Effects of Emergent Water Project on vegetation coverage in the lower reaches of Tarim River
Yan, Z-Long.; Huang, Q.; Niu, B-Ru.; Ma, K.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 19(3): 621-626
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-9332 PMID: 18533535 Document Number: 615603
Based on the TM in 1999, ETM in 2000, ASTER in 2004, and the background data of the lower reaches of Tarim River, the dynamic changes of vegetation coverage and land desertification before and after the implementation of Emergent Water Project were studied. The results showed that with the implementation of the Project, the areas with medium and higher vegetation coverage increased from 7 447. 16 hm(2) and 17 146. 80 hm(2) in 1999 to 9 129. 16 hm(2) and 26 236. 61 hm(2) in 2004, and those with lower and poor vegetation coverage decreased by 9 989. 10 hm(2) and 782. 71 hm(2), respectively. In 1990-2004, the total area of desertification decreased from 506 258. 06 hm(2) to 498 043. 93 hm(2), and the ecological environment in parts of the desertification area tended to be improved, indicating that the Emergent Water Project played all important role in improving the ecological environment in the lower reaches of Tarim River.