Environmental and landscape changes of Qinghai Lake, N. E. Tibet, during the past 30 years as revealed by satellite remote sensing data

Y. Dong; B. Fu; Y. Ninomiya

doi:10.1117/12.881071

3 November 2010 Environmental and landscape changes of Qinghai Lake, N. E. Tibet, during the past 30 years as revealed by satellite remote sensing data

Y. Dong, B. Fu, Y. Ninomiya

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7841, Sixth International Symposium on Digital Earth: Data Processing and Applications; 784110 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.881071
Event: The Sixth International Symposium on Digital Earth, 2009, Beijing, China

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing imaging systems have provided a spatially and temporally continuous and effective method to map the environmental and landscape changes over large areas on the earth's surface. In this study, multitemporal and multisource satellite remote sensing images, including Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), were used to study the environmental and landscape changes happened in Qinghai Lake area from 1973 to 2000. Change detection methods, such as image enhancement and false color composition, were used to highlight the environmental and landscape changes, i.e. lake area shrinkage, desert expansion and cropland area variation. Results showed that: lake area had shrunken by 275 km2 from 1973 to 2000; in contrast, the area of desert and cropland increased by 287 km² and 310 km² during the same period, respectively. As a result, remarkable landscape changes have happened: several sub-lakes have separated from the main lake in the east; the famous Bird Island in the west became a peninsula connecting with the land. Analysis suggests that environmental and landscape changes of Qinghai Lake area are mainly caused by natural factors and human activities.

Citation Download Citation

Y. Dong, B. Fu, and Y. Ninomiya "Environmental and landscape changes of Qinghai Lake, N. E. Tibet, during the past 30 years as revealed by satellite remote sensing data", Proc. SPIE 7841, Sixth International Symposium on Digital Earth: Data Processing and Applications, 784110 (3 November 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.881071

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available