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	"Progress in Geography", an academic journal, by Geography Institute,CAS. The English Version is under construction. Here offered are English abstracts. WElCOME!
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Vol. 25 (2000£©No. 5

A Conceptual Analysis of Karst Ecosystem Fragility

by LI Yangbing, SHAO Jingan, WANG Shijie, WEI Chaofu

Abstract: Assessing the fragility of ecosystem has an important role to sustainable ecosystem management. Karst environments, unique from other environments, is one kind of typical fragile ecosystem and key eco-region in China. Based on a critical review of current research about karst ecohydrological processes, soil fragility, vegetation characteristics, and the reciprocity of water, soil and plant in karst ecosystem, we developed an indicator system for assessing the fragility of degraded karst ecosystems, which including ecological structure fragility, ecological processes fragility, ecological function fragility and artificial menace fragility of karst ecosystem.. Therefore, the evaluation indicator should explain the change and diversity of ecological structure, ecological process and ecological function. According to this principle, some index such as structure stability, diversity of microhabitat type, energy utility and accumulation, direct use value, the degree and speed of karst rocky desertification was chosen. Furthermore, the fragility of degraded karst ecosystems was divided into four levels by this assessment system as follows: slight fragility, medium fragility, severe fragility and ecosystem collapse compared with the ecological baseline of undisturbed karst nature ecosystem.

Principles and Systems of Landscape Ecological Regionalization

by LI Zhengguo, WANG Yanglin, Chang Hsiaofei, WU Jiansheng

Abstract: Landscape ecological system is composed of ordered horizontal levels. The relationships of landscape structures and functions are distinct in different temporal and spatial scales, and it is useful to integrate hierarchy and components of landscape by regionalization concept. In this paper, the background and concept of the delineation of ecosystems were advanced. The principle of landscape heterogeneity on which the delineation is operated was also addressed. It was pointed out that the change from a framework based on a single natural indicator to another based on the integrated ecosystem approach reflects the progress in the understanding of human-nature reconciliation and the balance between biodiversity conversation and sustainable use of natural resources. On the basis of ecosystem integrity, a framework for the landscape ecological regionalization systems was recommitted, which followed the principles of hierarchy, multi-scale, origin-coherence, interdependence between landscape pattern and function, interaction among landscape functions and integrality of delineation units.
¡¡¡¡Under these principles, the main scientific issues to be discussed were as follows: (1) the theory and system of comprehensive regionalization; (2) the changing processes, patterns and their interactions of the main elements in regional system; (3) the identification of the boundaries between the regional systems; and(4) the construction of the organizational levels of the system. Then, the differences and relationships among the landscape ecological regionalization and the natural regionalization, economical regionalization and the ecological regionalization were given. Finally, the paper assumed the application of landscape ecological regionalization theory in national, regional and watershed levels.

Landscape Assessment on Impacts of the Hydroelectric Development in the Valley Region¡ª¡ªCase Study of Nujiang River

LIU¡¡Hailong£¬Li Dihua£¬Huang Gang

Abstract£ºThe understanding of hydroelectric construction is becoming comprehensive from eco-environmental and socio-economic perspectives. Positive influences occur on one hand and negative on the other hand. Hydroelectric development can cause great changes to valley landscape but landscape assessment on its impacts is weak in past studies. Many arguments have emerged concerning the planned 13 multilevel hydroelectric constructions in Nujiang River of China, called ¡°the last natural big river in China without dams¡±. These arguments have had impacts not only on the environment issues but also on the landscape ones, thus becoming extremely important. After briefly summarizing the significance and relative concepts of landscape impact assessment, this paper explores theories and methods at this point and designs a series of landscape impact assessment parameters such as the View Shed Loss, the Visual Disturbance Scope of dams, the Altitude Loss, the Sight Spots Loss and the Rush Flow Loss. Based on the concept of different levels of landscape impact of Nujiang River Valley, this paper classifies the landscape impacts into holistic and partial types, then utilizes GIS simulation and calculation of parameters to analyze alterations before and after the rising of water level for the whole valley and individual sites, and demonstrates the suitability of each dam site. Finally, this paper indicates that the hydroelectric power development in valley region such as Nujiang River should be especially circumspect, its decision-making should be based on comprehensive environmental impact assessment in which landscape assessment is included, and rigorous legislation also should be established gradually.

The Characteristics of Landscape Patterns in Karst Area of Chongqing, China

SHAO Jing¡¯an, LI Yangbing, WEI Chaofu, XIE Deti

Abstract: There is an even poorer understanding of the characteristics of landscape in southwestern karst area, China, particularly in Chongqing. The objective of this paper was to measure the framework of landscape patterns in karst area of Chongqing, and to determine the factors to drive the changes in landscape patterns. The results showed that landscape types presented unevenness tendencies, and several dominated preferably. Landscape mosaic patches had complex geological shape, lower isolation, unobvious fragment, and fragmentation. And further their spatial heterogeneities were much lower. The value of landscape diversity all distributed at average position of maximum landscape diversity 2.81 in each karst subarea of Chongqing. Similarly, one or several landscape types controlled landscape patterns of each subarea. Disturbance index and relative richness were the increasing tendencies associating with the decrease of landform along the rank of I, II and III, while the reverse results occurred in heterogeneity, unevenness and dominance. There was significantly difference between fractal dimensions, and higher fluctuation between shape indexes in each subarea. Thus, the geological shape among different landscape mosaic patches was very complex, and the differences between them were very pronounced. The density and isolation of landscape mosaic patches increased along the rank of I, II and III, while the contrary results were detected in cropland, orchard land and residential and mining land. Except for water body with 63.03 edge density in III, the rest all ranged from 1.82 to 9.14. Similar landscape characteristics were observed between I and II, but the obvious differences were witnessed, when they compared with that of III. In karst area, internal geological function, under the big environmental background, controls the basic trends and processes of landscape patterns, while external dynamics, at short-term spatial-temporal scale, has become a major force in shaping the environment. This study will be useful to supply fine ground and knowledge for establishing appropriate landscape practices and evaluating ecological security in karst area.

Research on Evolution Process and Driving Factors of Forest Landscape in Nujiang Basin

ZOU Xiuping, QI Qingwen, JIANG Lili, LI Jin

Abstract: Forest ecosystem, the main terrene ecosystem, plays a key role in balancing the carbon budget and keeping the water and soil in global climate change. Nujiang basin, located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, is the main passageway and refuge for migrating species in Eurasia and is famed for its rich biodiversity. The data used in this paper is 1¡Ã100000 scale land use and land cover maps in 1985, 1995 and 2000, which are provided by Resource and Environment Database of Chinese Academy of Science. According to natural attributes, the forest was classified to four kinds, which are forestland, shrubbery, woodland, and orchard. By using spatial intersect analysis of ARCGIS 9.0, the index of relative change degree of forest land and transition matrix of forestland change type was calculated.
The researches found out: the forestland landscapes of Nujiang basin have taken great changes. The rate of forest decrease during 1995 to 2000 was much more than the rate of forest increase during 1985 to 1995, and there were 35.6% forest land which had transferred into cultivated land, glass land and construction land. Further analysis shows that the forestland change in Nujiang basin is restricted by social economy factor.

Emergy Evaluation of Miyun County as the Area of Watershed Conservation for Beijing

ZHOU Liandi, HU Yanxia, YAN Maochao, DONG Xiaobin£¬WU Zhiqiang£¬ WEI Changshan

Abstract: As economies and ecological support system become more interdependent, new disciplines are needed to ¡°bridge the gap¡± of understanding between societies and nature. It is now clear that neither ecology nor economics alone can address the problems of our global commons. New measures of wealth, of value, of contributions and production are needed that acknowledge the "natural capital" and "ecosystem services" provided from healthy environments. In order to study and view eco-economic system from a new visual angle, new tools are being invested to measure wealth, services and production fairly and equitably. Systems analysis approach is powerful to study the combined eco-economic systems of many scales. Diagramming is done with energy system symbols. The symbols each have rigorous energetic and mathematical meanings. We use an alternative measure of value, based on real contributions to system performance, termed "emergy". It is a concept which quantifies ¡°energy memory¡± in products and processes. It is a new accounting unit of total contributions, direct and indirect, used in generation of a product or service. This broader approach could help us to investigate resource utilization and potentionalities and exchange in eco-conomic systems. Emergy analysis allows comparison and incorporation of environmental costs and benefits to provide a more comprehensive perspective for public policy directives. An emergy analysis of Miyun system of economy and nature was performed in order to study its sustainability and emergy use. Indices of thermodynamic and economic vitality of Miyun were evaluated and a comparison with indices of other developed and developing areas was performed. The results show that in Miyun County the total emergy use in 2003 was 2.49¡Á1021sej, which was worth of 6.55 ¡Á108US$, and the emergy-dollar ratio was 2.99¡Á1012sej /$£¬ lower than the average emergy-dollar ratio of China. The emergy use per capita is 5.885.88¡Á1015 sej/person/a, much lower than that of Beijing(17.89¡Á1015sej/person/a). The developed carrying capacity of population is about 51¡Á104 persons. At present, the population reaches 42¡Á104, so it is important to make right policies to control population. The emergy-based sustainability index was 0.52, which means the economic increase is based on large resource consumption, so enhancing the resource utilization efficiency and establishing rational industry structures are very important for sustainable development in future.

The Study on Pattern of International Trade Geography

YU Liang, JIN Fengjun, WANG Chengjin

Abstract£ºThis study reviews the related researches about the international trade flow and globalization. With the main merchandise trade data of one hundred and three countries in year 2002, the paper researches on global and regional patterns of international trade flow and clusters with principal components analysis and primary export destiny analysis. In addition, the hierarchy of multi-layers, including core nations and trade clusters, is specially pointed out. The first-class cores are United States and Europe Union; the second-class cores are China and Japan; and the third-class cores include Russian, Korea, India, Brazil, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. The compositions of trade clusters represent the effects of several factors, such as geography, culture, economy and politics. The trade system of China Bloc is a classical system of double stars with two cores: China mainland and China Hongkong. China Hongkong plays a quite important transfer role in the trade network of China. China Taiwan area doesn¡¯t have a corresponding important status with its competitive economic capability. And a few predictions are also given on the trend of world merchandise trade system.

THE MAIN FIELDS OF STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTª²HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN 21TH CENTURY IN CHINA

by Wang Wuyi, Li Ribang, Tan Jian'an

The main fields of the study on environmentª²human health and development in 21t h Century in China are briefly discussed in the paper. The main fields include: (1) To control the endemic diseases caused by chemical factors in the environme nt, the protective methods which is applicable to local environmental condition s must be adopted;(2) The risks to human health fro m contaminants in water, air, food or commercial products have arised more atten tion, the study of human populations exposed to potential environmental hazards should be developed; (3) Some citizens are more at risk from urbanization due to the change of lifestyle factors, therefore, the way to protect human health in t he process of economic development and urbanization should be explored.ª¤

A STUDY ON THE RELIABILITY OF TREEª²RING DATA--AN EXAMPLE OF HUASHAN PINE FROM SHAANXI

by Wu Xiangding and Shao Xuemei

Using treeª²ring chronologies of width, maximum and minimum desity for Huashan P ine from Huashan, Shaanxi, and the treeª²growth model, the response of tree radi al growth to climate factors (e.g., air temperature and precipitation) was studi ed. The results show that various growth indices can be confirmed by each other, which indicates that treeª²ring indices are reliable proxy data for climate cha nge sutdy. This emphasizes that it is necessary to use various treeª²ring data t o perform study and provides a solid basis for climate reconstruction.

Building Weathering and the Geomorphology Study

by Zhu Liping

Stone weathering is one of the important contents of geomorphology, but the study of its mechanism can be also applied to the weathering of building materials and their resistance to the environmental damage. This paper, based upon some documents related to the weathering of the building materials, suggested that the thought and experiments of the weathering of the building materials are very helpful to the weathering theories of the geomorphology study. With the development of the environmental pollution, the study of the stone weathering not only aim at geomorphology theories, but also serve the applying of the building weathering and its protection.ª¤ª¤

PROGRESS IN RESEARCH OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION

by Yang Qinye, Zhao Shanlun, Ye Qinghuaª¤

Over the past decade, the research of environmental critical situation has captu red the interests of the scientific community and has made considerable headway. Some issues of environmental situation, the concept of the environmental c riticality, the research work at present, forces driving environmental change an d societal responses have summarized in this paper. And this paper points out th at c ritical environment does exist in the world, but is always ignored easily, so we have to pay full attention to this. According the process of international and national research, social and economic factors should be fully considered in the research of environmental criticality which needs analyzing together with regio nal sustainable development and global change.

STUDY ON THE CONTENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF CONTAMINATION IN SOILª²PLANT SYSTEM IN BAIYANGDIAN REGION

by Zhang Xiumei, Tang Yijian, Zhang Shen

In this paper, the content and distribution of pollutants in soilª²plant system typically polluted by irrigating farmland soil are discussed. The results show that some heavy metals accumulate in the soil. So far, it hasn't brought about obvious endanger to plants in farmland and majority of heavy metals accumulate in the roots. It is one of feasible sewage revitalizing ways to enhance sewage irrigating management, by using farmland as the treatment system to eliminate pollution in foul water.ª¤

RESEARCH ON RESPONSES OF VEGETATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

by Chen Yufengª¤

More attentions have been attracted to the relationship between vegetation and c limate by geographers, ecologists, which has been listed one of core projects of IGBP. In this paper, the main progresses of researches on responses of vegetati on to climate change are reflected from the three temporal scales of past, curre nt and future, especially, the basic regimes of impacts of future climate change to vegetation are set forth.ª¤ª¥

RESEARCH ON THE RESPONSE OF VEGETATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE: MODELING

by Chen Yufeng

As an important idea and methodology on modeling of the response of vegetation t o cl imate change, predictive vegetation mapping (PVM) has been attracted for the stu dies on the impacts of global climate change by many foreign ecologists and geog raphers. This paper introduces briefly the processes of PVM studies, summarizes the methodology of PVM, and then discusses the role of PVM to model the response of vegetation to climate change. Especially, in this paper, the role of geoª²in formation system (GIS) to model the response of vegetation to climate change is emphasized, and the methodology and process of vegetationª²climate modeling by G IS are induced.

PERSPECTIVE OF HOT PROBLEMS IN CONTEMPORARY ECOLOGY

by Zhang Jiaen and Xu Qi

Since 1980s, especially during the recent years, because of needs of global envi ronment problems and its sustainable development, ecology has changed greatly in its study content, direction, attempt, scale and methodology, and a lot of new study fields have appeared, which include global change, sustainable development , biodi versity, landscape ecology, wetland ecology, degradation of ecosystem, restorati on ecology, ecological engineering, ecological economics, etc.. This paper gives a sketchy review on the above hot ecological study fields with an attempt to pr ovide some guides for ecological researchers.

PROGRESS OF THE RESEARCH ON LIVING CONTOUR HEDGES IN IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY OF SLOPING LAND UTILIZATION

by Liu Xuejun and Li Xiubin

As a special form of agroforestry, living contour hedge is effective in en hancing the sustainability of sloping land utilization, in a way that soil and w ater erosion is harnessed and soil quality improved. This paper discusses some principal issues in the development of the technology. Then it reviews the progr ess of researches on these issues, involving species choice, hedge design and ma nagement, and evaluation of ecological and economic benefits. Problems and exten sion limits are also discussed and the appropriate extension areas are proposed.

SPATIO-TEMPORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ALPINE MEADOW ON THE QINGHAI-TIBETAN PLATEAU

by Wang Xiuhongª¤

The paper first analyzes the continuity and discontinuity between alpine meadow and its neighboring landscapes, secondly studies the upper and lower limit distr ibution of the alpine meadow and their related determining factors, thirdly stud ies the dynamic change of the alpine meadow ecosystem.

A STUDY ON THE THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF MINEDª²LAND

by Long Hualouª¤

Taking sunk land of coal mines in Huaibei and Tongshan as examples, this paper s tudies the changes of minedª²land landscape in mined area; how to apply the theo ries of landscape ecology to conduct landscape ecological reconstruction on mine dª²land, is also explored.ª¤ª¤

ASSESSMENT INDICATORS AND DIVISION OF HAZARD ENVIRONMENT IN THE REACHES OF YELLOW RIVER

by Lu Changhe

With comprehensive analyses of the environment and natural hazards in the reache s of Yellow River, northern China, this paper determines indicators and criteria of assessing hazard environment, and formulates the division system and method of hazard environment. According to the indicators and hazard risk, 6 hazard zon es, 14 classification regions and 31 sub-regions are identified in the reaches o f Yellow River.

A STUDY ON INDEX AND METHOD OF QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT

by Zhao Yuelong and Zhang Lingjuan

In this paper, a set of index and method on assessment of fragile environment is separately established. This is a systematic, complete, objective and flexible method of assessment of Fragile Environment. And it can be easily used in pract ice. At last, its practicality and accuracy are tested by using it to assess fra gile degrees of environment within 26 provinces of China.ª¤

RESPONSE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL LEVEL FACTORS TO LANDSCAPE DISTURBANCE IN FRAGILE ECOLOGY ENVIRONMENT FROM HORQIN SANDY LAND

by Zhang Jiahua and Yao Fengmei

Fragile ecological environment is an unstable factor influencing the liveª²suppo rting environment in bad ways. Taking Horqin Sandy Land as an example, this pape r discusses a series of disturbance factors making impacts on landscape unstabil ity and changes, including ecology of individuals, population ecology, ecologica l niche, community ecology, and ecosystem. The substance of disturbance is trans mission of energy flow, matter flow, and information flow. This paper analyses t he possibility to set up landscape ecology model by different ecological dist urbance factors.

REVIEWS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ECOª²GEORAPHIC REGIONAL SYSTEM IN THE BACKGROUND OF GLOBAL CHANGE

by Zhang Juntaoª¤

It is necessary to have a suitable regionalization for researching the complicated system of manª²nature and region al sustainable development. The level of global change resarch depends on the co gnitive depth about the regional differentiation. When we have an ecoª²geograp hic regional system and inquire into its application, there will be a regional f rame for us to study the relation of regional development and terrestrial ecosys tem. This paper approaches some problems of the ecoª²geographic regionalization from several aspects.

DESERTIFICATION INDUCED BY WATER EROSION AND ITS COMBAT OF HETIAN TOWN IN CHANGDING COUNTY, FUJIAN PROVINCE

by Chen Zhiqing

Hetian Town of Changding County, Fujian Province, is a representative of deserti fication induced by water erosion in granitic hilly areas of Southern China. Two factors are accountable for the serious water erosion induced desertification. In physical aspect, the thick weathered horizona of the granite provide material basis for the development of desertification. Sufficient precipitation and high rainstorm intensity increase the water erosion intensity. In socio-economic asp ect, rapid population growth exerted pressure on land, several deforestation of forest on a large scale resulted in destruction of the vegetation. Since the fou nding of the People's Republic of China, massive prevention and control was carr ied out following the principle of scientific experiment and research in combina tion with local peoples' practice. The control and combat of desertification in duced by water erosion improved the ecological environment significantly.

A STUDY ON THE COª­2 FLUX DENSITY AND THE WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF CROP

by Yang Xiaoguang and Yu Huning

The COª­2 flux concentration gradient and microclimate characteristics of a summ er corn community were measured with an infrared COª­2 analysis system and a Bow en ratio device. The instantaneous COª­2 flux density and the water use efficie ncy of the corn canopy were calculated. The result showed that the COª­2 flux a nd COª­2 concentration gradient as well as the water use efficiency of the summe r corn community had distinct daily and seasonal change patterns. The daily cha nge of the water use efficiency was described in a 'L'type curve with a peak value around 8 a.m. in the morning. Before grain filling, the water use effi ciency increased as the corn grew, while it decreased after grain filling becaus e of the decrease of photosynthetic ability of the corn community and the increa se of respiration consumption. The water use efficiency was affected by the fac tors such as global radiation and COª­2 concentration and air saturation deficit etc. Therefore, in agricultural practice, the water use efficiency of the corn community could be raised by means of straw cover and sprinkling irrigation to reduce drive potential of transpiration.

THE ENVIRONMENT QUALITY AND THE ANALYSIS OF OBSTACLE FACTORS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH QINGHAI

by Zhao Mingcha

South Qinghai consists of Yushuzhou and Guoluozhou. It is a pure pasture area. T he paper studies the environment quality from the view point of sustainable deve lopment, and analyzes the main obstacle factors of the sustainable developm ent of ecological environments: low oxygen content, low temperature, and pastu re degradation. The low content of the oxygen has its natural reason, but the re asons of pasture degradation are bad natural conditions, rat pest and overgrazing.ª¤

EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF ENERGY CHANGE RATIO IN MODERN PLANTING--AN EXAMPLE IN LUANCHENG COUNTY, HEBEI PROVINCE

by Feng zhiming and Liu Aimin

Energy change ratio is a synthetical index to evaluate the utilization efficienc y of agricultural resources. Based on analyses of the characteristics of modern planting system, this paper discusses the characteristics of input and productio n in modern planting system in Luancheng County, Hebei Province. Result of anal yzing energy flow indicates that, after 1990's, as the input of artificial auxil iary energy, especially the industry auxiliary energy, was increased, energy res ult in system has been decreased. Improving the production construction and the input construction in system, using modern organism technology and engineer tech nology, and increasing utilization ratio on agricultural resources are keys to achieve sustainable development of modern agriculture.

THE STUDY AND TRENDS ON TERRESTRIAL CARBON CYCLE MODELS

by Wang Shaoqiang and Chen Yufengª¤

In this paper some terrestrial carbon cycle models in the world and China are in troduced. After comparing the state-of-the-art development between the world an d China, it is suggested that, on the study on terrestrial carbon cycle models i n China, the following aspects should be paid attention to: (1) Future terrestrial carbon cycle models should pay attention to the developme nt of dynamic model and be able to simulate the impacts of human activities. (2) The models are dynamic. They can reveal not only the feedback relationship b etween terrestrial carbon cycle and climate change but also the interaction betw een terrestrial and atmosphere, and predict terrestrial dynamic change and feedb ack impact in China in future. (3) The models can utilize technique and methods of Geographical Information Sys tem and Remote Sensing to provide strong pools and data. (4) The models of terrestrial carbon cycle should couple with climate models to study the impacts of climate change on terrestrial carbon cycle. Meanwhile, the models should strengthen scenario study and predict changes in future so that th e models can provide theory basis and foundation for making policy of greenhouse gas emission in China.

A STUDY ON THE EROSION MODEL IN AREAS WITH HIGH AND COARSE SEDIMENT YIELD

by Li Juzhang, Jing Ke, and Li Fengxin

Many kinds of models of slope erosion have been developed in home and abroad, bu t there is not a mature model reckoning the erosion on the basin scales. Thus, s ediment discharges measured at the outlets of the basins are usually used as the volumes of sediment erosion in the basins. Taking the advantage of availability of lots of sediment barriers scattered in the middle Yellow River, an erosion m odel with a varying weight of factors was constructed in the paper through analy zing the mechanisms of influences of factors on erosion and by dividing the area s with different erosive landforms. The data of 155 barriers with 100% sediment detention efficiency were used in developing the model. These data include the a nnual volumes of sediment accumulation in each of the sediment barriers and the values of factors influencing erosion in the basins, upstream to these barriers. The factors are vegetation coverage, precipitation, density of gullies, depth of di ssection, properties of surface material, and percentage of cultivated lands in the slopes with a gradient larger than 150. The model was developed using the me thod of varying weights and has been checked up and improved by the relation bet ween annual precipitation and sediment discharge. It can be used to estimate the erosion intensity on the basin scales in the areas with high and coarse sedimen t yield.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT MODELS ON CLIMATIC CHANGES

by Zhang Xueqin and Ge Quansheng

This paper presents a brief introduction of integrated assessment models (IAM) o f climatic change. Then the Integrated Model to Assess Greenhouse Effect 2.0 (IM AGE2.0), a multiª²disciplinary, integrated model designed to simulate the dynami c of the global society-biosphere-climate system and to evaluate consequences of climate policies is introduced. This suggests that IAMs are useful tools so far to quantify as much as possible the causeª²effect relationships of the climate change problem and the cross-linkages and interactions between diverse issues co ncerned. Chinese research community should pay more attention to the development of IAMs so as to broaden our understanding of climatic change and to aid the decisi onª²making process about influences of human activities on environmental and cli matic change.

The recent development of experiment on hillslope erosion processes

by HU Shixiong and JIN Changxing

The progresses of experimental devices and skills on overland flow and hillslope processes are summarized in this paper. It shows that the tendency of rainfall simulated device and equipment is automation, large scale for whole slope experi ment and miniª²type for field simulation. The content of experiment focus on rai nfall splash, soil crusting processes, overland flow, rill erosion, gully erosio n, and the benefit of soil erosion control.ª¥ On the basis of reviewing abroad and domestic recent development of field plot e xperiment, the problems and futures of researching on these fields are put forw ard from experimental device and skill, experimental content, field plot observa tion. The main problems of experiment device include the apparatus of observing the velocity and depth of overland flow, and the laser mircoreliefmete. The fi eld plot data should pay more attention to the processes of runoff and sediment yield, so as to study the mechanism of slope erosion and build the processª²base d model of water erosion prediction. The problem urgent to be solved is the comp arability between the field and laboratory data.

The application and model of grey association for evaluation of natural disaster

by CHEN Yaning, YANG Siquan

The degree of association is a measurement of associativity among things or fact ors. In this paper, based on calculating the degree of association between the r eference sequence U0 and the comparison sequence Ui of evaluation quotas of natu ral disaster, the model of grey association for evaluation of natural disaster i s established and is applied to the disastrous degree evaluation of Xinjiang "96ª±7" floods. By using the model, the disastrous grade belonging of some region s in the Xinjiang "96ª±7" floods and the sequence of disastrous grade are made out. The results show: using the model of grey association for evaluation of na tural disaster not only can avoid the arbitrariance of artificial judgement, bu t also can accord with the facts well. So, the model of grey association is a scientific and practical way to evaluate the disastrous condition of natural di saster.

The study of environment in the Plateau of Qinª²Tibet

by NIU Yafei

The paper analyses the characteristics of nature environment in the Plateau of Q ingª²Tibet and values of environment of the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet for protectin g environment of other regions of the world, especially for the around regions. The quality of environment of the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet will affect not only th e Plateau of Qingª²Tibet but also around regions. The improvement of environment in the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet will bring not only environmental benefit to the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet, meanwhile, can also improve the environment of the aroun d regions. It is very important to protect environment of the Plateau of Qingª²T ibet for improving environment of the around regions.ª¥ At present, the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet is confronting serious environmental dete r ioration, because of the rapid population growth, low level of the agricultural production and shortage of the investment funds. The paper analyses the obstruct ion to resolve the problems of environmental deterioration in the aspects of nat ure and population factors. There have been many plans and steps for improving e nvironment in the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet, but the effects are little. It is nece ssary to evaluate the methods and policies of protecting environment in the Plat eau of Qingª²Tibet.ª¥ The author puts forward the new point of view to estimate the advantage of natur al resources and raises suitable industries on the basis of natural and social c onditions of the Plateau of Qingª²Tibet.

A Research of Environmental Conflict Factors at the North of the Yellow River

by YANG Qinye, ZHANG Haoxi, and YE Qinghua

Situated at the north of the Yellow River, the contiguous area of Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi province is playing an especially important role in the deve lopment of energy industry throughout the country and the distribution of energy base construction. But there are many acute ecological problems all through the ages because of the co-existing situations of both the affluent resources on en ergy and mine and the fragile ecological environment such as drought, moving s and by wind, and serious soil erosion, etc, which show separate relationships. W ith the exploration of coal and charcoal resources and the rapid development of energy base construction in recent years, a series of new environmental conflict s are produced and have become very important impediments of the regional sustai nable development. This paper analyzes the situations of crisis environment and the factors of environmental conflict and provides approaches to alleviating env ironmental conflict to facilitate regional sustainable development.

A Study on Demacation Indexes between Subhumid and Semiarid Sectors in China

by ZHANG Juntao and LI Zhe

The climate, vegetation, soils, and farming are obviously different between su bhumid and semiarid areas. For a long time, because of the difference of princip l es, methods, and indexes, there is divergence about the boundary line. The index es, which have been used in physico-geographical regionalization in China, have been compared. We can see that the aridity or humidity indexes, aerial relative humidity, vegetation, soil and its sectional texture, and crops had been used as the major indexes. The formula, calculating the aridity or the humidity indexes , is based on experience. The formulas computing the potential evaporation are d ifferent. At the same time, the data comes from a year, so they can not comprehe nsively mirror the seasonal change of aridity and humidity. The real moisture co ndition can not be reflected either.ª¥ The aridity and humidity of a region should be measured on the basis of moist ure balance. But its function in regionalization was limited owing to some compo nents and parameters.ª¥ In views of the above-mentioned facts, the author put forward the indexes, wh ich should be considered emphatically when a boundary line between subhumid and semiarid sectors is delimited. According to some principles and methods, it will be the prerequisite for the demarcation between subhumid and semiarid sectors t o integrate the comprehensive and the dominant factors, and select the indexes w ell.

Studying Carbon Storage Spatial Distribution of Terrestrial Natural Vegetation in China

by WANG Shaoqiang£¬ ZHOU Chenghu£¬and LUO Chengwen

The role of terrestrial ecosystems on global carbon cycle dynamics is more and m ore noticed. At present, the rate of forest cover in China is 13ª±92% and it wil l be 15% at the end of twentieth century. This is more contribued to the balance of global carbon. However, carbon fluxes of terrestrial ecosystems are not accu rately defined in China, and people do not recognize enough its importance to gl obal climate change. Not defining accurately the carbon storage of Chinese veget ation and NPP has caused a large difference in carbon flux of terrestrial ecosys tems in China. This paper adopts measured data in site and appliys technique of GIS, to acquire cover data of natural vegetation in China, and to calculate carb on and carbon density of every type of natural vegetation. The study establishs a database of terrestrial natural vegetation biomass in China. Meanwhile, we ha ve researched simply the spatial distribution of terrestrial natur al vegetation carbon storage in China Then, forest is the main body of natural v egetation in carbon cycle. This paper can provide basic data and analysis method s for global change research and scientific support for policy determination of COª­2 emission in China.

Quantative Study of Airborne Allergic Pollen

by HUANG Cixuan, CHEN Zhiqing, and MA Rui

Certain airborne allergic pollen can cause respiratory tract disease or skin dis ease to some people. This paper conducts a quantative analysis on year round ai rborne pollen collected by using Cour's interceptor from three experimental stat ions in Beijing, Yucheng and Taoyuan and identifies principal airborne allergic pollen types in these areas and the occurrence time of maximum pollen concentrat ion in a year. Based on concentration, proportion, and radius of allergic pollen as well as volume of air inhaled by adults per week averagely, the amount of al lergic pollen inhaled within a week by adults during the maximum pollinating per iod can be further calculated so as to provide quantitative data for prevention and control of allergic pollen disease. Research results indicated that the most important allergic pollen in Beijing and Yucheng of North China Plain includes that of Artemisia and Gramineae plants, belonging to summer-autumn type of aller gic pollen. Pollen of Artemisia plants in Beijing area is found to be distribute d in April to October, and peak occurs in August to September whereas peak of Gr amineae pollen is in September. Since grain crops grow more extensively in Yuche ng district, peak of Gramineae plant pollen occurs in June. The principal allerg ic pollen in Taoyuan locating in subtropical climatic zone consists of spring ty pe Cunninghamia, summer-autumn type Canabis and Artemisia. Of which the amount o f Cunninghamia pollen is very great, distributing mainly in March, the week obse rved the highest pollen concentration of Canabis and Artemisia plants is in Sept ember.ª¤

The Influence and Strategy of Global Climate Change to Agricultural Geographical Distribution

by XU Bin, XIN Xiaoping, TANG Huajun, ZHOU Qinpo, and CHEN Youqi

The change of greenhouse gases and its contribution to climate change, as well a s impact of climate change on geographical distribution of crops in China and in the world are analyzed in the paper. Temperature will increase notably wh en COª­2 concentration double the present and the trend will be more obvious in northern China.ª¥ This paper reviewed the influence of climate change on paddy, wheat and maize in different part of China. Adaptive strategy for different types of agricultural production and agroª²ecosystem in China was given, and diminution strategy such as controlling the discharge of greenhouse gas was also discussed. They include : (1) the strategies and measures of slowing down greenhouse gases discharge, fu rther divided into nonª²industry and industry gases let out. For example, to inc rease the coverage of vegetation and to control grassland degradation and desert ification are nonª²industry methods. And retarding the industry gases let out or traffic vehicles gases discharge belongs to industry method. (2) The adaptive s trategies after the greenhouse gases increase include adjusting land use and pla nt system, improving the agricultural ecological conditions and so on.

Phenological Informationalizing and Phenological Spatio-temporal Change Analysis

by LI Shengqiangª¬and ZHANG Fuchun

Phenological Information is strongly characterized by its Locality and Temporali ty. It is one of the typical spatio-temporal data, which plays an important role in global environmental change research. Strengthing the Informationalizing pro cess and spatio-temporal change analysis of phenological information are needed to exert its role in the global environmental change to the best. The article poin ts out the necessarity of phenological informationalizing. Then with plant phen ological information about 30 years, and by using GIS Method, we have carried ou t the studies on spatio-temporal query, saptio-temporal change analysis on pheno logical information.ª¤

The Ecological Environment Characteristics of Longevity Villages in Changqing County, Shandong Province

by LI Riª²bang, TIAN Jianª²an, WANG Wuª²yi, YANG Linª²sheng, and HE Yang

The ecological environment of longevity villages was investigated in Zhangxia to wn, Changqing county, Shandong province. The samples of ecoª²environmental mater ials, including from rock to soil, drinking water, grain, vegetables and hair ha ve be en collected, and determined their life elements concentration. The comparitive study on life elements content in ecoª²environmental materials in longevity vill ages with that in control villages was made in order to explore the relation bet ween environment factors and longevity. The result was shown that there are obvi ous environmental characteristics in longevity villages of Zhangxia town: (1) Th e natural environment is good and the human environment is propitious in these v illages. The weather is warm and it is very suitable for human being living. The hill is green and the water is clean in stream. The air is fresh, because th ere are few pollutants in sky. The prevailing custom is good in the villages, pe ople have respect for old persons and love for young. They all live happy; (2) T he d rinking water is got from springs with good quality. The concentration of Hª­2Si Oª­3 in the spring is high. Si can prevent heart diseases for the elder persons, and protects their health; (3) Se content is high in most materials of environm ental ecoª²system in longevity villages. Se is the component of GSH-px. GSH-px c an eliminate peroxide in body which can harm the normal structure of cell, so th at GSH-px can protect the normal physiological function of cell. The result is t hat the decrepit process of human body is delayed; (4) There are rich minerals in wood-fish stone (a metamorphic sandstone) in longevity villages. It is used f or making various tea utensils. There are various life elements in wood-fish sto ne. The essential life elements will be dissolved into tea water slowly and slow ly when making tea by that tea utensil. So that it increase the intake of life e lements in human body. Among those life element, Se, Zn and Li have the function of preventing heart diseases and against decrepit.

The Process of Waterª²heat Dissipation and ª¤ Waterª²saving Regulation in Agroecosystem

by YU Huª²ning

The situation of water resources deficiency is very scrious in the large areas o f the arid, semi arid even semihumid of Huabel Plain, endangering the agricultur al sustainable development. Based on the theory of SPAC which develops very fast in recent years, the linkage and division between the process of SPAC and ecolo gical process are discussed on this paper. The concept of WUE is then generated from the node of this two proceses. It also has discussed the forcing functions of interfaces, water potential and water transfer resistance, water stress of cr op and inducement and gain of overshoot mechanism, highly nonlineal and coupli ng of interface processes are discussed too. Through the studies on this paper, the theory and practical measurement of the corrdination between the regulation waterª²heat transport interface and the mechanical regulation of ecological proc ess provided in order to solve the problem of deficiency water resources and inc rease the sustanable production and water use efficiency. The paper also provide s basement and practical way to carry out the sustainable development of agroe cosystem and agriculture.

A Research on the Ecological Environment of the Upper and Middle Reaches of Changjiang River

by DENG Hongª²bing

The essay analyses the main problems of ecological environment system of the upp er and middle reaches of Changjiang River, indicates the guiding ideology, basic principle and objective, analyses the regional distribution of the upper an d middle reaches of Yangtze River, and puts forward the strategic countermeasure s of the regional ecological environment reconstruction according to the interna l requirements of its sustainable development. The countermeasures include carrying out established policies, dealing with the original region first, enforcing laws and regulations, uniting the regional econ omic development and the ecological environment buildingª²up, and exploring indu strialization approaches and market economic methods.

Progress and Trend of Karst Geomorphology Study

by SONG Linª²hua

The study of karst Geomorphology in China has made great progresses in 20 Centur y, especially in 90's. Karstology linking with modern physics, chemistry, biolog y, mathematics etc. and aimed with computer and advantage analysis technology, m any new fields such as hydrological geomorphology, karst hydrogeochemistry, frac tal karst geomorphology, karst paleoª²environment etc. have been developed and t he development theoretical and practical karst geomorphology have been accelerat ed. The paper is stressed on the progress: (1) the evolution of karst landform, many evidences show that the fengcong (peak clusters) landscape will develop to the fenglin (peak forests) landscapes in the favour conditions; (2) karst corros ion intensity and rates are mainly depended on the precipitation, temperature, g eomorphological features and characteristics, lithology and geological structure s. The karstification is stronger in south China than in north China in the infl uence of the tropical and subtropical monsoon climate, hot and wet in summer, co ld and dry in winter; (3) the deep karst is well developed under the effect of g eological structures, the organism is decomposed to produce the organic acids an d releases great amount of COª­2; (4) no doubt, karst development is very diffic ult if there is any bioª²karst function. The features produced by the microorgan i sm form the base for the macro karst geomorphology; (5) recently, the stalagmite s have been employed to study the palaeoª²climate and environment by the microª² laminae technique. Also the prospects have been made for the studying the karst ecological system and environment restoration and improvement, karst paleoª²envi ronment and groble changes, environment protection and restoration of weathered and damaged speleothem landscape in show caves, experimental and quantitative ka rst geomorphology etc.. It will be paid more attention to enhance and get more i mportant results in the early of 21 century with the intensive development in th e karst regions of southwestern China.

Studies on the Model for Judging Environmental ª¤ Intergenerational Equity and its Application

by LI Chunª²huiª¬and YANG Qinª²yeª¬

Environmental intergenerational equity is one of the thinks of sustain able development. Based on the concept and signification of environmental interg enerational equity ,a model for judging environmental intergenerational equity i s built and the environmental intergenerational equity degree and conflict degre e are defined. The model is applied to judge the environmental intergenerational equity of 1980,1990 and 2000,the continuous three generations, in the contiguou s areas on Shanxi, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia Autonomous. The results show the pollution environment is more and more worse, the intergenerational equity coeff icient is 0.289 and conflict degree is 0.711 between 1980 and 1990,the intergene ration equity coefficient is 0.218 and conflict degree is 0.782 between 1990 and 2000.Thay are environmental inequity from former generation to next generation and the intergenerational conflict degree increase gradually.ª¥ At last, building compensation base of intergenerational environment is the basal way to reach environmental intergenerational equity, then gives some meas ures and counterproposals for environmental intergenerational equity in the regi on.ª¤

EI Nino, Global Warming and Disasters Increasing: Impacts on Sustainable Agricultural Productivity

by YU Huª²ning and JIANG Aiª²liang

Three periods are clearly divided based on decadal mean temperatures of the reco rds for global surface temperatures of recent 120 years. The first of them was t he period of lower temperature (from 1880 to 1919, at least 40 years), the secon d was the period of transition(fluctuation of temperature was not too much, from 1920 to 1979, about 60 years), the third is the period of temperature increasin g. We understand the temperature of the Little Ice Age was lower than that of th e period from 1880 to 1919 according to the references of the Little Ice Age (fr om 1450 or 1490 to 1850 or 1880, about 400 years). Therefore imagined duration o f lower temperature is about 450 years. The variations of temperature for the re cent 450 years are the kind of the process of unidirectional, gradual change.ª¥ Another three periods may be also divided according to the situation of EI Nino emerging in this century. The first period was that of EI Nino accidental emergi ng from 1900 to 1940. The second period was that of EI Nino middle emerging from 1940 to 1980, the global temperature was increasing at faint or middle level fo r this period. The third period is that of frequently emerging of EI Nino from 1 980 to 1998, the global warming is obviously. Recent 100 years the situation of EI Nino emerging is similar with the process of unidirectional, gradual change f or global temperature.ª¥ The new viewpoint, that is to pay close attention to the influences on the piled effects of greenhouse effect and EI Nino, is given out after thinking the therm al inertia of ocean. We think the EI Nino will be frequently emerged and global temperature will be also kept the warmer state for several decades or longer per iod in the future. The natural disasters, such as flood, drought, bioª²calamitie s etc., will be frequently took place following EI Nino and global warming. Ther efore we should do the works for taking precautions against and reducing natural calamities, and safeguard the sustainable agriculture productivity.

Fluvial Geomorphology in China: Opportunities and Challenges ª¤ in the Era of Knowledge Economy

by ZHANG Ouª²yang

This paper reviewed the achievements of the study on fluvial geomorphology in Ch ina from the 40s, the foundation of the fluvial geomorphology, to the 90s, the a ttaining the leading level over the world in some study field, in the 20th centu ry. The study on fluvial geomorphology in China has its distinct advantages in t hat China has various types of landscapes, historically recorded data, and perfe ct field meteorological, hydrological monitoring stations. It also has its obvio us disadvantages because of its lagged facilities.ª¥ The era of knowledge economy will eventually dominate the coming century. And th e new characteristics of the knowledge economy and the arousing innovation of so ciety and thoughts on human being will give the fluvial geomorphology new opport unities as well as severe challenges. The coming era will give the study of fluv ial geomorphology high technological facilities, multi-sources of accurate data and fund support. And the new era will also request the study of fluvial geomorp hology to fit the new market situation. To meet the era of knowledge economy, we should get use of fully the conventional advantages and modern high technology and equipment to enforce the creative study and the transition of the result int o product from now. Thus, some strategies about knowledge innovation in fluvial geomorphology are offered in this paper.

Significance of Ecoª²environmental Protection in Development ª¤ of Western Regions in Connection with Sandstorms

by Zhiª²qingª¬and ZHU Zhenª²da

Sandstorm is a frequently occurred disastrous weather in northern China and occu rred frequently in recent years with increase in disaster-affected area and loss . West China is an important source place of sandstorms, and the marginal area o f the Tarim Basin, Hexi Corridor and Alxa Plateau are three important standstorm centers. Sometimes sandstorm affected area is very extensive and Beijing was hi t by eight sandstorm events in last spring and caused great loss in na tional economy. The combination of strong wind, exposed sandy soil on ground sur face and unstable air current constitutes the necessary conditions for the sands torms. However, the accelerated desertification process resulting from irrationa l human economic activities is responsible for the accelerated sandstorms. Facts proved that in places where desertification was well managed and controlled and ecoª²environment was well protected, then sandstorm intensity reduced and loss mitigated. Otherwise, natural environment would be devastated, desertification e xpanded and sandstorm aggrevated, sandstorm has sounded a warning on ecology. Ec oª²environment in western regions of China is very vulnerable, so to strengthen ecoª²environmrntal protection and rehabilitation should be taken as a core issue an d a pressing task. Efforts should be made to put prevention first and give prior ity to protectionso as to bring ecoª²environment in west China to develop toward benign circulation and maintain sustainable development of these regions.

Progresses of Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Studies

by Geng Yuanª²bo, Dong Yunª²she,and Meng Weiª²qi

Progresses of terrestrial carbon cycle studies are introduced in terms of some r ecent home and oversea literatures in this paper. These progresses are as follow s: ¢Ù Major terrestrial carbon reservoirs, i.e. the biomass of terrestrial biosp here, pedosphere and lithosphere, their organic carbon storages are 560Pg C, 1 400~1 500Pg C, 2ª±0¡Á10ª¬7Pg C respectively, and carbon storages of fossil fue ls in lithosphere are about 5 000~10 000Pg C. Organic carbon storages of forest, grassland, desert, tundra, wetland and farmland in the terrestrial biosphere ar e 422Pg C¡¢92ª±6 Pg C¡¢5ª±9 Pg C¡¢9ª±0 Pg C¡¢7ª±8 Pg C¡¢21ª±5 Pg C respectively. ¢Ú The "Missing sink" of COª­2 at atmosphere is about 0ª±7~3ª±1Pg C, and the assessing value of 1ª±7Pg C is generally thought to be satisfactory. It is possi ble that the "Missing sink" is located in middle latitude region of land in th e earth. ¢Û The fluxes of COª­2 (Source) from LUCC (Land use/cover change) are b etween 0ª±6 and 3ª±6Pg C, and results of flux from different researchers have mu ch difference. The value of global source and sink of CH4 is (535¡À125) Tg CHª­4 /a and (560¡À100) Tg CHª­4/a respectively. ¢Ü Some studies show that increasing concentration of COª­2 in atmosphere can increase NPP of vegetation. ¢Ý The dyna mic models of terrestrial carbon cycling have been developed recently, and the e ffect of LUCC and the coupling of cycling of C¡¢N¡¢P and S have been paid more a ttention to in these models.

The Paleoclimatic Evolution and its Relation to Man's Activities ª¤ in Southern Xinjiang, Since about 12ª±0 ka BP

by ZHONG Wei, XIONG Heiª²gang, and SHU Qiangª¤

Based on a synthetic study on variety of geologic records in southern Xinjiang, Characteristics of palaeoclimatic evolution in southern Xinjiang are basically identical to those revealed by other geological records in Xinjiang. Palaeoclima tic changes presented apparent Westlies Style model: during cold periods, relati ve humidity increased and lake water level rose; but in warm periods, the dry r egime aggravated. The history of paleoclimatic changes is reconstructed prelimin ary in this paper and indicates that it has been experienced 5 relative warm(or hot)ª²dry periods and 4 relative cold (or cool)ª²humid periods. The warming peak s occurred at about 11 500~11 000 a¡¢9 400 a¡¢7 500~7 000 a¡¢6 500~6 000 a¡¢ 3 000 a¡¢2 000 a and after 1 000 a BP, the cold peaks at 11 000~10 000 a¡¢8 800 a¡¢5 000~4 500 a¡¢3 300 a and 1 500 a BP. The only relatively warmª²humid phase during 7 000~5 000 a BP may be deduced from the Megathermal Maximum, resulting f rom the strengthened summer southeastern monsoon force. The most interesting com parison shows that the above mentioned warmª²dry periods since about 4ª±0 ka BP basically coincide well with the periods of the phases of ancient cities abandon ed in southern Xinjiang and also with the rise and decline of the ancient Silk R oad. The quasiª²correlation between the changes of climate and the type and cont ent of manª²land relationship implys that the natural evolution of climate and e nvironment perhaps played a very important role in affecting manª²land relations hip in arid area.

A Preliminary Study on Types and Characters of Manª²induced Sediment Disaster

by JIN Deª²sheng, SHI Changª²xing, CHEN Hao, ZHANG Ouª² yang

The manª²induced sediment disaster is identified as a kind of proces ses for land surface material to advance gradually or to surpass threshold erosi on, transportation and accumulation by man's activities. It possesses special at tributes in sociology and disaster science. In accordance with the form of man's activities, geomorphologic lacation behavior and particular, the manª²induced s ediment disaster can be divided into 4 types: the drainage network, slo pe and gully, channel and plainª²estuaryª²coastline. Each type includes 5 subtyp es, e.g. erosion, transportation, accumulation, complexity and correlation. The re are more than 54 kinds of manª²made sediment disasters, for example, destroyi ng forest for farming, constructing highway and road, too much small and middle coalª²mining, cave dwelling, discarded earth and stone into channel sand gullies , excavated beyond normal limit of sand in river bed, desertification of cultiva ted lands, soil salinization, much more sedimentation above a dam and erosion be low one after reservoir building, transporting water from one drainage basin to another one, etc..\; According to combination of man's activities, geomorphology, and sediment mecha nics with disaster science, the manª²induced sediment disaster is characterized by such properties as (1) accelerating tendency with geographical zonation, (2) sharply changing with human environment alvibration, (3) nonª²order under blind action without special technically training, and (4) complexity and nonª²linear figure, etc. One of the important reasons lead to manª²induced sediment disaster is the human environment vibration. If it is stable and people have high traini ng, the manª²induced sediment disaster should be reduced, and vise versa. Theref ore, it could be controlled only as through strengthening sediment management, c orrectly executing the waterª²soil conservation law, and rising people's underst anding of environmental protection by education.

A Study on Urban Ecology and Environment Integrating Index System in the Period of Rapid Urban Growth

by YANG Yanª²feng, WANG Liª²ming, WANG Hongª²wei, and XU Shunª²cai

China is now experiencing the process of rapid urbanization, while env ironmental deterioration and ecological destruction in urban areas are becoming bottlenecks of urban growth at the same time. On account of the disparity and ov erlapping of the concepts between ecology and environment, the selection of urba n ecological indices and environmental indices often contains problems of confus ing the two aspects or overweighting one of the aspect, thus impairing the overa ll reflection of urban ecological and environmental characteristics.ª¥ From the status in quo and discipline currents of ecology and environmental scie nce, and the combining trend of ecological indices and environmental indices in China and abroad, this paper bring forward the basic principles of integrating u rban ecological and environmental indices, and integrate them into a united inde x system using quantitative methods. Finally, the integrated index system is des igned bearing fore functional aspects, namely condition, progress, capability, a nd alertness.ª¥ Basing on the methodologies of sustainable development and systematic studies, s ome attempts are taken during the research, such as attaching the importance of recovery ability of environment and ecosystem, emphasizing the necessity for bui lding the mechanism of system alertness, combining some quantitative analysis in the qualitative analysis, etc., so as to improve the practicability and control lability of index system in the dramatic urban development.