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Keywords = Yunnan–Tibet area

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26 pages, 5049 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Drivers of Potential Winter Ice Resources in China (1990–2020) Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
by Donghui Shi
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18020250 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 207
Abstract
River and lake ice are sensitive indicators of climate change and important components of hydrological and ecological systems in cold regions. In this study, we develop a simple and transferable “surface water + land surface temperature (LST)” framework on Google Earth Engine to [...] Read more.
River and lake ice are sensitive indicators of climate change and important components of hydrological and ecological systems in cold regions. In this study, we develop a simple and transferable “surface water + land surface temperature (LST)” framework on Google Earth Engine to map potential winter ice area across China from 1990 to 2020. The framework enables consistent, large-scale, long-term monitoring without relying on complex remote sensing models or region-specific thresholds. Our results show that, despite a pronounced northwestward shift in the freezing-zone boundary, more than 400 km in the Northeast Plain and about 13 km per year along the eastern coast, the total ice-covered area increased by approximately 1.1% per year. At the same time, the average ice season became slightly shorter. This indicates asynchronous spatial and temporal responses of potential winter ice to warming. We identify a persistent “Northwest–Northeast dual-core” spatial pattern with strong positive spatial autocorrelation, characterized by increasing ice cover in Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China, and decreasing ice cover mainly in Beijing and Yunnan, where intense urbanization and low-latitude warming dominate. Random Forest modeling further shows that water area fraction, nighttime lights, built-up area, altitude, and water–heat indices are the main controls on potential winter ice. These findings highlight the combined influence of hydrological and thermal conditions and urbanization in reshaping potential winter ice patterns under climate change. Full article
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21 pages, 6996 KB  
Article
Spatial and Landscape Fragmentation Pattern of Endemic Symplocos Tree Communities Under Climate Change Scenarios in China
by Mohammed A. Dakhil, Lin Zhang, Marwa Waseem A. Halmy, Reham F. El-Barougy, Bikram Pandey, Zhanqing Hao, Zuoqiang Yuan, Lin Liang and Heba Bedair
Forests 2026, 17(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010058 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Symplocos is an ecologically important genus that plays vital roles in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved mountain forests, including contributing to nutrient cycling, providing shelter and habitats for various organisms, and supporting overall plant diversity across East and Southeast Asia. Many species exhibit high levels [...] Read more.
Symplocos is an ecologically important genus that plays vital roles in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved mountain forests, including contributing to nutrient cycling, providing shelter and habitats for various organisms, and supporting overall plant diversity across East and Southeast Asia. Many species exhibit high levels of endemism and sensitivity to environmental change. China, with its wide range of ecosystems and climatic zones, is home to 18 endemic Symplocos species. Studies revealed that global warming is driving shifts in species diversity, particularly in mountains. Our study explores the current and projected richness patterns of endemic Symplocos species in China under climate change scenarios, emphasizing the implications for conservation planning. We applied stacked species distribution models (SSDMs), using key bioclimatic and environmental variables to predict current and future habitat suitability for endemic Symplocos species, evaluated model performance through multiple accuracy metrics, and generated ensemble projections to assess richness patterns under climate change scenarios. To assess the spatial configuration and fragmentation patterns of the endemic species richness under current and future climate scenarios, landscape metrics were calculated based on classified richness maps. The produced models demonstrated high accuracy with AUC > 0.9 and TSS > 0.75, highlighting the critical role of bioclimatic variables, particularly precipitation and temperature, in shaping endemic Symplocos distribution. Our analysis identifies the current hotspots of Symplocos endemism along southeastern China, particularly in Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, southern Anhui, and northern Guangdong and Guangxi. These areas are at high risk, with up to 35% of endemic Symplocos species richness predicted to be lost over the next 60 years due to climate change. The study predicts a high decrease in endemic Symplocos species richness, especially in South China (e.g., Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou, Yunnan, southern Shaanxi), and mid-level decreases in East China (e.g., Heilongjiang, Jilin, eastern Inner Mongolia, Liaoning). Conversely, potential increases in endemic Symplocos species richness are projected in northern and western Xinjiang, western Tibet, and parts of eastern Sichuan, Guangxi, Hunan, Hebei, and Anhui, suggesting these regions may serve as future refugia for endemic Symplocos species. The analysis of the landscape structure and configuration revealed relatively minor but notable variations in the spatial structure of endemic Symplocos richness patterns under current and future climate scenarios. However, under the SSP585 scenario by 2080, the medium richness class showed a more pronounced decrease in aggregation index and increase in number of patches relative to other richness classes, suggesting that higher emissions may drive fragmentation of moderately rich areas, potentially isolating populations of Symplocos. These structural changes suggest a potential reduction in habitat quality and connectivity, posing significant risks to the persistence of endemic Symplocos populations, which underscores the urgent need for targeted smart-climate conservation strategies that prioritize both current hotspots and potential future refugia to enhance the resilience of endemic Symplocos forests and their ecosystems in the face of climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Dynamics Under Climate and Land Use Change)
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28 pages, 7846 KB  
Article
Resilience Assessment and Evolution Characteristics of Urban Earthquakes in the Sichuan–Yunnan Region Based on the DPSIR Model
by Haijun Li, Hongtao Liu, Yaowen Zhang, Jiubo Dong and Yixin Pang
Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10618; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310618 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 616
Abstract
The Sichuan–Yunnan region, a primary seismic-prone zone on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, has experienced heightened seismic exposure due to rapid urbanisation. In order to address the issue of disaster risks and to promote sustainable urban development, this study establishes an integrated urban seismic resilience [...] Read more.
The Sichuan–Yunnan region, a primary seismic-prone zone on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, has experienced heightened seismic exposure due to rapid urbanisation. In order to address the issue of disaster risks and to promote sustainable urban development, this study establishes an integrated urban seismic resilience evaluation framework based on the DPSIR (Driving–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) model. The CRITIC–AHP combined weighting method was utilised to determine indicator weights, and data from 37 prefecture-level cities (2010, 2015, 2020) were analysed to reveal spatial–temporal evolution patterns and correlations. The results demonstrate a consistent improvement in regional seismic resilience, with the overall index increasing from 0.501 in 2010 to 0.526 in 2020. Sichuan exhibited a “decline-then-rise” trend (0.570 to 0.566 to 0.585), while Yunnan demonstrated continuous growth (0.517 to 0.557). The spatial pattern underwent an evolution from “west–low, central–eastern–high” to “south–high, north–low”, with over half of the cities attaining relatively high resilience by 2020. Chengdu and Kunming have been identified as dual high-resilience cores, diffusing resilience outward to neighbouring regions. In contrast, mountainous areas such as Garze and Aba have been found to exhibit low resilience levels, primarily due to high seismic stress and limited socioeconomic capacity. Subsystem analysis has revealed divergent resilience pathways across provinces, while spatial autocorrelation has demonstrated fluctuating global Moran’s I values and temporary local clustering. This research provides a scientific foundation for seismic disaster mitigation and offers a transferable analytical framework for enhancing urban resilience in earthquake-prone regions globally. Full article
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24 pages, 13383 KB  
Article
A Study on the Inheritance and Differentiation of Spatial Forms of Vernacular Architecture in the Yunnan–Tibet Area
by Kua Wu, Haowei Wang, Heng Liu, Man Yin, Junhua Xu, Mingli Qiang and Yanwei Su
Buildings 2025, 15(12), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15122087 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 872
Abstract
Vernacular architecture is a complex and living heritage type, and the study of the evolution laws of its spatial form is of great value to the conservation of architectural heritage diversity. Taking vernacular architecture in the Yunnan–Tibet area as the research object, based [...] Read more.
Vernacular architecture is a complex and living heritage type, and the study of the evolution laws of its spatial form is of great value to the conservation of architectural heritage diversity. Taking vernacular architecture in the Yunnan–Tibet area as the research object, based on the theory of spatial syntax, 30 building samples were subjected to global and local calculations of MD, IRRA, and NACH values, while the common characteristics among the samples were obtained by using Kendall’s W test, and the individual characteristics among the samples were obtained by using differentiation analysis. The results show that: (a) vernacular architecture in the Yunnan–Tibet area exhibits characteristics of multi-cluster branched centrality and spatial hierarchical layout; (b) these architectures possess four categories of inheritance factors: the privacy of granary spaces, the centrality of corridor spaces, the passability of breeding areas, and the independence of scripture hall spaces; (c) these architectures possess three categories of differentiation factors: the functional evolution of traditional spaces, the spatial reconstruction of breeding areas, and the “Toilet Revolution” driven by multiple forces. This study elucidates the regulatory role of cultural continuity in shaping the spatial forms of vernacular architecture, providing new evidence for analyzing the formation mechanisms of vernacular architecture in the Yunnan–Tibet area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century: 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 43277 KB  
Article
A Hybrid VMD-BO-GRU Method for Landslide Displacement Prediction in the High-Mountain Canyon Area of China
by Bao Liu, Jiahuan Xu, Jiangbo Xi, Chaoying Zhao, Xiaosong Feng, Chaofeng Ren and Haixing Shang
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(11), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17111953 - 5 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1430
Abstract
Landslides are major geological hazards that pose serious threats to life and property, particularly in the high-mountain canyon regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, and southeastern Tibet. Displacement prediction plays a critical role in disaster prevention and mitigation. In recent years, machine learning methods based [...] Read more.
Landslides are major geological hazards that pose serious threats to life and property, particularly in the high-mountain canyon regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, and southeastern Tibet. Displacement prediction plays a critical role in disaster prevention and mitigation. In recent years, machine learning methods based on InSAR data have achieved significant breakthroughs in landslide forecasting. However, models relying solely on a single data-driven approach may fail to fully capture the complex physical mechanisms of landslides, affecting both the reliability and interpretability of predictions. Therefore, developing effective landslide displacement prediction models is essential. The paper introduces a model designed to forecast the landslide displacement using Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), Bayesian Optimization (BO), and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU). First, wavelet analysis is employed to identify the trend component in the landslide displacement data. Then, the total displacement is separated into its trend and periodic components through the application of the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) technique. A wide range of influencing factors is introduced, and Utilizing Grey Relational Analysis, we evaluate the interplay between contributing factors and all components of landslide displacement, both trend and periodic. Prediction models incorporate the trend and periodic terms, alongside the contributing factors, as input variables. The overall displacement is computed by summing the trend and periodic terms series using the Mianshawan landslide as a case study, experimental studies were conducted with landslide data from January 2019 to December 2022 with a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.402, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.187, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 2.05%, and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.998. These findings indicate that, compared to traditional methods, our model delivers remarkable improvements in performance, offering higher prediction accuracy and greater reliability in the landslide forecasting task for the Mianshawan area. Full article
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17 pages, 925 KB  
Article
Path Analysis on the Meteorological Factors Impacting Yield of Tartary Buckwheat at Different Sowing Dates
by Jin Zhang, Jing Sun, Hong Chen, Zhiming Yan, Sichen Liu, Longlong Liu and Xiaoning Cao
Agronomy 2025, 15(4), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15040950 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat is an important characteristic multigrain crop, mainly planted in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Tibet, and other alpine and remote ethnic mountainous areas. In order to clarify the effect of sowing date on the yield and quality of Tartary buckwheat and its [...] Read more.
Tartary buckwheat is an important characteristic multigrain crop, mainly planted in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Tibet, and other alpine and remote ethnic mountainous areas. In order to clarify the effect of sowing date on the yield and quality of Tartary buckwheat and its relationship with meteorological factors The variety Jinqiao No. 2 was used for a two-year trial at Dingxiang Test Base in Shanxi Province on four sowing dates (15 June, 26 June, 6 July and 17 July 2022 and 19 June, 30 June, 10 July and 21 July 2023) starting from the bud stage. Responses to sowing date were investigated by examining the growth period structure, yield, yield component, quality, and their relationship to climatic factors. The results showed that meteorological factors during the grain grain-filling stage were different when the sowing date was different. Compared with other sowing times, the treatment with the sowing of early and mid-July had less than 13.5~27.9 h of sunshine, less than 28.8~48.5 mm of rainfall, more than 10.5~19 days of ≤15 °C days, but the most serious low-temperature stress (≤15 °C days up to 27 days). The yield of sowing in July was 69.8~77.0% and 69.9~79.1% lower than that of sowing in June in 2022 and 2023 respectively, and the later sowing had a lower yield. Delayed sowing is beneficial to the accumulation of flavonoids and protein in Tartary buckwheat grains, and the average value in 2022 and 2023 is 11.55% and 14.64% higher than that in the first sowing, but the content of fat and starch is significantly reduced. The result of path analysis showed that the low temperature (≤15 °C days up to 27 days) and less solar radiation duration were the key points for attaining high yield and quality, due to the mean daily temperature and ≤15 °C days from flowering to maturity had negative effect on 1000-seed weight, seed setting rate, starch and crude lipid content of Tartary buckwheat, and the direct effect of sunshine duration on the content of protein and flavonoid in Tartary buckwheat was the greatest. The yield of Tartary buckwheat sown in June was higher than that of other treatments, because of avoiding low-temperature stress and long rainy and sunless weather during the grain filling stage, which enabled the blossoming and grain filling normally and finally attained higher yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)
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29 pages, 22458 KB  
Article
Balancing Poverty Alleviation and Ecosystem Vulnerability Reduction: Implication from China’s Targeted Interventions
by Wei Li, Zhenbang Ma, Ruisi Luo, Yiying Hong, Sijian Wang, Xing Ma and Qiong Bao
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062490 - 12 Mar 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2263
Abstract
The coordination between poverty alleviation and ecological protection is both a crucial requirement and a long-standing challenge for sustainable development. China’s implementation of a targeted poverty alleviation strategy has completed the task of eliminating extreme poverty. However, the evaluation of the corresponding ecosystem [...] Read more.
The coordination between poverty alleviation and ecological protection is both a crucial requirement and a long-standing challenge for sustainable development. China’s implementation of a targeted poverty alleviation strategy has completed the task of eliminating extreme poverty. However, the evaluation of the corresponding ecosystem changes in the entire poverty-alleviated areas is still insufficient. This study investigated the spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem vulnerability across China’s 832 national poverty-stricken counties from 2005 to 2020. A habitat–structure–function framework was applied to develop an evaluation index, along with a factor analysis of environmental and socio-economic indicators conducted through the Geodetector model. Finally, the implications of China’s practices to balance poverty alleviation and ecological protection were explored. The results show that ecosystem vulnerability decreased from 2005 to 2020, with an even greater decrease observed after 2013, which was twice the amount of the decrease seen before 2013. The post-2013 changes were mainly brought about by the enhancement of the ecosystem function in critical zones such as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Ecoregion, Yangtze River and Sichuan–Yunnan Key Ecoregion, and Yellow River Key Ecoregion. From 2013 to 2020, the influence of the gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed that of other factors, playing a significant positive role in diminishing ecosystem vulnerability in the three regions mentioned. The results suggest that China’s poverty-alleviated areas have found a “win–win” solution for poverty alleviation and ecological protection, that is, they have built a synergistic mechanism that combines government financial support with strict protection policies (e.g., more ecological compensation, eco-jobs, and ecological public welfare positions for poor areas or the poor). These findings elucidate the mechanisms behind China’s targeted poverty alleviation outcomes and their ecological implications, establishing a practical framework for coordinated development and environmental stewardship in comparable regions. Full article
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16 pages, 4825 KB  
Article
An Evaluation of Morphometric Characteristics of Honey Bee (Apis cerana) Populations in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China
by Xinru Zhang, Jian Lu, Xinying Qu and Xiao Chen
Life 2025, 15(2), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020255 - 7 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1931
Abstract
Apis cerana, a native type of honey bee in China, adapts well to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) environments with high altitude, cold, low oxygen, and strong radiation. In this study, we detected 40 morphological characteristics from 100 colonies in 49 regions. We [...] Read more.
Apis cerana, a native type of honey bee in China, adapts well to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) environments with high altitude, cold, low oxygen, and strong radiation. In this study, we detected 40 morphological characteristics from 100 colonies in 49 regions. We not only evaluated the morphometric characteristics of honey bee populations in the QTP but also found that the pigmentation of labrum and tergite 2 in A. cerana is significantly different from that in Apis mellifera. Moreover, most morphological characteristics were correlated with environmental factors. Tibet and Qinghai could be distinctly separated. The cluster analysis indicated that Xunhua and Danba were far apart and formed a single cluster. Honey bees from Danba and Linzhichayu were correctly judged into corresponding populations. There was large morphometric diversity within the selected sampling areas of the Sichuan, Yunnan, and Gansu populations. Overall, our findings offer insights into the conservation and sustainable utilization of A. cerana in the QTP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)
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16 pages, 10679 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Artificial Neural Networks—Dynamic Infrared Rain Rate near Real-Time (PDIR-Now) Satellite’s Ability to Monitor Annual Maximum Daily Precipitation in Mainland China
by Yanping Zhu, Gaosong Chang, Wenjiang Zhang, Jingyu Guo and Xiaodong Li
Water 2025, 17(3), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030308 - 23 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1043
Abstract
As one of the countries with the most severe extreme climate disasters in the world, it is of great significance for China to scientifically understand the characteristics of extreme precipitation. The artificial neural network near-real-time dynamic infrared rainfall rate satellite precipitation data (PDIR-Now) [...] Read more.
As one of the countries with the most severe extreme climate disasters in the world, it is of great significance for China to scientifically understand the characteristics of extreme precipitation. The artificial neural network near-real-time dynamic infrared rainfall rate satellite precipitation data (PDIR-Now) is a global, long-term resource with diverse spatial resolutions, rich temporal scales, and broad spatiotemporal coverage, providing an important data source for the study of extreme precipitation. But its applicability and accuracy still need to be evaluated in specific applications. Based on the observation data of 824 surface meteorological stations in China, the correlation coefficient (R), relative deviation (RB), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative root mean square error (RRMSE) of quantitative statistical indicators were used to evaluate the annual maximum daily precipitation of PDIR-Now from 2000 to 2016 in this study, in order to explore the ability of PDIR-Now satellite precipitation products to monitor extreme precipitation in Chinese mainland. The results show that from the perspective of long-term series, the annual maximum daily precipitation of PDIR-Now has a good ability to monitor extreme precipitation across the country, and the R exceeds 0.6 in 65% of the years. The RMSE of different years is generally distributed between 40 and 60 mm, and in terms of time characteristics, the error of each year is relatively stable and does not fluctuate greatly with dry precipitation or abundant years. From the perspective of spatial characteristics, the distribution of RMSE is very regional, with the RMSE in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Northwest China basically in the range of 0~20 mm, the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, the Sichuan Basin, Northeast China, and the central part of the study area in the range of 20~50 mm, and the RMSE in a few stations in the southeast coast greater than 80 mm. The RRMSE distribution of most sites is between 0 and 0.6, and the RRMSE distribution of a few sites is between 0.6 and 1.5. Generally, higher RRMSE values and larger errors are observed in the northwest and southeast coastal regions. Overall, PDIR-Now captures the regional characteristics of extreme precipitation in the study area, but it is underestimated in the wet season in humid and semi-humid regions and overestimated in the dry season in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)
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18 pages, 7581 KB  
Article
Prediction of Potential Habitat Distributions and Climate Change Impacts on the Rare Species Woonyoungia septentrionalis (Magnoliaceae) in China Based on MaxEnt
by Weihao Yao, Zenghui Wang, Yu Fan, Danyang Liu, Zeyang Ding, Yumei Zhou, Shuyue Hu, Wei Zhang and Jing Ou
Plants 2025, 14(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010086 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1912
Abstract
Changes in species’ habitats provide important insights into the effects of climate change. Woonyoungia septentrionalis, a critically endangered species endemic to karst ecosystems, has a highly restricted distribution and is a key biological resource. Despite its ecological importance, the factors influencing its [...] Read more.
Changes in species’ habitats provide important insights into the effects of climate change. Woonyoungia septentrionalis, a critically endangered species endemic to karst ecosystems, has a highly restricted distribution and is a key biological resource. Despite its ecological importance, the factors influencing its habitat suitability and distribution remain poorly understood. This study employed ecological niche modeling to predict the potential distribution of Woonyoungia septentrionalis across China and analyzed shifts in centroid location to explore migration pathways under current and future climate scenarios. The model exhibited high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.988), indicating its robustness in assessing habitat suitability. Under current climatic conditions, Woonyoungia septentrionalis is predominantly found in the Guizhou–Guangxi border region, southeastern Yunnan, eastern Sichuan, southeastern Tibet, and parts of Chongqing, Hunan, and Hubei. Among these, the Guizhou-Guangxi border represents the primary suitable habitat. Temperature factors, particularly bio6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and bio7 (annual temperature range), were the most significant determinants of habitat suitability, contributing 43.29% and 12.65%, respectively. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) accounted for 15.82%, while precipitation had a relatively minor impact. Under future climate scenarios, suitable habitats for Woonyoungia septentrionalis are projected to shrink and shift toward higher altitudes and latitudes, increasing the risk of extinction due to the “mountain trap” effect, where migration is constrained by limited habitat at higher elevations. Stable habitats, particularly in Libo (Guizhou) and Huanjiang (Guangxi), are identified as critical refugia. We recommend prioritizing shrinking and stable habitats in Guizhou, Guangxi, and Yunnan for in situ conservation. Ex situ conservation efforts should focus on areas identified based on key environmental factors and predicted migration pathways to ensure the species’ long-term survival. This study provides both theoretical and practical guidance for the conservation of this species and its vulnerable habitat. Full article
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35 pages, 17235 KB  
Article
Constructing Local Religious Landscapes: Spatiotemporal Evolution of Tibetan Buddhist Temples in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor
by Tianyi Min and Tong Zhang
Religions 2024, 15(12), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15121477 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3420
Abstract
Situated in the mountainous and gorge-ridden region at the junction of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province, and Yunnan Province, the Tibetan–Yi Corridor is home to the Kham Tibetan area, one of China’s three traditional Tibetan areas. Tibetan Buddhism and the establishment of [...] Read more.
Situated in the mountainous and gorge-ridden region at the junction of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province, and Yunnan Province, the Tibetan–Yi Corridor is home to the Kham Tibetan area, one of China’s three traditional Tibetan areas. Tibetan Buddhism and the establishment of its temples in this region have evolved and propagated from nothing to a diverse landscape since the 8th century. Existing studies, however, have paid little attention to the intricate interplay between the formation of this sacred religious landscape and the specific geographic and sociocultural contexts in which it is situated. By taking temple architecture as a research vehicle, this study begins by extracting spatial data from historical GIS network data resources and 276 local gazetteers of 45 counties in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor. Secondly, it digitalizes and quantifies the geographic information, construction dates, sectarian affiliations, and sizes of 1479 Tibetan Buddhist temples in the region, establishing a database covering four historical periods. Finally, it employs GIS technology to visualize the spatial distribution of these temples, revealing their spatial and temporal patterns and evolution. From a religious geographical perspective, this study reconstructs the historical trajectories and diffusion patterns of the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug, Jonang, and Bon sects in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor, revealing the complex interplay, succession, and ebb and flow of these sects over time. The research results show that the historical spread and development of Tibetan Buddhism in the Tibetan–Yi Corridor were influenced by a complex interplay of geographical, social, political, and economic factors, including the unique topography of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Hengduan Mountains, the complex interplay of agriculture and pastoralism, the historical influence of dynastic changes and central government policies on border regions, and ancient pilgrimage and trade routes. At the same time, as a multi-ethnic region inhabited by over 20 minorities, including Tibetans, Yi, Qiang, Naxi, and Nu, the Tibetan–Yi Corridor has a cultural identity dominated by religion, which has become an important factor in maintaining multi-ethnic symbiosis throughout its history, highlighting the unique historical status and role of the Tibetan–Yi Corridor in the entire Tibetan Buddhist cultural circle. Full article
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21 pages, 50425 KB  
Article
Comparison of the Distribution of Evapotranspiration on Shady and Sunny Slopes in Southwest China
by Yixi Kan, Huaiyong Shao, Chang Du, Yimeng Guo and Xianglong Dai
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(22), 4310; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16224310 - 19 Nov 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1804
Abstract
Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a significant role in the surface water cycle, particularly within the unique geographical context of Southwest China. The region’s different topography, driven by mountain uplift and variations in slope direction, alters regional hydrothermal conditions, thereby affecting local ecoclimatic patterns. ET [...] Read more.
Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a significant role in the surface water cycle, particularly within the unique geographical context of Southwest China. The region’s different topography, driven by mountain uplift and variations in slope direction, alters regional hydrothermal conditions, thereby affecting local ecoclimatic patterns. ET characteristics, shaped by slope orientation, can also serve as important indicators of climate variability in the study area. While most existing ET research on shady and sunny slopes has been conducted at the point scale, this study employed Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) ET products to estimate the average ET for shady and sunny slopes across five provinces in Southwest China between 2003 and 2018. The driving factors behind the variation in ET across different regions were also explored. Key results include the following: (1) Annual ET in Southwest China ranges between 200 mm and 800 mm, with Tibet exhibiting the lowest values and Yunnan the highest. (2) ET decreases gradually with increasing altitude in the altitude range of 0 m to 5000 m. The ET is higher on the sunny slopes than on the shady slopes. Notably, when the altitude is higher than 5000 m, ET on shady slopes in Tibet is greater than that on sunny slopes as the altitude increases. (3) ET initially increases with slope inclination before decreasing. Notably, in areas with slopes exceeding 35° in Yunnan, the ET value is found to be significantly higher on shady slopes compared to sunny slopes. (4) The effects of soil moisture, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, relative humidity, and land surface temperature on ET are more substantial on shady slopes than sunny slopes, whereas air temperature has a stronger impact on ET on sunny slopes. These results provide valuable data for research on regional climate change and contribute to strategies for ecological and environmental protection. Full article
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22 pages, 64724 KB  
Article
Characteristics and Tectonic Implications of the Geomorphic Indices of the Watersheds Around the Lijiang–Jinpingshan Fault
by Yongqi Chen, Rui Ding, Shimin Zhang, Dawei Jiang, Luyao Li and Diwei Hua
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(20), 3826; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16203826 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1669
Abstract
The Lijiang–Jinpingshan fault (LJF) is an important secondary boundary fault that obliquely cuts the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block. It is of great significance for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block and even the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau. Based on [...] Read more.
The Lijiang–Jinpingshan fault (LJF) is an important secondary boundary fault that obliquely cuts the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block. It is of great significance for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Sichuan–Yunnan rhombic block and even the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau. Based on a digital elevation model (DEM), this work combines ArcGIS with MATLAB script programs to extract geomorphic indices including slope, the relief degree of the land surface (RDLS), hypsometric integral (HI), and channel steepness index (ksn) of 593 sub–watersheds and strip terrain profiles around the LJF. By analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics of the geomorphic indices and combining the regional lithology and precipitation conditions, the spatial distribution of the geomorphic indices around the study area was analyzed to reveal the implications of the LJF’s activity. The results of this work indicate that (1) the distribution of geomorphic indices around the LJF may not be controlled by climate and lithological conditions, and the LJF is the dominant factor controlling the geomorphic evolution of the region. (2) The spatial distribution patterns of geomorphic indices and strip terrain profiles reveal that the vertical movement of the LJF resulted in a pronounced uplift on its northwest side, with tectonic activity gradually diminishing from northeast to southwest. Furthermore, based on the spatial distribution characteristics of these geomorphic indices, the activity intensity of the LJF can be categorized into four distinct segments: Jianchuan–Lijiang, Lijiang–Ninglang, Ninglang–Muli, and Muli–Shimian. (3) The activity of the LJF obtained from tectonic geomorphology is consistent with the conclusions obtained in previous geological and geodesic studies. This work provides evidence of the activity and segmentation of the LJF in tectonic geomorphology. The results provide insight for the discussion of tectonic deformation and earthquake disaster mechanisms in the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau. Full article
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18 pages, 8001 KB  
Article
Modeling the Present and Future Geographical Distribution Potential of Dipteronia dyeriana, a Critically Endangered Species from China
by Ming-Hui Yan, Bin-Wen Liu, Bashir B. Tiamiyu, Yin Zhang, Wang-Yang Ning, Jie-Ying Si, Nian-Ci Dong and Xin-Lan Lv
Diversity 2024, 16(9), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090545 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1545
Abstract
Climate change will have various impacts on the survival and development of species, and it is important to explore whether plants can adapt to future climate conditions. Dipteronia dyeriana is an endangered species with a narrow distribution in Yunnan, characterized by a small [...] Read more.
Climate change will have various impacts on the survival and development of species, and it is important to explore whether plants can adapt to future climate conditions. Dipteronia dyeriana is an endangered species with a narrow distribution in Yunnan, characterized by a small population size. However, studies on its current distribution and the impact of climate change on its future survival and distribution are very limited. In this study, the current and future (2050 and 2090) potential habitats under the SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios were predicted using both maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and random forest (RF) models based on the current range points of D. dyeriana, soil, topographical, land cover, and climate data. The results showed that the RF model demonstrated significantly higher AUC, TSS, and Kappa scores than the MaxEnt model, suggesting high accuracy of the RF model. Isothermality (bio_3), minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio_6), and annual precipitation (bio_12) are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of D. dyeriana. At present, the high suitability area of D. dyeriana is mainly concentrated in the eastern part of Yunnan Province and part of southern Tibet, covering an area of 3.53 × 104 km2. Under future climate change scenarios, the total area suitable for D. dyeriana is expected to increase. Although, the highly suitable area has a tendency to decrease. With regards to land use, more than 77.53% of the suitable land area (29.67 × 104 km2) could be used for D. dyeriana planting under different SSP scenarios. In 2090, the centroid shifts of the two models exhibit a consistent trend. Under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, the centroids transfer to the southeast. However, under the SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, the centroids of high suitability areas migrate toward the northwest. In summary, this study enhances our understanding of the influence of climate change on the geographic range of D. dyeriana and provides essential theoretical backing for efforts in its conservation and cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeography and Macroecology Hotspots in 2024)
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18 pages, 8742 KB  
Article
Using Historical Habitat Shifts Driven by Climate Change and Present Genetic Diversity Patterns to Predict Evolvable Potentials of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Future
by Fuli Li, Chongyun Wang, Mingchun Peng, Wei Meng, Lei Peng and Dengpeng Chen
Diversity 2024, 16(9), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090511 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1751
Abstract
Climate change is altering the geographical distribution and abundance of species. Abundant genetic variation generally indicates a stronger adaptability and evolutionary potentiality, especially in case of sharply changing climates or environments. With the past global climate fluctuations, especially the climate oscillation since the [...] Read more.
Climate change is altering the geographical distribution and abundance of species. Abundant genetic variation generally indicates a stronger adaptability and evolutionary potentiality, especially in case of sharply changing climates or environments. With the past global climate fluctuations, especially the climate oscillation since the Quaternary, the global temperature changes related to glaciation, many relict plant species have formed possible refugia in humid subtropical/warm temperate forests, thus retaining a high level of genetic diversity patterns. Based on the contraction and expansion of the geographical distribution of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in the past driven by climate change, combined with the contemporary genetic diversity modeling, the distribution performance of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in future climate change was predicted. The areas of highly suitable habitat will increase with climate change in the future. There were continuous and stable high suitable areas of T. wallichiana in the southeastern Tibet and northwestern Yunnan as long-term stable climate refugia. We made the genetic landscape surface of T. wallichiana complex and discovered geographical barriers against gene flow. Genetic barriers spatially isolated the center of genetic diversity into three regions: west (east Himalaya), middle (Yunnan plateau, Sichuan basin, Shennongjia, and the junction of Guizhou and Guangxi provinces), and east (Mt. Huangshan and Fujian). Southern Tibet was isolated from other populations. The central and western Yunnan, the Sichuan basin, and surrounding mountains were isolated from the southern China populations. We found that the positive correlationships between the present species genetic diversity and suitability index during LGM, MH, and 2070. This infers that T. wallichiana has provisioned certain genetic diversity and has strong evolutionary potential under conditions of climate change. Full article
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