Table of Content

15 May 2025, Volume 42 Issue 5 Previous Issue    Next Issue

Weather and Climate

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Multi-time scale circulation characteristics of extreme low-temperature events in Xinjiang during winter from 1981 to 2020 CHEN Ying, LIU Jing, SHAO Weiling, Jiazila BAISHAN, TIAN Shuting 2025, 42 (5):  775-787.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.01 Abstract ( 34 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (18209KB) ( 24 )   This study identifies regional extreme cold events in Xinjiang during winters between 1981 and 2020 using ERA5 daily minimum temperature reanalysis data and analyzes their multi-timescale circulation characteristics with National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data. Results demonstrate that Xinjiang experienced 30 regional extreme cold events in winters during 1981-2020. Notably, events lasting >21 d in December exhibited the highest frequency and longest duration. The average and peak daily average temperature anomalies during these events were closely related to their duration—the longer the duration, the greater the temperature deviation and more pronounced negative temperature anomalies for the corresponding month (or season). When regional extreme cold events lasting >11 occurred in January or February, the mid-to-high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere exhibited a typical negative Arctic Oscillation phase. For events lasting >21 d strong positive 500 hPa geopotential height anomaly center formed over the North Pacific. Simultaneously, the stable trough-ridge pattern in the mid-to-high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere facilitated the persistent influence of cold air. For events lasting 8-10 and >11 d, the characteristic circulation patterns gradually developed 3 and 6 d in advance, respectively. When events lasting >21 d reached their peak intensity, a robust and stable 500 hPa positive geopotential height anomaly over the North Pacific established a circulation pattern conducive to the sustained influence of cold air. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Late Holocene climate change recorded by grain size and trace elements in sediments from the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert SHAO Junjie, TAO Tonglian, LI Zhizhong 2025, 42 (5):  788-799.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.02 Abstract ( 30 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (15763KB) ( 5 )   The Gurbantunggut Desert, significantly influenced by westerly circulation, is a major source of sand and dust in the arid zone of Central Asia. However, debates persist regarding climatic dry-wet fluctuations and aeolian sand changes in the desert throughout the Holocene. This study focuses on two representative dune (sand ridge) profiles located at the southern edge of the desert. Optically stimulated luminescence dating was employed to establish an age scale for these profiles. We analyzed the particle size of wind deposits, the content of trace elements, and the ratios of these elements as environmental proxies to extract information on paleoclimate changes recorded in the dune depositional sequences. The findings indicate significant alterations in paleoclimate and the intensity of wind and sand activities since the Late Holocene in the study area. Between approximately 4.71 and 2.15 ka, the climate fluctuated between warm and cold periods, characterized by aridity and minimal precipitation, alongside notable variations in wind and sand activity. From 2.15 to 0.75 ka, the climate transitioned to a warmer and wetter state, accompanied by a decline in wind and sand activity. In the period from 0.75 ka to the present, strong wind and sand activities were observed during the early Little Ice Age, followed by a shift toward a warmer and drier climate in subsequent years. The temperature changes in the study area generally align with global trends. However, humidity fluctuations and variations in aeolian activity intensity exhibit distinct regional characteristics. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Land and Water Resources

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Chemical characteristics of groundwater and carbon cycle in desert areas: A case study of the eastern region of Ulan Buh Desert JI Yaxin, LI Lu, YANG Xuedong, HOU Fulai, ZHANG Meng, DONG Shaogang 2025, 42 (5):  800-809.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.03 Abstract ( 25 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (6153KB) ( 10 )   The desert groundwater exhibits a substantial storage capacity and a high concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Understanding the mechanisms governing carbon migration and transformation in desert groundwater is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the global carbon cycle. Based on groundwater flow system theory, this study collected 50 groundwater samples from the eastern part of the Ulan Buh Desert, Inner Mongolia, China. A combination of statistical analysis, Piper three-line diagram, Gibbs diagram, and hydrogeochemical modeling was employed to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area and the mechanisms of carbon migration and transformation during groundwater flow. The results indicate that the groundwater in the study area is generally weakly alkaline. Unconfined water is classified as brackish, whereas confined water ranges from fresh to brackish. The dominant hydrochemical types are Cl-Ca∙Mg and Cl-Na. The groundwater chemistry is primarily influenced by evaporation concentration and water-rock interactions. The total carbon sequestration flux of phreatic water in the eastern Ulan Buh Desert ranges from 4.26-5.39 g·m-2·a-1. Among this, carbon uptake via water-rock interactions accounts for 1.14 g·m-2·a-1, while carbon input from precipitation recharge through the vadose zone contributes 3.12-4.25 g·m-2·a-1. These findings suggest that groundwater in the eastern Ulan Buh Desert exhibits a significant “carbon sink” effect, providing empirical evidence for the role of desert groundwater in the global carbon cycle. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on region-scale soil moisture measurements using mobile cosmic-ray neutron technology WU Shaoxiong, MA Dengke, CHEN Kun, JI Guiping, HE Zhibin 2025, 42 (5):  810-819.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.04 Abstract ( 21 )   HTML ( 9 )   PDF (5406KB) ( 8 )   Cosmic-ray neutron technology (CRNT) is a new method for soil moisture monitoring within at the hectometer scale, and has broad application prospects in ecology, agriculture, hydrology, and meteorology. This technology enables the “upscaling” of soil moisture measurements combined with mobile devices, providing better support for the production activities of modern large-scale agricultural, forestry, and pastoral enterprises. This study conducted the experiments of region-scale soil moisture measurements in the Baijitan National Nature Reserve in Lingwu, Ningxia, using a mobile CRNT. A total of 378 soil samples were collected from 14 large plots for neutron intensity calibration and soil moisture validation. After correcting for atmospheric pressure, air humidity, and incident neutron intensity based on the measured neutron intensity, the final calibrated neutron intensity N0 was 375 cpm. The validation results indicated that CRNT has high measurement accuracy for soil moisture (RMSE=0.01 g·g-1), the CRNT technology was suitable for soil moisture measurements in arid regions. The soil moisture inverted in the study area ranged from 0 to 0.15 g·g-1. Within the effective detection depth of the CRNT, soil moisture was converted into soil water storage, which was approximately 27.1 mm in the 0-30 cm layer of the area. Higher soil moisture was measured in areas near reservoirs or areas with dense vegetation. This study can enrich the methods for assessing regional soil water resources and provide technical references for scientific research on terrestrial surface ecosystems in arid regions. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Estimation of soil NOX emissions in the deserts and surrounding areas of Northern China ZHOU Fei, WANG Changyan, WANG Fang, WU Qiaoli, SU Xiaoli, ZHANG Daizhou, WU Feng 2025, 42 (5):  820-828.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.05 Abstract ( 25 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (7966KB) ( 7 )   Previous studies have demonstrated that notable amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted from desert surfaces, and these emissions likely play a crucial role in the atmospheric reactive nitrogen cycle within the desert regions. However, quantitative assessments of NOX emissions in these regions are scarce, which limits our understanding of the environmental consequences thereof. This study aimed to quantify the soil NOX emission fluxes in the deserts and surrounding areas of Northern China to provide a basis for understanding the ecological benefits of desert NOX emissions. Based on the law of conservation of mass, we utilized NO2 vertical column density (NO2VCD) data from the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5P satellite for the deserts and surrounding areas of Northern China. The study quantified the soil NOX emission fluxes by subtracting the effects of atmospheric horizontal transport, diffusion, chemical transformation, deposition, and anthropogenic emissions of regional NOX. The results revealed the following: (1) The mean soil NOX emission flux in the deserts and surrounding areas of Northern China is 17.6 ng·m-2·s-1, ranging from 0 to 85 ng·m-2·s-1. Lower emission fluxes were predominantly observed in the central regions of the desert, whereas the Gobi surrounding the desert exhibited higher emission fluxes. (2) Among the different desert areas studied, the Badain Jaran Desert and surrounding areas have a mean emission flux of 13.1 ng·m-2·s-1, which is significantly lower than the 26.0 ng·m-2·s-1 emission flux observed in the Tengger Desert and surrounding areas (P<0.0001). This study provides a robust estimation of the soil NOX emission fluxes in the deserts and surrounding areas of Northern China, thereby enhancing our understanding of how desert ecosystems contribute to atmospheric chemistry and laying a solid foundation for future research in desert atmospheric chemistry. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Evaluation of water and soil resources carrying capacity based on the DPSIR-Cloud Model coupling: A case study of the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia TU Yike, HAN Wenguang, ZHANG Erdong, LI Hao, REN Li, LI Qiongfang 2025, 42 (5):  829-839.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.06 Abstract ( 22 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (5253KB) ( 7 )   The analysis of water and soil resources carrying capacity (WSRCC) is of significant theoretical and practical importance for the rational development and utilization of resources and promoting their coordinated development. This study focuses on the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia, China. Under the DPSIR model framework, a WSRCC evaluation index system was established, comprising five criterion layers: Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response. The WSRCC was comprehensively assessed using the cloud model based on a combination weighting method, and key obstacle factors were identified using an obstacle degree model. The results indicate that: (1) The combination weighting method optimizes the calculation of comprehensive indicator weights, enhancing the scientific accuracy of the evaluation results. (2) In 2023, the WSRCC in the irrigation area remained in a balanced state, reflecting a dynamically coordinated relationship between the water-soil system and socio-economic development. (3) The influence of each subsystem exhibits significant heterogeneity, with the obstacle degree weight of the Driving Force subsystem reaching 33.19%, while that of the Response subsystem is only 4.43%. (4) The water-soil resources matching coefficient is identified as the primary limiting factor. Thus, priority should be given to optimizing indicators within the Driving Force subsystem, while simultaneously improving those in the Pressure, State, and Impact subsystems. The DPSIR-cloud model coupling approach proposed in this study provides a novel methodological framework for WSRCC assessment in arid regions and offers valuable insights for enhancing the sustainable utilization of water and soil resources in the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Plant Ecology

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Method for estimating the diameter of Pinus tabulaeformis roots based on ground penetrating radar WANG Bo, ZHANG Jianjun, ZHANG Haiqiang, LAI Zongrui, ZHAO Jiongchang, YANG Zhou, LU Shanhong 2025, 42 (5):  840-851.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.07 Abstract ( 24 )   HTML ( 11 )   PDF (13352KB) ( 8 )   The coarse roots play a significant role in supporting the plants and holding the soil firmly. However, in the evaluation of ecosystems, it is still impossible to determine the biomass of the coarse roots precisely and quickly. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), as an efficient and non-destructive geophysical technique, can non-destructively detect the information of soil roots. In this study, Pinus tabulaeformis root growth simulation experiment was conducted in the Caijiachuan River Basin of Jixian County, Shanxi Province, China using ground-penetrating radar. With the aid of the EKKO-Project software, the reflection wave parameters, wave velocity and time difference values of the ground-penetrating radar were extracted to establish a root diameter fitting model. The accuracy and reliability of three root diameter estimation methods, namely the reflection wave parameter method, the double-layer curve method and the three-dimensional depth slice method, under different depths, different root diameters and different antenna frequencies were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that: (1) Among the four reflected wave parameters of GPR, total time interval (ΣT) and root diameter have the best fitting effect, R2=0.7233, P<0.05. (2) Among the three methods for estimating root diameters of ground-penetrating radar, when the antenna frequency is 500 MHz, the double-layer curve method has the best fitting effect (P<0.05). (3) The results of the three-dimensional depth slice root diameter fitting show that the detection and identification effect of the 1000 MHz frequency antenna is better than that of the 500 MHz antenna. The average relative errors between the actual root diameters and the estimated root diameters are 3.0 cm and 8.7 cm respectively, and the fitting reliability is poor. In conclusion, the accuracy of the three root diameter estimation methods based on ground-penetrating radar technology varies greatly. The double-layer curve method has the best accuracy for estimating the root diameters of Pinus tabulaeformis in the study area, and it can be used preferentially in practical applications. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of saline-alkali stress on the fine root growth and photosynthetic physiological characteristics of Atriplex canescens seedlings GU Huli, ZHOU Hai, HE Zhibin, CHEN Guopeng, REN Heng, FAN Mingyan 2025, 42 (5):  852-865.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.08 Abstract ( 24 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (13915KB) ( 13 )   To determine Atriplex canescens seedlings adaptive capacity to saline-alkali stress, a pot-controlled experiment was carried out to investigate their responses in biomass allocation, root architecture, photosynthetic physiology, and water use efficiency under gradient saline-alkali concentrations. The study found that (1) a saline-alkali stress of 0-100 mmol·L-1, significantly increased the fine root length, fine root surface area, specific root length, specific root area, root tissue density, total root length, total root volume, total root surface area, and total root mean diameter of Atriplex canescens seedlings. (2) When the solution concentration exceeded 150 mmol·L-1, all biomass and root metrics decreased dramatically as the saline-alkali stress concentration increased over time. (3) The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance all decreased with the duration of saline-alkali stress, and the degree of decrease was positively linked with solution concentration. (4) As stress duration increased, both instantaneous and intrinsic water use efficiency improved. The study revealed the relationship between the growth of Atriplex canescens seedlings in response to different saline-alkali stress concentrations and stress durations, as well as a scientific basis for Atriplex canescens seedlings adaptive growth for saline-alkali land management. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Population structure and dynamic characteristics of Haloxylon in Ganjiahu Nature Reserve ZHAO Yueyue, LI Zihan, WU Shuang, XING Shaohua 2025, 42 (5):  866-874.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.09 Abstract ( 24 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (10861KB) ( 5 )   To examine the structure and dynamics of the Haloxylon forest in Ganjiahu, 52 plots measuring 20 m×20 m were established in the nature reserve. Through sample plot analysis and data statistics, the static life table of the Haloxylon population was compiled, a survival curve was drawn, and the quantitative dynamic change of the population was determined. The results indicated that: (1) The population structure of Haloxylon was growing, and the number of young individuals (Ⅰ-Ⅳ age classes, basal diameter 0-12 cm) accounted for 81.05% of the total number of individuals in the population. (2) The death rate in the Ⅴ (12-15 cm), Ⅵ (15-18 cm), and Ⅶ (18-21 cm) age classes of the Haloxylon population was higher, showing a significant fluctuation, and its survival curve was close to Deevey-Ⅱ. (3) The quantitative dynamic index of the Haloxylon population (Vpi and V′pi) was greater than 0, and the probability of risk assumed (Pmax) was 0.09, indicating that the population was of a growth type and could resist interference. (4) Following 2-10 age classes in the future, the number of individuals in the remaining age classes exhibited an increasing trend to varying degrees, except that the number of individuals in the second age class (3-6 cm) decreased after two age classes. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Characterization of environmental factors and bacterial community composition in rhizosphere soil of wild Pleurotus ferulae in Xinjiang Ili WANG Guangquan, Muguli MUHAXI, Oren AKHBERDI, Mayira TURDIBEK, ZHANG Xuemei, PANG Kejian 2025, 42 (5):  875-884.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.10 Abstract ( 19 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (5560KB) ( 5 )   In order to reveal the characteristics of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities of wild, Pleurotus ferulae in Ili region, Xinjiang, China and their interaction mechanisms with soil environmental factors, and to break through the bottlenecks of artificial domestication, this study integrated soil physicochemical analysis, soil enzyme activity assays, and Illumina high-throughput sequencing to compare the microecological differences between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. The results revealed that the pH of rhizosphere soil of P. ferulae was significantly lower than that of non-rhizosphere soil, and organic matter, available nitrogen/phosphorus, and enzyme activities were markedly higher than those of non-rhizosphere soil, indicating a synergistic regulation of nutrient cycling by the host and associated microorganisms. Sequencing identified 1895 bacterial Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), with 156 unique to the rhizosphere and 102 unique to non-rhizosphere soils. Bacteroidetes (14.26%), Gemmatimonadetes (4.87%), and Verrucomicrobia (1.24%) were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soil. Specific genera such as Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium may support the growth of P. ferulae through organic matter degradation and plant growth-promoting functions. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) revealed that organic matter, available nitrogen and phosphorus, and β-Glucosidase were key factors driving community structure (cumulative explanation >70%). Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria were linked to carbon and nitrogen cycling, whereas Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi were associated with pH adaptability. In artificial cultivation, it is recommended to simulate a near-neutral pH environment in rhizosphere soil, enhance organic matter supplementation, and inoculate functional microbiota to optimize mycelial colonization efficiency. These results provide a theoretical basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of P. ferulae. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of the expression patterns of the heat-resistant gene of Syntrichia caninervis under different abiotic stresses based on RT-qPCR technology HUO Wenting, GU Tianqi, GAO Mengyu, SONG Yanfang, LI Hongbin, ZHUO Lu 2025, 42 (5):  885-894.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.11 Abstract ( 25 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (4979KB) ( 5 )   Based on transcriptomic data of the desiccation-tolerant moss Syntrichia caninervis under prior 55 ℃ heat stress, this study employed real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to investigate the expression patterns of nine heat-responsive differentially expressed genes (ScLEA14, ScGSTF11, ScHSP70-17, ScHsfB4b, ScMYB117, ScGLK1, ScERF039, ScERF016, and ScbHLH104) under high temperature, drought-rehydration, and NaCl stress conditions. The aim was to validate the reliability of RNA-Seq data and provide theoretical support for subsequent functional studies on stress-resistant genes in S. caninervis. Results demonstrated that: (1) The expression profiles of all nine genes under high-temperature stress exhibited substantial concordance with RNA-Seq data, confirming the stability of transcriptomic sequencing. (2) Under extreme heat and drought-rehydration stresses, all genes were differentially induced, with three genes attaining peak expression levels following 24-hour drought treatment, while eight genes displayed more prominent transcriptional activation during the rehydration phase. (3) NaCl stress triggered significant upregulation of all nine thermotolerance-associated genes, with six genes demonstrating statistically robust induction. Thus, the results demonstrate that the three genes ScLEA14, ScMYB117, and ScERF016 are strongly induced under extreme high temperature, drought-rehydration, and NaCl-induced high salinity stress, highlighting their potential as key candidate genes for further investigation into stress resistance mechanisms. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of levelling stubble on the growth of shrub communities and carbon sequestration in the shallow mountain belt of the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains LIU Xin, ZHANG Yutao, SHI Qingdong, LI Jimei, SUN Xuejiao 2025, 42 (5):  895-906.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.12 Abstract ( 25 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (7528KB) ( 8 )   This study aims to investigate the effects of stumping on the growth and carbon sequestration capacity of shrub communities in the low mountain belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Within the shrub communities of Berberis atrocarpa, Rosa platyacantha and Spiraea hypericifolia, four different stumping height treatments were set up: complete stumping (QP), leaving 1/2 of the original plant height (LG1/2), leaving 1/4 of the original plant height (LG1/4), and an un-coppiced control (CK). The growth indices of the shrub communities (ground diameter, crown width, dead branch ratio, and new branch length), carbon sequestration, and changes in soil microbial and enzyme activities were monitored. The results showed that: (1) The growth indices of the shrub communities were most responsive to the QP treatment, with new branch height increasing by 109.2% and the dead branch ratio decreasing by 88.1%, resulting in significant differences in the QP treatment. (2) The QP, LG1/2, and LG1/4 treatments increased the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) of the shrub communities by 195.3%, 157.6%, and 177.4%, respectively, and decreased ecosystem respiration (ER) by 51.2%, 51.7%, and 66.5%, respectively, and soil respiration (RS) by 67.4%, 49.6%, and 12.2%, respectively. The carbon exchange of the shrub communities under the three stumping treatments showed significant differences compared with the control. (3) stumping significantly increased soil carbon content and enzyme activity in the shrub communities, and soil carbon exchange was significantly positively correlated with soil biotic factors (microbial biomass carbon, soil organic carbon, and soil enzyme activity). In conclusion, rational stumping measures can effectively enhance the growth and carbon sequestration capacity of shrub communities in the low mountain belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Complete stumping (QP) is the most effective in promoting shrub community growth and enhancing carbon sink function in this area, and it has a positive effect on mitigating the increase of CO2 in the regional atmosphere. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Ecology and Environment

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Evaluation of water resources carrying capacity and development threshold in provincial capitals and typical cities of Northwest China from 2010 to 2022 LIU Lajun, YUAN Xiuliang, JING Changqing, PAN Changxiang 2025, 42 (5):  907-921.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.13 Abstract ( 25 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (9229KB) ( 8 )   Based on the four dimensions of water resources, society, economy, and ecology, this study constructs an evaluation system for water resources carrying capacity. It uses the improved Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model to evaluate the water resources carrying capacity of capital cities and typical cities in Northwest China from 2010 to 2022. The Bayesian optimization algorithm is introduced for the first time to optimize the allocation of water resources, and the threshold of water resources supportable development for each industry is calculated accordingly. The results show that: (1) The average water resources carrying capacity of provincial capitals and typical cities in Northwest China from 2010 to 2022 falls between 0.3 and 0.5, indicating a medium level. With the exception of Shizuishan, Xi’an, and Yinchuan, the water resources carrying capacity of other cities shows a significant upward trend (P<0.05). (2) The water resources dimension has the greatest impact on the water resources carrying capacity, followed by the social and ecological dimensions, while the economic dimension has the least impact. (3) The optimal allocation results based on 2022 data show a decrease in agricultural and ecological water consumption, while industrial and domestic water consumption have significantly increased. The estimated comprehensive benefits and total GDP of each city under the optimal water allocation are better than the current situation. Among them, the optimization effect of Shizuishan City is the most significant, with a 41.49% increase in comprehensive benefit score. This study provides a scientific basis for the sustainable development, utilization, and rational optimal allocation of water resources in capital cities and typical cities in Northwest China. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Spatial-temporal pattern and driving force analysis of NDVI in Xinjiang from 2001 to 2023 CHEN Zhen, CAI Zhaozhao, MA Nan, DAI Shuo, WANG Zhenlu 2025, 42 (5):  922-932.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.14 Abstract ( 29 )   HTML ( 13 )   PDF (10191KB) ( 7 )   Based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 2001 to 2023, the temporal and spatial variation trend of NDVI in Xinjiang, China was explored, and the NDVI driving factors were explored by using the optimal parameter geodetector. The results showed that: (1) From 2001 to 2023, the annual average NDVI in Xinjiang was relatively low, ranging from 0.087 to 0.106. The overall trend showed a fluctuating upward trend, and the vegetation coverage improved. The area with slightly significant or above increased accounted for 52.12%. (2) In terms of spatial distribution, NDVI has obvious heterogeneity, which is characterized by ‘high in northwest and low in southeast’. NDVI is relatively stable as a whole, and the weak variation area accounts for 60.64%, mainly distributed in the basin area. In the future trend of vegetation change, the area from improvement to degradation accounted for 58.24%, indicating that the overall vegetation cover in Xinjiang may show a negative trend in the future. (3) NDVI is mainly affected by vegetation type, land use type and soil type which are the main driving factors of vegetation change in Xinjiang. Under the two-factor interaction, the q value was the highest after the interaction of vegetation type and soil type, while the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and radiation had the least impact on NDVI. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Characteristics of wind velocity pulsation of transverse ridge microtopography LI Xiuming, JIA Wenru, LI Shengyu, WANG Cui, WANG Shijie 2025, 42 (5):  933-943.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.15 Abstract ( 24 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (12735KB) ( 8 )   Wind velocity pulsation is the primary aerodynamic factor affecting near-surface wind velocity and erosive force. It is of great significance to study the wind velocity pulsation characteristics near-surface of ridge microtopography for understanding the wind erosion prevention effect of ridge farmland. This paper used wind tunnel experiment to measure the near-surface wind velocity under ridge microtopography conditions，and analyzed the characteristics of the wind velocity pulsation. The results showed that wind velocity pulsation intensity (uv) near-surface first sharply decreases and then gradually increases from the top of the upwind ridge to the top of the downwind ridge, and then decreases again before the downwind ridge. The maximum intensity of wind velocity pulsation (uv_max) under different incoming wind velocities is between 0.59 m·s-1 and 2.42 m·s-1, with most occurrences between measuring points 3H and 5H (H: ridge height). The average intensity of wind velocity pulsation (uv_ave) between adjacent ridges increases initially and then decreases with the increase of measurement height and ridge spacing, with the uv_max appearing at a height approximately equivalent to the ridge height. uv_ave showes an increasing trend with increasing incoming frictional wind velocity and ridge height. The uv_ave at a height of 1 cm decreases exponentially with increasing ridge density, and increases linearly with increasing incoming frictional wind velocity. The variation pattern of the uv_ave can reveal the differences in wind erosion distribution. When the ridge density is controlled within 1-2 ridges·m-1, it can effectively enhance the effectiveness of wind erosion prevention. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Distribution characteristics and sources of heavy metals in soil around Wucaiwan mining area in Zhundong YANG Yanyan, CHEN Xing, WANG Ze, KE Yihao, LI Qinglin, HAO Xiangxue, WANG Ruoxin, SUN Can 2025, 42 (5):  944-956.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.16 Abstract ( 28 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (8902KB) ( 10 )   This study focuses on the surface soils around the Wucaiwan mining Area in Zhundong, Xinjiang, Chian. By integrating multiple methods, including Kriging interpolation, the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index method, the potential ecological risk index method, and the Positive Matrix Factorization model, the spatial distribution, pollution levels, ecological risks, and sources of seven heavy metals (Hg, Cr, As, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd) in the study area were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that the pollution levels of the heavy metals, in descending order, are Hg>Cr>As>Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd. Notably, 100% of the sampling points for Hg, As, 98% for Cr, and 86% for Pb exceed the regional soil background values of Xinjiang, highlighting significant potential pollution risks. Source apportionment reveals that the primary sources of heavy metals in the surface soil of the study area are industrial emissions (23.3%), traffic emissions (14.6%), combustion sources (19.0%), natural sources (19.9%), and atmospheric deposition (23.2%). These findings provide a robust scientific basis and significant guidance for the remediation and management of heavy metal-contaminated soils in coal mining areas of Xinjiang. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics