Publications

Ke, HC; Liang, L; Tian, MH; Wang, ML; Yuan, CH; Gao, YY (2025). Assessing vegetation dynamics and influencing factors in Northwest China's Arid Regions: a spatiotemporal analysis using NDVI (2000-2020). ACTA GEOPHYSICA.

Abstract
Vegetation is an essential component of the earth's ecosystem. Exploring the dynamic changes of NDVI and its influencing factors in the arid regions in Northwest China (NWAC) is of great significance to the restoration and management of the regional ecological environment. In order to study the law of NDVI change and its driving mechanism in the NWAC, MODIS NDVI data from 2000 to 2020 were used to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics and trends of NWAC NDVI by using Theil-Sen trend analysis, Mann-Kendall significance test, Hurst index and correlation analysis. Based on the analysis of NDVI, meteorological data and underlying surface data of NWAC from 2000 to 2020, the relationship between NDVI and driving factors was revealed by means of geographical detectors. The results indicate that the NDVI in the NWAC shows a significant upward trend (growth rate of 1.5 x 103 per year). Approximately 10% of the NWAC was ecologically improved, while 3% was degraded. In addition, the future changes of NDVI in the NWAC are characterized by anti-persistence. Precipitation (q = 0.502) is the main factor affecting NDVI in the NWAC, and the interaction with other factors has the strongest effect on the spatial differentiation of NDVI in the whole region. The results of this study can help to better understand the intricate mechanism of vegetation change, and provide a scientific foundation for future vegetation restoration and rational implementation of ecological projects in the NWAC.

DOI:
10.1007/s11600-025-01576-8

ISSN:
1895-7455