Face-to-face interviews(n=860) were conducted to determine cash-gift behavior, cognition and complexity of social relations, and family water consumption for agricultural production in a typical oasis area in Northwes...Face-to-face interviews(n=860) were conducted to determine cash-gift behavior, cognition and complexity of social relations, and family water consumption for agricultural production in a typical oasis area in Northwest China. The survey results revealed cash gifts to be the second-largest expenditure(1,330 Yuan) for rural households, far beyond the average spending on health(854.1 Yuan) or education(890.8 Yuan). The amount of cash-gift expenditures indirectly reflects a family's social relations level, and our developed Social Relations Extent Coefficient—based on cash-gift and food expenditures—can directly reflect the extent or level of these relationships. Different types of farmers or farming families have different coefficients. The coefficient also shows how social station affects a family's water resource utilization, and how water is distributed among different types of farmers. Despite the current inequities, however, promotion of better agricultural techniques and large-scale cultivation in this area could help distribute water resources more equitably and effectively.展开更多
Glaciers,with their unique and spectacular appearances and rich and varied terrain,have received widespread attention and become important tourist attractions.This paper uses the travel cost method to estimate the rec...Glaciers,with their unique and spectacular appearances and rich and varied terrain,have received widespread attention and become important tourist attractions.This paper uses the travel cost method to estimate the recreational value of the glacier tourism resources of Yulong Snow Mountain(also called Jade Dragon Snow Mountain),which is the most developed glacier tourist attraction in China.First-hand information was obtained through field surveys,and the travel costs of visitors visiting the Yulong Snow Mountain glacier were calculated before the method was applied to evaluate the recreational value of the focal glacier resource.The results show that the Yulong Snow Mountain consumer surplus associated with its glacier resources in 2016 ranged from 645.59-3439.10 million CNY,and the total recreational value ranged from 1.97-8.17 billion CNY.Approaches allocating travel costs across multiple recreational sites,however,can vary,and there is large difference in estimated results depending on used approaches.Nevertheless,the results of the analysis can help understand the socio-economic value of glacier resources and provide a reference for their development and protection.展开更多
The source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are important in the field of eco-environmental change research in China because of its distinct alpine ecosystem and cryosphere environment. At present, there are t...The source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are important in the field of eco-environmental change research in China because of its distinct alpine ecosystem and cryosphere environment. At present, there are three different concepts on the extent of source areas of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers: hydrological, geographical, and eco-environmental. Over the past decades, annual average air temperature has warmed significantly;moreover, the temperature rise rate increases notably with increase of time of the data series. Annual precipitation has no obvious increase or decrease trend, and the climate has become warm and dry in the source regions. As a result, the cryosphere in the regions has shrunk significantly since 1960 s. A warm and dry climate and changing cryosphere together induced a substantial declination of alpine wetlands, marked decrease in river runoff, significant degradation of alpine grassland, and a reduction of engineering stability.The ecological environment, however, has a tendency for restoration in the regions because the climate has become gradually warm and wet since 2000. Thus, studies on eco-environmental change is transforming from a single element to multidisciplinary integration. Climate change-cryopshere change-physical and socioeconomic impacts/risk-adaptation constitute a chain of multidisciplinary integration research.展开更多
The high-quality laminated source rock organic matter(OM)originated from planktonic algae,and its sedimentation was affected by global climate change significantly in the upper Xiaganchaigou Formation of the western Q...The high-quality laminated source rock organic matter(OM)originated from planktonic algae,and its sedimentation was affected by global climate change significantly in the upper Xiaganchaigou Formation of the western Qaidam Basin.However,coupling research on the paleoenvironment change and OM enrichment during the sedimentation period of the source rock is still lacking.This study from the aspects of sedimentary petrology,geochemistry and paleontology palynology,the paleoenvironment of source rock is restored and the OM enrichment model is established in the study area.Firstly,kerogen maceral identification indicates that the kerogen maceral is mainly composed of Botryococcus,accompanied with amorphous organic matter and plant debris.Secondly,arid climate and relatively active tectonic were observed during the deposition of the source rock.The water column was received felsic source from the continental island arc tectonic background,and has the environmental characteristics of relatively saline,shallow depth,medium low productivity,fast sedimentation rate and anoxic reduction and so on.Lastly,the first-order controlling factors for the OM enrichment are anoxic water conditions and suitable sedimentation rate,and the secondary controlling factor is paleoproductivity.Through the coupling study of paleoclimate,paleoenvironment and OM enrichment,the paleoclimate high frequency alternating evolution was the root cause of sedimentary environment change and OM enrichment of the laminated shale in the Upper Xiaganchaigou Formation.The study on the OM enrichment mechanism of algae in Qaidam provides a good model for understanding the coupling relationship between the algae bloom in the saline lake basins and the environments,and provides important theoretical basis for predicting shale oil“sweet spot”and production well sites arrangement for the continental saline lacustrine basins.展开更多
Tenebrionid beetles represent a crucial arthropod taxon in the Gobi desert ecosystems owing to their species richness and high biomass,both of which are essential for maintaining ecosystem health and stability.However...Tenebrionid beetles represent a crucial arthropod taxon in the Gobi desert ecosystems owing to their species richness and high biomass,both of which are essential for maintaining ecosystem health and stability.However,the spatiotemporal variations of tenebrionid beetle assemblages in the Gobi desert remain poorly understood.In this study,the monthly dynamics of tenebrionid beetles in the central part of the Hexi Corridor,Northwest China,a representative area of the Gobi desert ecosystems,were monitored using pitfall trapping during 2015-2020.The following results were showed:(1)monthly activity of tenebrionid beetles was observed from March to October,with monthly activity peaking in spring and summer,and monthly activity periods and peak of tenebrionid beetle species exhibited interspecific differences that varied from year to year;(2)spatial distribution of tenebrionid beetle community was influenced by structural factors.Specifically,at a spatial scale of 24.00 m,tenebrionid beetle community was strongly and positively correlated with the dominant species,with distinct spatial distribution patterns observed for Blaps gobiensis and Microdera kraatzi alashanica;(3)abundance of tenebrionid beetles was positively correlated with monthly mean precipitation and monthly mean temperature,whereas monthly abundance of B.gobiensis and M.kraatzi alashanica was positively correlated with monthly mean precipitation;and(4)the cover of Reaumuria soongarica(Pall.)Maxim.and Nitraria sphaerocarpa Maxim.had a positive influence on the number of tenebrionid beetles captured.In conclusion,monthly variation in precipitation significantly influences the community dynamic of tenebrionid beetles,with precipitation and shrub cover jointly determining the spatial distribution pattern of these beetles in the Gobi desert ecosystems.展开更多
Snowmelt runoffis an important component of water resources in the Northwest China(NWC).With global cli-mate warming and the increasing frequency of extreme events,snowmelt floods have caused significant damage.Howeve...Snowmelt runoffis an important component of water resources in the Northwest China(NWC).With global cli-mate warming and the increasing frequency of extreme events,snowmelt floods have caused significant damage.However,current studies lack comprehensive research and systematic risk assessments of snowmelt floods across the NWC.Based on the snowmelt runoffsimulated by GLDAS-NOAH model(1948-2022),the multiple indicators of snowmelt floods were retrieved by Peaks Over Threshold(POT)model in the NWC,and comprehensive risk assessment was conducted by integrating socio-economic data.The results indicated that the snowmelt runoffin the NWC shows a significant increasing trend and exhibits a spatial pattern of being more abundant in the northwest and southwest edges while less in the central and eastern regions.In Northern Xinjiang,snowmelt floods occurred relatively infrequently but with large magnitudes,while around the Qilian Mountains,snowmelt floods were more frequent but of smaller magnitudes.The longest duration of snowmelt floods was observed in the Kashgar and Yarkant River.Basins near mountainous areas are prone to snowmelt floods,especially the Tongtian and Lancang River basins,as well as the Ebinur Lake,Ili River basin,and the rivers south of the Altai Mountains,which face the highest risk of snowmelt floods.Based on comprehensive assessment of hazard,expo-sure,vulnerability and adaptability,high and very high-risk areas account for 15.5%of the NWC.It is urgent to enhance monitoring,early warning systems,and implement corresponding disaster prevention and mitigation measures in large mountainous basins.展开更多
Root system architecture has often been overlooked in plant research despite its critical role in plant adaptation to environmental conditions.This study focused on the root system architecture of the desert shrub Rea...Root system architecture has often been overlooked in plant research despite its critical role in plant adaptation to environmental conditions.This study focused on the root system architecture of the desert shrub Reaumuria soongorica in the Alxa steppe desert,Northwest China.Plant samples were collected during May-September 2019.Using excavation methods,in situ measurements,and root scanning techniques,we analyzed the root distribution,topology,and branching patterns of R.soongorica across an age sequence of 7-51 a.Additionally,we investigated the allometric relationships of root collar diameter with total coarse root length,biomass,and topological parameters.The results showed that the roots of R.soongorica were predominantly concentrated in shallow soil layers(10-50 cm),with lateral root branching and biomass allocation increasing with shrub age.The root topology exhibited a herringbone-like structure,with average topological and modified topological indices of 0.89 and 0.96,respectively,both of which adjusted with shrub age.The root system displayed a self-similar branching pattern,maintaining a constant cross-sectional area ratio of 1.13 before and after branching,deviating from the area-preserving rule.These adaptive traits allow R.soongorica to efficiently expand its nutrient acquisition zone,minimize internal competition,and optimize resource uptake from the upper soil layers.Furthermore,significant linear relationships were observed between log10-transformed root collar diameter and log10-transformed total coarse root length,biomass,and topological parameters.These findings advance non-destructive approaches for studying root characteristics and contribute to the development of root-related models.Besides,this study provides new insights into the adaptive strategies of R.soongorica under extreme drought conditions,offering valuable guidance for species selection and cultivation in desert restoration efforts.展开更多
Biological soil crusts(BSCs)play crucial roles in improving soil fertility and promoting plants settlement and reproduction in arid areas.However,the specific effects of BSCs on growth status and nutrient accumulation...Biological soil crusts(BSCs)play crucial roles in improving soil fertility and promoting plants settlement and reproduction in arid areas.However,the specific effects of BSCs on growth status and nutrient accumulation of plants are still unclear in different arid areas.This study analyzed the effects of three different BSCs treatments(without crust(WC),intact crust(IC),and broken crust(BC))on the growth,inorganic nutrient absorption,and organic solute synthesis of three typical desert plants(Grubovia dasyphylla(Fisch.&C.A.Mey.)Freitag&G.Kadereit,Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov,and Caragana koraiensis Kom.)in the Minqin desert-oasis ecotone of Northwest China.Results showed that the effects of three BSCs treatments on seed emergence and survival of three plants varied with seed types.The IC treatment significantly hindered the emergence and survival of seeds,while the BC treatment was more conducive to seed emergence and survival of plants.BSCs significantly promoted the growth of three plants,but their effects on plant growth varied at different stages of the growth.Briefly,the growth of G.dasyphylla was affected by BSCs in early stage,but the effects on the growth of G.dasyphylla significantly weakened in the middle and late stages.However,the growth of N.tangutorum and C.koraiensis only showed differences at the middle and late stages,with a significant enhancement in growth.Analysis of variance showed that BSCs,plant species,growth period,and their interactions had significant effects on the biomass and root:shoot ratio of three plants.BSC significantly affected the nutrients absorption and organic solute synthesis in plants.Specifically,BSCs significantly promoted nitrogen(N)absorption in plants and increased plant adaptability in N poor desert ecosystems,but had no significant effects on phosphorus(P)absorption.The effects of BSCs on inorganic nutrient absorption and organic solute synthesis in plants varied significantly among different plant species.The results suggest that BSCs have significant effects on the growth and nutrient accumulation of desert plants,which will provide theoretical basis for exploring the effects of BSCs on desert plant diversity,biodiversity conservation,and ecosystem management measures in arid and semi-arid areas.展开更多
The Ili River is a typical transboundary river between China and Kazakhstan,with glaciers within its basin serving as a crucial solid water resource.Recently,we compiled the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 20...The Ili River is a typical transboundary river between China and Kazakhstan,with glaciers within its basin serving as a crucial solid water resource.Recently,we compiled the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020)using high-resolution satellite imagery(<2 m),based on visual interpretation.This study presented the state of glaciers in the Ili River Basin in 2020 by utilizing the data from CGI-XJ2020.It quantified glacier changes in 1960s–2020 based on CGI-XJ2020 and revised datasets from the First and Second Chinese Glacier Inventories.The results indicated that in 2020,the Ili River Basin contained 2,177 glaciers,totaling 1,433.19 km^(2)in area.Among them,213 glaciers were covered by 57.43 km^(2)of debris.The total uncertainty in glacier area was 46.43 km^(2),accounting for approximately 3.2%of the total area.Mapped glacier areas varied from 0.003 to 74.67 km^(2),with an average area of 0.66 km^(2)and a median area of 0.15 km^(2).Glaciers<0.5 km^(2)in size dominated in numbers,accounting for 75.1%of the total.Glaciers in the basin have undergone significant retreat during 1960s–2020,with their total area decreasing by 589.38 km^(2)(29.15%).A total of 495 glaciers(with an area of 49.67 km^(2))disappeared.The average annual glacier area retreat rates for 1960s-2007 and 2007–2020 were 10.86 km^(2)/a(0.54%/a)and 9.41 km^(2)/a(0.61%/a),respectively,showing a continued acceleration in glacier shrinkage,despite a slight decrease in absolute retreat rates.展开更多
Since scarce knowledge of soil mercury(Hg)concentrations and risks in the vulnerable Xinjiang,topsoils(0-15 cm)from its typical landscapes were extensively sampled.Topsoil total mercury(THg)concentrations varied broad...Since scarce knowledge of soil mercury(Hg)concentrations and risks in the vulnerable Xinjiang,topsoils(0-15 cm)from its typical landscapes were extensively sampled.Topsoil total mercury(THg)concentrations varied broadly between 0.9 and 35.3 ng/g,of which16.8%exceeded the background value of soil Hg for Xinjiang.Topsoil THg concentrations across various landscapes exhibited a declining order:farmland(11.7±6.0 ng/g)>grassland(10.5±8.5 ng/g)>woodland(10.2±8.2 ng/g)>desert(7.0±5.8 ng/g).The average topsoil THg concentration was higher in northwestern Xinjiang(11.3±7.2 ng/g)than that in southeastern Xinjiang(6.3±6.1 ng/g).Relatively high topsoil THg concentrations were observed near the cities with intensive human activities,followed by a gradual decline to the surroundings.The concentrations of topsoil THg were strongly correlated with the contents of total organic carbon(TOC),clay,silty,and sandy,and the distance from each sampling site to its nearest city,suggesting that the variation of topsoil Hg was significantly influenced by TOC content,soil granularity,and anthropogenic Hg emissions.Silty and TOC were the principal affecting factors,explaining 48.7%and 7.9%of the THg variation,respectively.The contamination and potential ecological risk evaluations revealed that topsoils in regions with dense populations were polluted with Hg and contained higher potential ecological risks.The health risk evaluations indicated that exposure risks of topsoil Hg were higher for children than those for adults.Fortunately,topsoil Hg posed acceptable risks to human health.展开更多
The Turpan−Hami Basin in Xinjiang is a resource−scarce area where glaciers are important water resources.Based on the data of the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020),this study analyzed andexplai...The Turpan−Hami Basin in Xinjiang is a resource−scarce area where glaciers are important water resources.Based on the data of the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020),this study analyzed andexplained the distribution characteristics of glaciers in the Turpan−Hami Basin in 2020.Additionally,by inte-grating the updated First and Second Chinese Glacier Inventories,the study examined changes within the basinfrom 1962 to 2020.It also assessed the specific impact of glacier changes in the Hami region on the runoff of fourtypical basins.The results indicated that in 2020,the Turpan−Hami Basin contained 354 glaciers,covering anarea of 155.82 km^(2)and an estimated ice volume of 5.81 km3.Small glaciers(<0.5 km^(2))were the most numerous,accounting for 78%of the total,while glaciers ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 km^(2)were the largest area,covering39.37 km^(2),which represents 25.3%of the total glacier area.From 1962 to 2020,the glacier area decreased by85.06 km^(2)(35.3%).Between 1962 and 2009,the area decreased by 72.53 km^(2)(30.11%),with an average annualretreat of 1.54 km^(2)/a(0.64%/a).From 2009 to 2020,the area decreased by 12.53 km^(2)(7.44%),and the averageannual retreat slowed to 1.14 km^(2)/a(0.68%/a).These results suggested that while the total glacier area con-tinues to decline,the rate of decrease in absolute terms has slowed,whereas the relative rate of change hasincreased,indicating an accelerating trend in glacier melt.Climate-driven glacier changes have significantly impacted river hydrology and water resources in Hami.In basins without glaciers,runoff has shown a decreasingtrend,suggesting that the positive effect of increased precipitation on runoff may not be sufficient to offset thenegative impact of rising temperatures.In basins with smaller glaciers,the'peak water'for glacier runoff likelyoccurred in the 1980s and 1990s,and water resources are expected to continue deteriorating.In contrast,basinswith larger glaciers have not yet reached a'peak water'and high flow is projected to persist for decades.展开更多
As a highly sensitive indicator of climate change in the arid northwest region of China,glacier dynamics in the Kaidu-Konqi River Basin directly influence regional runoff patterns,thereby playing a crucial role in sha...As a highly sensitive indicator of climate change in the arid northwest region of China,glacier dynamics in the Kaidu-Konqi River Basin directly influence regional runoff patterns,thereby playing a crucial role in shapingregional hydrology and maintaining ecological stability.This study systematically assessed glacier distribution in2020 and analyzed glacier changes from 1972 to 2020 using the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020),historical satellite imagery from 1972,and data from the Second Chinese Glacier Inventory.In2020,the basin contained 713 glaciers covering 313.99 km^(2),with an estimated glacier volume of 11.81 km^(3)(0.41%glacier coverage).Glaciers were predominantly clustered in the northern and southwestern mountains.Small glaciers(<0.5 km^(2))comprised 78%of the glacier count but only 3%of the total area,whereas glaciers≥0.5 km^(2)accounted for 97%of the total area and 83.6%of the glacier volume.From 1972 to 2020,the totalglacier area decreased by 42.28%(229.99 km^(2))and glacier volume by 49.51%(11.58 km^(3)),equating to meanannual rates of−0.88%and−1.03%,respectively.Glacier retreat drives temporary increases in meltwatersupply but threatens long-term regional runoff stability and ecological water security.The retreat rate variedover different periods,with a more pronounced decline observed between 1972 and 2007.These findingshighlight an accelerating glacier loss in the basin,underscoring the need for continued monitoring and assess-ment of its hydrological and ecological impacts.展开更多
The Gannan Yellow River source area(YRSA)is a typical ecological fragile region.Assessing the temporal and spatial patterns of resource and environmental carrying capacity(RECC)is crucial for both ecological security ...The Gannan Yellow River source area(YRSA)is a typical ecological fragile region.Assessing the temporal and spatial patterns of resource and environmental carrying capacity(RECC)is crucial for both ecological security and sustainable development of the Yellow River Basin and the YRSA.Based on RECC theory,this study developed a novel index system focused on human-livestock-grassland relationships to accurately capture resource and environmental carrying characteristics in pastoral regions.By establishing region-specific evaluation thresholds and using a comprehensive index approach,we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of resource carrying capacity(RCC),environmental carrying capacity(ECC),and resource and environmental carrying capacity(RECC)in the Gannan region from 2005 to 2020.The results indicate that:1)The RECC followed an increasing–decreasing–increasing trajectory from 2005 to 2020,with values ranging from 0.30 to 0.69.The RECC in pastoral areas was not only higher but also exhibited greater variability compared to that in agricultural areas.2)The RCC remained at a low level,with values between 0.06 to 0.098.The index of water consumption per ten thousand Yuan of GDP increased significantly,suggesting that improvements in water use efficiency contributed to the enhancement of RCC.3)The ECC increased notably,shifting from the middle to a very high level,with values ranging from 0.233 to 0.611.ECC emerged as a key determinant of RECC,exhibiting a temporal trend closely aligned with that of RECC.Changes in ECC were primarily driven by factors such as overgrazing rates,the extent of grassland rodent control,and the area of grassland for reseeding and improvement.Based on these findings,future priorities should include the adoption of efficient water-saving irrigation technologies,the promotion of rotational grazing practices,and the optimization of land management strategies.展开更多
In permafrost regions of the QinghaiXizang Plateau,embankments of the Qinghai-Xizang Highway and Qinghai-Xizang Railway experiencing roadside water accumulation exhibit more pronounced engineering deteriorations.A wid...In permafrost regions of the QinghaiXizang Plateau,embankments of the Qinghai-Xizang Highway and Qinghai-Xizang Railway experiencing roadside water accumulation exhibit more pronounced engineering deteriorations.A widely accepted view is that the accumulated water adjacent to the embankment possesses substantial thermal energy,which accelerates the degradation-even disappearance-of the underlying permafrost.Moreover,the presence of roadside water keeps the embankment soil in a persistently high-moisture state,thereby making the frozen-soil embankment more susceptible to deformation under traffic loading.However,in the permafrost regions of the QinghaiXizang Plateau,deteriorations of embankments affected by roadside water are more commonly manifested as undulating pavement surfaces,and extensive crack networks appear on the embankment crest even where thermosyphons are installed.These manifestations are not fully consistent with the deterioration mechanisms proposed by existing viewpoints.We propose the hypothesis that temperature gradients,formed due to the freezing and thawing processes between the roadside wateraffected soil and the roadbed soil,lead to moisture migration under the influence of temperature gradients,resulting in frost heave and thaw settlement in the roadbed soil.To validate this hypothesis,we conducted the following investigations sequentially.Initially,we selected a roadbed with a thermosyphon(TPCT)system,which has a significant cooling effect,as the study object.By analyzing the temperature monitoring data of the roadbed section,the temperature variance was calculated to identify the time nodes where the temperature gradient of the roadbed soil was maximum and minimum.Subsequently,corresponding roadbed temperature distribution maps were drawn,illustrating the changes in the temperature and position of the lowtemperature core near the TPCT over time.Furthermore,using small-scale indoor model experiments,we qualitatively concluded that moisture in the soil migrates toward the TPCT due to the temperature gradient.Thereafter,combining borehole water content data and precipitation data from the sloped terrain construction site,the formation mechanisms and timing characteristics of roadside water accumulation were analyzed.Ultimately,by integrating the ground temperature data,air temperature data,roadside water formation mechanisms,and the operating characteristics of the TPCT,it was concluded that roadside water,while in a thawed state during TPCT operation,acts as a supplementary source for moisture migration in the roadbed soil.This migration leads to cracking in the TPCT roadbed.Therefore,this study reveals a novel damage mechanism:asynchronous freeze-thaw processes induce temperature gradients,which drive the migration of roadside water into the roadbed and are responsible for the cracking damage.展开更多
Belowground bud banks are essential for the regeneration of plant population in arid desert areas,and their response to environmental changes could reflect adaptive strategies of plants to desert habitats.However,the ...Belowground bud banks are essential for the regeneration of plant population in arid desert areas,and their response to environmental changes could reflect adaptive strategies of plants to desert habitats.However,the size and composition of belowground bud banks and their response to environmental factors in the desert steppe zone remain poorly understood,challenging desertification control efforts in arid desert areas.This study examined the density and vertical distribution of horizontal and vertical rhizome buds of a rhizomatous legume herb Sophora alopecuroides L.,its population characteristics,and soil physical-chemical properties in three habitats(interdune lowland(IL),flat sandy land(FSL),and desert steppe(DS))in a desert steppe zone,northern China.Our findings revealed that:(1)total and horizontal rhizome bud densities of S.alopecuroides differed significantly among the three habitats(P<0.05),with the largest total rhizome bud density(177 buds/m2)in IL and the smallest(63 buds/m2)in DS;(2)horizontal rhizome buds distributed in the deep soil layer were dominant in IL,while vertical rhizome buds in the top soil layer were predominant in DS;and(3)soil coarse sand,nutrient content,and population density were the primary factors affecting bud bank density of S.alopecuroides.Specifically,horizontal rhizome buds were dependent largely on soil coarse sand content,and vertical rhizome buds tended to be more related to soil organic matter content and population density.Our results indicated that horizontal rhizome buds were more important in IL with frequent aeolian disturbance,whereas vertical rhizome buds were more important in DS with abundant water and nutrient resources.The plastic responses and survival strategies of S.alopecuroides bud bank to different habitats provide valuable information for the effective implementation of desertification control measures and the management of desert steppe ecosystems.展开更多
This study introduces superabsorbent polymers(SAP)into recycled concrete and,through freeze-thaw cycle tests,unconfined compressive strength tests,and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)analysis,evaluates the freeze-thaw ...This study introduces superabsorbent polymers(SAP)into recycled concrete and,through freeze-thaw cycle tests,unconfined compressive strength tests,and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)analysis,evaluates the freeze-thaw resistance and durability of recycled concrete samples under varying freeze-thaw cycles.The results indicate that an appropriate addition of SAP significantly enhances the freeze-thaw resistance of recycled concrete.After 200 freeze-thaw cycles,the RS0.6 sample retained good surface integrity,demonstrating the best performance.Compared to NAC,its mass loss decreased by 1.16%,the relative dynamic modulus improved by 7.01%,and the compressive strength loss rate decreased by 5.41%.Additionally,T2 spectrum analysis revealed that adding SAP optimized the pore structure of recycled concrete and mitigated pore development during freeze-thaw cycles.As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased,the RS0.3 and RS0.6 samples demonstrated superior frost resistance compared to NAC.However,an excessive amount of SAP increased pore expansion during subsequent freeze-thaw cycles,ultimately weakening frost resistance.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
Tajikistan contains the majority of Central Asia’s glaciers,which cover about 6.00%of the national territory;their rapid shrinkage poses a significant threat to regional water resource security.However,glacier monito...Tajikistan contains the majority of Central Asia’s glaciers,which cover about 6.00%of the national territory;their rapid shrinkage poses a significant threat to regional water resource security.However,glacier monitoring in Tajikistan was interrupted after 1991,creating a substantial gap in understanding the current state and temporal evolution of these glaciers.Based on glacier inventory data,in situ measurements,and published literature,this study examined the present status and recent variations of glaciers in Tajikistan through data integration and validation,literature collation and comparative analysis,and the application of Geographic Information System(GIS)spatial analysis techniques.As of 2023,Tajikistan possesses a total of 11,528 glaciers,encompassing an area of 7624.48(±305.58)km2.Small glaciers dominate in number,whereas large glaciers account for the majority of the total area.Over the past two decades,the glacier count has decreased by 2014,and the total area has decreased by 628.98 km2,corresponding to an average annual reduction rate of 0.33%.Regional shrinkage rates range from 4.10%to 22.28%.Glaciers have undergone accelerated mass loss during the past 20 a;only those on the northeastern Pamir Plateau exhibit a weak positive mass balance.Observations of typical monitored glaciers also reveal intensified melting and retreat,consistent with regional trends.In light of the recent acceleration of glacier shrinkage in Tajikistan,focused measures should be implemented to strengthen glacier monitoring,enhance public awareness of glacier preservation,and promote the sustainable development and utilization of glacier tourism.These findings bridge the knowledge gap regarding the spatiotemporal dynamics of Tajikistan’s glaciers over recent decades and provide essential data support for regional water resource management.展开更多
Characterized by scarce water resources and fragile ecosystems,Northwest China(NWC)has experienced a climate shift from warm-dry to warm-wet conditions since the 1980s that has garnered extensive concern in recent yea...Characterized by scarce water resources and fragile ecosystems,Northwest China(NWC)has experienced a climate shift from warm-dry to warm-wet conditions since the 1980s that has garnered extensive concern in recent years.In this study,the variability in extreme precipitation(EP)during 1961-2016 in different climate zones of NWC and the possible mechanisms for this variation are investigated.The results show that the EP trends significantly increased in most of the westerly zone(WZ)and plateau zone(PZ),while the EP trends did not significantly decrease in the monsoon zone(MZ).The start dates of extreme precipitation(SDEP)and end dates of extreme precipitation(EDEP)advanced and were postponed,respectively,in the WZ and PZ,while the opposite occurred in the MZ.Summer atmospheric circulation,water vapor transport,and atmospheric instability over NWC varied greatly with the interdecadal shift in EP before and after 1986.During 1986-2016,upper-level divergence and lower-level convergence occurred in the MZ and PZ,which strengthened ascending flow.In addition,the summer water vapor and atmospheric instability increased in the WZ and PZ.These characteristics created favorable conditions for increased occurrences of EP in the WZ and PZ in summer.Conversely,the upper-level convergence and lower-level divergence in the MZ strengthened descending flow.Decreases in summer water vapor and atmospheric instability occurred in the MZ after 1986.Hence,the environmental conditions in the MZ may have prevented the occurrence and development of EP in summer during 1986-2016.展开更多
In arid desert regions of northwestern China, reclamation and subsequent irrigated cultivation have become effective ways to prevent desertification, expand arable croplands, and develop sustainable agricultural produ...In arid desert regions of northwestern China, reclamation and subsequent irrigated cultivation have become effective ways to prevent desertification, expand arable croplands, and develop sustainable agricultural production. Improvement in soil texture and fertility is crucial to high soil quality and stable crop yield. However, knowledge on the long-term effects of the conversion of desert lands into arable croplands is very limited. To address this problem, we conducted this study in an arid desert region of northwestern China to understand the changes in soil physical-chemical properties after 0, 2, 5, 10, 17, and 24 years of cultivation. Our results showed that silt and clay contents at the 17-year-old sites increased 17.5 and 152.3 folds, respectively, compared with that at the 0-year-old sites. The soil aggregate size fraction and its stability exhibited an exponential growth trend with increasing cultivation ages, but no significant change was found for the proportion of soil macroaggregates(>5.00 mm) during the 17 years of cultivation. The soil organic carbon(SOC) content at the 24-year-old sites was 6.86 g/kg and increased 8.8 folds compared with that at the 0-year-old sites. The total(or available) nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents showed significant increasing trends and reached higher values after 17(or 24) years of cultivation. Changes in soil physical-chemical properties successively experienced slow, rapid, and stable development stages, but some key properties(such as soil aggregate stability and SOC) were still too low to meet the sustainable agricultural production. The results of this long-term study indicated that reasonable agricultural management, such as expanding no-tillage land area, returning straw to the fields, applying organic fertilizer, reducing chemical fertilizer application, and carrying out soil testing for formula fertilization, is urgently needed in arid desert regions.展开更多
基金supported by Social Science Foundation of China(17CGL032)Gansu Provincial key research and development foundation(17YF1FA134)
文摘Face-to-face interviews(n=860) were conducted to determine cash-gift behavior, cognition and complexity of social relations, and family water consumption for agricultural production in a typical oasis area in Northwest China. The survey results revealed cash gifts to be the second-largest expenditure(1,330 Yuan) for rural households, far beyond the average spending on health(854.1 Yuan) or education(890.8 Yuan). The amount of cash-gift expenditures indirectly reflects a family's social relations level, and our developed Social Relations Extent Coefficient—based on cash-gift and food expenditures—can directly reflect the extent or level of these relationships. Different types of farmers or farming families have different coefficients. The coefficient also shows how social station affects a family's water resource utilization, and how water is distributed among different types of farmers. Despite the current inequities, however, promotion of better agricultural techniques and large-scale cultivation in this area could help distribute water resources more equitably and effectively.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41690143)the Fund from the State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.SKLCS-OP-201602)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities from Nanjing Agricultural University,China(Grant No.SK2016033)
文摘Glaciers,with their unique and spectacular appearances and rich and varied terrain,have received widespread attention and become important tourist attractions.This paper uses the travel cost method to estimate the recreational value of the glacier tourism resources of Yulong Snow Mountain(also called Jade Dragon Snow Mountain),which is the most developed glacier tourist attraction in China.First-hand information was obtained through field surveys,and the travel costs of visitors visiting the Yulong Snow Mountain glacier were calculated before the method was applied to evaluate the recreational value of the focal glacier resource.The results show that the Yulong Snow Mountain consumer surplus associated with its glacier resources in 2016 ranged from 645.59-3439.10 million CNY,and the total recreational value ranged from 1.97-8.17 billion CNY.Approaches allocating travel costs across multiple recreational sites,however,can vary,and there is large difference in estimated results depending on used approaches.Nevertheless,the results of the analysis can help understand the socio-economic value of glacier resources and provide a reference for their development and protection.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Grant No.XDA23060704
文摘The source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are important in the field of eco-environmental change research in China because of its distinct alpine ecosystem and cryosphere environment. At present, there are three different concepts on the extent of source areas of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers: hydrological, geographical, and eco-environmental. Over the past decades, annual average air temperature has warmed significantly;moreover, the temperature rise rate increases notably with increase of time of the data series. Annual precipitation has no obvious increase or decrease trend, and the climate has become warm and dry in the source regions. As a result, the cryosphere in the regions has shrunk significantly since 1960 s. A warm and dry climate and changing cryosphere together induced a substantial declination of alpine wetlands, marked decrease in river runoff, significant degradation of alpine grassland, and a reduction of engineering stability.The ecological environment, however, has a tendency for restoration in the regions because the climate has become gradually warm and wet since 2000. Thus, studies on eco-environmental change is transforming from a single element to multidisciplinary integration. Climate change-cryopshere change-physical and socioeconomic impacts/risk-adaptation constitute a chain of multidisciplinary integration research.
基金supported by the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.2024DJ8702)the Science and Technology Research Project of the China National Petroleum Corporation(No.2024DJ87)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42272029)the“Light of West China”Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.xbzglzb2022025)。
文摘The high-quality laminated source rock organic matter(OM)originated from planktonic algae,and its sedimentation was affected by global climate change significantly in the upper Xiaganchaigou Formation of the western Qaidam Basin.However,coupling research on the paleoenvironment change and OM enrichment during the sedimentation period of the source rock is still lacking.This study from the aspects of sedimentary petrology,geochemistry and paleontology palynology,the paleoenvironment of source rock is restored and the OM enrichment model is established in the study area.Firstly,kerogen maceral identification indicates that the kerogen maceral is mainly composed of Botryococcus,accompanied with amorphous organic matter and plant debris.Secondly,arid climate and relatively active tectonic were observed during the deposition of the source rock.The water column was received felsic source from the continental island arc tectonic background,and has the environmental characteristics of relatively saline,shallow depth,medium low productivity,fast sedimentation rate and anoxic reduction and so on.Lastly,the first-order controlling factors for the OM enrichment are anoxic water conditions and suitable sedimentation rate,and the secondary controlling factor is paleoproductivity.Through the coupling study of paleoclimate,paleoenvironment and OM enrichment,the paleoclimate high frequency alternating evolution was the root cause of sedimentary environment change and OM enrichment of the laminated shale in the Upper Xiaganchaigou Formation.The study on the OM enrichment mechanism of algae in Qaidam provides a good model for understanding the coupling relationship between the algae bloom in the saline lake basins and the environments,and provides important theoretical basis for predicting shale oil“sweet spot”and production well sites arrangement for the continental saline lacustrine basins.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23A2063)the Gansu Province Top-notch Leading Talents Project(E339040101)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41771290,42377043,41773086).
文摘Tenebrionid beetles represent a crucial arthropod taxon in the Gobi desert ecosystems owing to their species richness and high biomass,both of which are essential for maintaining ecosystem health and stability.However,the spatiotemporal variations of tenebrionid beetle assemblages in the Gobi desert remain poorly understood.In this study,the monthly dynamics of tenebrionid beetles in the central part of the Hexi Corridor,Northwest China,a representative area of the Gobi desert ecosystems,were monitored using pitfall trapping during 2015-2020.The following results were showed:(1)monthly activity of tenebrionid beetles was observed from March to October,with monthly activity peaking in spring and summer,and monthly activity periods and peak of tenebrionid beetle species exhibited interspecific differences that varied from year to year;(2)spatial distribution of tenebrionid beetle community was influenced by structural factors.Specifically,at a spatial scale of 24.00 m,tenebrionid beetle community was strongly and positively correlated with the dominant species,with distinct spatial distribution patterns observed for Blaps gobiensis and Microdera kraatzi alashanica;(3)abundance of tenebrionid beetles was positively correlated with monthly mean precipitation and monthly mean temperature,whereas monthly abundance of B.gobiensis and M.kraatzi alashanica was positively correlated with monthly mean precipitation;and(4)the cover of Reaumuria soongarica(Pall.)Maxim.and Nitraria sphaerocarpa Maxim.had a positive influence on the number of tenebrionid beetles captured.In conclusion,monthly variation in precipitation significantly influences the community dynamic of tenebrionid beetles,with precipitation and shrub cover jointly determining the spatial distribution pattern of these beetles in the Gobi desert ecosystems.
基金supported by China-Pakistan joint program of the Chi-nese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.046GJHZ2023069MI)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42371145)the program of the Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,CAS(Grant No.CSFSE-ZZ-2402).
文摘Snowmelt runoffis an important component of water resources in the Northwest China(NWC).With global cli-mate warming and the increasing frequency of extreme events,snowmelt floods have caused significant damage.However,current studies lack comprehensive research and systematic risk assessments of snowmelt floods across the NWC.Based on the snowmelt runoffsimulated by GLDAS-NOAH model(1948-2022),the multiple indicators of snowmelt floods were retrieved by Peaks Over Threshold(POT)model in the NWC,and comprehensive risk assessment was conducted by integrating socio-economic data.The results indicated that the snowmelt runoffin the NWC shows a significant increasing trend and exhibits a spatial pattern of being more abundant in the northwest and southwest edges while less in the central and eastern regions.In Northern Xinjiang,snowmelt floods occurred relatively infrequently but with large magnitudes,while around the Qilian Mountains,snowmelt floods were more frequent but of smaller magnitudes.The longest duration of snowmelt floods was observed in the Kashgar and Yarkant River.Basins near mountainous areas are prone to snowmelt floods,especially the Tongtian and Lancang River basins,as well as the Ebinur Lake,Ili River basin,and the rivers south of the Altai Mountains,which face the highest risk of snowmelt floods.Based on comprehensive assessment of hazard,expo-sure,vulnerability and adaptability,high and very high-risk areas account for 15.5%of the NWC.It is urgent to enhance monitoring,early warning systems,and implement corresponding disaster prevention and mitigation measures in large mountainous basins.
基金funded by the Guangxi Science and Technology Plan Project(Guike AD22080050)the Basic Research Ability Improvement Project of Young and Middle-aged Teachers of Universities in Guangxi(2022KY0386)+1 种基金the Opening Foundation of Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf,Ministry of Education,Nanning Normal University(NNNU-KLOP-K2202)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42471055).
文摘Root system architecture has often been overlooked in plant research despite its critical role in plant adaptation to environmental conditions.This study focused on the root system architecture of the desert shrub Reaumuria soongorica in the Alxa steppe desert,Northwest China.Plant samples were collected during May-September 2019.Using excavation methods,in situ measurements,and root scanning techniques,we analyzed the root distribution,topology,and branching patterns of R.soongorica across an age sequence of 7-51 a.Additionally,we investigated the allometric relationships of root collar diameter with total coarse root length,biomass,and topological parameters.The results showed that the roots of R.soongorica were predominantly concentrated in shallow soil layers(10-50 cm),with lateral root branching and biomass allocation increasing with shrub age.The root topology exhibited a herringbone-like structure,with average topological and modified topological indices of 0.89 and 0.96,respectively,both of which adjusted with shrub age.The root system displayed a self-similar branching pattern,maintaining a constant cross-sectional area ratio of 1.13 before and after branching,deviating from the area-preserving rule.These adaptive traits allow R.soongorica to efficiently expand its nutrient acquisition zone,minimize internal competition,and optimize resource uptake from the upper soil layers.Furthermore,significant linear relationships were observed between log10-transformed root collar diameter and log10-transformed total coarse root length,biomass,and topological parameters.These findings advance non-destructive approaches for studying root characteristics and contribute to the development of root-related models.Besides,this study provides new insights into the adaptive strategies of R.soongorica under extreme drought conditions,offering valuable guidance for species selection and cultivation in desert restoration efforts.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province,China(24JRRA733,23JRRA589)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42377470,42207539)the Light of Western Light Program of Talent Cultivation of Chinese Academy of Sciences(22JR9KA028).
文摘Biological soil crusts(BSCs)play crucial roles in improving soil fertility and promoting plants settlement and reproduction in arid areas.However,the specific effects of BSCs on growth status and nutrient accumulation of plants are still unclear in different arid areas.This study analyzed the effects of three different BSCs treatments(without crust(WC),intact crust(IC),and broken crust(BC))on the growth,inorganic nutrient absorption,and organic solute synthesis of three typical desert plants(Grubovia dasyphylla(Fisch.&C.A.Mey.)Freitag&G.Kadereit,Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov,and Caragana koraiensis Kom.)in the Minqin desert-oasis ecotone of Northwest China.Results showed that the effects of three BSCs treatments on seed emergence and survival of three plants varied with seed types.The IC treatment significantly hindered the emergence and survival of seeds,while the BC treatment was more conducive to seed emergence and survival of plants.BSCs significantly promoted the growth of three plants,but their effects on plant growth varied at different stages of the growth.Briefly,the growth of G.dasyphylla was affected by BSCs in early stage,but the effects on the growth of G.dasyphylla significantly weakened in the middle and late stages.However,the growth of N.tangutorum and C.koraiensis only showed differences at the middle and late stages,with a significant enhancement in growth.Analysis of variance showed that BSCs,plant species,growth period,and their interactions had significant effects on the biomass and root:shoot ratio of three plants.BSC significantly affected the nutrients absorption and organic solute synthesis in plants.Specifically,BSCs significantly promoted nitrogen(N)absorption in plants and increased plant adaptability in N poor desert ecosystems,but had no significant effects on phosphorus(P)absorption.The effects of BSCs on inorganic nutrient absorption and organic solute synthesis in plants varied significantly among different plant species.The results suggest that BSCs have significant effects on the growth and nutrient accumulation of desert plants,which will provide theoretical basis for exploring the effects of BSCs on desert plant diversity,biodiversity conservation,and ecosystem management measures in arid and semi-arid areas.
基金supported by Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program(Grant No.2022xjkk0101)Second Qinghai-Tibet Scientific Expedition Program(Grant No.2019 QZKK0201)+2 种基金Third Xinjiang Sci-entific Expedition Program(Grant No.2021xjkk0401)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42301166)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42371148)。
文摘The Ili River is a typical transboundary river between China and Kazakhstan,with glaciers within its basin serving as a crucial solid water resource.Recently,we compiled the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020)using high-resolution satellite imagery(<2 m),based on visual interpretation.This study presented the state of glaciers in the Ili River Basin in 2020 by utilizing the data from CGI-XJ2020.It quantified glacier changes in 1960s–2020 based on CGI-XJ2020 and revised datasets from the First and Second Chinese Glacier Inventories.The results indicated that in 2020,the Ili River Basin contained 2,177 glaciers,totaling 1,433.19 km^(2)in area.Among them,213 glaciers were covered by 57.43 km^(2)of debris.The total uncertainty in glacier area was 46.43 km^(2),accounting for approximately 3.2%of the total area.Mapped glacier areas varied from 0.003 to 74.67 km^(2),with an average area of 0.66 km^(2)and a median area of 0.15 km^(2).Glaciers<0.5 km^(2)in size dominated in numbers,accounting for 75.1%of the total.Glaciers in the basin have undergone significant retreat during 1960s–2020,with their total area decreasing by 589.38 km^(2)(29.15%).A total of 495 glaciers(with an area of 49.67 km^(2))disappeared.The average annual glacier area retreat rates for 1960s-2007 and 2007–2020 were 10.86 km^(2)/a(0.54%/a)and 9.41 km^(2)/a(0.61%/a),respectively,showing a continued acceleration in glacier shrinkage,despite a slight decrease in absolute retreat rates.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP)(No.2019QZKK0605)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42201161)the Startup Foundation for Introducing Talent of NUIST(No.2022r024)。
文摘Since scarce knowledge of soil mercury(Hg)concentrations and risks in the vulnerable Xinjiang,topsoils(0-15 cm)from its typical landscapes were extensively sampled.Topsoil total mercury(THg)concentrations varied broadly between 0.9 and 35.3 ng/g,of which16.8%exceeded the background value of soil Hg for Xinjiang.Topsoil THg concentrations across various landscapes exhibited a declining order:farmland(11.7±6.0 ng/g)>grassland(10.5±8.5 ng/g)>woodland(10.2±8.2 ng/g)>desert(7.0±5.8 ng/g).The average topsoil THg concentration was higher in northwestern Xinjiang(11.3±7.2 ng/g)than that in southeastern Xinjiang(6.3±6.1 ng/g).Relatively high topsoil THg concentrations were observed near the cities with intensive human activities,followed by a gradual decline to the surroundings.The concentrations of topsoil THg were strongly correlated with the contents of total organic carbon(TOC),clay,silty,and sandy,and the distance from each sampling site to its nearest city,suggesting that the variation of topsoil Hg was significantly influenced by TOC content,soil granularity,and anthropogenic Hg emissions.Silty and TOC were the principal affecting factors,explaining 48.7%and 7.9%of the THg variation,respectively.The contamination and potential ecological risk evaluations revealed that topsoils in regions with dense populations were polluted with Hg and contained higher potential ecological risks.The health risk evaluations indicated that exposure risks of topsoil Hg were higher for children than those for adults.Fortunately,topsoil Hg posed acceptable risks to human health.
基金supported by the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program(Grant No.2022xjkk0101)Second Qinghai-Tibet Scientific Expedition Program(Grant No.2019QZKK0201)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42301166)National Science Foundation of Gansu Province(Grant No.23JRRA658)Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Utilization in Arid Zone(XJYS0907-2024-yb-11)
文摘The Turpan−Hami Basin in Xinjiang is a resource−scarce area where glaciers are important water resources.Based on the data of the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020),this study analyzed andexplained the distribution characteristics of glaciers in the Turpan−Hami Basin in 2020.Additionally,by inte-grating the updated First and Second Chinese Glacier Inventories,the study examined changes within the basinfrom 1962 to 2020.It also assessed the specific impact of glacier changes in the Hami region on the runoff of fourtypical basins.The results indicated that in 2020,the Turpan−Hami Basin contained 354 glaciers,covering anarea of 155.82 km^(2)and an estimated ice volume of 5.81 km3.Small glaciers(<0.5 km^(2))were the most numerous,accounting for 78%of the total,while glaciers ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 km^(2)were the largest area,covering39.37 km^(2),which represents 25.3%of the total glacier area.From 1962 to 2020,the glacier area decreased by85.06 km^(2)(35.3%).Between 1962 and 2009,the area decreased by 72.53 km^(2)(30.11%),with an average annualretreat of 1.54 km^(2)/a(0.64%/a).From 2009 to 2020,the area decreased by 12.53 km^(2)(7.44%),and the averageannual retreat slowed to 1.14 km^(2)/a(0.68%/a).These results suggested that while the total glacier area con-tinues to decline,the rate of decrease in absolute terms has slowed,whereas the relative rate of change hasincreased,indicating an accelerating trend in glacier melt.Climate-driven glacier changes have significantly impacted river hydrology and water resources in Hami.In basins without glaciers,runoff has shown a decreasingtrend,suggesting that the positive effect of increased precipitation on runoff may not be sufficient to offset thenegative impact of rising temperatures.In basins with smaller glaciers,the'peak water'for glacier runoff likelyoccurred in the 1980s and 1990s,and water resources are expected to continue deteriorating.In contrast,basinswith larger glaciers have not yet reached a'peak water'and high flow is projected to persist for decades.
基金supported by the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program(Grant Nos.2022xjkk0101,2022xjkk0802)the Second Qinghai-Tibet Scientific Expedition Program(Grant No.2019QZKK0201)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42301166)the China-Tajikistan intergovernmental Joint R&D Project(Grant No.2025YFE0102800)the Science and Technology Program of Gansu Province(Grant Nos.23ZDFA017,22ZD6FA005)
文摘As a highly sensitive indicator of climate change in the arid northwest region of China,glacier dynamics in the Kaidu-Konqi River Basin directly influence regional runoff patterns,thereby playing a crucial role in shapingregional hydrology and maintaining ecological stability.This study systematically assessed glacier distribution in2020 and analyzed glacier changes from 1972 to 2020 using the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang in 2020(CGI-XJ2020),historical satellite imagery from 1972,and data from the Second Chinese Glacier Inventory.In2020,the basin contained 713 glaciers covering 313.99 km^(2),with an estimated glacier volume of 11.81 km^(3)(0.41%glacier coverage).Glaciers were predominantly clustered in the northern and southwestern mountains.Small glaciers(<0.5 km^(2))comprised 78%of the glacier count but only 3%of the total area,whereas glaciers≥0.5 km^(2)accounted for 97%of the total area and 83.6%of the glacier volume.From 1972 to 2020,the totalglacier area decreased by 42.28%(229.99 km^(2))and glacier volume by 49.51%(11.58 km^(3)),equating to meanannual rates of−0.88%and−1.03%,respectively.Glacier retreat drives temporary increases in meltwatersupply but threatens long-term regional runoff stability and ecological water security.The retreat rate variedover different periods,with a more pronounced decline observed between 1972 and 2007.These findingshighlight an accelerating glacier loss in the basin,underscoring the need for continued monitoring and assess-ment of its hydrological and ecological impacts.
基金funded by the Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Program in China(Grant No.22ZD6FA005)。
文摘The Gannan Yellow River source area(YRSA)is a typical ecological fragile region.Assessing the temporal and spatial patterns of resource and environmental carrying capacity(RECC)is crucial for both ecological security and sustainable development of the Yellow River Basin and the YRSA.Based on RECC theory,this study developed a novel index system focused on human-livestock-grassland relationships to accurately capture resource and environmental carrying characteristics in pastoral regions.By establishing region-specific evaluation thresholds and using a comprehensive index approach,we analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of resource carrying capacity(RCC),environmental carrying capacity(ECC),and resource and environmental carrying capacity(RECC)in the Gannan region from 2005 to 2020.The results indicate that:1)The RECC followed an increasing–decreasing–increasing trajectory from 2005 to 2020,with values ranging from 0.30 to 0.69.The RECC in pastoral areas was not only higher but also exhibited greater variability compared to that in agricultural areas.2)The RCC remained at a low level,with values between 0.06 to 0.098.The index of water consumption per ten thousand Yuan of GDP increased significantly,suggesting that improvements in water use efficiency contributed to the enhancement of RCC.3)The ECC increased notably,shifting from the middle to a very high level,with values ranging from 0.233 to 0.611.ECC emerged as a key determinant of RECC,exhibiting a temporal trend closely aligned with that of RECC.Changes in ECC were primarily driven by factors such as overgrazing rates,the extent of grassland rodent control,and the area of grassland for reseeding and improvement.Based on these findings,future priorities should include the adoption of efficient water-saving irrigation technologies,the promotion of rotational grazing practices,and the optimization of land management strategies.
基金supported by the Major Science and Technology Project of Gansu Province(Grant No.24ZD13FA003 and 23ZDWA005)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42371140,42301163,41971087 and 42272332)the program of the State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,CAS(No.CSFSEZZ-2411)。
文摘In permafrost regions of the QinghaiXizang Plateau,embankments of the Qinghai-Xizang Highway and Qinghai-Xizang Railway experiencing roadside water accumulation exhibit more pronounced engineering deteriorations.A widely accepted view is that the accumulated water adjacent to the embankment possesses substantial thermal energy,which accelerates the degradation-even disappearance-of the underlying permafrost.Moreover,the presence of roadside water keeps the embankment soil in a persistently high-moisture state,thereby making the frozen-soil embankment more susceptible to deformation under traffic loading.However,in the permafrost regions of the QinghaiXizang Plateau,deteriorations of embankments affected by roadside water are more commonly manifested as undulating pavement surfaces,and extensive crack networks appear on the embankment crest even where thermosyphons are installed.These manifestations are not fully consistent with the deterioration mechanisms proposed by existing viewpoints.We propose the hypothesis that temperature gradients,formed due to the freezing and thawing processes between the roadside wateraffected soil and the roadbed soil,lead to moisture migration under the influence of temperature gradients,resulting in frost heave and thaw settlement in the roadbed soil.To validate this hypothesis,we conducted the following investigations sequentially.Initially,we selected a roadbed with a thermosyphon(TPCT)system,which has a significant cooling effect,as the study object.By analyzing the temperature monitoring data of the roadbed section,the temperature variance was calculated to identify the time nodes where the temperature gradient of the roadbed soil was maximum and minimum.Subsequently,corresponding roadbed temperature distribution maps were drawn,illustrating the changes in the temperature and position of the lowtemperature core near the TPCT over time.Furthermore,using small-scale indoor model experiments,we qualitatively concluded that moisture in the soil migrates toward the TPCT due to the temperature gradient.Thereafter,combining borehole water content data and precipitation data from the sloped terrain construction site,the formation mechanisms and timing characteristics of roadside water accumulation were analyzed.Ultimately,by integrating the ground temperature data,air temperature data,roadside water formation mechanisms,and the operating characteristics of the TPCT,it was concluded that roadside water,while in a thawed state during TPCT operation,acts as a supplementary source for moisture migration in the roadbed soil.This migration leads to cracking in the TPCT roadbed.Therefore,this study reveals a novel damage mechanism:asynchronous freeze-thaw processes induce temperature gradients,which drive the migration of roadside water into the roadbed and are responsible for the cracking damage.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42207539,42377470)the Key Research and Development Project of Science and Technology Plan of Gansu Province in China International Science and Technology Cooperation Project(25YFWA009).
文摘Belowground bud banks are essential for the regeneration of plant population in arid desert areas,and their response to environmental changes could reflect adaptive strategies of plants to desert habitats.However,the size and composition of belowground bud banks and their response to environmental factors in the desert steppe zone remain poorly understood,challenging desertification control efforts in arid desert areas.This study examined the density and vertical distribution of horizontal and vertical rhizome buds of a rhizomatous legume herb Sophora alopecuroides L.,its population characteristics,and soil physical-chemical properties in three habitats(interdune lowland(IL),flat sandy land(FSL),and desert steppe(DS))in a desert steppe zone,northern China.Our findings revealed that:(1)total and horizontal rhizome bud densities of S.alopecuroides differed significantly among the three habitats(P<0.05),with the largest total rhizome bud density(177 buds/m2)in IL and the smallest(63 buds/m2)in DS;(2)horizontal rhizome buds distributed in the deep soil layer were dominant in IL,while vertical rhizome buds in the top soil layer were predominant in DS;and(3)soil coarse sand,nutrient content,and population density were the primary factors affecting bud bank density of S.alopecuroides.Specifically,horizontal rhizome buds were dependent largely on soil coarse sand content,and vertical rhizome buds tended to be more related to soil organic matter content and population density.Our results indicated that horizontal rhizome buds were more important in IL with frequent aeolian disturbance,whereas vertical rhizome buds were more important in DS with abundant water and nutrient resources.The plastic responses and survival strategies of S.alopecuroides bud bank to different habitats provide valuable information for the effective implementation of desertification control measures and the management of desert steppe ecosystems.
基金Funded by the Science and Technology Program of Gansu Province(Nos.25JRRA497,23ZDFA017)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB0950000)High-level Talent Funding of Kashi。
文摘This study introduces superabsorbent polymers(SAP)into recycled concrete and,through freeze-thaw cycle tests,unconfined compressive strength tests,and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)analysis,evaluates the freeze-thaw resistance and durability of recycled concrete samples under varying freeze-thaw cycles.The results indicate that an appropriate addition of SAP significantly enhances the freeze-thaw resistance of recycled concrete.After 200 freeze-thaw cycles,the RS0.6 sample retained good surface integrity,demonstrating the best performance.Compared to NAC,its mass loss decreased by 1.16%,the relative dynamic modulus improved by 7.01%,and the compressive strength loss rate decreased by 5.41%.Additionally,T2 spectrum analysis revealed that adding SAP optimized the pore structure of recycled concrete and mitigated pore development during freeze-thaw cycles.As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased,the RS0.3 and RS0.6 samples demonstrated superior frost resistance compared to NAC.However,an excessive amount of SAP increased pore expansion during subsequent freeze-thaw cycles,ultimately weakening frost resistance.
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supported by the National Key R&D Plan“Inter-governmental International Science&Technology Innovation Cooperation”Key Specialized Program,China(2025YFE0102800)the Program of the State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Chinese Academy of Sciences(CSFSE-ZZ-2403).
文摘Tajikistan contains the majority of Central Asia’s glaciers,which cover about 6.00%of the national territory;their rapid shrinkage poses a significant threat to regional water resource security.However,glacier monitoring in Tajikistan was interrupted after 1991,creating a substantial gap in understanding the current state and temporal evolution of these glaciers.Based on glacier inventory data,in situ measurements,and published literature,this study examined the present status and recent variations of glaciers in Tajikistan through data integration and validation,literature collation and comparative analysis,and the application of Geographic Information System(GIS)spatial analysis techniques.As of 2023,Tajikistan possesses a total of 11,528 glaciers,encompassing an area of 7624.48(±305.58)km2.Small glaciers dominate in number,whereas large glaciers account for the majority of the total area.Over the past two decades,the glacier count has decreased by 2014,and the total area has decreased by 628.98 km2,corresponding to an average annual reduction rate of 0.33%.Regional shrinkage rates range from 4.10%to 22.28%.Glaciers have undergone accelerated mass loss during the past 20 a;only those on the northeastern Pamir Plateau exhibit a weak positive mass balance.Observations of typical monitored glaciers also reveal intensified melting and retreat,consistent with regional trends.In light of the recent acceleration of glacier shrinkage in Tajikistan,focused measures should be implemented to strengthen glacier monitoring,enhance public awareness of glacier preservation,and promote the sustainable development and utilization of glacier tourism.These findings bridge the knowledge gap regarding the spatiotemporal dynamics of Tajikistan’s glaciers over recent decades and provide essential data support for regional water resource management.
基金The authors would like to extend sincere gratitude for the support from the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(2019QZKK0103)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA2006010101)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(91837208)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC1505701)This work was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42075043)and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS.
文摘Characterized by scarce water resources and fragile ecosystems,Northwest China(NWC)has experienced a climate shift from warm-dry to warm-wet conditions since the 1980s that has garnered extensive concern in recent years.In this study,the variability in extreme precipitation(EP)during 1961-2016 in different climate zones of NWC and the possible mechanisms for this variation are investigated.The results show that the EP trends significantly increased in most of the westerly zone(WZ)and plateau zone(PZ),while the EP trends did not significantly decrease in the monsoon zone(MZ).The start dates of extreme precipitation(SDEP)and end dates of extreme precipitation(EDEP)advanced and were postponed,respectively,in the WZ and PZ,while the opposite occurred in the MZ.Summer atmospheric circulation,water vapor transport,and atmospheric instability over NWC varied greatly with the interdecadal shift in EP before and after 1986.During 1986-2016,upper-level divergence and lower-level convergence occurred in the MZ and PZ,which strengthened ascending flow.In addition,the summer water vapor and atmospheric instability increased in the WZ and PZ.These characteristics created favorable conditions for increased occurrences of EP in the WZ and PZ in summer.Conversely,the upper-level convergence and lower-level divergence in the MZ strengthened descending flow.Decreases in summer water vapor and atmospheric instability occurred in the MZ after 1986.Hence,the environmental conditions in the MZ may have prevented the occurrence and development of EP in summer during 1986-2016.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Project (2017YFC0504303)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chines Academy of Science (XDA2003010301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41671103)。
文摘In arid desert regions of northwestern China, reclamation and subsequent irrigated cultivation have become effective ways to prevent desertification, expand arable croplands, and develop sustainable agricultural production. Improvement in soil texture and fertility is crucial to high soil quality and stable crop yield. However, knowledge on the long-term effects of the conversion of desert lands into arable croplands is very limited. To address this problem, we conducted this study in an arid desert region of northwestern China to understand the changes in soil physical-chemical properties after 0, 2, 5, 10, 17, and 24 years of cultivation. Our results showed that silt and clay contents at the 17-year-old sites increased 17.5 and 152.3 folds, respectively, compared with that at the 0-year-old sites. The soil aggregate size fraction and its stability exhibited an exponential growth trend with increasing cultivation ages, but no significant change was found for the proportion of soil macroaggregates(>5.00 mm) during the 17 years of cultivation. The soil organic carbon(SOC) content at the 24-year-old sites was 6.86 g/kg and increased 8.8 folds compared with that at the 0-year-old sites. The total(or available) nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents showed significant increasing trends and reached higher values after 17(or 24) years of cultivation. Changes in soil physical-chemical properties successively experienced slow, rapid, and stable development stages, but some key properties(such as soil aggregate stability and SOC) were still too low to meet the sustainable agricultural production. The results of this long-term study indicated that reasonable agricultural management, such as expanding no-tillage land area, returning straw to the fields, applying organic fertilizer, reducing chemical fertilizer application, and carrying out soil testing for formula fertilization, is urgently needed in arid desert regions.
