The interactions between clouds and aerosols represent one of the largest uncertainties in assessing the Earth's radiation budget, highlighting the importance of research on the transition zone(TZ) within the clou...The interactions between clouds and aerosols represent one of the largest uncertainties in assessing the Earth's radiation budget, highlighting the importance of research on the transition zone(TZ) within the cloud-aerosol continuum.This study assesses the global distribution of TZ conditions, analyzes its optical characteristics, and determines the cloud or aerosol types most commonly associated with them, using the cloud-aerosol discrimination(CAD) score of the CloudAerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization(CALIOP) instrument on the CALIPSO satellite. The CAD score classifies clouds and aerosols by the probability density functions of attenuated backscatter, total color ratio, volume depolarization ratio, altitude, and latitude. After applying several filters to avoid artifacts, the TZ was identified as those atmospheric layers that cannot be clearly classified as clouds or aerosols, layers within the no-confidence range(NCR) of the CAD score, and cirrus fringes. The optical characteristics of NCR layers exhibit two main clusters: Cluster 1, with properties between high-altitude ice clouds and aerosols(e.g., wispy cloud fragments), and Cluster 2, with properties between water clouds and aerosols at lower altitudes(e.g., large hydrated aerosols). Our results highlight the significant ubiquity of TZ conditions, which appear in 9.5% of all profiles and comprise 6.4% of the detected layers. Cluster 1 and cirrus-fringe layers predominate near the ITCZ and in mid-latitudes, whereas Cluster 2 layers are more frequent over the oceans along the central West African and East Asian coasts, where elevated smoke and dusty marine aerosols are common.展开更多
Optimizing landscape patterns and management measures would be an effective strategy for the agro-pastoral transitional zone in northern China(ATNC)to adapt to future climate change.Existing studies generally focus on...Optimizing landscape patterns and management measures would be an effective strategy for the agro-pastoral transitional zone in northern China(ATNC)to adapt to future climate change.Existing studies generally focus on cropland or pasture,and thus there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the landscape composition and configuration in complex agro-pastoral transitional zone.In this study,Ansai County in the ATNC was chosen as an experimental area.Four typical agroecosystem services(AESs),food provision(FP),soil carbon(SC),soil retention(SR)and water yield(WY)from 1980 to 2020,were simulated by spatially integrating a model of the agricultural system using the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate(EPIC)combined with geographic information systems technology.The impacts of different crop types,pasture configurations,and tillage practices on AESs under future climate scenarios were assessed in the context of agro-pastoral transition.Finally,the optimal landscape pattern configuration and management measures were identified through single-objective and multi-objective optimization models.The results showed that under historical scenarios,implementing policies such as converting cropland to pastureland improved SC and SR but reduced FP and WY.Compared to traditional and reduced tillage,no-till practices benefited the enlargement of AESs and the agricultural ecosystem.Notably,future climate change generally negatively affected AESs,especially under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway(SSP5–8.5)climate scenario.The combination of planting corn and no-till measures would be ideal for optimizing the agricultural ecosystem in Ansai County.For the fragile ATNC,we should advocate conservation agriculture and policies converting cropland to pastureland to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate changes.This study establishes a replicable framework to address landscape management in complex agropastoral systems and offers solutions for climate-resilient land management in global dryland transitional zones,contributing to the realization of regional ecosystem sustainability.展开更多
This study was designed to investigate the different involvements of prostatic stromal cells from the normal transitional zone(TZ)or peripheral zone(PZ)in the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer(PCa)epithelial cells(PC-...This study was designed to investigate the different involvements of prostatic stromal cells from the normal transitional zone(TZ)or peripheral zone(PZ)in the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer(PCa)epithelial cells(PC-3)in vitro and in vivo co-culture models.Ultra-structures and gene expression profiles of primary cultures of human prostatic stromal cells from the normal TZ or PZ were analyzed by electron microscopy and microarray analysis.In vitro and in vivo co-culture models composed of normal TZ or PZ stromal cells and human PCa PC-3 cells were established.We assessed tumor growth and weight in the in vivo nude mice model.There are morphological and ultra-structural differences in stromal cells from TZ and PZ of the normal prostate.In all,514 differentially expressed genes were selected by microarray analysis;483 genes were more highly expressed in stromal cells from TZ and 31 were more highly expressed in those from PZ.Co-culture with PZ stromal cells and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)increased the tumor growth of PC-3 cells in vitro and in vivo,as well as Bcl-2 expression.On the other hand,stromal cells of TZ suppressed PC-3 cell tumor growth in the mouse model.We conclude that ultra-structures and gene expression differ between the stromal cells from TZ or PZ of the normal prostate,and stroma-epithelium interactions from TZ or PZ might be responsible for the distinct zonal localization of prostate tumor formation.展开更多
Tailor rolled blank （TRB） is a type of emerging material to produce lightweight vehicle parts. Transitional zoners shape is an important parameter for tailor rolled blank. It not only affects mold design and the loc...Tailor rolled blank （TRB） is a type of emerging material to produce lightweight vehicle parts. Transitional zoners shape is an important parameter for tailor rolled blank. It not only affects mold design and the local carrying capacity of the stamping parts, but also determines the maximum value and variation characteristics of rolling force. How to get the best transitional zone＇s shape is a key problem for production of tailor rolled blank. A double power function is put forward using for transitional curve, which is continuous and smooth at all connection points inde- pendent of its parameters, so the sudden change of mechanical parameters during rolling and forming process can be avoided. At the same time, the velocity formula and restriction for arbitrary transitional curve are derived to preset vertical velocity of the roller and judge whether the curve can be rolled successfully or not. Then, the finite element method （FEM） is used to verify the precision of velocity formula and study the mechanical characteristics of different curves. Finally, a method to obtain the optimal curve equation is put forward and verified.展开更多
This study sought to assess the challenges and opportunities that come with climate change and variability impacts on maize farming in the Nkoranza South Municipality in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The mixed metho...This study sought to assess the challenges and opportunities that come with climate change and variability impacts on maize farming in the Nkoranza South Municipality in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used in collecting the data. Rainfall data obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) indicated that the dry cell between the major and minor rainy seasons was getting wetter and the two seasons were gradually merging whereas the first and last quarters of the year were getting drier over the last couple of decades. The situation over the last five years (2010-2015) had worsened as the amount of total rainfall had reduced by 22% compared to the 30 year period between 1960 and 1982. The results of the study showed that farmers had perceived changes in climate in the form of decreasing rainfall, rising air temperatures and seasonal changes in rainfall pattern which were affecting their maize farming operations. The major setbacks within the area were deficit in rainy days and intermittent erratic rainfall affecting maize production. The major opportunity available to farmers in the face of changing climate in this agroecological zone was cashew production. About 76.8% of the respondents had diversified into cashew farming as a result of rainfall failure and strong resistance of the cashew trees to changing and variable climate.展开更多
Climate change affected the agricultural expansion and the formation of farming-grazing transitional patterns during historical periods. This study analyzed the possible range of the boundary shift of the potential su...Climate change affected the agricultural expansion and the formation of farming-grazing transitional patterns during historical periods. This study analyzed the possible range of the boundary shift of the potential suitable agriculture area in the farming-grazing transitional zone in the northeastern China during the 20th century. Based on modem weather data, 1 km-resolution land cover data, historical climatic time series, and estimation by using similar historical climatic scenes, the following was concluded： 1） The climate conditions of suitable agriculture areas in the farming-grazing transitional zone in the northeastern China between 1971 and 2000 required an average annual temperature above 1℃ or ≥ 0℃ accumulated temperature above 2500℃-2700℃, and annual precipitation above 350 mm. 2） The northern boundary of the potential suitable agriculture area during the relatively warmer period of 1890-1910 was approximately located at the position of the 1961-2000 area. The northern boundary shifted back to the south by 75 km on average during the colder period of the earlier 20th century, whereas during the modem warm period of the 1990s, the area shifted north by 100 km on average. 3） The western and eastern boundaries of the suitable agricul^re area during the heaviest drought periods between 1920s and 1930s had shifted northeast by 250 km and 125 km, respectively, contrasting to the boundaries of 1951-2008. For the wettest period, that is, the 1890s to the 1910s, the shift of western and eastern boundaries was to the southwest by 125 km and 200 km, respectively, compared with that in the 1951-2008 period. This study serves as a reference for identifying a climatically sensitive area and planning future land use and agricultural production in the study area.展开更多
The Qinling Mountains has always been regarded as an essential dividing line between the warm temperate zone and the subtropical zone in eastern China and plays a vital role in the geoecological pattern of China.Howev...The Qinling Mountains has always been regarded as an essential dividing line between the warm temperate zone and the subtropical zone in eastern China and plays a vital role in the geoecological pattern of China.However,there is controversy about the specific location of this geographical boundary in the academic community.As a product of the combined effects of zonal and non-zonal factors,the mountain altitudinal belts(MABs)can reflect both the horizontal zonality and the vertical zonality of vegetation distribution.Using the MAB information,we can not only profoundly understand the complex mountain system of QinlingDaba Mountains but can also judge its nature as a geographical boundary more scientifically.Therefore,based on the comparative analysis of basal belt,dominant belt characteristics and belt structure characteristics of the MABs in Qinling-Daba Mountains,subtropical and temperate mountains,this paper analyzed the MAB differences and similarities among Qinling-Daba Mountains,subtropical and temperate typical mountains,to reveal the vegetation distribution characteristics in the north-south transitional zone.The results show that:(1)The MABs of the southern part of QinlingDaba Mountains(southern slope of the Daba Mountains)are the same or similar to those of the Subtropical Mountains,and the MABs of the northern part of Qinling-Daba Mountains(northern slope of the Qinling Mountains)are similar to those of the temperate mountains.While it shows obvious transitional characteristics in the vast area between the northern slope of the Daba Mountains and the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains:the basal belts gradually transit from the evergreen broadleaved forest belt(basal belt in subtropical mountains)to the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest belt,and the dominant belts also transit from the evergreen broad-leaved forest belt to the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest belt or the deciduous broad-leaved forest belt.(2)The transitional zone between the subtropical zone and the warm temperate zone is located between the northern slope of the Daba Mountains and the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains.The southern boundary of the transitional zone is along the northern slope of Shennongjia Mountain-the northern slope of Micang Mountain-Baishuijiang Nature Reserve,and the northern boundary is along the southern slope of Funiu Mountain-the southern slope of Taibai Mountain-Lianhua Mountain.Additionally,in the transitional zone,the average temperature in January is between-5°C and 1°C,the annual average temperature is between 10°C and 13°C except Hanzhong Basin and Hanshui Valley,and the accumulated temperature above 10°C ranges from 2000°C to 4000°C,the annual rainfall is about 800-1000 mm.The results provide a scientific basis for revealing the characteristics of China’s north-south transitional zone and scientific division of the boundary between the subtropical zone and warm temperate zone in China.展开更多
This study deals with complexity, frequency spectrum and velocity model of the crust-mantle transitional zone in different tectonic units along the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang plateau, based on PmP waveform dat...This study deals with complexity, frequency spectrum and velocity model of the crust-mantle transitional zone in different tectonic units along the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang plateau, based on PmP waveform data from two deep seismic sounding profiles passing through the area. It reveals that Moho has stable tectonic features in Ordos and Lingzhong basins, where crust and mantle are coupled as first-order discontinuity. Moho shows obvious signs of activity in Haiyuan seismic region and in the contact zone between Bayanhar block and Qaidam block. Crust and mantle in these two areas are coupled as complicated crust-mantle transitional zone consisting of multiple laminae with alternate high and low velocities, totaling 20 km in thickness. The difference between Moho of different tectonic units reflects heterogeneity of the coupled crust-mantle zone; the difference between fine structures of Haiyuan seismic region and Maqin fault zone reflects different deep material composition of the two continent-continent collision zones and the interaction between blocks.展开更多
In the context of global warming,escalating water cycles have led to a surge in drought frequency and severity.Yet,multidecadal fluctuations in drought and their multifaceted influencing factors remain inadequately un...In the context of global warming,escalating water cycles have led to a surge in drought frequency and severity.Yet,multidecadal fluctuations in drought and their multifaceted influencing factors remain inadequately understood.This study examined the multidecadal changes in drought characteristics(frequency,duration,and severity)and their geographical focal points within China's north-south transitional zone,the Qinling-Daba Mountains(QDM),from 1960 to 2017 using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index(SPEI).In addition,a suite of eight scenarios,correlation analysis,and wavelet coherence were used to identify the meteorological and circulation factors that influenced drought characteristics.The results indicate the following:(1)From 1960 to 2017,the QDM experienced significant interdecadal variations in drought frequency,duration,and severity,the climate was relatively humid before the 1990s,but drought intensified thereafter.Specifically,the 1990s marked the period of the longest drought duration and greatest severity,while the years spanning 2010 to 2017 experienced the highest frequency of drought events.(2)Spatially,the Qinling Mountains,particularly the western Qinling Mountain,exhibited higher drought frequency,duration,and severity than the Daba Mountains.This disparity can be attributed to higher rates of temperature increase and precipitation decrease in the western Qinling Mountain.(3)Interdecadal variations in droughts in the QDM were directly influenced by the synergistic effects of interdecadal fluctuations in air temperature and precipitation.Circulation factors modulate temperature and precipitation through phase transitions,thereby affecting drought dynamics in the QDM.The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation emerges as the primary circulation factors influencing temperature changes,with a mid-1990s shift to a positive phase favoring warming.The East Asian Summer Monsoon and El Ni?o-Southern Oscillation are the main circulation factors affecting precipitation changes,with positive phase transitions associated with reduced precipitation,and vice versa for increased precipitation.展开更多
The spatial distributions and variation mechanism of key soil indices in the Qinling-Daba Mountains are important indicators for the identification of the transitional effect and regional characteristics of the north...The spatial distributions and variation mechanism of key soil indices in the Qinling-Daba Mountains are important indicators for the identification of the transitional effect and regional characteristics of the north–south transitional zone in China.This manuscript analyzes the spatial variations in soil organic carbon(SOC)and total nitrogen(TN)and corresponding relationships with major geographical factors based on spatial analysis and geostatistics considering data obtained from the Second National Soil Survey.The results indicate that the spatial distributions of the SOC and TN contents are consistent,and three high-content areas,one secondary high-content area and one low-content area are observed.High content values are located in the high-altitude regions of the Qinling-Daba Mountains and mountainous areas to the west of the Jialing River,the low-content area occurs on the north slope of the Qinling Mountains,and the secondary high-content area mainly encompasses both sides of the Hanjiang River and regions in the Qinling-Daba Mountains at altitudes below 1000 m.The SOC and TN contents vary between the above two ranges,with the gradual increase in content revealing a horn-shaped pattern.Considering the spatial variations and functions of vegetation,topography and climate factors,it is found that the SOC/TN range in the secondary high-content area remains consistent along the 1000 m contour line,the upper limit of the transitional mountain altitudinal belt,the 0℃isotherm line in January and the 24℃isotherm line in July.This region constitutes the main body of the transitional zone between the subtropical and warm temperate zones,and the northern boundary is roughly distributed along the Dujiangyan-Maoxian-Pingwu-Wenxian line to the west of the Jialing River and the 1000 m contour line on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains,while the southern boundary occurs along the Dujiangyan-Beichuan-Qingchuan line to the west of the Jialing River and the 1000 m contour line on the northern slope of the Daba Mountains.SOC/TN spatial variation provides a reference for the demarcation of the subtropical and warm temperate zones,and further identification of the soil processes and ecological effects in typical regions can help reveal multidimensional transitional characteristics and variation mechanisms.展开更多
On the basis of MTS and DSS data in and near Tianshui region,the deep structure contour of the region was expounded.The regional distribution of the high conductive layer near the Moho in the region becomes one of th...On the basis of MTS and DSS data in and near Tianshui region,the deep structure contour of the region was expounded.The regional distribution of the high conductive layer near the Moho in the region becomes one of the most obvious characters of the conductivity structure in the crust and mantle,and it is corresponding to the low S wave velocity zone near the Moho and is guessed as the transitional zone between the crust and mantle in the region.In this paper,the behaviour of medium and the thermodynamic circumstance of the conductive low shear velocity layer near the Moho were demonstrated emphatically,and the cause of formation of the layer was roughly explained under specified conditions of geographical environment and deep structure characters in this region.展开更多
The mechanism for development of littoral karst differs from that of inland karst, and the mixture corrosion effects are one of the most important factors that control the development of littoral karst. Through seven ...The mechanism for development of littoral karst differs from that of inland karst, and the mixture corrosion effects are one of the most important factors that control the development of littoral karst. Through seven groups of static experiments carried out in a closed CO2-H2O system, basic conclusions can be drawn as follows: (1) the basic law of corrosion process in a transitional zone of seawater-freshwater in littoral karst areas is identical with that in the fresh water, i.e., the lithologic characteristics and rock structure are the main factors which control the development of littoral karst; (2) the mixture corrosion rate of the carbonate rock in the above transitional zone is faster than that in fresh water or seawater; (3) the mechanism for development of carbonate rocks differs at various pressures of CO2 in a transitional zone in littoral karst areas.展开更多
Objective To quantitatively evaluate the metabolic changes of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) and prostate cancer in the transitional zone using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(MRSI),and to analyze the char...Objective To quantitatively evaluate the metabolic changes of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) and prostate cancer in the transitional zone using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(MRSI),and to analyze the characteristics and differences of the spectra in this zonal area.Methods Eighteen patients with prostate cancer in the transitional zone underwent magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)/MRSI examinations.The(Choline+Creatine)/Citrate(CC/Ci) ratio and the Choline/Creatine(Cho/Cr) ratio were evaluated in each voxel with cancer or BPH confirmed by pathological results.Discriminant analysis was used to determine the power of the two ratios in differentiation between cancer and BPH.Results The CC/Ci ratio and Cho/Cr ratio for cancer voxels were significantly higher than those in the voxels with BPH in the transitional zone(CC/Ci:2.36±1.31 vs.0.85±0.29,P<0.01;Cho/Cr:4.14±1.79 vs.1.26±0.45,P<0.01).As for the discriminant function with the CC/Ci ratio and the Cho/Cr ratio,the specificity,sensitivity,and accuracy were 98.6%,85.7%,92.9% respectively for the differentiation between cancer and BPH.Conclusions The prostate cancer is characterized by higher CC/Ci ratio and Cho/Cr ratio compared to BPH in the transitional zone.Both CC/Ci ratio and Cho/Cr ratio have high specificity,sensitivity,and accuracy in their discriminative power between cancer and BPH in this zonal area.展开更多
The north-south transitional zone in China mainly consists of the Qinling-Daba Mountains. It is the most important West-East geo-ecological space in China, containing protected areas vital for biodiversity conservatio...The north-south transitional zone in China mainly consists of the Qinling-Daba Mountains. It is the most important West-East geo-ecological space in China, containing protected areas vital for biodiversity conservation and ecological security of China. The protection and rational development of its natural habitat is of great significance to China’s ecological security and integration of protected areas based on mountain forest ecosystems on a global scale. In this study, five important types of protected areas in the transitional zone were selected, and their spatial patterns were analysed. Spatial analysis methods, such as kernel density estimation and accessibility analysis, were employed for both point and areal data, and focused on four aspects: land use scale, shift in the centre of gravity, spatial agglomeration, and accessibility. In addition, policy background and evolution of spatial and temporal characteristics of the protected area system in the transitional zone from 1963 to 2017 were also examined. We analysed the characteristics and geographical significance of the West-east corridor using the spatial pattern of the protected area system from the perspective of ecological and economic spaces. We focused on spatial shape, type intersection, and key areas to analyse the spatial overlap of the protected areas. Protected area establishment was divided into three stages: initial(1956–1980), rapid development(1981–2013), and national park transformation(2014–present). These stages reflected the change in the concept of ‘simple protection—sustainable use—integration and upgrade’ for protected areas of China. The spatial centre of gravity of the protection zone system was located in the west Qinling-Daba Mountains, and its high-density core exhibited a relatively stable N-shaped structure composed of four gathering areas. Affected by factors such as geographic environment and socio-economic development density, the average access time for protected areas was high(1.56 h);wetland parks and scenic areas are located closer to the city centre. As the West-east corridor in the transitional zone extends from west to east, there is a clear spatial dislocation between the development of protected areas and the intensity of human activities. During development, differentiated goal orientation should be adopted based on the idea of zoning and classified governance. With the advancement of the construction of protected areas, the spatial overlap of protected areas in the transition zone has become more prominent. At present, the spatially overlapped protected areas in the transitional zone remain prominent, with inclusion overlap being the most common, and forest parks exhibiting the highest probability of overlap with other protected areas, we should focus on in the integration process of the corridor-type ecological space based on the mountain forest ecosystem.展开更多
The structures of the mantle transition zone(MTZ)are of great significance for studying interactions of the subducted slab and deep mantle and related slab dynamics beneath subduction zones.Here by dense near-source S...The structures of the mantle transition zone(MTZ)are of great significance for studying interactions of the subducted slab and deep mantle and related slab dynamics beneath subduction zones.Here by dense near-source SdP sampling from a large global dataset,we image topographies of transition zone discontinuities such as the 410-km and 660-km discontinuities(410 and 660)beneath the Kamchatka and conduct cross-section comparisons with the seismicity.Compared with the IASP91 model,the 410 exhibits apparent uplifts of 45-65 km with an average of 55 km in a horizontal width of~130 km,corresponding to lowtemperature anomalies of 750-1083 K with an average of 916 K.In contrast,the 660 shows depressions of 15-37 km with an average of 25 km together with downward deflections in a width of~260 km,implying low-temperature anomalies of 161-397 K with an average of 268 K.Thus,we confirm a thickened MTZ with a thickness of 325-345 km around the cold descending Pacific slab.We suggest that topographic patterns of transition zone discontinuities imply a Pacific slab that has been significantly heated in the MTZ with broadened thermal effects on the 660.When considered along with other studies,we infer that the slab is possibly heated by hot mantle flows around the torn slab window extended to at least the MTZ range,thus inducing variations in thermal and rheological properties of the slab.Our seismic results can provide more insight into slab dynamics in the northwestern Pacific.展开更多
Tree plantations in the tropical-subtropical transition zone(TSTZ)represent crucial ecological regions where diverse biomes converge.Investigating the carbon sequestration potential and dynamic changes within these pl...Tree plantations in the tropical-subtropical transition zone(TSTZ)represent crucial ecological regions where diverse biomes converge.Investigating the carbon sequestration potential and dynamic changes within these plantation ecosystems is of considerable ecological significance.However,the spatial distribution,driving factors,and underlying mechanisms of carbon sequestration in plantations in this region are poorly understood,thereby limiting accurate assessments of their carbon sequestration potential.This study examines four types of plantation forests located within the TSTZ on the Puwen forest farm of Xishuangbanna,China.Two slope gradients were established to quantify and compare the rate of carbon sequestration across these ecosystems.Using random forest modeling and structural equation modeling,the study identifies key environmental factors influencing the rate of carbon sequestration in the plantations.The results reveal substantial variation in DBH growth rates,biomass carbon sequestration,and soil organic carbon sequestration rates(R_(SOC))among the four forest types.Critical factors affecting R_(SOC)include leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations(LP),total soil nitrogen(STN),total soil phosphorus(STP),soil available phosphorus,and nitrogen concentration in ground surface litter.Among these,STN and STP exerted positive effects on R_(SOC),while LP is exerted negative.Overall,the concentration of soil carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus,along with the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in leaves,under different species and topographic slopes,play decisive roles in regulating soil carbon sequestration rates in tropical and subtropical plantations.This research provides support for vegetation protection and restoration in ecologically sensitive areas and watersheds,contributing to the enhancement of regional forest carbon sequestration capacity.展开更多
The desertification process is rapidly developing at present and 61.5% of the land area in the zone are already desertified.Among the desertified lands, 26.9% are seriously desertified, 25% most seriously desertified ...The desertification process is rapidly developing at present and 61.5% of the land area in the zone are already desertified.Among the desertified lands, 26.9% are seriously desertified, 25% most seriously desertified and 47.4% are the lands where desertification is under way. They are caused by over-reclamation for farming, over-grazing, unreasonable collection of firewood,the destruction of vegetation and the misuse of water resources. Under the ecological environment in semi-arid zone,the degraded environment process possesses the ability of restoring to its original status as soon as the interruption of excessive human activities are eliminated. The fencing- and-self-cultivating method is an effective measure adopted universally in semi-arid zone to cure the desertified lands.The desertified lands can be readjusted and controlled easily if other controlling measures are supplemented. The fundamental ways to control desertification are to utilize rationally the resources, to readjust the existing展开更多
Loss of multiyear ice(MYI)is of great importance for Arctic climate and marine systems and can be monitored using active and passive microwave satellite data.In this paper,we describe an upgraded classification algori...Loss of multiyear ice(MYI)is of great importance for Arctic climate and marine systems and can be monitored using active and passive microwave satellite data.In this paper,we describe an upgraded classification algorithm using the data from the scatterometer and radiometer sensors onboard the Chinese Haiyang-2B(HY-2B)satellite to identify MYI and first-year ice(FYI).The proposed method was established based on K-means and fuzzy clustering(K-means+FC)and was used to focus on the transition zone where the ice condition is complex due to the highly commixing of MYI and FYI,leading to the high challenge for accurate classification of sea ice.The K-means algorithm was applied to preliminarily classify MYI using the combination of scatterometer and radiometer data,followed by applying fuzzy clustering to reclassify MYI in the transition zone.The HY-2B K-means+FC results were compared with the ice type products[including the Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility(OSI SAF)sea ice type product and the Equal-Area Scalable Earth-Grid sea ice age dataset],and showed agreement in the time series of MYI extent.Intercomparisons in the transition zone indicated that the HY-2B K-means+FC results can identify more old ice than the OSI SAF product,but with an underestimation in identifying second-year ice.Comparisons between K-means and Kmeans+FC results were performed using regional ice charts and Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar(SAR)data.By adding fuzzy clustering,the MYI is more consistent with the ice charts,with the overall accuracy(OA)increasing by 0.9%–6.5%.Comparing against SAR images,it is suggested that more scattered MYI floes can be identified by fuzzy clustering,and the OA is increased by about 3%in middle freezing season and 7%–20%in early and late freezing season.展开更多
The clay mineralogy of 28 sandy-muddy transitional beach(SMT-Beach)sediments and surrounding mountain river sediments along the coasts of southeastern China was systematically investigated to reveal the sediment sourc...The clay mineralogy of 28 sandy-muddy transitional beach(SMT-Beach)sediments and surrounding mountain river sediments along the coasts of southeastern China was systematically investigated to reveal the sediment source-to-sink process variations of such beaches and their morphological indications.The results show that the clay mineral assemblages of these SMT-Beaches mainly comprise of almost equal illite(~30%),kaolinite(~28%),chlorite(~22%),and smectite(~20%)contents.From the surrounding mountain rivers to the SMT-Beaches,clay mineral assemblages show distinct spatial changes characterized by a large decrease(~40%)in kaolinite,whereas the other three clay minerals present relative increases,especially clear for smectite.The muddy sediment sources of SMT-Beaches inferred from the clay mineralogy are mainly derived from nearby mountain rivers coupled with long-distance transport and penetration of the Changjiang River.The sandy sediments of these beaches are predominantly sourced from nearby mountain rivers,the weathering products of surrounding rocks in both mainland and island environments,and erosion of the“Old Red Sand”and“Red Soil Platform”.However,the sandy sediment sources of the SMT-Beaches are largely reduced because of the remarkable decrease in the river fluvial supply associated with intensive human activities such as dam construction and coastal reclamation.Subsequently,the sandy sections of SMT-Beaches present clear erosion and have revealed by both time series remote sensing images and a compilation of published literature.In contrast,the muddy sediment supply of SMT-Beaches is temporarily stable and relatively constant,resulting in the landward migration of the mudflats with relative transgression or accumulation.These findings highlight that the natural evolution processes of SMT-Beaches have been greatly reshaped by intensive human activities.展开更多
[Objective]This study aimed to analyze the relationships of the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)(1981-2006)in the desert-loess transitional zone of China with precipitation and temperature.[Method]The aver...[Objective]This study aimed to analyze the relationships of the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)(1981-2006)in the desert-loess transitional zone of China with precipitation and temperature.[Method]The average method and the correlation function were applied in this study.[Result]The results indicated that during the growing season NDVI was positively correlated with precipitation in the current month,last month and the month before last,especially the last month.NDVI mostly negatively correlated with temperature,especially the temperature in the last month,which shows that the higher temperature,the more adverse the conditions for vegetation growth.[Conclusion]NDVI from August to October clearly is one of the significant factors influencing dust storm weather in spring of the next year.展开更多
基金funded through project NUBOLOSYTI (PID2023149972NB-100) of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN)supported by an IFUdG 2022 fellowship。
文摘The interactions between clouds and aerosols represent one of the largest uncertainties in assessing the Earth's radiation budget, highlighting the importance of research on the transition zone(TZ) within the cloud-aerosol continuum.This study assesses the global distribution of TZ conditions, analyzes its optical characteristics, and determines the cloud or aerosol types most commonly associated with them, using the cloud-aerosol discrimination(CAD) score of the CloudAerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization(CALIOP) instrument on the CALIPSO satellite. The CAD score classifies clouds and aerosols by the probability density functions of attenuated backscatter, total color ratio, volume depolarization ratio, altitude, and latitude. After applying several filters to avoid artifacts, the TZ was identified as those atmospheric layers that cannot be clearly classified as clouds or aerosols, layers within the no-confidence range(NCR) of the CAD score, and cirrus fringes. The optical characteristics of NCR layers exhibit two main clusters: Cluster 1, with properties between high-altitude ice clouds and aerosols(e.g., wispy cloud fragments), and Cluster 2, with properties between water clouds and aerosols at lower altitudes(e.g., large hydrated aerosols). Our results highlight the significant ubiquity of TZ conditions, which appear in 9.5% of all profiles and comprise 6.4% of the detected layers. Cluster 1 and cirrus-fringe layers predominate near the ITCZ and in mid-latitudes, whereas Cluster 2 layers are more frequent over the oceans along the central West African and East Asian coasts, where elevated smoke and dusty marine aerosols are common.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.42471325,42101299 and 42271113)the“Youth Innovation Team Program”of Colleges and Universities in Shandong Province(Grant No.2022KJ248)+1 种基金the Key Project of Teaching Reform of Shandong Normal University(Grant No.2024ZJ37)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province(Grant No.23JRRG0015)。
文摘Optimizing landscape patterns and management measures would be an effective strategy for the agro-pastoral transitional zone in northern China(ATNC)to adapt to future climate change.Existing studies generally focus on cropland or pasture,and thus there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the landscape composition and configuration in complex agro-pastoral transitional zone.In this study,Ansai County in the ATNC was chosen as an experimental area.Four typical agroecosystem services(AESs),food provision(FP),soil carbon(SC),soil retention(SR)and water yield(WY)from 1980 to 2020,were simulated by spatially integrating a model of the agricultural system using the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate(EPIC)combined with geographic information systems technology.The impacts of different crop types,pasture configurations,and tillage practices on AESs under future climate scenarios were assessed in the context of agro-pastoral transition.Finally,the optimal landscape pattern configuration and management measures were identified through single-objective and multi-objective optimization models.The results showed that under historical scenarios,implementing policies such as converting cropland to pastureland improved SC and SR but reduced FP and WY.Compared to traditional and reduced tillage,no-till practices benefited the enlargement of AESs and the agricultural ecosystem.Notably,future climate change generally negatively affected AESs,especially under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway(SSP5–8.5)climate scenario.The combination of planting corn and no-till measures would be ideal for optimizing the agricultural ecosystem in Ansai County.For the fragile ATNC,we should advocate conservation agriculture and policies converting cropland to pastureland to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate changes.This study establishes a replicable framework to address landscape management in complex agropastoral systems and offers solutions for climate-resilient land management in global dryland transitional zones,contributing to the realization of regional ecosystem sustainability.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30672109).
文摘This study was designed to investigate the different involvements of prostatic stromal cells from the normal transitional zone(TZ)or peripheral zone(PZ)in the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer(PCa)epithelial cells(PC-3)in vitro and in vivo co-culture models.Ultra-structures and gene expression profiles of primary cultures of human prostatic stromal cells from the normal TZ or PZ were analyzed by electron microscopy and microarray analysis.In vitro and in vivo co-culture models composed of normal TZ or PZ stromal cells and human PCa PC-3 cells were established.We assessed tumor growth and weight in the in vivo nude mice model.There are morphological and ultra-structural differences in stromal cells from TZ and PZ of the normal prostate.In all,514 differentially expressed genes were selected by microarray analysis;483 genes were more highly expressed in stromal cells from TZ and 31 were more highly expressed in those from PZ.Co-culture with PZ stromal cells and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)increased the tumor growth of PC-3 cells in vitro and in vivo,as well as Bcl-2 expression.On the other hand,stromal cells of TZ suppressed PC-3 cell tumor growth in the mouse model.We conclude that ultra-structures and gene expression differ between the stromal cells from TZ or PZ of the normal prostate,and stroma-epithelium interactions from TZ or PZ might be responsible for the distinct zonal localization of prostate tumor formation.
基金Item Sponsored by National Science and Technology Support Program of China(2011BAF15B02)Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province of China(E2012203108)+2 种基金Science and Technology Research Program of the Colleges and Universities in Hebei of China(ZD2014034)Independent Research Project of Yanshan University of China(14LGA003)Open Project of National Engineering Research Center for Equipment and Technology of Cold Rolling Strip of China(NECSR-201206)
文摘Tailor rolled blank （TRB） is a type of emerging material to produce lightweight vehicle parts. Transitional zoners shape is an important parameter for tailor rolled blank. It not only affects mold design and the local carrying capacity of the stamping parts, but also determines the maximum value and variation characteristics of rolling force. How to get the best transitional zone＇s shape is a key problem for production of tailor rolled blank. A double power function is put forward using for transitional curve, which is continuous and smooth at all connection points inde- pendent of its parameters, so the sudden change of mechanical parameters during rolling and forming process can be avoided. At the same time, the velocity formula and restriction for arbitrary transitional curve are derived to preset vertical velocity of the roller and judge whether the curve can be rolled successfully or not. Then, the finite element method （FEM） is used to verify the precision of velocity formula and study the mechanical characteristics of different curves. Finally, a method to obtain the optimal curve equation is put forward and verified.
文摘This study sought to assess the challenges and opportunities that come with climate change and variability impacts on maize farming in the Nkoranza South Municipality in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used in collecting the data. Rainfall data obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) indicated that the dry cell between the major and minor rainy seasons was getting wetter and the two seasons were gradually merging whereas the first and last quarters of the year were getting drier over the last couple of decades. The situation over the last five years (2010-2015) had worsened as the amount of total rainfall had reduced by 22% compared to the 30 year period between 1960 and 1982. The results of the study showed that farmers had perceived changes in climate in the form of decreasing rainfall, rising air temperatures and seasonal changes in rainfall pattern which were affecting their maize farming operations. The major setbacks within the area were deficit in rainy days and intermittent erratic rainfall affecting maize production. The major opportunity available to farmers in the face of changing climate in this agroecological zone was cashew production. About 76.8% of the respondents had diversified into cashew farming as a result of rainfall failure and strong resistance of the cashew trees to changing and variable climate.
基金Under the auspices of China Global Change Research Program(No.2010CB950103)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.40901099)
文摘Climate change affected the agricultural expansion and the formation of farming-grazing transitional patterns during historical periods. This study analyzed the possible range of the boundary shift of the potential suitable agriculture area in the farming-grazing transitional zone in the northeastern China during the 20th century. Based on modem weather data, 1 km-resolution land cover data, historical climatic time series, and estimation by using similar historical climatic scenes, the following was concluded： 1） The climate conditions of suitable agriculture areas in the farming-grazing transitional zone in the northeastern China between 1971 and 2000 required an average annual temperature above 1℃ or ≥ 0℃ accumulated temperature above 2500℃-2700℃, and annual precipitation above 350 mm. 2） The northern boundary of the potential suitable agriculture area during the relatively warmer period of 1890-1910 was approximately located at the position of the 1961-2000 area. The northern boundary shifted back to the south by 75 km on average during the colder period of the earlier 20th century, whereas during the modem warm period of the 1990s, the area shifted north by 100 km on average. 3） The western and eastern boundaries of the suitable agricul^re area during the heaviest drought periods between 1920s and 1930s had shifted northeast by 250 km and 125 km, respectively, contrasting to the boundaries of 1951-2008. For the wettest period, that is, the 1890s to the 1910s, the shift of western and eastern boundaries was to the southwest by 125 km and 200 km, respectively, compared with that in the 1951-2008 period. This study serves as a reference for identifying a climatically sensitive area and planning future land use and agricultural production in the study area.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41871350)Scientific and Technological Basic Resources Survey Project(Grant No.2017FY100900)。
文摘The Qinling Mountains has always been regarded as an essential dividing line between the warm temperate zone and the subtropical zone in eastern China and plays a vital role in the geoecological pattern of China.However,there is controversy about the specific location of this geographical boundary in the academic community.As a product of the combined effects of zonal and non-zonal factors,the mountain altitudinal belts(MABs)can reflect both the horizontal zonality and the vertical zonality of vegetation distribution.Using the MAB information,we can not only profoundly understand the complex mountain system of QinlingDaba Mountains but can also judge its nature as a geographical boundary more scientifically.Therefore,based on the comparative analysis of basal belt,dominant belt characteristics and belt structure characteristics of the MABs in Qinling-Daba Mountains,subtropical and temperate mountains,this paper analyzed the MAB differences and similarities among Qinling-Daba Mountains,subtropical and temperate typical mountains,to reveal the vegetation distribution characteristics in the north-south transitional zone.The results show that:(1)The MABs of the southern part of QinlingDaba Mountains(southern slope of the Daba Mountains)are the same or similar to those of the Subtropical Mountains,and the MABs of the northern part of Qinling-Daba Mountains(northern slope of the Qinling Mountains)are similar to those of the temperate mountains.While it shows obvious transitional characteristics in the vast area between the northern slope of the Daba Mountains and the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains:the basal belts gradually transit from the evergreen broadleaved forest belt(basal belt in subtropical mountains)to the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest belt,and the dominant belts also transit from the evergreen broad-leaved forest belt to the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest belt or the deciduous broad-leaved forest belt.(2)The transitional zone between the subtropical zone and the warm temperate zone is located between the northern slope of the Daba Mountains and the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains.The southern boundary of the transitional zone is along the northern slope of Shennongjia Mountain-the northern slope of Micang Mountain-Baishuijiang Nature Reserve,and the northern boundary is along the southern slope of Funiu Mountain-the southern slope of Taibai Mountain-Lianhua Mountain.Additionally,in the transitional zone,the average temperature in January is between-5°C and 1°C,the annual average temperature is between 10°C and 13°C except Hanzhong Basin and Hanshui Valley,and the accumulated temperature above 10°C ranges from 2000°C to 4000°C,the annual rainfall is about 800-1000 mm.The results provide a scientific basis for revealing the characteristics of China’s north-south transitional zone and scientific division of the boundary between the subtropical zone and warm temperate zone in China.
基金Chinese Joint Seismological Science Foundation (102025, 104027).Contribution No. RCEG200210, Geophysical Exploration Center, China Earthquake Administration.
文摘This study deals with complexity, frequency spectrum and velocity model of the crust-mantle transitional zone in different tectonic units along the northeast margin of Qinghai-Xizang plateau, based on PmP waveform data from two deep seismic sounding profiles passing through the area. It reveals that Moho has stable tectonic features in Ordos and Lingzhong basins, where crust and mantle are coupled as first-order discontinuity. Moho shows obvious signs of activity in Haiyuan seismic region and in the contact zone between Bayanhar block and Qaidam block. Crust and mantle in these two areas are coupled as complicated crust-mantle transitional zone consisting of multiple laminae with alternate high and low velocities, totaling 20 km in thickness. The difference between Moho of different tectonic units reflects heterogeneity of the coupled crust-mantle zone; the difference between fine structures of Haiyuan seismic region and Maqin fault zone reflects different deep material composition of the two continent-continent collision zones and the interaction between blocks.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U23A2020National Science and Technology Basic Resource Investigation Program,No.2023FY100701。
文摘In the context of global warming,escalating water cycles have led to a surge in drought frequency and severity.Yet,multidecadal fluctuations in drought and their multifaceted influencing factors remain inadequately understood.This study examined the multidecadal changes in drought characteristics(frequency,duration,and severity)and their geographical focal points within China's north-south transitional zone,the Qinling-Daba Mountains(QDM),from 1960 to 2017 using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index(SPEI).In addition,a suite of eight scenarios,correlation analysis,and wavelet coherence were used to identify the meteorological and circulation factors that influenced drought characteristics.The results indicate the following:(1)From 1960 to 2017,the QDM experienced significant interdecadal variations in drought frequency,duration,and severity,the climate was relatively humid before the 1990s,but drought intensified thereafter.Specifically,the 1990s marked the period of the longest drought duration and greatest severity,while the years spanning 2010 to 2017 experienced the highest frequency of drought events.(2)Spatially,the Qinling Mountains,particularly the western Qinling Mountain,exhibited higher drought frequency,duration,and severity than the Daba Mountains.This disparity can be attributed to higher rates of temperature increase and precipitation decrease in the western Qinling Mountain.(3)Interdecadal variations in droughts in the QDM were directly influenced by the synergistic effects of interdecadal fluctuations in air temperature and precipitation.Circulation factors modulate temperature and precipitation through phase transitions,thereby affecting drought dynamics in the QDM.The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation emerges as the primary circulation factors influencing temperature changes,with a mid-1990s shift to a positive phase favoring warming.The East Asian Summer Monsoon and El Ni?o-Southern Oscillation are the main circulation factors affecting precipitation changes,with positive phase transitions associated with reduced precipitation,and vice versa for increased precipitation.
基金National Scientific and Technological Basic Resources Investigation Project,No.2017FY100900National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.42171112Key Research and Development Project in Henan Province,No.212102310415。
文摘The spatial distributions and variation mechanism of key soil indices in the Qinling-Daba Mountains are important indicators for the identification of the transitional effect and regional characteristics of the north–south transitional zone in China.This manuscript analyzes the spatial variations in soil organic carbon(SOC)and total nitrogen(TN)and corresponding relationships with major geographical factors based on spatial analysis and geostatistics considering data obtained from the Second National Soil Survey.The results indicate that the spatial distributions of the SOC and TN contents are consistent,and three high-content areas,one secondary high-content area and one low-content area are observed.High content values are located in the high-altitude regions of the Qinling-Daba Mountains and mountainous areas to the west of the Jialing River,the low-content area occurs on the north slope of the Qinling Mountains,and the secondary high-content area mainly encompasses both sides of the Hanjiang River and regions in the Qinling-Daba Mountains at altitudes below 1000 m.The SOC and TN contents vary between the above two ranges,with the gradual increase in content revealing a horn-shaped pattern.Considering the spatial variations and functions of vegetation,topography and climate factors,it is found that the SOC/TN range in the secondary high-content area remains consistent along the 1000 m contour line,the upper limit of the transitional mountain altitudinal belt,the 0℃isotherm line in January and the 24℃isotherm line in July.This region constitutes the main body of the transitional zone between the subtropical and warm temperate zones,and the northern boundary is roughly distributed along the Dujiangyan-Maoxian-Pingwu-Wenxian line to the west of the Jialing River and the 1000 m contour line on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains,while the southern boundary occurs along the Dujiangyan-Beichuan-Qingchuan line to the west of the Jialing River and the 1000 m contour line on the northern slope of the Daba Mountains.SOC/TN spatial variation provides a reference for the demarcation of the subtropical and warm temperate zones,and further identification of the soil processes and ecological effects in typical regions can help reveal multidimensional transitional characteristics and variation mechanisms.
文摘On the basis of MTS and DSS data in and near Tianshui region,the deep structure contour of the region was expounded.The regional distribution of the high conductive layer near the Moho in the region becomes one of the most obvious characters of the conductivity structure in the crust and mantle,and it is corresponding to the low S wave velocity zone near the Moho and is guessed as the transitional zone between the crust and mantle in the region.In this paper,the behaviour of medium and the thermodynamic circumstance of the conductive low shear velocity layer near the Moho were demonstrated emphatically,and the cause of formation of the layer was roughly explained under specified conditions of geographical environment and deep structure characters in this region.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant 49832005)IGCP443 Magnesite and Talc Geological and Environmental Correlations.
文摘The mechanism for development of littoral karst differs from that of inland karst, and the mixture corrosion effects are one of the most important factors that control the development of littoral karst. Through seven groups of static experiments carried out in a closed CO2-H2O system, basic conclusions can be drawn as follows: (1) the basic law of corrosion process in a transitional zone of seawater-freshwater in littoral karst areas is identical with that in the fresh water, i.e., the lithologic characteristics and rock structure are the main factors which control the development of littoral karst; (2) the mixture corrosion rate of the carbonate rock in the above transitional zone is faster than that in fresh water or seawater; (3) the mechanism for development of carbonate rocks differs at various pressures of CO2 in a transitional zone in littoral karst areas.
文摘Objective To quantitatively evaluate the metabolic changes of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) and prostate cancer in the transitional zone using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(MRSI),and to analyze the characteristics and differences of the spectra in this zonal area.Methods Eighteen patients with prostate cancer in the transitional zone underwent magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)/MRSI examinations.The(Choline+Creatine)/Citrate(CC/Ci) ratio and the Choline/Creatine(Cho/Cr) ratio were evaluated in each voxel with cancer or BPH confirmed by pathological results.Discriminant analysis was used to determine the power of the two ratios in differentiation between cancer and BPH.Results The CC/Ci ratio and Cho/Cr ratio for cancer voxels were significantly higher than those in the voxels with BPH in the transitional zone(CC/Ci:2.36±1.31 vs.0.85±0.29,P<0.01;Cho/Cr:4.14±1.79 vs.1.26±0.45,P<0.01).As for the discriminant function with the CC/Ci ratio and the Cho/Cr ratio,the specificity,sensitivity,and accuracy were 98.6%,85.7%,92.9% respectively for the differentiation between cancer and BPH.Conclusions The prostate cancer is characterized by higher CC/Ci ratio and Cho/Cr ratio compared to BPH in the transitional zone.Both CC/Ci ratio and Cho/Cr ratio have high specificity,sensitivity,and accuracy in their discriminative power between cancer and BPH in this zonal area.
基金Under the auspices of National Science and Technology Basic Resource Investigation Program(No.2017FY100900)。
文摘The north-south transitional zone in China mainly consists of the Qinling-Daba Mountains. It is the most important West-East geo-ecological space in China, containing protected areas vital for biodiversity conservation and ecological security of China. The protection and rational development of its natural habitat is of great significance to China’s ecological security and integration of protected areas based on mountain forest ecosystems on a global scale. In this study, five important types of protected areas in the transitional zone were selected, and their spatial patterns were analysed. Spatial analysis methods, such as kernel density estimation and accessibility analysis, were employed for both point and areal data, and focused on four aspects: land use scale, shift in the centre of gravity, spatial agglomeration, and accessibility. In addition, policy background and evolution of spatial and temporal characteristics of the protected area system in the transitional zone from 1963 to 2017 were also examined. We analysed the characteristics and geographical significance of the West-east corridor using the spatial pattern of the protected area system from the perspective of ecological and economic spaces. We focused on spatial shape, type intersection, and key areas to analyse the spatial overlap of the protected areas. Protected area establishment was divided into three stages: initial(1956–1980), rapid development(1981–2013), and national park transformation(2014–present). These stages reflected the change in the concept of ‘simple protection—sustainable use—integration and upgrade’ for protected areas of China. The spatial centre of gravity of the protection zone system was located in the west Qinling-Daba Mountains, and its high-density core exhibited a relatively stable N-shaped structure composed of four gathering areas. Affected by factors such as geographic environment and socio-economic development density, the average access time for protected areas was high(1.56 h);wetland parks and scenic areas are located closer to the city centre. As the West-east corridor in the transitional zone extends from west to east, there is a clear spatial dislocation between the development of protected areas and the intensity of human activities. During development, differentiated goal orientation should be adopted based on the idea of zoning and classified governance. With the advancement of the construction of protected areas, the spatial overlap of protected areas in the transition zone has become more prominent. At present, the spatially overlapped protected areas in the transitional zone remain prominent, with inclusion overlap being the most common, and forest parks exhibiting the highest probability of overlap with other protected areas, we should focus on in the integration process of the corridor-type ecological space based on the mountain forest ecosystem.
基金supported by the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund(No.CEAIEF 20220201)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42374113 and 42074101)the Central Publicinterest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund(No.CEAIEF20230204).
文摘The structures of the mantle transition zone(MTZ)are of great significance for studying interactions of the subducted slab and deep mantle and related slab dynamics beneath subduction zones.Here by dense near-source SdP sampling from a large global dataset,we image topographies of transition zone discontinuities such as the 410-km and 660-km discontinuities(410 and 660)beneath the Kamchatka and conduct cross-section comparisons with the seismicity.Compared with the IASP91 model,the 410 exhibits apparent uplifts of 45-65 km with an average of 55 km in a horizontal width of~130 km,corresponding to lowtemperature anomalies of 750-1083 K with an average of 916 K.In contrast,the 660 shows depressions of 15-37 km with an average of 25 km together with downward deflections in a width of~260 km,implying low-temperature anomalies of 161-397 K with an average of 268 K.Thus,we confirm a thickened MTZ with a thickness of 325-345 km around the cold descending Pacific slab.We suggest that topographic patterns of transition zone discontinuities imply a Pacific slab that has been significantly heated in the MTZ with broadened thermal effects on the 660.When considered along with other studies,we infer that the slab is possibly heated by hot mantle flows around the torn slab window extended to at least the MTZ range,thus inducing variations in thermal and rheological properties of the slab.Our seismic results can provide more insight into slab dynamics in the northwestern Pacific.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2023YFE0105100-5-2)the Fundamental Research Funds of CAFYBB2022SY034)+2 种基金the Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talents Fund(Grant No.GUIKE AD22035117)the Scientific Research Foundation for Highlevel Talent of Sanming University(Grant No.20YG02)Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(Grant No.2023J011022)。
文摘Tree plantations in the tropical-subtropical transition zone(TSTZ)represent crucial ecological regions where diverse biomes converge.Investigating the carbon sequestration potential and dynamic changes within these plantation ecosystems is of considerable ecological significance.However,the spatial distribution,driving factors,and underlying mechanisms of carbon sequestration in plantations in this region are poorly understood,thereby limiting accurate assessments of their carbon sequestration potential.This study examines four types of plantation forests located within the TSTZ on the Puwen forest farm of Xishuangbanna,China.Two slope gradients were established to quantify and compare the rate of carbon sequestration across these ecosystems.Using random forest modeling and structural equation modeling,the study identifies key environmental factors influencing the rate of carbon sequestration in the plantations.The results reveal substantial variation in DBH growth rates,biomass carbon sequestration,and soil organic carbon sequestration rates(R_(SOC))among the four forest types.Critical factors affecting R_(SOC)include leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations(LP),total soil nitrogen(STN),total soil phosphorus(STP),soil available phosphorus,and nitrogen concentration in ground surface litter.Among these,STN and STP exerted positive effects on R_(SOC),while LP is exerted negative.Overall,the concentration of soil carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus,along with the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in leaves,under different species and topographic slopes,play decisive roles in regulating soil carbon sequestration rates in tropical and subtropical plantations.This research provides support for vegetation protection and restoration in ecologically sensitive areas and watersheds,contributing to the enhancement of regional forest carbon sequestration capacity.
文摘The desertification process is rapidly developing at present and 61.5% of the land area in the zone are already desertified.Among the desertified lands, 26.9% are seriously desertified, 25% most seriously desertified and 47.4% are the lands where desertification is under way. They are caused by over-reclamation for farming, over-grazing, unreasonable collection of firewood,the destruction of vegetation and the misuse of water resources. Under the ecological environment in semi-arid zone,the degraded environment process possesses the ability of restoring to its original status as soon as the interruption of excessive human activities are eliminated. The fencing- and-self-cultivating method is an effective measure adopted universally in semi-arid zone to cure the desertified lands.The desertified lands can be readjusted and controlled easily if other controlling measures are supplemented. The fundamental ways to control desertification are to utilize rationally the resources, to readjust the existing
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China under contract No.2021YFC2803301the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China under contract Nos 2042024kf0037 and 2042022dx0001the Natural Science Foundation of Wuhan under cocntract No.2024040701010030.
文摘Loss of multiyear ice(MYI)is of great importance for Arctic climate and marine systems and can be monitored using active and passive microwave satellite data.In this paper,we describe an upgraded classification algorithm using the data from the scatterometer and radiometer sensors onboard the Chinese Haiyang-2B(HY-2B)satellite to identify MYI and first-year ice(FYI).The proposed method was established based on K-means and fuzzy clustering(K-means+FC)and was used to focus on the transition zone where the ice condition is complex due to the highly commixing of MYI and FYI,leading to the high challenge for accurate classification of sea ice.The K-means algorithm was applied to preliminarily classify MYI using the combination of scatterometer and radiometer data,followed by applying fuzzy clustering to reclassify MYI in the transition zone.The HY-2B K-means+FC results were compared with the ice type products[including the Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility(OSI SAF)sea ice type product and the Equal-Area Scalable Earth-Grid sea ice age dataset],and showed agreement in the time series of MYI extent.Intercomparisons in the transition zone indicated that the HY-2B K-means+FC results can identify more old ice than the OSI SAF product,but with an underestimation in identifying second-year ice.Comparisons between K-means and Kmeans+FC results were performed using regional ice charts and Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar(SAR)data.By adding fuzzy clustering,the MYI is more consistent with the ice charts,with the overall accuracy(OA)increasing by 0.9%–6.5%.Comparing against SAR images,it is suggested that more scattered MYI floes can be identified by fuzzy clustering,and the OA is increased by about 3%in middle freezing season and 7%–20%in early and late freezing season.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41930538,42076211 and 42076058the Scientific Research Foundation of the Third Institute of Oceanography,Ministry of Natural Resources under contract Nos 2022017 and 2019006the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation under contract No.2019M652248.
文摘The clay mineralogy of 28 sandy-muddy transitional beach(SMT-Beach)sediments and surrounding mountain river sediments along the coasts of southeastern China was systematically investigated to reveal the sediment source-to-sink process variations of such beaches and their morphological indications.The results show that the clay mineral assemblages of these SMT-Beaches mainly comprise of almost equal illite(~30%),kaolinite(~28%),chlorite(~22%),and smectite(~20%)contents.From the surrounding mountain rivers to the SMT-Beaches,clay mineral assemblages show distinct spatial changes characterized by a large decrease(~40%)in kaolinite,whereas the other three clay minerals present relative increases,especially clear for smectite.The muddy sediment sources of SMT-Beaches inferred from the clay mineralogy are mainly derived from nearby mountain rivers coupled with long-distance transport and penetration of the Changjiang River.The sandy sediments of these beaches are predominantly sourced from nearby mountain rivers,the weathering products of surrounding rocks in both mainland and island environments,and erosion of the“Old Red Sand”and“Red Soil Platform”.However,the sandy sediment sources of the SMT-Beaches are largely reduced because of the remarkable decrease in the river fluvial supply associated with intensive human activities such as dam construction and coastal reclamation.Subsequently,the sandy sections of SMT-Beaches present clear erosion and have revealed by both time series remote sensing images and a compilation of published literature.In contrast,the muddy sediment supply of SMT-Beaches is temporarily stable and relatively constant,resulting in the landward migration of the mudflats with relative transgression or accumulation.These findings highlight that the natural evolution processes of SMT-Beaches have been greatly reshaped by intensive human activities.
基金Supported by the Key Program of Hebei Education Department(ZH2012035)
文摘[Objective]This study aimed to analyze the relationships of the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)(1981-2006)in the desert-loess transitional zone of China with precipitation and temperature.[Method]The average method and the correlation function were applied in this study.[Result]The results indicated that during the growing season NDVI was positively correlated with precipitation in the current month,last month and the month before last,especially the last month.NDVI mostly negatively correlated with temperature,especially the temperature in the last month,which shows that the higher temperature,the more adverse the conditions for vegetation growth.[Conclusion]NDVI from August to October clearly is one of the significant factors influencing dust storm weather in spring of the next year.
