Comparison of aeolian desertification between the Moltsog dune field in
Mongolia and Ujimqin dune field in China
Abstract
Aeolian desertification is a severe ecological and environmental problem
in arid regions. Research on its temporal and spatial distribution,
development model, and driving force is necessary to prevent the
development of aeolian desertification. In this study, the Moltsog dune
field in Mongolia and the Ujimqin dune field in China were selected as
the study areas, as both contain dunes with similar natural conditions.
Using Landsat data from 1988, 1995, 2002, 2009, 2016, and 2020, the
spatial-temporal distribution and degree of development of aeolian
desertification in the two dune fields over the past 30 years were
compared. Two periods of high-resolution images were then used to
compare the surface morphological changes induced by aeolian
desertification in the dune fields. Climatic and socio-economic data of
the same period were used to compare and analyze the causes of changes
in aeolian desertification in these regions. The results show that: (1)
Over 30 years, the degree and development rate of aeolian
desertification in the Ujimqin dune field were generally higher than
those in the Moltsog dune field, and the former had a high degree of
fragmented aeolian desertification patches with an expanding range. (2)
The main form of aeolian desertification is the reactivation of fixed
dunes, which includes the development of blowouts on the flat grassland
under the influence of human activities in the Ujimqin dune field. (3)
The desertification in Moltsog is mainly affected by climatic factors,
while that in Ujimqin is mainly affected by human activities. The latter
is specifically affected by the high grazing intensity before 2000 and
increased mining activities after 2000. These findings provide a
reference for comparing the aeolian desertification process and
meaningful information for preventing and managing aeolian
desertification and enabling the sustainable development of dune fields
in arid regions.