Alternative stable states in mountain forest ecosystems: the case of European larch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix decidua</Emphasis>) forests in the western Alps

European larch (Larix decidua) forests of the western Alps form extensive cultural landscapes whose resilience to global changes is currently unknown. Resilience describes the capacity of ecological systems to maintain the same state, i.e., the same function, processes, structure, and composition despite disturbances, environmental changes and internal fluctuations. Our aim is to explore the resilience of larch forests to changes in climate and land use in the western Italian Alps. To do so, we examined whether larch forests can be described as an alternative stable state in mountain forest ecosystems. We used tree basal area data obtained from field forest inventories in combination with topography, forest structure, land use, and climate information. We applied three different probabilistic methods: frequency distributions, logistic regressions, and potential analyses to infer the resilience of larch forests relative to that of other forest types. We found patters indicative of alternative stable states: bimodality in the frequency distribution of the percent of larch basal area, and the presence of an unstable state, i.e., mixed larch forests, in the potential analyses. We also found: (1) high frequency of pure larch forests at high elevation, (2) the probability of pure larch forests increased mostly with elevation, and (3) pure larch forests were a stable state in the upper montane and subalpine belts. Our study shows that the resilience of larch forests may increase with elevation, most likely due to the altitudinal effect on climate. Under the same climate conditions, land use seems to be the main factor governing the dominance of larch forests. In fact, subalpine larch forests may be more resilient, and natural succession after land abandonment, e.g., towards Pinus cembra forests, seems slower than in montane larch forests. In contrast, in the upper montane belt only intense land use regimes characterized by open canopies and forest grazing may maintain larch forests. We conclude that similar approaches could be applied in other forest ecosystems to infer the resilience of tree species.     

The mycobiota of discoloured needles of the Swiss stone pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus cembra</Emphasis> L.) in the Tatra Mountains (Poland)

The Swiss stone Pine (Pinus cembra L.) is an alpine species, fairly commonly occurring in the Alps and the Carpathians, close to the timberline. Natural sites of the Swiss stone pine in Poland are found exclusively in the Tatra Mountains, within the area of the Tatra National Park (TNP). In 2017, the health status of the needles of P. cembra was determined and their mycological analysis was carried out. As a result, 11 species of fungi were isolated from the needles showing disease symptoms, manifested by various shades of discoloration. The most frequently observed species was Fusarium oxysporum. It probably does not bring on disease symptoms, but may affect the development of other frequently isolated species (such as Sydowia polyspora, Lophodermium sp. and Lophodermium conigenum) that are pathogenic to Pinus spp.     

THE LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL ，ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING IN THE CONTOL WATERSHED BY RESERVOIR OF ERLKONG MOUNTAIN

Based on the theories of landscape ecology,landscape eco-environment in the coutrol watershed by reser-voir of Erlong Mountain in Heilogjiang Province was analyzed and assessed by using GIS technique and statistical model of Principal Component Analysis and Spatial Cluster Analysis.It is found that 100.08km^2(36%) of the total area is in the state of kilter,85.73km^2(31%) of the total area is in the state of general,and 47.26km^2(17%) and 15.48km^2(16%) is in the relatively poor state and ideal state.According to landscape ecological structure,there are three land-scape function areas being planned and designed.1) Agricultural landscape function area:its developmental direction is tour agriculture and high-benefit agriculture.2)Eco-environment protected function area:the direction of development and utilization of this region is to develop vigorously forest for soil and water conservation ,and try to increase the rate of vegetation cover.3)Forest landscape function area:rational cut and utilization of forest resources,space optimization disposal of category of forest ,foster of forest and protection of wildwood will become the main development directions for this region.This study trys to provide scientific foundation for ecological restoration of the whole valley and its sustain-able development.     

Geomorphological mapping for the valorization of the alpine environment. A methodological proposal tested in the Loana Valley (Sesia Val Grande Geopark,Western Italian Alps)

Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources (i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports (Geomorphological Boxes) realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend (ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis (identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley (Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites (ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In this framework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices.     

The Alpine Seed Conservation and Research Network–a new initiative to conserve valuable plant species in the European Alps

Safeguarding plants as seeds in ex situ collections is a cost effective element in an integrated plant conservation approach. The European Alps are a regional centre of plant diversity. Six institutions have established a regional network covering the European Alps which will conserve at least 500 priority plant species and which will improve the conservation status of plant species in grassland communities in the subalpine, alpine and nival altitudinal belts. Targeted research will expand the knowledge of the ecology of target species. Public engagement activities will raise the awareness for the importance of specific conservation actions in the European Alps.     

Intermediate-scale analysis of landscape characteristics affecting edge formation in burned forests in Samcheok,Korea

Compared to burn interiors, edges exhibit distinct biotic and abiotic conditions that include microclimate, wind speed, sunlight levels, soil composition, moisture content, nutrient availability, population density, and species diversity. This study characterized the landscapes in which burned forest edges formed in Samcheok, Korea. Over the study area, 500-m2 grid cells were generated to capture landscape characteristics. Grid cells intersecting burn boundary lines were designated as edge, while cells without these lines were classified as the interior of burned areas. Topographic variables including slope, elevation, topographic wetness index, solar radiation index, and proportions of fuel and land use types within grid cells were computed in a geographical information system （GIS）. Correlation analysis with modified t-test and regression tree analysis were performed to explore the influences of landscape variables on edge formation with avoiding spatial autocorrelation problems. The results indicated that edges formed at low elevations with mild slopes, high topographic wetness, and low solar radiation. Edges were unlikely to form in areas dominated by Japanese red pines at low elevations. Moreover, heterogeneous land use/cover types contributed significantly to edge formation. Different forest management strategies for different landscape conditions can be more effective for enhancing resilience of forests to fire. Reducing susceptible fuel types might be effective at low elevations, while enhancing forest heterogeneity might be more effective at high elevations.     

Assessing Post-Storm Forest Dynamics in the Pyrenees Using High-Resolution LIDAR Data and Aerial Photographs

We evaluated how historical storm events have shaped the current forest landscape in three Pyrenean subalpine forests(NE Spain).For this purpose we related forest damage estimations obtained from multi-temporal aerial photographic comparisons to the current forest typology generated from airborne Li DAR data, and we examined the role of past natural disturbance on the current spatial distribution of forest structural types.We found six forest structural types in the landscape: early regeneration(T1 and T2), young even-aged stands(T3), uneven-aged stands(T4) and adult stands(T5and T6).All of the types were related to the timing and severity of past storms, with early-regeneration structures being found in areas markedly affected in recent times, and adult stands predominating in those areas that had suffered lowest damage levels within the study period.In general, landscapes where high or medium levels of damage were recurrent also presented higher levels of spatial heterogeneity,whereas the opposite pattern was found in the less markedly affected landscape, characterized by thepresence of large regular patches.Our results show the critical role that storm regimes in terms of timing and severity of past storms can play in shaping current forest structure and future dynamics in subalpine forests.The knowledge gained could be used to help define alternative forest management strategies oriented toward the enhancement of landscape heterogeneity as a measure to face future environmental uncertainty.     

1992-2010年基于DMSP-OLS图像的环渤海城市群空间格局变化分析

从DMSP-OLS数据提取城市区域的经验阈值法存在固有的缺陷,经验阈值对不同的空间区域不具备通用性,不适用的经验阈值,将导致城区面积提取具有较大误差,可采用统计数据对经验阈值进行修正以降低误差。本文在大时空尺度条件下以少量样本城市的统计数据对经验阈值方法进行了修正;另采用Elvidge二次多项式模型对DMSP-OLS时间序列数据进行了校正。在此基础上选取总斑块数量、景观总面积、平均斑块大小、最大斑块面积比、斑块密度、景观形状指数、总边界长度、平均边界密度和斑块平均回旋半径共9个景观生态学指标,采用FRAGSTATS 3.3软件计算分析了1992-2010年环渤海区域城市发展的空间格局变化特征。结果表明:1992-2010年间,环渤海区域城市化进程持续较快发展,城市建成区总面积增加了2.14倍,平均城市建成区面积增加了76%,提取到的城市斑块平均回旋半径增加了约26.5%,并且城市景观斑块的复杂度明显上升,可检测到的城镇总个数增加了82%。但是,每100km2内孤立的城市景观斑块数却降低了约76%;大城市持续扩张的相对速度慢于中小城市,城市区域边界密度和整体城市分布景观格局破碎度逐渐降低,核心城市与周围卫星城市的景观斑块的联通性逐步增加。     

Estimation of non-CO2 GHGs emissions by analyzing burn severity in the Samcheok fire, South Korea

This study was performed to estimate the emission of non-CO 2 greenhouse gases(GHGs) from biomass burning at a large fire area.The extended methodology adopted the IPCC Guidelines(2003) equation for use on data from the Samcheok forest fire gathered using 30 m resolution Landsat TM satellite imagery,digital forest type maps,and growing stock information per hectare by forest type in 1999.Normalized burn ratio(NBR) technique was employed to analyze the area and severity of the Samcheok forest fire that occurred in 2000.The differences between NBR from pre-and post-fire datasets are examined to determine the extent and degree of change detected from burning.The results of burn severity analysis by dNBR of the Samcheok forest fire area revealed that a total of 16,200 ha of forest were burned.The proportion of the area characterized by a ’Low’ burn severity(dNBR below 152) was 35%,with ’Moderate’(dNBR 153-190) and ’High’(dNBR 191-255) areas were at 33% and 32%,respectively.The combustion efficiency for burn severity was calculated as 0.43 for crown fire where burn severity was ’High’,as 0.40 for ’Moderate’ severity,and 0.15 for ’Low’ severity surface fire.The emission factors for estimating non-CO 2 GHGs were separately applied to CO 130,CH 4 9,NO x 0.7 and N 2 O 0.11.Non-CO 2 GHGs emissions from biomass burning in the Samcheok forest fire area were estimated to be CO 44.100,CH 4 3.053,NO x 0.238 and N 2 O 0.038 Gg.     

FOREST LANDSCAPE PATTERN DYNAMICS OF LUONING COUNTY IN HENAN PROVINCE AND ITS DRIVING FORCES

With the help of ARC/INFOR and ERDAS software, based on the information from forest resources distribution maps and TM images, four indices were chosen to analyze spatial pattern changes of forest landscape of Luoning County, Henan Province from 1983 to 1999. The results showed that: 1) The number and total area of patches were rapidly increased with time changes. The fragmentation degree of the landscape was increasing great-ly. 2) The area of some forest patch types, especially shrub forest, economic forest, Populus spp. forest, Quercus spp. forest, sparse forest, deserted grassland etc. had been greatly changed. 3) The fragemation degree of each forest patch type became greater from 1983 to 1999.4) The transition probabilities of deserted forest, economic forest, Pi-nus tobulaeformis forest, Populus spp. forest exceed 85%,Robinia pseuoacacia forest, deserted grassland, 65% and Quercus spp. forest, non-forest, shrub forest had smaller ones, which were 26.5%, 29.1% and 45.3%, respec-tively. The main transition trends of various patches were non-forest and Quercus spp. forest. During the course of transition, the types that 50% of area was remained were Quercus spp. forest, non-forest and shrub forest. Accord-ing to above analyses, the main driving forces, such as the management policies, market economy factors and influ-ences of human activities etc. were brought out.     

城市气溶胶光学厚度空间格局特征多指标综合分析

本文以厦门市为例,基于MODIS影像反演的大气气溶胶光学厚度（AOD）,利用空间自相关和景观格局指数从数量、形态和结构方面综合分析了2014年各月份（5月和9月除外）AOD时空格局变化。结果表明,研究区AOD具有明显的时空分布差异,林地上空的AOD处于较低等级,建设用地上空AOD大部分处于中高等级;AOD在春夏季较大,在秋冬季较小。AOD分布存在显著正空间自相关性,而且主要存在高高（HH）、低低（LL）、高低（HL）3种聚集模式。低低聚集模式主要分布在厦门市的北部山区;高高（HH）和高低（HL）模式主要分布在本岛东北部新城和本岛外各新城的城区。在景观格局指数方面,从秋冬季节到春夏季节期间,研究区气溶胶光学厚度高等级斑块增加,景观结构趋于复杂,景观异质性增加。对AOD时空格局变化进行多指标综合分析可以更加深入、细致、全面地刻画气溶胶的变化规律,有助于精确评估气溶胶对环境、气候等的影响,为城市可持续发展提供决策支持。     

集成虚拟森林环境与景观指数计算模型的森林景观格局分析

森林景观格局分析是森林景观优化配置与实施规划的基础。本文以森林资源二类调查数据为基础,采用森林景观定量空间分析方法,在自主开发而成的森林景观可视化系统VisForest支持下,利用VS2008开发平台、ArcEngine组件与OSG图形渲染引擎,集成景观指数计算模型和地理信息系统的分析方法,形成森林景观格局分析与景观三维可视化模拟系统,实现了景观格局分析的定量化和景观可视化;并以闽侯县白沙国有林场2013年的数据为例,按优势树种划分森林景观类型,计算分析了景观组成结构、斑块特征和景观异质性等。结果表明,杉木林、马尾松林、湿地松林、木荷林、非林地是白沙林场的优势景观类型,总体景观类型丰富、景观异质性较高;木荷作为隔离带树种,以小面积狭长斑块居多,其形状指数和分形维数最大,斑块形状复杂而不规则;森林景观的三维可视化模拟为研究景观格局提供了一个直观、交互的展示平台。     

Topography and human disturbances are major controlling factors in treeline pattern at Barun and Manang area in the Nepal Himalaya

The alpine treeline ecotone is an important component of mountain ecosystems of the Nepal Himalaya; it plays a vital role in the livelihood of indigenous people, and provides ecosystem services. However, the region faces a problem of paucity of data on treeline characteristics at the regional and landscape scales. Therefore, we used Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information Science (GIS) approaches to investigate cross-scale interactions in the treeline ecotone. Additionally, European Space Agency land cover map, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) land cover map, ecological map of Nepal, and United States Geological Survey Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-Digital Elevation Model were used to analyze treeline pattern at the regional scale. Digital Globe high-resolution satellite imagery of Barun (eastern Nepal) and Manang (central Nepal) were used to study treeline patterns at the landscape scale. Treeline elevation ranges from 3300-4300 m above sea level. Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis, and Pinus wallichiana are the main treeline-forming species in the Nepal Himalaya. There is an east to west treeline elevation gradient at the regional scale. No slope exposure is observed at the regional scale; however, at the landscape scale, slope exposure is present only in a disturbed area (Manang). Topography and human disturbance are the main treeline controlling factor in Barun and Manang respectively.     

Micro-site conditions of epiphytic orchids in a human impact gradient in Kathmandu valley, Nepal

We studied distribution and site conditions of epiphytic orchids in a gradient of human interference in Kathmandu valley, central Nepal. The aim was to understand the recent distribution pattern of epiphytic orchids, with respect to (i) the micro-site conditions and (ii) the type and intensity of land use. The occurrence of epiphytic orchids was recorded for a grid with 1.5 km cell size. The cells represent different types and intensities of human impact. Site factors such as bark rugosity, bark pH, diameter at breast height (dbh; 1.3 m) of host trees, exposure to wind and sunlight intensity were recorded. With regard to the species richness and abundance of epiphytic orchids, we compared different human impact categories from very strong human impact (settlement area) to very low human impact (national park). Remote sensing was used for a supervised classification of land cover. Ficus religiosa turned out to be the most important host species for orchids in urban areas, while Schima wallichii and Alnus nepalensis significantly host orchids in the other categories. Both species richness and abundance of epiphytic orchids were significantly higher under very low human impact (forest in national park) and also some remaining patches of primary forest than the other regions. Micro-climate is crucial for orchid populations. Host bark pH, bark rugosity, sunlight intensity and host exposure were significantly different for all human impact categories in order to harbour epiphytic orchid species. Habitats with a mixture of mature trees are suitable and essential for the conservation of viable populations of epiphytic orchids in settled areas. The study reveals that to improve the population size of orchids it is essential for future urban forestry to: (i) Protect old trees as carriers of existing epiphytic orchid diversity, (ii) protect medium old trees to ensure that they may become old trees, (iii) plant new host trees for the future, (iv) plant in groups instead of single isolate trees. Trees should especially be planted in areas where orchids still exist to provide more trees for orchid population enlargement (e.g. along riparian system). Native species should be favoured; the pool of such native host species is wide.     

Spatial patterns in natural <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea crassifolia</Emphasis> forests of northwestern China,as basis for close-to-nature forestry

Close-to-nature forest management has been proposed as an effective method for improving the quality of plantation forests. Knowledge of spatial distribution patterns, structure, and succession trajectories in natural forests can provide guidelines for the establishment of close-to-nature forest plantations. Such knowledge is lacking in natural spruce (Picea crassifolia) forests in the Qilian Mountains of China, impeding the establishment of production forests. We conducted a case study in the Qilian Mountains to analyze the relationships between the naturally-formed forest patches and terrain factors, spatial heterogeneity of stand characteristics, and stand structure following harvesting disturbance. Our results suggested that spruce plantations will be effective on the N, NE, and NW slopes, at elevations between 2700 and 3300 m, and on slopes ranging from 15° to 45°. Further, planted forest patches should occupy 64% of the slope area on semi-shady slopes (NE, NW). Spatial patterns in the studied forest exhibited a strong scale-effect, and an area of 0.25 ha could be used as the most efficient plot scale for the management of spruce plantations. Partial logging is an effective method for the conversion of spruce planted forests into nearnatural forests, and the intensity of partial logging can be determined from the negative exponential function relationship between stand density and DBH. Our results provided critical information for the development of spruce plantations and conversion of existing plantations.     

中国建设用地空间格局分析

全面准确地分析中国建设用地空间格局,是衡量城市景观的生态环境效应和制定区域发展战略的重要依据。为此,本文基于空间分辨率为12 m的2012年的全球城市足迹数据,分别在国家、经济区和城市群量化了中国建设用地空间格局。结果表明,12 m分辨率的数据能更细致和准确地刻画中国建设用地的特征。2012年中国建设用地面积为1.73×10⁵ km²,占中国陆地总面积的1.81%。从建设用地的空间格局来看,城市群尺度的建设用地破碎度最高,其建设用地平均斑块密度分别是国家和经济区平均水平的3.66倍和1.62倍。进一步分析表明,社会经济和地形因素共同影响建设用地空间格局。今后,应针对建设用地空间格局破碎问题,因地制宜地制定合理的措施,推动中国建设用地的合理发展。     

Alternative stable states in mountain forest ecosystems: the case of European larch(Larix decidua) forests in the western Alps

European larch(Larix decidua) forests of the western Alps form extensivecultural landscapes whose resilience to global changes is currently unknown. Resilience describes the capacity of ecological systems to maintain the same state, i.e., the same function, processes, structure, and composition despite disturbances, environmental changes and internal fluctuations. Our aim is to explore the resilience of larch forests to changes in climate and land use in the western Italian Alps.To do so, we examined whether larch forests can be described as an alternative stable state in mountain forest ecosystems. We used tree basal area data obtained from field forest inventories in combination with topography, forest structure, land use, and climate information. We applied three different probabilistic methods: frequency distributions, logistic regressions, and potential analyses to infer the resilience of larch forests relative to that of other forest types.We found patters indicative of alternative stable states: bimodality in the frequency distribution of the percent of larch basal area, and the presence of an unstable state, i.e., mixed larch forests, in the potential analyses. We also found:(1) high frequency ofpurelarchforestsathighelevation,(2)the probability of pure larch forests increased mostly with elevation, and(3) pure larch forests were a stable state in the upper montane and subalpine belts.Our study shows that the resilience of larch forests may increase with elevation, most likely due to the altitudinal effect on climate. Under the same climate conditions, land use seems to be the main factor governing the dominance of larch forests. In fact, subalpine larch forests may be more resilient, and natural succession after land abandonment, e.g., towards Pinuscembra forests, seems slower than in montane larch forests. In contrast, in the upper montane belt only intense land use regimes characterized by open canopies and forest grazing may maintain larch forests.We conclude that similar approaches could be applied in other forest ecosystems to infer the resilience of tree species.     

Land cover change and carbon stores in a tropical montane cloud forest in the Sierra Madre Oriental,Mexico

Tropical montane cloud forest is one of the ecosystems with the highest biomass worldwide, representing an important carbon store. Globally its deforestation index is –1.1%, but in Mexico it is higher than –3%. Carbon estimates are scarce globally, particularly in Mexico. The objective of this study was to simulate future land-cover scenarios for the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico, by analyzing past forest cover changes. Another objective was to estimate stored carbon in the two study areas. These objectives involve the generation of information that could be useful inputs to anti-deforestation public policy such as the REDD+ strategy. Remote sensing was used to measure land cover change and estimate carbon stocks. Satellite images from 2015, 2000 and 1986 were used, and Dinamica EGO freeware generatedmodels of future projections. Between 1986 and 2015, 5171 ha of forest were converted to pasture. The annual deforestation rates were –1.5% for Tlanchinol and –1.3% for the San Bartolo Tutotepec sites. Distance to roads and marginalization were highly correlated with deforestation. By 2030, an estimated 3608 ha of forest in these sites will have been converted to pasture. Stored carbon was estimated at 16.35 Mg C ha-1 for the Tlanchinol site and 12.7 Mg C ha-1 for the San Bartolo site. In the Sierra Madre Oriental deforestation due to land cover change(–1.4%) is higher than levels reported worldwide. Besides having high values of stored carbon(14.5 Mg C ha-1), these forests have high biodiversity. The models' outputs show that the deforestation process will continue if action is not taken to avoid the expansion of livestock pasturing. This can be done by paying incentives for forest conservation to the owners of the land. The results suggest that REDD+ is currently the most viable strategy for reducing deforestation rates in tropical montane cloud forests in Sierra Madre Oriental.     

Ecological consequences of land use change: Forest structure and regeneration across the forest-grassland ecotone in mountain pastures in Nepal

The ecotone, the spatial transition zone between two vegetation communities, is claimed to have more species than the adjoining communities. However, empirical studies do not always confirm higher richness at the ecotone. The ecotone position and structure are dynamic over time and space and it is driven by the changes in climate, land use or their interaction. In this context, we assessed the forest- grassland ecotone of temperate mountains in central Nepal by i） comparing species composition and richness across the ecotone, ii） analyzing if the forestgrassland ecotone is shifting towards the grassland center by colonizing them with trees, and iii） discussing the consequence of changed disturbance regime in the dynamics of this ecotone and the surrounding grasslands. We analyzed vegetation data sampled from belt transects laid across the forest- grassland ecotone in semi-natural grassland patches. Vegetation data consisting of species richness and composition, and size structure and regeneration of the two most dominant tree species, namely Rhododendron arboreum and Abies spectabilis, from the transects, were used to analyze the trend of the forest-grassland ecotone. Forest and grasslands were different in terms of floristic composition and diversity. Vascular plant speciesrichness linearly increased while moving from forest interior to grassland center. Spatial pattern of tree size structure and regeneration infers that forest boundary is advancing towards the grasslands at the expense of the grassland area, and tree establishment in the grasslands is part of a suceessional process. Temporally, tree establishment in grasslands started following the gradual decline in disturbance. We argue that local processes in terms of changed land use may best explain the phenomenon of ecotone shift and consequent forest expansion in these grasslands. We underpin the need for further research on the mechanism, rate and spatial extent of ecotone shift by using advaneed tools to understand the process indepth.     

黄河三角洲景观格局变化及生态风险评价

黄河三角洲具有极高的生态价值,研究其景观格局及生态风险对促进黄河三角洲高质量发展具有重要意义。本文以黄河三角洲1980年、2000年和2020年土地利用数据为基础,分析土地转移及景观格局特征,同时构建生态风险评价模型揭示生态风险时空演变及空间相关性。结果表明：(1)耕地是黄河三角洲最主要的地类,占比在60%以上,1980—2020年土地转移主要发生在耕地、建设用地、水域和未利用地之间。(2)1980—2020年黄河三角洲景观斑块数、景观斑块密度、景观最大斑块指数、景观形状指数和香农多样性指数均呈下降趋势,区域整体趋向简单化和聚集化。(3)黄河三角洲高风险区和较高风险区主要环渤海分布,1980—2020年各级风险区转出最大面积均为更低级风险区,生态风险有所降低。