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Impervious surface increase over global border areas regulated by population and topography.
Chiwei Xiao1, Zilong Yue1, Zhiming Feng1
1Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Science Bulletin
|February 3, 2026
Summary
Impervious surface area (ISA) in global borderlands doubled from 1985-2020, driven primarily by population growth and topography. Economic disparities between nations amplified ISA expansion, highlighting critical sustainable development challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
- Geospatial Analysis
Background:
- Border areas are vital for sustainable development but face rapid land cover changes, particularly increased impervious surface areas (ISA).
- Global patterns and drivers of ISA expansion in these critical regions remain poorly understood.
- Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective land management and sustainable development strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global patterns and driving factors of impervious surface area (ISA) expansion in borderlands.
- To analyze the relationship between ISA expansion and economic disparities between neighboring countries.
- To identify key drivers influencing ISA growth in border regions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-frequency time-series satellite data from 1985 to 2020.
- Integrated geospatial analysis to map ISA expansion across global borderlands.
- Employed correlation and causation analyses to determine driving factors, including population and topography.
Main Results:
- Global ISA in borderlands doubled between 1985 and 2020.
- ISA expansion was more significant in areas with greater economic income disparities, indicating an attraction effect.
- A small proportion of borderlands (14%) accounted for 50% of the total ISA expansion, with approximately one-third showing border-oriented development tendencies.
- Population growth and topography were identified as primary drivers of ISA expansion.
Conclusions:
- ISA expansion in global borderlands is a significant trend, influenced by economic disparities and specific geographical characteristics.
- Population growth and topography are key drivers, necessitating targeted sustainable development strategies for border regions.
- Findings offer empirical insights into urban sprawl, ecological impacts, and sustainable development in border areas worldwide.
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