Spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of the potential wind erosion rate in the Hexi region, PR China

To reduce the damage caused by wind erosion, the accurate evaluation of wind erosion dynamics and revelation of their driving mechanism are crucial. In this study, the revised wind erosion equation was applied for the estimation of the potential wind erosion rate (PWER) from 1982 to 2015 in the Hexi region, China. Geographic detection, variable control, and correlation analysis were used to determine the contributions of climatic factors and land use patterns to wind erosion. The results showed that the PWER decreased remarkably from 1982 to 2015 (annual average of 67.7 t ha(-1)yr(-1)for the entire region). Each year a severe and a mild wind erosion period occurred from October to May and from June to September, respectively. Spatially, the PWER was strong in the eastern, western, and northern regions (especially in the west) and less severe in the central and southern regions, and there was a decreasing tendency in 95% of the area. The PWER of Mongolia (north) was highest, while that of Minle was lowest. Climatic factors primarily determined the PWER in Hexi, among which wind speed was the main factor controlling the intensity of wind erosion. The area with a land use inhibiting wind erosion (3,240 km(2)) was four times larger than that with a land use promoting wind erosion (800 km(2)). Meanwhile, the total area with a changing land cover was less than 2% of the study area; therefore, this factor did not significantly affect the PWER in the short term.

Automated summary

Accurate evaluation of wind erosion dynamics and understanding their driving mechanisms is crucial for reducing damage caused by wind erosion. This study in the Hexi region of China from 1982 to 2015 found a significant decrease in potential wind erosion rates, primarily influenced by climatic factors and land use patterns, with wind speed being the main factor controlling the intensity of wind erosion.