The article examines the impact of increased aridization of the territory due to an increase in air temperature,reduced precipitation,and the formation of moisture deficiency on grain yields in Northern Kazakhstan.The...The article examines the impact of increased aridization of the territory due to an increase in air temperature,reduced precipitation,and the formation of moisture deficiency on grain yields in Northern Kazakhstan.The most important result of the work is the revealed inverse relationship between grain yields and the temperature of the growing season:low-yielding years are associated with high temperatures and droughts,and high-yielding years are associated with lower temperatures and an optimal ratio of heat and moisture.The novelty of this study is the use of the method of hydrological and climatic calculations in identifying the nature of temperature variability and precipitation in the territory of Northern Kazakhstan for the modern period(1991–2020)compared with the base period(1961–1990).At all the studied meteorological stations,there is a tendency for the average annual temperature and the temperature of the growing season to increase:in the forest-steppe zone with an average warming intensity of 0.3–0.33℃ per decade;in the steppe zone by 0.2–0.43℃ per decade;and in the growing season by 0.2–0.7℃ per decade.The air temperature in the steppe zone is rising more intensively than in the forest-steppe zone,and precipitation in the forest-steppe zone has changed more than in the steppe zone.An increase in the average annual air temperature during the growing season(May–August),combined with a shortage of atmospheric moisture or a constant amount of it,led to an increase in the degree of aridization of the territory,an increase in the frequency of droughts in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan.展开更多
The effects of human activities on the soil cover transformation in the eastern part of Kazakhstan were investigated during the period of 1956-2008.The results of the research for different soil types in Priaralye ind...The effects of human activities on the soil cover transformation in the eastern part of Kazakhstan were investigated during the period of 1956-2008.The results of the research for different soil types in Priaralye indicated that there was 643.3×103 hm2 solonchaks,accounting for 38.5 % of the total area（1670.5×10^3 hm^2） in 2008.Vast areas are occupied with dried lakeshore soil（311.1× 10^3 hm^2）,sandy soils（147.6×10^3 hm^2） and grey-brown desert soils and solonetzes（146.7×10^3 hm^2）.In 2001 the area of solonchak was 755×103 hm2 and decreased to 643.3×10^3 hm^2 in 2008,which due to the shrinkage of the Aral Sea,the areas of marsh and lakeshore solonchaks decreased with the increase of dried bottom of the Aral Sea.The level of soil cover transformation in the modern delta of the Syr-Darya River can be seen from the comparison of the results obtained from the different years in the study area.The area of solonchaks increased by 10×10^3 hm^2 and the area of alluvial-meadow salinizied soils increased by 17.9×10^3 hm^2 during the period of 1956-1969.It means that many non-salinizied soils were transformed into salinizied ones.Striking changes occurred in the structure of soil cover as a result of aridization.So,the researches in1969 significantly determined the areas of hydromorphic soils subjected to desertification（it was not fixed on the map before 1956）.Later,these soils were transformed into takyr-like soils.The area of takyr-like soils increased almost by 3 times for 34 years（from 1956 to 1990）.The long-term soil researches on soil cover transformation in Priaralye have shown that the tendencies of negative processes（salinization and deflation） are being kept and lead to further soil and eco-environment degradation in the region.展开更多
An increase in the extremality of natural processes is a consequence of warming, aridization, and desertification. The authors consider the processes of warming, aridization, and desertification to be the parts of a s...An increase in the extremality of natural processes is a consequence of warming, aridization, and desertification. The authors consider the processes of warming, aridization, and desertification to be the parts of a single system and major destabilizing factors of ecological balance. Destabilization is expressed in the growth of natural processes extremality. Ecosystems of Transbaikalia were once characterized by a different natural contrast and amplitude. Warming, aridization and desertification have led to an increase of environmental regimes tensions. This is demonstrated quantitatively by the root-mean-square difference of atmospheric and soil parameters. Quantitative indicators of aridization are estimated using Walter-Gossen climate charts. Permafrost zone response information to the long-term warming is provided as well.展开更多
Chinese food aid nourishes over 188,000 Zambians In the arid terrain of Shang’ombo District,approximately 850 km west of Lusaka,Zambia’s capital,Charity Imbuwa received a Chinese food-aid pack and shared it with her...Chinese food aid nourishes over 188,000 Zambians In the arid terrain of Shang’ombo District,approximately 850 km west of Lusaka,Zambia’s capital,Charity Imbuwa received a Chinese food-aid pack and shared it with her children at their home near the Angola border.展开更多
Non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs)are critical for plant drought adaptation,but their environmental drivers under prolonged drought remains unclear.We investigated seasonal NSCs dynamics in the leaf,stem and root of P...Non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs)are critical for plant drought adaptation,but their environmental drivers under prolonged drought remains unclear.We investigated seasonal NSCs dynamics in the leaf,stem and root of Picea crass ifolia(Qinghai spruce)during the growing seasons of2021-2023 under intensifying drought at three altitudes in Qilian Mountains,Northwest China.Our results revealed synchronous seasonal patterns in soluble sugar,starch,and total non-structural carbohydrate within the same year,contrasting with marked altitudinal disparities.As drought progressed(from 2021 to 2023),soluble sugars initially increased(2022)then declined(2023),while starch showed consistent reduction(except leaves).Moreover,the altitude of peak NSCs concentrations shifted from 3200 m in 2021to 2700 m in 2023.In particular,prolonged drought alters the environmental factors affecting NSCs.NSCs demonstrated significant positive correlations with soil temperature during humid 2021,then negatively with air temperature,vapor pressure deficit,and precipitation during 2022's initial drought,whereas under 2023's persistent drought conditions,soil temperature and water content emerged as dominant drivers.Concurrently,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch transitioned from air temperature and precipitation associations(2021-2022)to soil parameter dependence in2023.These findings provide new insights into the seasonal carbon dynamics of Qinghai spruce and the environmental response mechanisms under increasing drought stress,contributing to a better understanding of tree physiological adaptations in drought stress.展开更多
This study investigates climate-and human-induced hydrological changes in the Zavkhan River-Khyargas Lake Basin,a highly sensitive arid and semi-arid region of Central Asia.Using Mann-Kendall,innovative trend analysis...This study investigates climate-and human-induced hydrological changes in the Zavkhan River-Khyargas Lake Basin,a highly sensitive arid and semi-arid region of Central Asia.Using Mann-Kendall,innovative trend analysis,and Sen's slope estimation methods,historical climate trends(1980-2100)were analyzed,while land cover changes represented human impacts.Future projections were simulated using the MIROC model with Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSPs)and the Tank model.Results show that during the past 40 years,air temperature significantly increased(Z=3.93^(***)),while precipitation(Z=-1.54^(*))and river flow(Z=-1.73^(*))both declined.The Khyargas Lake water level dropped markedly(Z=-5.57***).Land cover analysis reveals expanded cropland and impervious areas due to human activity.Under the SSP1.26 scenario,which assumes minimal climate change,air temperature is projected to rise by 2.0℃,precipitation by 21.8 mm,and river discharge by 1.61 m^(3)/s between 2000 and 2100.These findings indicate that both global warming and intensified land use have substantially altered hydrological and climatic processes in the basin,highlighting the vulnerability of western Mongolia's water resources to combined climatic and anthropogenic influence.展开更多
Riparian dunes in deserts exhibit unique geographic features due to aeolian-fluvial interactions.In this study,we collected 510 surface sediment samples from eight drainage basins and conducted a systematic analysis t...Riparian dunes in deserts exhibit unique geographic features due to aeolian-fluvial interactions.In this study,we collected 510 surface sediment samples from eight drainage basins and conducted a systematic analysis to examine the grain size characteristics of major riparian dunes in the typical cold and arid deserts of China.The results indicate that major riparian dunes of deserts in study area can be classified into three types based on their grain size characteristics.The Bartlett test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO)test were also performed,and their significance values were found to be 0.000 and 0.584,respectively.The results of the principal component analysis revealed that the cumulative contribution rate of the total variance reached 85.9%for the two principal components with characteristic roots greater than 1.0.The primary principal component included medium sand,whereas the secondary principal component included fine sand.We conducted a cluster analysis and classified the samples into three major types.Type I rivers include the Keriya River,Langqu River,Tora River and Heihe River,which are characterized by by fine particle size,and well-sorted.Type II includes Mu Bulag River,Kuye River,and the Xar Moron River,Compared with type I,it has a relatively coarser mean grain size and relatively poor sorting for this type.Type III includes the Maquan River,which is characterized mainly by fine sand and medium sand,accounting for more than 90%,and the sorting coefficient(0.52)suggests relatively well sorting in this pattern.Moreover,principal component analysis was applied to determine the particle sizes of samples from different watersheds.Moreover,these sediments exhibit both hydromorphic and aeolian features.At the drainage basin scale,the mode and intensity of aeolian-fluvial interactions depend on climatic conditions.In arid and semi-arid climate regions,wind is the dominant force,and the grain size exhibits significant aeolian features.Conversely,in the semi-humid region,flowing water is the dominant force,and riparian dunes in this region are formed by aeolian-fluvial interaction.The angle between the wind direction and flow direction in different reaches influences both the supply of sediment sources and the development of riparian dunes.This study will provide a new perspective for evaluating aeolian-fluvial interactions on riparian dunes in the deserts of China’s cold and arid regions.展开更多
This study presents a multi-physical modeling approach to analyze the dynamics of moisture potential and stress-deformation features near deep desiccation cracks in clayey soils under three consecutive years’climate ...This study presents a multi-physical modeling approach to analyze the dynamics of moisture potential and stress-deformation features near deep desiccation cracks in clayey soils under three consecutive years’climate variability in an arid region.A triple research approach of statistical analysis,analytical framework,and numerical modeling was used to investigate the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of desiccation-cracked soil,incorporating realistic climatic data of Qom,Iran.The results revealed the interplay between stress,strain,and pore water pressure over time,demonstrating that soil experiences significant swelling and shrinkage due to cyclic wetting and drying.The horizontal stress distribution shows compressive stress concentration at crack tips during wetting,transitioning to tensile stresses uniformly across the soil surface during drying paths.Similarly,vertical stress distributions exhibit localized compressive stresses along crack boundaries during wetting and tensile stresses during drying,highlighting the critical stress conditions at crack tips.The model differentiates between microstructural and macrostructural changes in porosity.Annual trends in micro-porosity revealed cyclic-dependent behavior,with significant volumetric changes occurring in the first year,stabilizing with successive cycles.The results also indicated that part of the volumetric changes are irreversible,with volumetric plastic strain increasing exponentially but at a decreasing rate over three years.Principal stress analysis indicates a shift from compressive to tensile stress states around cracks,driven by climate-induced wetting and drying cycles.These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping cracked soil behavior in arid regions,providing insights into the heterogeneous behavior of cracked soil surfFicial layers.展开更多
Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are prone to extensive fires due to specific climatic conditions,sparse vegetation cover,and high density of fine fuels.Understanding the flammability characteristics of land covers is es...Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are prone to extensive fires due to specific climatic conditions,sparse vegetation cover,and high density of fine fuels.Understanding the flammability characteristics of land covers is essential for fire management and designing land restoration programs in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.This study provided a new approach to evaluate the flammability of shrublands and woodlands using flammability indices(FIs)including time to ignition(TI),duration of combustion(DC),and flame height(FH)of plant species and their relative frequencies in the Dalfard Basin of southeastern Iran.The results showed that there was a significant difference in FIs between land covers.Shrublands had higher flammability potential compared with woodlands.Plant moisture content had a negative relationship with TI(P<0.010)and no significant relationship with DC and FH(P>0.050).Artemisia spp.,Astragalus gossypinus Fischer,Amygdalus scoparia Spach,and Cymbopogon jwarancusa(Jones)Schult.had the highest FI.Tree species such as Rhazya stricta Decne.,and Pistacia atlantica Desf.showed greater resistance to fire.Using principal component analysis,the relationship between species and FIs was examined,and TI of wet fuel was the most important FI in relation to species.Structural equation model showed that life form(P<0.001)was the most important flammability driver.Precipitation(P<0.010)and legume species(P<0.010)were significantly related to the flammability in arid land.This study emphasizes the importance of managing high-risk species and using resistant species in vegetation restoration and shows that combining species FIs with their abundance is an effective tool for assessing fire risk and fuel management at the plant community scale.展开更多
High-concentration photovoltaic(HCPV)systems present significant thermal management challenges due to the intense heat fluxes generated under concentrated solar irradiation,especially in arid environments.Effective he...High-concentration photovoltaic(HCPV)systems present significant thermal management challenges due to the intense heat fluxes generated under concentrated solar irradiation,especially in arid environments.Effective heat dissipation is critical to prevent performance degradation and structural failure.This study investigates the thermal performance and design optimization of an enhanced HCPV module,integrating numerical,analytical,and experimental methods.A coupled optical-thermal-electrical model was developed to simulate ray tracing,heat transfer,and temperature-dependent electrical behaviour,with predictions validated under real-world desert conditions.Compared to a baseline commercial module operating at 106℃,the optimized design achieved a peak temperature reduction of 16℃,lowering the cell temperature to 90℃under a concentration ratio of 961×and direct normal irradiance(DNI)of 950 W/m^(2).The total thermal resistance was reduced from 0.25 to 0.15 K/W(a 40%improvement),and the electrical efficiency increased from 37.5%to 38.6%,representing a relative gain of approximately 3.1%.The system consistently maintained a fill factor exceeding 78%,underscoring stable performance under high thermal load.These findings demonstrate that targeted thermal design,informed by integrated modeling,is essential for unlocking the reliability and efficiency of high-flux solar energy systems.展开更多
Rising temperatures and increased droughts caused by climate change significantly reduce crop yields.Halophytes with different photosynthetic metabolism types have specific mechanisms for resistance to climatic factor...Rising temperatures and increased droughts caused by climate change significantly reduce crop yields.Halophytes with different photosynthetic metabolism types have specific mechanisms for resistance to climatic factors.This study analyzed the morphophysiological,biochemical,and molecular-genetic mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation in halophytes,promising candidates for the restoration of salt affected lands in arid and semi-arid areas.Experiments under drought(D)and elevated temperature(eT),as well as their combined action(eT+D),were performed on Atriplex verrucifera M.Bied.(C_(3)plant)and Climacoptera crassa(M.Bieb.)Botsch.(C_(4)-NAD-ME plant)with different types of photosynthesis.The activity of photosystem I(PSI)and the efficiency of photosystem II(PSII)were measured,along with the expression of genes involved in the light(psaA,psaB,psbA,CAB,Fd1,PGR5,and ndhH)and dark(rbcL,Ppc2,and PPDK)reactions of photosynthesis.The content of key carboxylating enzymes ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase(Rubisco)and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC),as well as the photorespiration enzyme glycine decarboxylase(GDC),were assessed.Plant growth and water-salt balance parameters,and activity of enzymes in the malate dehydrogenase(MDH)system nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(phosphate)(NAD(P))-MDH and NAD(P)-malic enzyme(ME)were also examined.A multivariate analysis of the experimental results revealed that A.verrucifera and C.crassa were both resistant to the effects of these climatic stressors.The tolerance mechanisms of both species were significantly influenced by a high level of photosynthetic plasticity.Nevertheless,differences were observed in the protective mechanisms underlying tolerance.In the C_(3)species,dissipative processes associated with non-photochemical quenching(NPQ)of PSII and MDH system enzymes(malate valves)were activated,particularly under osmotic stress.The negative effects in the C_(3)plants were caused by the combined action of eT+D,which was compensated by an increased expression of rbcL,psaA,CAB,and especially PGR5,i.e.,genes encoding Rubisco large subunit and PSI components:apoproteins A,chlorophyll a/b-associated protein(CAB)of light-harvesting complex,and proton gradient regulation 5(PGR5)protein of the main pathway of cyclic electron transport(CET)around PSI.In C_(4)species,the protective MDH complex was expressed to a lesser extent,but activation of the C_(4)carbon-concentrating mechanism(CCM)and upregulation of PGR5 expression were observed,particularly under the individual action of the factors.Under the combined stress of eT+D,C.crassa exhibited a synergistic effect,where the increase in NPQ level and NAD-ME activity,as well as decrease in NADP-ME activity was less pronounced compared with the effect of singular factors.Comparative physiological,biochemical,and molecular analyses of how C_(3)and C_(4)species response to individual and combined climatic factors provide new insights into sustainable plant adaptation strategies in the face of global climate change.Considering the high nutritional value of these two fodder species,a technological approach could be developed to improve the productivity of salt affected lands.展开更多
Land use in arid and semi-arid regions has a substantial effect on climate,environment,and biodiversity,thereby projecting the spatiotemporal changes in land use and the subsequent effects.This study employed the loca...Land use in arid and semi-arid regions has a substantial effect on climate,environment,and biodiversity,thereby projecting the spatiotemporal changes in land use and the subsequent effects.This study employed the locally calibrated Future Land Use Simulation(FLUS)model,which coupled system dynamics with cellular automata and integrated an artificial neural network algorithm and a roulette wheel selection mechanism.We projected future land use(2020–2100)dynamics of Lanzhou,a typical river valley city in Northwest China,under three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway(SSP)scenarios(SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,and SSP5-8.5).The simulation results were validated and subsequently reclassified using the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme(IGBP)system to produce a dataset suitable for driving climatic and environmental models.Under the SSP1-2.6 scenario,urban and built-up land expanded consistently,whereas irrigated cropland and pasture as well as grassland contracted continuously.Conversely,the SSP5-8.5 scenario was characterized by a contraction of urban and built-up land,and relative stability of irrigated cropland and pasture as well as grassland.The SSP2-4.5 scenario presented a more complex trade-off,where urban and built-up land and grassland increased first and then decreased,whereas irrigated cropland and pasture followed an opposite trajectory.A significant inverse relationship between urban and built-up land and irrigated cropland and pasture was observed under all scenarios,underscoring the fundamental spatial competition that prevailed in this land-constrained valley city.Furthermore,the negative correlation of grassland with urban and built-up land,coupled with the positive correlation of grassland with irrigated cropland and pasture under both the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios,indicated an evolution from broad confrontation to intricate internal trade-offs within the urban–agricultural–ecological system.This study underscored the critical influence of regional topographic and hydrological constraints on land-use evolution in arid regions,providing guidance for water resource management and ecosystem protection in Lanzhou,with applications for sustainable land-use planning in other arid and semi-arid river valley cities.展开更多
Soil moisture(SM)is a critical variable in terrestrial ecosystems,especially in arid and semi-arid areas where water sources are limited.Despite its importance,understanding the spatiotemporal variations and influenci...Soil moisture(SM)is a critical variable in terrestrial ecosystems,especially in arid and semi-arid areas where water sources are limited.Despite its importance,understanding the spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors of SM in these areas remains insufficient.This study investigated the spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors of SM in arid and semi-arid areas of China by utilizing the extended triple collation(ETC),Mann-Kendall test,Theil-Sen estimator,ridge regression analysis,and other relevant methods.The following findings were obtained:(1)at the pixel scale,the long-term monthly SM data from the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative(ESA CCI)exhibited the highest correlation coefficient of 0.794 and the lowest root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.014 m^(3)/m^(3);(2)from 2000 to 2022,the study area experienced significant increase in annual average SM,with a rate of 0.408×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a).Moreover,higher altitudes showed a notable upward trend,with SM increasing rates at 0.210×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)between 1000 and 2000 m,0.530×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)between 2000 and 4000 m,and 0.760×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)at altitudes above 4000 m;(3)land surface temperature(LST),root zone soil moisture(RSM)(10-40 cm depth),and normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)were identified as the primary factors influencing annual average SM,which accounted for 34.37%,24.16%,and 22.64%relative contributions,respectively;and(4)absolute contribution of LST was more significant in subareas at higher altitudes,with average absolute contributions of 0.800×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)between 2000 and 4000 m and 0.500×10^(-2) m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)above 4000 m.This study reveals the spatiotemporal variations and main influencing factors of SM in Chinese arid and semi-arid areas,highlighting the more pronounced absolute contribution of LST to SM in high-altitude areas,providing valuable insights for ecological research and water resource management in these areas.展开更多
Approximately 3.44 billion tons of copper mine tailings(MT)were produced globally in 2018 with an increase of 45%from 2010.Significant efforts are being made to manage these tailings through storage facilities,recycli...Approximately 3.44 billion tons of copper mine tailings(MT)were produced globally in 2018 with an increase of 45%from 2010.Significant efforts are being made to manage these tailings through storage facilities,recycling,and reuse in different industries.Currently,a large portion of tailings are managed through the tailing storage facilities(TSF)where these tailings undergo hydro-thermal-mechanical stresses with seasonal cycles which are not comprehensively understood.This study presents an investigative study to evaluate the performance of control and cement-stabilized copper MT under the influence of seasonal cycles,freeze-thaw(F-T)and wet-dry(W-D)conditions,representing the seasonal variability in the cold and arid regions.The control and cement-stabilized MT samples were subjected to a maximum of 12 F-T and 12 W-D cycles and corresponding micro-and-macro behavior was investigated through scanning electron microscope(SEM),volumetric strain(εvT,wet density(r),moisture content loss,and unconfined compressive strength(UCS)tests.The results indicated the vulnerability of Copper MT to 67%and 75%strength loss reaching residual states with 12 F-T and 8 W-D cycles,respectively.Whereas the stabilized MT retained 39%-55%and 16%-34%strength with F-T and W-D cycles,demonstrating increased durability.This research highlights the impact of seasonal cycles and corresponding strength-deformation characteristics of control and stabilized Copper MT in cold and arid regions.展开更多
Northern China is a prominent “hotspot” for land–atmosphere interactions, with substantial gradients in both moisture and thermal conditions. Previous studies have identified a link between land–atmosphere couplin...Northern China is a prominent “hotspot” for land–atmosphere interactions, with substantial gradients in both moisture and thermal conditions. Previous studies have identified a link between land–atmosphere coupling and the individual roles of each factor, but the synergistic effect of the two factors remains unclear. This study considers the covariation of evapotranspiration and precipitation to assess evapotranspiration–precipitation(ET–P) coupling across northern China,exploring its spatial variations and their linkage to water and heat factors. Our findings reveal a transition from strongly positive coupling in the northwest to weakly negative coupling in the southeast, peaking in spring. These spatial variations are attributable to water(soil moisture) and heat(air temperature), which explain 39% and 25% of the variability,respectively. The aridity index(AI), a water–heat synergy factor, is the dominant factor, explaining 66% of the spatial variation in ET–P coupling. As the AI increases, ET–P coupling shifts from strongly positive to weakly negative, with an AI around 0.7. This shift is determined by a shift in the evapotranspiration–lifting condensation level(LCL) coupling under an AI change. Regions with an AI below 0.7 experience water-limited evapotranspiration, where increased soil moisture enhances evapotranspiration, reduces sensible heat(H), and lowers the LCL, resulting in a negative ET–LCL coupling.Conversely, regions with an AI above 0.7 experience energy-limited evapotranspiration, where the positive ET–LCL coupling reflects a positive H–LCL coupling or a positive impact of the LCL on evapotranspiration. This analysis advances our understanding of the intricate influences of multifactor surface interactions on the spatial variations of land–atmosphere coupling.展开更多
Arid regions are vital components of Earth’s land surface.Clarifying the area/boundary of arid region is crucial for comprehending area changes and potential mechanisms.However,the accuracy and applicability of arid ...Arid regions are vital components of Earth’s land surface.Clarifying the area/boundary of arid region is crucial for comprehending area changes and potential mechanisms.However,the accuracy and applicability of arid region boundary delineated by different indices remain unclear.In this study,the annual precipitation(AP),humidity index(H),and aridity index(K)were calculated for delineating arid region of China using 106 meteorological stations during 1990–2019.The results suggest that AP and H can accurately delineate arid region,because they are consistent with the distribution of typical soil and vegetation in arid region,whereas K is not.Moreover,AP is the best index for delineating arid region in regions with limited meteorological data,especially in studying long-term patterns and mechanisms of area changes.The accuracy of delineating arid region using H is enhanced in regions with abundant meteorological data.Over the past 30 years,influenced by the increase of atmospheric moisture influx and precipitation,the area in arid region of northwestern China decreased by 70×10^(3)–90×10^(3)km^(2),resulting in the present area of approximately 1.55×10^(6)km^(2).This study provides appropriate indices for delineating arid region,contributing to improving our knowledge of regional responses difference to climate change.展开更多
文摘The article examines the impact of increased aridization of the territory due to an increase in air temperature,reduced precipitation,and the formation of moisture deficiency on grain yields in Northern Kazakhstan.The most important result of the work is the revealed inverse relationship between grain yields and the temperature of the growing season:low-yielding years are associated with high temperatures and droughts,and high-yielding years are associated with lower temperatures and an optimal ratio of heat and moisture.The novelty of this study is the use of the method of hydrological and climatic calculations in identifying the nature of temperature variability and precipitation in the territory of Northern Kazakhstan for the modern period(1991–2020)compared with the base period(1961–1990).At all the studied meteorological stations,there is a tendency for the average annual temperature and the temperature of the growing season to increase:in the forest-steppe zone with an average warming intensity of 0.3–0.33℃ per decade;in the steppe zone by 0.2–0.43℃ per decade;and in the growing season by 0.2–0.7℃ per decade.The air temperature in the steppe zone is rising more intensively than in the forest-steppe zone,and precipitation in the forest-steppe zone has changed more than in the steppe zone.An increase in the average annual air temperature during the growing season(May–August),combined with a shortage of atmospheric moisture or a constant amount of it,led to an increase in the degree of aridization of the territory,an increase in the frequency of droughts in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan.
基金supported by the Department of Ecology in Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry named after Uspanov,Almaty,Kazakhstan
文摘The effects of human activities on the soil cover transformation in the eastern part of Kazakhstan were investigated during the period of 1956-2008.The results of the research for different soil types in Priaralye indicated that there was 643.3×103 hm2 solonchaks,accounting for 38.5 % of the total area（1670.5×10^3 hm^2） in 2008.Vast areas are occupied with dried lakeshore soil（311.1× 10^3 hm^2）,sandy soils（147.6×10^3 hm^2） and grey-brown desert soils and solonetzes（146.7×10^3 hm^2）.In 2001 the area of solonchak was 755×103 hm2 and decreased to 643.3×10^3 hm^2 in 2008,which due to the shrinkage of the Aral Sea,the areas of marsh and lakeshore solonchaks decreased with the increase of dried bottom of the Aral Sea.The level of soil cover transformation in the modern delta of the Syr-Darya River can be seen from the comparison of the results obtained from the different years in the study area.The area of solonchaks increased by 10×10^3 hm^2 and the area of alluvial-meadow salinizied soils increased by 17.9×10^3 hm^2 during the period of 1956-1969.It means that many non-salinizied soils were transformed into salinizied ones.Striking changes occurred in the structure of soil cover as a result of aridization.So,the researches in1969 significantly determined the areas of hydromorphic soils subjected to desertification（it was not fixed on the map before 1956）.Later,these soils were transformed into takyr-like soils.The area of takyr-like soils increased almost by 3 times for 34 years（from 1956 to 1990）.The long-term soil researches on soil cover transformation in Priaralye have shown that the tendencies of negative processes（salinization and deflation） are being kept and lead to further soil and eco-environment degradation in the region.
基金partially supported by the Russian Geographical Society(grant No.13-05-41378)
文摘An increase in the extremality of natural processes is a consequence of warming, aridization, and desertification. The authors consider the processes of warming, aridization, and desertification to be the parts of a single system and major destabilizing factors of ecological balance. Destabilization is expressed in the growth of natural processes extremality. Ecosystems of Transbaikalia were once characterized by a different natural contrast and amplitude. Warming, aridization and desertification have led to an increase of environmental regimes tensions. This is demonstrated quantitatively by the root-mean-square difference of atmospheric and soil parameters. Quantitative indicators of aridization are estimated using Walter-Gossen climate charts. Permafrost zone response information to the long-term warming is provided as well.
文摘Chinese food aid nourishes over 188,000 Zambians In the arid terrain of Shang’ombo District,approximately 850 km west of Lusaka,Zambia’s capital,Charity Imbuwa received a Chinese food-aid pack and shared it with her children at their home near the Angola border.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42277481,42007410,32271667,42207537)。
文摘Non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs)are critical for plant drought adaptation,but their environmental drivers under prolonged drought remains unclear.We investigated seasonal NSCs dynamics in the leaf,stem and root of Picea crass ifolia(Qinghai spruce)during the growing seasons of2021-2023 under intensifying drought at three altitudes in Qilian Mountains,Northwest China.Our results revealed synchronous seasonal patterns in soluble sugar,starch,and total non-structural carbohydrate within the same year,contrasting with marked altitudinal disparities.As drought progressed(from 2021 to 2023),soluble sugars initially increased(2022)then declined(2023),while starch showed consistent reduction(except leaves).Moreover,the altitude of peak NSCs concentrations shifted from 3200 m in 2021to 2700 m in 2023.In particular,prolonged drought alters the environmental factors affecting NSCs.NSCs demonstrated significant positive correlations with soil temperature during humid 2021,then negatively with air temperature,vapor pressure deficit,and precipitation during 2022's initial drought,whereas under 2023's persistent drought conditions,soil temperature and water content emerged as dominant drivers.Concurrently,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch transitioned from air temperature and precipitation associations(2021-2022)to soil parameter dependence in2023.These findings provide new insights into the seasonal carbon dynamics of Qinghai spruce and the environmental response mechanisms under increasing drought stress,contributing to a better understanding of tree physiological adaptations in drought stress.
基金The National University of Mongolia,No.P2024-4814The Mongolian Science and Technology Foundation,No.CHN-2022/274The‘Chey Institute for Advanced Studies’International Scholar Exchange Fellowship for the Academic Year of 2025-2026。
文摘This study investigates climate-and human-induced hydrological changes in the Zavkhan River-Khyargas Lake Basin,a highly sensitive arid and semi-arid region of Central Asia.Using Mann-Kendall,innovative trend analysis,and Sen's slope estimation methods,historical climate trends(1980-2100)were analyzed,while land cover changes represented human impacts.Future projections were simulated using the MIROC model with Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSPs)and the Tank model.Results show that during the past 40 years,air temperature significantly increased(Z=3.93^(***)),while precipitation(Z=-1.54^(*))and river flow(Z=-1.73^(*))both declined.The Khyargas Lake water level dropped markedly(Z=-5.57***).Land cover analysis reveals expanded cropland and impervious areas due to human activity.Under the SSP1.26 scenario,which assumes minimal climate change,air temperature is projected to rise by 2.0℃,precipitation by 21.8 mm,and river discharge by 1.61 m^(3)/s between 2000 and 2100.These findings indicate that both global warming and intensified land use have substantially altered hydrological and climatic processes in the basin,highlighting the vulnerability of western Mongolia's water resources to combined climatic and anthropogenic influence.
基金Under the auspices of the General Project of Science and Technology Department of Shaanxi Province(No.2023-JCYB-264)General Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41801004,42371008,42471012)。
文摘Riparian dunes in deserts exhibit unique geographic features due to aeolian-fluvial interactions.In this study,we collected 510 surface sediment samples from eight drainage basins and conducted a systematic analysis to examine the grain size characteristics of major riparian dunes in the typical cold and arid deserts of China.The results indicate that major riparian dunes of deserts in study area can be classified into three types based on their grain size characteristics.The Bartlett test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO)test were also performed,and their significance values were found to be 0.000 and 0.584,respectively.The results of the principal component analysis revealed that the cumulative contribution rate of the total variance reached 85.9%for the two principal components with characteristic roots greater than 1.0.The primary principal component included medium sand,whereas the secondary principal component included fine sand.We conducted a cluster analysis and classified the samples into three major types.Type I rivers include the Keriya River,Langqu River,Tora River and Heihe River,which are characterized by by fine particle size,and well-sorted.Type II includes Mu Bulag River,Kuye River,and the Xar Moron River,Compared with type I,it has a relatively coarser mean grain size and relatively poor sorting for this type.Type III includes the Maquan River,which is characterized mainly by fine sand and medium sand,accounting for more than 90%,and the sorting coefficient(0.52)suggests relatively well sorting in this pattern.Moreover,principal component analysis was applied to determine the particle sizes of samples from different watersheds.Moreover,these sediments exhibit both hydromorphic and aeolian features.At the drainage basin scale,the mode and intensity of aeolian-fluvial interactions depend on climatic conditions.In arid and semi-arid climate regions,wind is the dominant force,and the grain size exhibits significant aeolian features.Conversely,in the semi-humid region,flowing water is the dominant force,and riparian dunes in this region are formed by aeolian-fluvial interaction.The angle between the wind direction and flow direction in different reaches influences both the supply of sediment sources and the development of riparian dunes.This study will provide a new perspective for evaluating aeolian-fluvial interactions on riparian dunes in the deserts of China’s cold and arid regions.
基金support provided by the Research Grant Office at Sharif University Technology by way of grants G4010902 and QB020105 is gratefully acknowledged.
文摘This study presents a multi-physical modeling approach to analyze the dynamics of moisture potential and stress-deformation features near deep desiccation cracks in clayey soils under three consecutive years’climate variability in an arid region.A triple research approach of statistical analysis,analytical framework,and numerical modeling was used to investigate the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of desiccation-cracked soil,incorporating realistic climatic data of Qom,Iran.The results revealed the interplay between stress,strain,and pore water pressure over time,demonstrating that soil experiences significant swelling and shrinkage due to cyclic wetting and drying.The horizontal stress distribution shows compressive stress concentration at crack tips during wetting,transitioning to tensile stresses uniformly across the soil surface during drying paths.Similarly,vertical stress distributions exhibit localized compressive stresses along crack boundaries during wetting and tensile stresses during drying,highlighting the critical stress conditions at crack tips.The model differentiates between microstructural and macrostructural changes in porosity.Annual trends in micro-porosity revealed cyclic-dependent behavior,with significant volumetric changes occurring in the first year,stabilizing with successive cycles.The results also indicated that part of the volumetric changes are irreversible,with volumetric plastic strain increasing exponentially but at a decreasing rate over three years.Principal stress analysis indicates a shift from compressive to tensile stress states around cracks,driven by climate-induced wetting and drying cycles.These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping cracked soil behavior in arid regions,providing insights into the heterogeneous behavior of cracked soil surfFicial layers.
文摘Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are prone to extensive fires due to specific climatic conditions,sparse vegetation cover,and high density of fine fuels.Understanding the flammability characteristics of land covers is essential for fire management and designing land restoration programs in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.This study provided a new approach to evaluate the flammability of shrublands and woodlands using flammability indices(FIs)including time to ignition(TI),duration of combustion(DC),and flame height(FH)of plant species and their relative frequencies in the Dalfard Basin of southeastern Iran.The results showed that there was a significant difference in FIs between land covers.Shrublands had higher flammability potential compared with woodlands.Plant moisture content had a negative relationship with TI(P<0.010)and no significant relationship with DC and FH(P>0.050).Artemisia spp.,Astragalus gossypinus Fischer,Amygdalus scoparia Spach,and Cymbopogon jwarancusa(Jones)Schult.had the highest FI.Tree species such as Rhazya stricta Decne.,and Pistacia atlantica Desf.showed greater resistance to fire.Using principal component analysis,the relationship between species and FIs was examined,and TI of wet fuel was the most important FI in relation to species.Structural equation model showed that life form(P<0.001)was the most important flammability driver.Precipitation(P<0.010)and legume species(P<0.010)were significantly related to the flammability in arid land.This study emphasizes the importance of managing high-risk species and using resistant species in vegetation restoration and shows that combining species FIs with their abundance is an effective tool for assessing fire risk and fuel management at the plant community scale.
基金funded by King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy(KACARE),grant number“PC-2020-1”.
文摘High-concentration photovoltaic(HCPV)systems present significant thermal management challenges due to the intense heat fluxes generated under concentrated solar irradiation,especially in arid environments.Effective heat dissipation is critical to prevent performance degradation and structural failure.This study investigates the thermal performance and design optimization of an enhanced HCPV module,integrating numerical,analytical,and experimental methods.A coupled optical-thermal-electrical model was developed to simulate ray tracing,heat transfer,and temperature-dependent electrical behaviour,with predictions validated under real-world desert conditions.Compared to a baseline commercial module operating at 106℃,the optimized design achieved a peak temperature reduction of 16℃,lowering the cell temperature to 90℃under a concentration ratio of 961×and direct normal irradiance(DNI)of 950 W/m^(2).The total thermal resistance was reduced from 0.25 to 0.15 K/W(a 40%improvement),and the electrical efficiency increased from 37.5%to 38.6%,representing a relative gain of approximately 3.1%.The system consistently maintained a fill factor exceeding 78%,underscoring stable performance under high thermal load.These findings demonstrate that targeted thermal design,informed by integrated modeling,is essential for unlocking the reliability and efficiency of high-flux solar energy systems.
基金supported by the state assignment of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation(122042700044-6)the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development(SATREPS)project(JPMJSA2001).
文摘Rising temperatures and increased droughts caused by climate change significantly reduce crop yields.Halophytes with different photosynthetic metabolism types have specific mechanisms for resistance to climatic factors.This study analyzed the morphophysiological,biochemical,and molecular-genetic mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation in halophytes,promising candidates for the restoration of salt affected lands in arid and semi-arid areas.Experiments under drought(D)and elevated temperature(eT),as well as their combined action(eT+D),were performed on Atriplex verrucifera M.Bied.(C_(3)plant)and Climacoptera crassa(M.Bieb.)Botsch.(C_(4)-NAD-ME plant)with different types of photosynthesis.The activity of photosystem I(PSI)and the efficiency of photosystem II(PSII)were measured,along with the expression of genes involved in the light(psaA,psaB,psbA,CAB,Fd1,PGR5,and ndhH)and dark(rbcL,Ppc2,and PPDK)reactions of photosynthesis.The content of key carboxylating enzymes ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase(Rubisco)and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC),as well as the photorespiration enzyme glycine decarboxylase(GDC),were assessed.Plant growth and water-salt balance parameters,and activity of enzymes in the malate dehydrogenase(MDH)system nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(phosphate)(NAD(P))-MDH and NAD(P)-malic enzyme(ME)were also examined.A multivariate analysis of the experimental results revealed that A.verrucifera and C.crassa were both resistant to the effects of these climatic stressors.The tolerance mechanisms of both species were significantly influenced by a high level of photosynthetic plasticity.Nevertheless,differences were observed in the protective mechanisms underlying tolerance.In the C_(3)species,dissipative processes associated with non-photochemical quenching(NPQ)of PSII and MDH system enzymes(malate valves)were activated,particularly under osmotic stress.The negative effects in the C_(3)plants were caused by the combined action of eT+D,which was compensated by an increased expression of rbcL,psaA,CAB,and especially PGR5,i.e.,genes encoding Rubisco large subunit and PSI components:apoproteins A,chlorophyll a/b-associated protein(CAB)of light-harvesting complex,and proton gradient regulation 5(PGR5)protein of the main pathway of cyclic electron transport(CET)around PSI.In C_(4)species,the protective MDH complex was expressed to a lesser extent,but activation of the C_(4)carbon-concentrating mechanism(CCM)and upregulation of PGR5 expression were observed,particularly under the individual action of the factors.Under the combined stress of eT+D,C.crassa exhibited a synergistic effect,where the increase in NPQ level and NAD-ME activity,as well as decrease in NADP-ME activity was less pronounced compared with the effect of singular factors.Comparative physiological,biochemical,and molecular analyses of how C_(3)and C_(4)species response to individual and combined climatic factors provide new insights into sustainable plant adaptation strategies in the face of global climate change.Considering the high nutritional value of these two fodder species,a technological approach could be developed to improve the productivity of salt affected lands.
基金supported by the Soft Science Special Project of Gansu Basic Research Plan(25JRZA206)the Longyuan Youth Talent Project of Gansu Province(ZHU Rong)+1 种基金the Innovation Development Special Project of China Meteorological Administration(CXFZ2025J036)the Program of the State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Chinese Academy of Sciences(CSFSE-KF-2402).
文摘Land use in arid and semi-arid regions has a substantial effect on climate,environment,and biodiversity,thereby projecting the spatiotemporal changes in land use and the subsequent effects.This study employed the locally calibrated Future Land Use Simulation(FLUS)model,which coupled system dynamics with cellular automata and integrated an artificial neural network algorithm and a roulette wheel selection mechanism.We projected future land use(2020–2100)dynamics of Lanzhou,a typical river valley city in Northwest China,under three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway(SSP)scenarios(SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,and SSP5-8.5).The simulation results were validated and subsequently reclassified using the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme(IGBP)system to produce a dataset suitable for driving climatic and environmental models.Under the SSP1-2.6 scenario,urban and built-up land expanded consistently,whereas irrigated cropland and pasture as well as grassland contracted continuously.Conversely,the SSP5-8.5 scenario was characterized by a contraction of urban and built-up land,and relative stability of irrigated cropland and pasture as well as grassland.The SSP2-4.5 scenario presented a more complex trade-off,where urban and built-up land and grassland increased first and then decreased,whereas irrigated cropland and pasture followed an opposite trajectory.A significant inverse relationship between urban and built-up land and irrigated cropland and pasture was observed under all scenarios,underscoring the fundamental spatial competition that prevailed in this land-constrained valley city.Furthermore,the negative correlation of grassland with urban and built-up land,coupled with the positive correlation of grassland with irrigated cropland and pasture under both the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios,indicated an evolution from broad confrontation to intricate internal trade-offs within the urban–agricultural–ecological system.This study underscored the critical influence of regional topographic and hydrological constraints on land-use evolution in arid regions,providing guidance for water resource management and ecosystem protection in Lanzhou,with applications for sustainable land-use planning in other arid and semi-arid river valley cities.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(252300421290)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41771438)+1 种基金the Program for Innovative Research Team(in Science and Technology)of Henan University(22IRTSTHN010)the Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province(HNYJS2020JD14).
文摘Soil moisture(SM)is a critical variable in terrestrial ecosystems,especially in arid and semi-arid areas where water sources are limited.Despite its importance,understanding the spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors of SM in these areas remains insufficient.This study investigated the spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors of SM in arid and semi-arid areas of China by utilizing the extended triple collation(ETC),Mann-Kendall test,Theil-Sen estimator,ridge regression analysis,and other relevant methods.The following findings were obtained:(1)at the pixel scale,the long-term monthly SM data from the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative(ESA CCI)exhibited the highest correlation coefficient of 0.794 and the lowest root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.014 m^(3)/m^(3);(2)from 2000 to 2022,the study area experienced significant increase in annual average SM,with a rate of 0.408×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a).Moreover,higher altitudes showed a notable upward trend,with SM increasing rates at 0.210×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)between 1000 and 2000 m,0.530×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)between 2000 and 4000 m,and 0.760×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)at altitudes above 4000 m;(3)land surface temperature(LST),root zone soil moisture(RSM)(10-40 cm depth),and normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)were identified as the primary factors influencing annual average SM,which accounted for 34.37%,24.16%,and 22.64%relative contributions,respectively;and(4)absolute contribution of LST was more significant in subareas at higher altitudes,with average absolute contributions of 0.800×10^(-3)m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)between 2000 and 4000 m and 0.500×10^(-2) m^(3)/(m^(3)•a)above 4000 m.This study reveals the spatiotemporal variations and main influencing factors of SM in Chinese arid and semi-arid areas,highlighting the more pronounced absolute contribution of LST to SM in high-altitude areas,providing valuable insights for ecological research and water resource management in these areas.
基金the W.M.Keck Center for Nano-Scale Imaging in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arizona(Grant No.RRID:SCR_022884),with funding from the W.M.Keck Foundation Grant.
文摘Approximately 3.44 billion tons of copper mine tailings(MT)were produced globally in 2018 with an increase of 45%from 2010.Significant efforts are being made to manage these tailings through storage facilities,recycling,and reuse in different industries.Currently,a large portion of tailings are managed through the tailing storage facilities(TSF)where these tailings undergo hydro-thermal-mechanical stresses with seasonal cycles which are not comprehensively understood.This study presents an investigative study to evaluate the performance of control and cement-stabilized copper MT under the influence of seasonal cycles,freeze-thaw(F-T)and wet-dry(W-D)conditions,representing the seasonal variability in the cold and arid regions.The control and cement-stabilized MT samples were subjected to a maximum of 12 F-T and 12 W-D cycles and corresponding micro-and-macro behavior was investigated through scanning electron microscope(SEM),volumetric strain(εvT,wet density(r),moisture content loss,and unconfined compressive strength(UCS)tests.The results indicated the vulnerability of Copper MT to 67%and 75%strength loss reaching residual states with 12 F-T and 8 W-D cycles,respectively.Whereas the stabilized MT retained 39%-55%and 16%-34%strength with F-T and W-D cycles,demonstrating increased durability.This research highlights the impact of seasonal cycles and corresponding strength-deformation characteristics of control and stabilized Copper MT in cold and arid regions.
基金jointly supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No.42230611)the Meteorological Joint Fund (Grant No.U2142208)+2 种基金the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research (STEP) program (grant no.2019QZKK0102)the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No.42005071)the Gansu Province Key Talent Project (Grant No.2023RCXM37)。
文摘Northern China is a prominent “hotspot” for land–atmosphere interactions, with substantial gradients in both moisture and thermal conditions. Previous studies have identified a link between land–atmosphere coupling and the individual roles of each factor, but the synergistic effect of the two factors remains unclear. This study considers the covariation of evapotranspiration and precipitation to assess evapotranspiration–precipitation(ET–P) coupling across northern China,exploring its spatial variations and their linkage to water and heat factors. Our findings reveal a transition from strongly positive coupling in the northwest to weakly negative coupling in the southeast, peaking in spring. These spatial variations are attributable to water(soil moisture) and heat(air temperature), which explain 39% and 25% of the variability,respectively. The aridity index(AI), a water–heat synergy factor, is the dominant factor, explaining 66% of the spatial variation in ET–P coupling. As the AI increases, ET–P coupling shifts from strongly positive to weakly negative, with an AI around 0.7. This shift is determined by a shift in the evapotranspiration–lifting condensation level(LCL) coupling under an AI change. Regions with an AI below 0.7 experience water-limited evapotranspiration, where increased soil moisture enhances evapotranspiration, reduces sensible heat(H), and lowers the LCL, resulting in a negative ET–LCL coupling.Conversely, regions with an AI above 0.7 experience energy-limited evapotranspiration, where the positive ET–LCL coupling reflects a positive H–LCL coupling or a positive impact of the LCL on evapotranspiration. This analysis advances our understanding of the intricate influences of multifactor surface interactions on the spatial variations of land–atmosphere coupling.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42271003,42301001)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.lzujbky-2022-ey09)+1 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.GZB20230275)Supercomputing Center of Lanzhou University。
文摘Arid regions are vital components of Earth’s land surface.Clarifying the area/boundary of arid region is crucial for comprehending area changes and potential mechanisms.However,the accuracy and applicability of arid region boundary delineated by different indices remain unclear.In this study,the annual precipitation(AP),humidity index(H),and aridity index(K)were calculated for delineating arid region of China using 106 meteorological stations during 1990–2019.The results suggest that AP and H can accurately delineate arid region,because they are consistent with the distribution of typical soil and vegetation in arid region,whereas K is not.Moreover,AP is the best index for delineating arid region in regions with limited meteorological data,especially in studying long-term patterns and mechanisms of area changes.The accuracy of delineating arid region using H is enhanced in regions with abundant meteorological data.Over the past 30 years,influenced by the increase of atmospheric moisture influx and precipitation,the area in arid region of northwestern China decreased by 70×10^(3)–90×10^(3)km^(2),resulting in the present area of approximately 1.55×10^(6)km^(2).This study provides appropriate indices for delineating arid region,contributing to improving our knowledge of regional responses difference to climate change.
