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Increasing terrestrial vegetation activity in China, 1982-1999
Jingyun Fang1, Shilong Piao, Jinsheng He
1Department of Ecology, College of Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. jyfang@urban.pku.edu.cn
Science in China. Series C, Life Sciences
|November 5, 2004
Summary
Vegetation activity in China has increased over 18 years, with more vegetated areas and higher vegetation index (NDVI) trends. This rise is linked to longer growing seasons, better plant growth, and favorable climate shifts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Remote Sensing
- Ecology
Background:
- Vegetation activity is crucial for ecosystem health and climate regulation.
- Understanding long-term vegetation changes is vital for environmental management.
- Satellite-derived indices offer a powerful tool for monitoring global vegetation dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vegetation activity changes in China from 1982 to 1999 using NDVI data.
- To differentiate between vegetated and sparsely vegetated areas for accurate analysis.
- To identify factors contributing to observed vegetation trends.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NOAA-AVHRR 3rd generation time series dataset (1982-1999).
- Defined "vegetated areas" (NDVI >= 0.1) and "sparsely vegetated areas" (NDVI < 0.1).
- Analyzed spatial and temporal trends in NDVI across China.
Main Results:
- Significant increasing NDVI trends observed across most of China.
- Vegetated area increased by 3.5%, while sparsely vegetated area decreased by 18.1% from the early 1980s to late 1990s.
- National mean annual NDVI increased by 7.4%, driven by extended growing seasons and enhanced plant growth.
Conclusions:
- Overall vegetation activity in China has risen, with notable regional variations.
- Urbanization, agricultural intensification, and climate factors influence vegetation changes.
- Future monitoring should consider these complex interactions for effective environmental strategies.