Impacts of climate change on aridity index and its spatiotemporal variation in the Loess Plateau of China,from 1961 to 2014

The Loess Plateau, the transitional zone between humid and arid regions of China, is an important region to examine the regional hydrological cycle and variation in humid and arid regions under global climate change. Aridity index (AI), the ratio of precipitation (P) to potential evapotranspiration (ET₀), is an important indicator of regional climate conditions and is also used to classify drylands. In this study, data from 51 national meteorological stations during the period of 1961–2014 were collected to estimate the AI in the Loess Plateau. Results show that a downward trend in annual AI was detected and the boundary of the drylands region based on the AI was expanded across the Loess Plateau over the period of 1961–2014. The spatiotemporal variability of P was the main cause in the AI variations. Furthermore, data analysis suggested the occurrences of the extreme minimum AI values were mostly affected by fluctuations of the two factors (ET₀ and P) rather than its corresponding trend during the period. Thus, this study indicated the major driving factor of AI and the relationship between extreme AI values and the global climate anomalies in the Loess Plateau region, and meanwhile, provided an understanding of the impacts of climate change on hydrological cycle in the Loess Plateau of China.     

Temporal variations of reference evapotranspiration and controlling factors: Implications for climatic drought in karst areas

Variations in reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) and drought characteristics play a key role in the effect of climate change on water cycle and associated ecohydrological patterns. The accurate estimation of ET₀ is still a challenge due to the lack of meteorological data and the heterogeneity of hydrological system. Although there is an increasing trend in extreme drought events with global climate change, the relationship between ET₀ and aridity index in karst areas has been poorly studied. In this study, we used the Penman–Monteith method based on a long time series of meteorological data from 1951 to 2015 to calculate ET₀ in a typical karst area, Guilin, Southwest China. The temporal variations in climate variables, ET₀ and aridity index (AI) were analyzed with the Mann–Kendall trend test and linear regression to determine the climatic characteristics, associated controlling factors of ET₀ variations, and further to estimate the relationship between ET₀ and AI. We found that the mean, maximum and minimum temperatures had increased significantly during the 65-year study period, while sunshine duration, wind speed and relative humidity exhibited significant decreasing trends. The annual ET₀ showed a significant decreasing trend at the rate of ?8.02 mm/10a. However, significant increase in air temperature should have contributed to the enhancement of ET₀, indicating an “evaporation paradox”. In comparison, AI showed a slightly declining trend of ?0.0005/a during 1951–2015. The change in sunshine duration was the major factor causing the decrease in ET₀, followed by wind speed. AI had a higher correlation with precipitation amount, indicating that the variations of AI was more dependent on precipitation, but not substantially dependent on the ET₀. Although AI was not directly related to ET₀, ET₀ had a major contribution to seasonal AI changes. The seasonal variations of ET₀ played a critical role in dryness/wetness changes to regulate water and energy supply, which can lead to seasonal droughts or water shortages in karst areas. Overall, these findings provide an important reference for the management of agricultural production and water resources, and have an important implication for drought in karst regions of China.     

The significance and relationships among substitutive climatic proxies in the Holocene at the middle Loess Plateau in China

The substitutive climatic proxies contain climate data, including temperature, rainfall, monsoon, and so on. However, the environmental significance and relationships among climatic proxies remain uncertain. In this research, soil samples from three soil profiles in the Holocene at the middle Chinese Loess Plateau were studied to analyze the change of seven substitutive climatic proxies. The rescaled range analysis method and Pearson correlation coefficient were employed to determine the significance and relationships among these proxies. The results indicated that the magnetic susceptibility of soil, total ferrum content, and pH can reflect changes in both temperature and rainfall during soil formation. In addition, calcium carbonate content and total organic carbon were mainly affected by the rainfall and temperature, respectively. Particle size composition (clay fraction <0.005 mm and coarse silt 0.01–0.05 mm) is an effective means by which to describe the effects of the East Asian winter monsoon. The results of this study provide theoretical basis and scientific reference for further paleoclimate evolution research.     

Spatio-temporal variability in remotely sensed surface soil moisture and its relationship with precipitation and evapotranspiration during the growing season in the Loess Plateau,China

The distribution and variability of surface soil moisture at regional scales is still poorly understood in the Loess Plateau of China. Spatial and temporal dynamics of surface soil moisture is important due to its impact on vegetation growth and its potential feedback to atmospheric and hydrologic processes. In this study, we analyzed surface soil moisture dynamics and the impacts of precipitation and evapotranspiration on surface soil moisture using remote sensing data during the growing season in 2011 for the Loess Plateau, which contain surface soil moisture, precipitation, vegetation index and evapotranspiration. Results indicate that the areas with low surface soil moisture are mainly located in the semi-arid region. Under dry surface soil moisture, evapotranspiration temporal persistence has a higher positive correlation (0.537) with surface soil moisture temporal persistence, and evapotranspiration is very sensitive to surface soil moisture. But under wet surface soil moisture regime, surface soil moisture temporal persistence has a higher negative correlation (?0.621) with evapotranspiration temporal persistence. Correlation of surface soil moisture and monthly precipitation, evapotranspiration and vegetation index illustrated that precipitation was a significant factor influencing surface soil moisture spatial variance. The correlation coefficients between monthly surface soil moisture and precipitation was varied in different climatic regions, which was 0.304 in arid, 0.364 in semi-arid, 0.490 in transitional and 0.300 in semi-humid regions. Surface soil moisture is more sensitive to precipitation, evapotranspiration, in transitional regions between dry and wet climates.     

Distribution,characteristics and influencing factors of fresh groundwater resources in the Loess Plateau,China

The fresh groundwater in the Loess Plateau serves as a major source of water required for the production and livelihood of local residents and is greatly significant for regional economic and social development and ecological protection. This paper analyzes the hydrogeological conditions and groundwater characteristics in the Loess Plateau, expatiates on the types and distribution characteristics of the fresh groundwater in the plateau, and analyzes the influencing factors and mechanisms in the formation of the fresh groundwater in the plateau as a priority. Based on this, it summarizes the impacts of human activities and climatic change on the regional fresh groundwater. The groundwater in Loess Plateau features uneven temporal-spatial distribution, with the distribution space of the fresh groundwater closely relating to precipitation. The groundwater shows a distinct zoning pattern of hydrochemical types. It is fresh water in shallow parts and is salt water in deep parts overall, while the fresh water of exploration value is distributed only in a small range. The storage space and migration pathways of fresh groundwater in the loess area feature dual voids, vertical multilayers, variable structure, poor renewability, complex recharge processes, and distinct spatial differences. In general, the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the same type of groundwater tends to gradually increase from recharge areas to discharge areas. Conditions favorable for the formation of fresh groundwater in loess tablelands include the low content of soluble salts in strata, weak evaporation, and special hydrodynamic conditions. Owing to climate change and human activities, the resource quantity of regional fresh water tends to decrease overall, and the groundwater dynamic field and the recharge-discharge relationships between groundwater and surface water have changed in local areas. Human activities have a small impact on the water quality but slightly affect the water quantity of the groundwater in loess.© 2021 China Geology Editorial Office.     

Neogene clay and its relation to landslides in the southwestern Loess Plateau,China

Loess occurs widely in Northwestern China, covering Neogene clay and other sedimentary units that overlie the bedrock. The Neogene clays of the Baoji Region of Shaanxi Province, north China, including the eolian Hipparion and paleo-Sanmen Lake fluvial deposits, are typical clays of the southern Chinese Loess Plateau. These clays are also sensitive key strata controlling the development of large-scale landslides along the slope of the loess tableland surrounding the Guanzhong Basin. To investigate the Neogene clay types and landslides in the region, soil samples were tested and the macro- and micro-structures of the clay strata were analyzed. Comprehensive analysis methods, including the pipette method and fine X-ray diffraction, were applied to quantitatively analyze the sample composition and determine the clay mineral types. The Neogene clays are mainly composed of illite and montmorillonite mixed-layer minerals. On the Williams’ discrimination diagram of swelling potential, both types of clay are medium to strongly expansive soil. Two case studies illustrate that rainfall reduces the shear strength of the Neogene clay and raises the groundwater level. Rainfall has gradually destroyed the structure of the Neogene clay, transforming it to sliding belt soil. The sliding belt lies mainly within the Neogene clay layers, significantly affecting the occurrence and characteristics of landslides in Baoji. The rise in groundwater level and weakening of the shear strength of the Neogene clay are important factors in the occurrence of landslides. The long-term strength is a key factor affecting the development of loess landslides along the loess tableland in Baoji.     

西藏参考作物蒸发蒸腾量的时空变异规律

根据西藏高原区38个气象站点自建站到2006年的逐日气象观测资料,利用FAO-56标准Penman-Monteith公式计算各站逐日参考作物蒸发蒸腾量(ET₀)。重点分析了7个站点逐日、逐月ET₀年内变化规律,采用Mann-Kendall法对其月际和年际ET₀进行趋势检验;利用Kriging插值及Surfer8.0空间分析功能,得到西藏高原区年ET₀均值的等值线图,分析了全区年ET₀均值的空间分布特征。结果表明:昌都、林芝和那曲的逐日ET₀在年内变化曲线基本一致,呈现单峰抛物线形状,拉萨、泽当和日喀则的逐日ET₀年内变化趋势基本一致,6～9月变化曲线呈现较快的下降趋势,狮泉河的ET₀呈现单独变化趋势;所有站点的逐月ET₀年内变化规律与逐日ET₀相同,最大值均出现在6月份,最小值出现在12月份;日喀则各月及干湿季ET₀的Mann-Kendall检验大多呈现显著的降低趋势,其次是泽当,呈现增加趋势较多的是林芝;全系列年ET₀均值Mann-Kendall检验呈现降低趋势的站点偏多;西藏高原区年ET₀均值具有东部和中南部高,东北部和东南缘低的空间分布规律。     

金沙江流域实际蒸散发遥感重建及时空特征分析

通过构建基于重力卫星的实际蒸散发重建方法来获取高精度的实际蒸散发信息,为研究气候变化下的水循环规律提供关键信息。利用GLDAS陆面模式同化数据对GRACE重力卫星水储量观测数据进行空间降尺度,通过水量平衡法,重建了金沙江流域2002-2016年的子流域尺度实际蒸散发月序列。结果表明:①基于重力卫星观测与水量平衡方法重建的实际蒸散发（ET_Recon）与ET_PLSH、ET_Jung和ET_MODIS3种遥感反演产品相比有较高的可靠性,其中与ET_PLSH的相关性最高（r=0.82）,与ET_Jung的平均差和均方根差最小。②研究区年均实际蒸散发为410.8 mm/a,空间分布上由西北向东南递增,年际变化上呈增加趋势。③季节尺度上,实际蒸散发夏季最高,呈逐年增加趋势;冬季最低,波动较平稳。     

西北旱区潜在蒸散发的气候敏感性及其干旱特征研究

潜在蒸散量（PET）是干旱监测评价的重要指标,分析影响潜在蒸散发的气候敏感因子对揭示气候变化的水文响应机理尤为重要。常采用的局部敏感性方法不适用于非线性模型且难以评估各气象因子间的相互作用。对此,基于1964—2018年西北旱区内163个气象站的监测数据,通过Penman-Monteith公式,采用Sobol全局敏感性方法分析了西北旱区潜在蒸散发的气候敏感因子,计算得到了自校准帕默尔干旱指数（scPDSI）,进而分析了区域干旱的时空演变特征。结果表明：1964—2018年西北旱区年均潜在蒸散量为1157.8 mm,高值出现在新疆东部与内蒙古西部地区,低值出现在青海南部地区。1993年为转折点,西北旱区潜在蒸散发受气温、日照时数、风速、相对湿度等多种因素综合影响由显著下降的趋势转变为显著上升,且在夏季最为明显。在1964—1993年,净辐射、风速与相对湿度的变化对潜在蒸散发的影响较大;在1994—2018年,风速与相对湿度的变化对潜在蒸散发的影响较大。scPDSI的时空分布表明新疆北部、青海中部以及甘肃境内的干旱有缓解的趋势;而黄河流域西南部干旱呈现加重趋势,将加剧区域水资源紧张,威胁生态安全。     

The paleosol complex S5 in the China Loess Plateau — A record of climatic optimum during the last 1.2 Ma

Having investigated the loess-paleosol sequence in various loess deposition basins in the China Loess Plateau, authors have found that the paleosol complex S₅ is of special significance in terms of Pleistocene paleoclimate. Paleopedological, micromorphological, palynological and paleomagnetic evidences indicate that this paleosol complex formed in the interval of 460,000 to at least 560,000 years BP, which was a climatic optimum.     

Evaluation of rainfall erosivity and its temporal variation in the Yanhe River catchment of the Chinese Loess Plateau

The potential of rain to generate soil erosion is known as the rainfall erosivity (R), and its estimation is fundamental for a better understanding of the erosive ability of certain rainfall events. In this paper, we investigated the temporal variations of rainfall erosivity using common daily rainfall data from four meteorological stations during 1956 to 1989 and 2008 to 2010 periods in the Yanhe River catchment of the Chinese Loess Plateau. The adaptability of several simplified calculation models for R was evaluated and compared with the results of previous studies. An exponential model based on the modified Fournier index (MFI) was considered as the optimum for our study area. By considering the monthly distribution and coefficient of variation of annual precipitation, equations based on two indices, the MFI and its modification F _F , produced a higher calculation accuracy than mean annual precipitation. The rainfall erosivity in the Yanhe River catchment has a remarkable interannual difference, with a seasonality index ranging from 0.69 to 1.05 and a precipitation concentration index from 14.51 to 27.46. In addition to the annual rainfall amounts, the extreme wave of monthly rainfall distribution also has an effect on the magnitude and temporal variation of rainfall erosivity, especially interannual variation. For long time series of rainfall erosivity, a trend coefficient r of ?0.07 indicated a slight decline in erosivity in the Yanhe River catchment from 1956 to 2010.     

1961—2005年黄土高原地区积温演变

为揭示黄土高原积温区域变化特征,采用EOFS、小波分析和分形分维分析等方法,研究了该区域在近45 a的年正负积温变化.结果表明:黄土高原正负积温变化的区域一致性程度较高;负积温存在以3-4 a为主的年际振荡,正积温存在以2-4 a为主的年际振荡;负积温在1982年左右发生突变,年总量呈明显减少,3 a周期加强;正积温在1985/1986年突变后呈明显增加趋势,2 a周期消逝,4 a周期衰减,3 a周期突出.积温大振幅区集中在黄土高原腹地,变化信息由高原中部向周边传播;负积温分维数大于正积温,负积温变化全程复杂于正积温,这可能与冬夏季大气环流活跃程度和冷暖空气在近地面运动受大地形影响有关.     

Regional lithofacies and pedofacies variations along a north to south climatic gradient during the Last Glacial period in the central Loess Plateau,China

Five lateral sand–loess–palaeosol continua occur within the last glacial sediments of the central Loess Plateau of China along a 500 km north to south climatic gradient. The continua shift southward or northward in concert with desert expansion or contraction, respectively. Lateral lithofacies (desert sand to loess) variations are evident at the north end of the gradient and follow Walther's Law of the correlation of facies. Lateral pedofacies (loess to palaeosol) variations are present near the south end of the gradient, where the climate was warmer and wetter. The lateral stratigraphic changes from sand to loess or loess to soil are driven by variations in the rate of sedimentation along a climatic gradient.Vertical stratigraphic profiles at the north end of the gradient reveal alternating sand and loess beds. In contrast, alternating loess and palaeosols occur within the same stratigraphic interval in the southern Loess Plateau, where dust accretion rates were lower. However, in high resolution studies of climate change vertical profiles of alternating loess and palaeosols (especially weak palaeosols) may not reflect regional or global climate change. Alternating loess and weak palaeosols may reflect local variations in the balance between the rates of dust accretion and pedogenesis. Local fluctuations in either of these rates could result in the presence of time equivalent loess and palaeosols at high resolutions. Thus, some of the high resolution loess-palaeosol alternations may reflect local climatic variation rather than global or hemispherical climate change.     

黄土高原北部风沙区土地沙漠化问题及防治对策

本文所研究的黄土高原北部风沙区生态环境脆弱,加上长期以来人类不合理地利用资源,土地沙漠化问题日益严重。沙漠化土地已经以不同的等级类型不连续地散布在整个黄土高原的北部边缘,并有进一步由北向南推进的趋势。其中地表沙性物质基础和干旱多风的动力条件是其发生发展的基本条件,起决定作用;人为因素是外在条件,加速沙漠化的发展。黄土高原北部土地沙漠化的危害,在本区域的表现十分突出。不仅对当地经济的发展和人民生活有严重影响,更为严重的是该地区土地沙漠化的现状、形成及扩展,会使黄河流域土地沙漠化进一步向南推进,对整个黄土高原甚至我国整个北方地区的自然环境都有直接影响。黄土高原北部边缘土地沙漠化问题,不仅是当地经济振兴的严重障碍,而且威胁着整个黄土高原地区资源的开发与利用。因此,如何及时采取有效措施遏制其土地沙漠化势头就成为了一个迫在眉睫,并急需解决的问题。本文在搜集大量原始资料的基础上,对该区土地沙漠化的现状进行了总结,探讨了形成机理,并进一步分析了沙漠化的危害,最后提出了相应的防治对策。     

Local-scale spatial variability of soil organic carbon and its stock in the hilly area of the Loess Plateau, China

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the key components for assessing soil quality. Meanwhile, the changes in the stocks SOC may have large potential impact on global climate. It is increasingly important to estimate the SOC stock precisely and to investigate its variability. In this study, Yangjuangou watershed was selected to investigate the SOC distribution under different land uses. We found that SOC concentration decreased with increasing soil depth under all land uses and was significantly different across the vertical soil profile (P < 0.01). However, considering effect of land use on SOC, it is only significant (P < 0.01) in the topsoil (0-5 cm) layer. This indicated that land use has a large effect on the stocks of SOC in the surface soil. The stratification ratio of SOC > 1.2 may mean that soil quality is improving. The order of the SOC density (0-30 cm) under different land uses is forestland > orchard land > grassland > immature forestland > terraced cropland. The SOC stock is found to be as large as 2.67 × 10³ t (0-30 cm) in this watershed. Considering time effect of restoration, the slope cropland just abandoned is more efficient for SOC accumulation than trees planted in the semi-arid hilly loess area.     

Mineral Composition of Loess—Paleosol Samples from the Loess Plateau of China and Its Environmental Significance

34samples of loess-paleosol from the Luochuan and Xifeng sections in the Loess Plateau,northern China were eparated into sand,silt and clay fractions and analyzed for their mineral compositions.The results indicate that there is almost no difference between loess and paleosol in mineral composition.Major mineral species are quartz,mica,feldspar and chlorite,accounting for about 88-92% of the total;other minerals are kandite,smectite,vermiculite and a few heavy minerals.The calcite,magnetite and hematite were not taken into consideration because of their removal in the process of sample preparation.The main difference with respect to the mineral composition of samples collected from different sections and different statigraphic levels lies in the amount and grain size of minerals hosted.Comparisons between the Luochuan section and the Xifeng section,between paleosol and loess and between the upper part and the lower part of some paleosol layers show that the formers contain less feldspar but more mica and vermiculite and are finer in grain size,indicating the co-occurrence of both biochemical weathering process responsible for mineral change and physical weathering process leading to grain-size change during the soil-forming processes.This result favours such an explanation of the soil-forming mechanism that loess deposition and paleosol development occurred synchronously,though the rate of soil formation was greater than that of loess deposition,thus leading to soil development.     

黄土高原南部白水河流域全新世中期植被特征及气候意义

基于黄土高原南部白水河流域下河、南山头、西山、马坡等4处遗址共计2270块木炭记录,结合高精度的AMS ¹⁴C测年,恢复了研究区5.53~4.12 cal.ka B.P.时期木本植被特征和古气候变迁。共存生态因子分析结果和植被组合特征表明该时期的气候整体较今更加暖湿,但在百年尺度上仍存在气候变迁：5.05 cal.ka B.P.以后植被组合中亚热带种属数量及占比的增加表明气候较前一阶段更加暖湿;4.35~4.12 cal.ka B.P.时期的植被组合中耐旱种属比例增多,表明研究区的气候至少在4.35 cal.ka B.P.之前已经转干。研究区气候的变化对文化的发展产生了重要影响,适宜的气候可以促进文化的繁荣与发展;当气候恶化时,农业的发展可在一定程度上延缓文化的衰落,但持续上百年的气候恶化最终会导致文化的衰退甚至消亡。

     

Influence of vegetation factors on biological soil crust cover on rehabilitated grassland in the hilly Loess Plateau, China

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) perform essential ecosystem functions in arid and semi-arid ecosystems worldwide. The formation, development, and distribution of BSCs are influenced by changes in multiple environmental factors, including changes in the vascular plant community. The influence of changes in vegetation factors on BSC cover in 8-, 12-, and 16-year-old rehabilitated grasslands were studied in the hilly area of the Chinese Loess Plateau. The rate of degradation of BSCs underneath litter (P < 0.01) and the degradation cover of BSCs (P < 0.05) differed significantly between the 8- and 16-year-old successions. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the main vegetation factors influencing the dynamics of BSC cover differed among the 8-, 12-, and 16-year-old rehabilitated grasslands. Basal cover, phytomass, and litter cover were the main vegetation factors influencing the dynamics of BSC cover on 8-year-old rehabilitated grassland. Phytomass, litter thickness, and litter cover were the main factors influencing the dynamics of BSC cover on 12-year-old rehabilitated grassland. On 16-year-old rehabilitated grassland, Pielou evenness index, litter thickness, and litter biomass were the main vegetation factors influencing degradation of BSC cover underneath litter, whereas basal cover, litter thickness, and litter biomass were the main vegetation factors influencing the degradation cover of BSCs. At particular stages of herbaceous succession, vegetation factors can have a large influence on changes in the community’s basal cover and litter, which are key factors influencing changes in BSC cover. The degradation of BSCs underneath litter may be a result of complicated eco-physiological processes.     

青藏高原中部高寒草甸蒸散发特征及其影响因素

蒸散发作为水量平衡和能量平衡的重要组成部分,其变化对于农业、生态和水文具有重要的影响。全球变暖导致青藏高原上冻土活动层加厚,改变大气和土壤的水热交换过程,为明确唐古拉多年冻土区的蒸散发在全球变暖大背景下的变化趋势,依托中国科学院冰冻圈国家重点实验室唐古拉站,利用小型称重式蒸渗仪的观测数据分析了2007-2013年蒸散发的变化特征及其影响因素。结果表明：2007-2013年草地生长季实际蒸散发总量呈现递增的趋势;在草地生长季内,草地生长中期的总蒸散量最大,生长初期的总蒸散量最小,但是日蒸散量则是在生长初期最大,生长后期最小;无降水日,草地的蒸散发主要受到净辐射和气温的影响,降雨日的蒸散发则主要受到净辐射和风速的影响。     

蒸散发模拟的Valiantzas方法在中国的应用

根据一种简化的Penman模型,建立了一个无需风速的参考作物蒸散发模型(Penman-Valiantzas模型),在此基础上又结合Hargreaves辐射方程建立了无需风速和日照时数的Penman-Valiantzas-Hargreaves模型.利用世界粮食组织的CLIMWAT数据库中156个气象站点多年月平均资料对此...