directly related conservation outcomes to governance type, and even fewer related governance principles to conservation outcomes. Based on our findings, we recommend improving the evidence base by supporting empirical research and increasing the availability and quality of governance data in freely accessible databases. These recommendations are critical for enhancing understanding of the role of governance in conservation projects and improving conservation outcomes.

Nitrogen leaching and groundwater recharge of alternative lawn conversions in subtropical climates

AbstractClimate change, recurrent droughts, and increasing urban water demands have limited water availability in urban landscapes. Water quantity challenges have led to irrigation restrictions and turfgrass removal programs. An experiment was conducted at the University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center, Jay, FL, to evaluate the effect of turfgrass conversion to other landscape types on nutrient leaching and groundwater recharge. In April 2021, all surface vegetation was removed from existing turfgrass plots using a sod harvester. Thereafter, plots were planted or covered with three landscape types: a pollinator landscape with flowering forbs (Mimosa sp., Coreopsis sp., and Phyla sp.) + turfgrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides); a nitrogen (N)‐efficient lawn (Arachis glabrata + Paspalum notatum); and a low‐input landscape with unplanted woodchip mulch. Undisturbed turfgrass (E. ophiuroides) served as a control. For 2 years, leachate samples were collected weekly from previously installed 168‐L drainage lysimeters for NO3‐N and NH4‐N load determination. Temporal changes in landscape composition, groundwater recharge, water use, and soil bulk density were also quantified. While the mulch leached 44.7 kg ha−1 NO3‐N year−1, this landscape still offers positive attributes, including erosion protection and water conservation. Conversely, the pollinator landscape minimized nitrogen leaching (8.3 kg ha−1 NO3‐N year−1) due to their relatively greater water use rates (3.56 mm day−1). The turfgrass and nitrogen‐efficient lawn returned ∼35% of the water inputs as groundwater recharge while maintaining relatively low nitrogen leaching (3.6 and 2.7 kg ha−1 NO3‐N year−1, respectively), making these landscapes efficient for protecting both water quality and quantity.

Multidimensional Assessment of the Aesthetic Quality of Natural Landscapes in Mount Wuyi National Park, China

Natural landscapes are scenic complexes accessible to the public within national parks. Exploring their aesthetic quality can promote an emotional connection between the public and the landscape, which has a positive significance in enhancing human well-being. In this study, Mount Wuyi National Park in China was considered as the study area, and key dimensions tailored to individual and combined natural landscapes for aesthetic quality evaluation were proposed. Seventeen landscape metrics were selected to comprehensively measure the aesthetic quality level of the natural landscapes within the study area. The results indicated that (1) the spatial distribution of 341 individual natural landscapes exhibited a pattern of denser concentration in the south and east, with a relatively sparse distribution in the north and west. (2) Based on the elements of land cover, vegetation, topography, and landforms, 41 types of combined natural landscapes were identified in Mount Wuyi National Park. (3) Southeastern natural landscapes possess significant advantages in aesthetic service provision, uniqueness, diversity, combination, and coordination, and are concentrated in natural landscapes of high aesthetic quality. Natural landscapes of moderate aesthetic quality were distributed across the northern, southwestern, and some parts of the southeastern areas within the study region. The findings provide a reference for aesthetic quality assessment in natural landscapes at the micro-scale and serve as a basis for the scientific management of natural landscapes in national parks.

Foraging distance distributions reveal how honeybee waggle dance recruitment varies with landscape

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies use a unique collective foraging system, the waggle dance, to communicate and process the location of resources. Here, we present a means to quantify the effect of recruitment on colony forager allocation across the landscape by simply observing the waggle dance on the dancefloor. We show first, through a theoretical model, that recruitment leaves a characteristic imprint on the distance distribution of foraging sites that a colony visits, which varies according to the proportion of trips driven by individual search. Next, we fit this model to the real-world empirical distance distribution of forage sites visited by 20 honeybee colonies in urban and rural landscapes across South East England, obtained via dance decoding. We show that there is considerable variation in the use of dancing information in colony foraging, particularly in agri-rural landscapes. In our dataset, reliance on dancing increases as arable land gives way to built-up areas, suggesting that dancing may have the greatest impact on colony foraging in the complex and heterogeneous landscapes of forage-rich urban areas. Our model provides a tool to assess the relevance of this extraordinary behaviour across modern anthropogenic landscape types.

Hessische Rhön – mountain grassland, rough grazing and their birds

Hessische Rhön – mountain grassland, rough grazing and their birds The project is particularly dedicated to conservation and development measures for the species-rich mountain grassland and the protection of endangered bird species in open areas of the Hessian low mountain ranges of the Rhön. By implementing different types of landscape maintaining measures in close cooperation with local farmers and municipalities valuable habitats in the Natura 2000 protected area network were substantially improved.

Landscape architecture as democratic practice: learning from participatory methods and motivations in community-engaged design

To guide and advance participatory and democratic landscape architecture practice, this study investigates the participatory methods and motivations of community-engaged design (CED) practice aligned with the principles of democratic professionalism (DP). A content analysis of semi-structured interviews with 17 experienced scholar-professionals in landscape architecture and related professions whose praxis is rooted in participatory principles (1) identified a toolbox of essential task-sharing methods and strategies based on typical landscape architecture project stages (site analysis/data collection, planning and design, and implementation and post-implementation), and two key themes—relationship-building and communication, and (2) found the principal motivations driving democratic design practices to be empowerment and advocacy, community engagement ethics, and democratising professional paradigm. Task-sharing approaches identified in landscape architecture practice exemplify how DP values can be embedded in all phases of a CED project. This study also affirms the position that landscape architecture as a profession has the potential to advance DP.

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.

Dense vegetation hinders sediment transport toward saltmarsh interiors

AbstractTo save saltmarshes and their valuable ecosystem services from sea level rise, it is crucial to understand their natural ability to gain elevation by sediment accretion. In that context, a widely accepted paradigm is that dense vegetation favors sediment accretion and hence saltmarsh resilience to sea level rise. Here, however, we reveal how dense vegetation can inhibit sediment accretion on saltmarsh platforms. Using a process‐based modeling approach to simulate biogeomorphic development of typical saltmarsh landscapes, we identify two key mechanisms by which vegetation hinders sediment transport from tidal channels toward saltmarsh interiors. First, vegetation concentrates tidal flow and sediment transport inside channels, reducing sediment supply to platforms. Second, vegetation enhances sediment deposition near channels, limiting sediment availability for platform interiors. Our findings suggest that the resilience of saltmarshes to sea level rise may be more limited than previously thought.

Distribution and landscape patterns of cultural heritage in monastic settlements on the Western Sichuan plateau: A case study of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

The cultural heritage of temples represents a visible achievement of civilization, engraved on the Chinese land. The unique geographical and cultural resources of the Western Sichuan plateau have given rise to numerous distinctive Tibetan Buddhist temple communities. This study focuses on the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture as a representative case, defining the research scope, area, boundaries, and landscape types based on land use and land cover data. Using ArcGIS and Fragstats, the study analyzed the generation and distribution of temple-related cultural heritage, as well as the composition characteristics of various landscape patches. The landscape pattern indices were calculated to examine the spatial arrangement and relationships between different landscape patch types. Furthermore, the research explored the pattern and fundamental characteristics of the landscape associated with temple communities. The findings offer theoretical insights into the protection, development, and spatial management of temple cultural heritage on the Western Sichuan plateau.