Abstract:

In order to figure out the distribution characteristics of land desertification sensitivity of Qinghai Lake Basin, and to provide scientific basis of watershed ecological function districts. Qinghai Lake Basin was chosen as a study area, in accordance with the Interim Regulation of Ecological Function Zoning, moisture index, days of strong wind (wind speed>6 m/s in winter and spring), soil texture, vegetation covering degree were selected as indicators of sensitivity evaluation of land desertification. A map of single-factor sensitivity evaluation was generated with supports of ArcGIS, moreover, a comprehensive evaluation of land desertification sensitivity was conducted with the supports of ArcGIS spatial overlay analysis. 5 classes of land desertification sensitivity ranging from low to extreme were generated: non-sensitivity zone, low sensitivity zone, moderate sensitivity zone, high sensitivity zone and extreme sensitivity zone. The results showed that about 0.03% of the study area was non-sensitivity zone, 17.4% of which was low sensitivity zone, 34.24% was moderate sensitivity zone, and 31.73% was high sensitivity zone. In spatial distribution, moderate sensitivity zone and high sensitivity zone seemed in the district around Qinghai Lake and central region.