Abstract
Forward and reverse successions of karst rocky desertification (KRD)
occur simultaneously, and are linked to human activity, thus presenting
a mutual feedback loop. Previous studies have focused on the unilateral
human-driven mechanism of KRD or the impact of KRD on social-economic
activities. These lack quantitative measurement and in-depth
understanding of interactions involved. Therefore, this study builds and
applies a novel model for measuring the coupling relationship and degree
between KRD and social-economic activity in the Guizhou karst region of
China. Results show an overall improvement but local deteriorations in
KRD from 2000 to 2011; conversely, social-economic activity intensities
increased during that time period. With their spatio-temporal
variations, positive and negative human–desertification coupling
relationships with an increased coupling degree are found. Different
coupling relationship types between KRD and social-economic development,
including urbanization, economic development and household income, are
shown. KRD is found to be high positively coupled with specific human
behavior intensities such as population movement, steep slope
cultivation and ecological restoration. An inverted U-shaped curve is
observed in the coupling index of KRD and urbanization within different
development levels. Negative coupling at a low urbanization level
indicates the limitation of the karst physical environment on
social-economic development. Positive coupling with increasing
urbanization implies a conflict between environment protection and
social-economic development. A return to negative coupling in several
counties with high urbanization levels indicates a win-win for ecology
and economy. The effectiveness of the proposed coupling model is
demonstrated, informing differentiated strategies for combating KRD and
improving social-economic development.