Land cover change detection in oasis of Hotan River Basin in northwestern China

Abstract

This study evaluates land cover changes in the typical oasis of Hotan River Basin between 1990 and 2002 using satellite images and socio-economic data. The spatial dynamics of land cover change were investigated by a post-classification analysis. The results revealed that there had been significant changes in the magnitude of all land cover types between 1990 and 2002. The land cover statistics indicated that a notable growth of oasis, water and desert areas, a major loss of ecotone have taken place within the whole basin. The major change has appeared to be the fast decrease in the transition zone between Desert-Oasis ecotone. The anthropogenic factors were regarded as main possible reasons of the local land cover change. The process demonstrates a simple procedure to land cover changes and determine eco-environmental degradation through the use of change detection for 12-year period. The conclusion provided by this study forms a basis for making better land use planning and policy for sustainable development of oasis in arid area of northwestern China. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.