干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

In this study, the land desertification of transitional zones of desert loess in the Yulin region (China) is studied from TM images in a geographical information system (GIS). It is found that the desertification in Yulin is still severe. The desertified land accounts for 67.7% of the total land areas. The distribution of desertified land shows obvious spatial imbalance, with severe desertification in northwestern regions and slight desertification in southeastern regions. This imbalance is related to the difference in physical factors and land-use pattern. The process of desertification in Yulin areas shows a steady and even reversed trend between 1987 and 1999, as a result of positive efforts. At the end of the paper the cause of desertification is discussed. It is believed that the interaction and confliction between the natural process and human activities may lead to the development of desertification.