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The urbanization and industrialization of human society boost the socioeconomic growth but yet inevitably result in unprecedented damages to environment and organisms. One of the threats is the air pollution produced from anthropogenic activities. Moreover, the pollution concentrates longer in certain meteorological phenomena and exacerbates the impact on nature species and human health. This paper presents an association mining approach to identify the influential factors which result in a high volume of air pollution concentration, in particular, the particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Since the literature showed that the identified factors are location and spatial-scale dependent, we chose a basin geography, Puli township, Taiwan, and inferred the association relationships with two different-scaled monitoring stations. The government-built supersite at Puli estimates the PM2.5 concentration for the entire township of the area around 150 km2, while the participatory microsites monitor air quality in a smaller region of a hundred thousand square meters. Our research was conducted with relevant data during 2017–2019. The mining result has unique findings as compared to the literature. The relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed and direction, which were identified as major factors in many previous studies, have less impact on air quality of our studied field than temperature and atmospheric pressure. The remarkable distinction is mainly attributed to the special weather patterns of basin geography. We investigated the impact of all national festivals and identified the most significant ones. The probability of observing PM2.5 concentrations greater than 35 μg/m3 in the activity hours of New Year's Eve is 50% which is significantly greater than 11.74%, the probability of observing the same concentration range over all days in the investigated years, while the Tomb Sweeping Day (TSD) has a varying impact on air quality depending on the order of the TSD date within the long holiday. The increase of PM2.5 concentration is remarkably more significant if the TSD is the last day in the long holiday than if it is the middle day. This finding can be taken into consideration when the government agent makes schedules for national festivals. Finally, it was learned in our study that different landmarks and land uses have various significant impacts on micro-scale air quality. The microsites monitor high PM2.5 concentrations at particular landmarks with a greater confidence than the mean confidence over all microsites. These pollution-associated landmarks with the confidence ranked from highest to lowest are night markets, crossroads, paper mills, temples, and highway exits. It is worth noting that the PM2.5 increase contributed by temples is negligible, which may be attributed to the citizen action for promoting reduction in joss paper and incense stick burning. The land uses have diverse impacts on air quality. Anthropogenic activities contribute higher PM2.5 concentrations in business districts and residential areas. The PM2.5 concentration monitored at high lands and agricultural lands is lower than the overall background due to fewer mass gathering and combustion activities in these land uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracing the contamination origins in water sources and identifying the impacts of natural and human processes are essential for ecological safety and public health. However, current analysis approaches are not ideal, as they tend to be laborious, time-consuming, or technically difficult. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a family of well-known secondary pollutants formed by the reactions of chemical disinfectants with DBP precursors during water disinfection treatment. Since DBP precursors have various origins (e.g., natural, domestic, industrial, and agricultural sources), and since the formation of DBPs from different precursors in the presence of specific disinfectants is distinctive, we argue that DBPs and DBP precursors can serve as alternative indicators to assess the contamination in water sources and identify pollution origins. After providing a retrospective of the origins of DBPs and DBP precursors, as well as the specific formation patterns of DBPs from different precursors, this article presents an overview of the impacts of various natural and anthropogenic factors on DBPs and DBP precursors in drinking water sources. In practice, the DBPs (i.e., their concentration and speciation) originally present in source water and the DBP precursors determined using DBP formation potential tests—in which water samples are dosed with a stoichiometric excess of specific disinfectants in order to maximize DBP formation under certain reaction conditions—can be considered as alternative metrics. When jointly used with other water quality parameters (e.g., dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, fluorescence, and molecular weight distribution) and specific contaminants of emerging concern (e.g., certain pharmaceuticals and personal care products), DBPs and DBP precursors in drinking water sources can provide a more comprehensive picture of water pollution for better managing water resources and ensuring human health.

The article is devoted to solving the problem of “budgetary financial adequacy of higher education” in China through a fairer, uniform, and sufficient distribution of financial costs for higher education among the provinces of this country, considering significant differences in the natural, economic, and social conditions of development in various regions. Currently, in China, the calculation of standard financial costs for the education sector is carried out according to the legal requirements of the Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance, taking into account the number of people studying at the corresponding level of education, the cost norm for this level of education, and the deviation coefficient. Instead, this article proposes a more comprehensive and rational approach that considers regional differences in the cost of living and the financial burden on higher education institutions, increasing the government’s responsibility for supporting a balanced distribution of financial resources for higher education. To take into account regional differences, it is proposed to use a system of indices for the difference in the costs of regional development, which includes three main categories of indicators: natural factors (the complexity of the terrain and the share of the area planted with forests), economic factors (the index of prices for raw materials, GDP per capita, freight traffic, and the total duration of operation of urban public transport), and social factors (population density in municipal areas, number of graduates of general education colleges and universities). To determine the fair size of budgetary expenditures on higher education, it is proposed to make adjustments to the index of differentiation of regional development expenditures, which combines these indicators using the geometric regression average benchmark method (without including a constant term). A higher value of this index means that the region needs more resources to achieve the same level of development as another region, so the standard budget expenditures for higher education should be higher for it. For all provinces in China, the coefficient of financial adequacy of higher education was calculated as the ratio between the standard financial costs of higher education (calculated according to the proposals outlined in this article) and the actual costs incurred. It is proposed that this coefficient be used as a basis for optimizing their distribution. The article emphasises the need to form a strategy for financing higher education in China, which should be based on a dynamic permanent adjustment of the amount of allocated financial resources depending on changes in the regional social and economic conditions of development of each province, an effective institutional mechanism that would allow adapting this strategy to endogenous and endogenous changes in China’s economy, optimisation of horizontal transfer payments and partnership assistance programs, and incentive mechanisms for local governments to invest in higher education.

The article represents a contribution to the assessment of slope processes, with special emphasis on landslides, rockfalls, and creeps along the road sector Batushë-Rrasa e Kosharës (municipality of Gjakova) in Kosova. The analysis of natural factors, as well as their role in triggering and evolving slope processes, was conducted by observing the processes in the field and, with a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing the natural factors (geology, tectonics, climate, vegetation) as well as the role of humans. By using GIS/RS techniques, the causes and features of processes were identified and presented with various illustrations and maps, assessing the potential risk in the future with the aim of proper management, considering the movement of citizens, and preserving the road infrastructure in a segment with historical and touristic values. The slopes with a 35-40° gradient are more prone to landslides, while the presence of unconsolidated rocks and fractured limestone has accelerated slope destabilization and rock mass movements. Slope stability techniques should be implemented in order to keep the road open for future visitors to historical sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dendrological research investigating the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors on the dendroflora was carried out at six post-mining sites: the "Halda Ema" mine dump, part of the Terezie tailings, the slopes of the Petr Bezruč mine dump, the Mokroš wastepond, the Darkov Sea area and surroundings of Loucké ponds (Ostrava and Karviná regions). The reference area was a mixed deciduous forest in the Landek NNM in Ostrava. Our research findings confirm that anthropogenic and natural factors have a significant influence on the distribution and composition of woody flora in post-industrial sites. We noted significant differences in biodiversity between reclaimed areas and naturally regenerating areas, which points to the need for targeted management and conservation strategies to support the sustainable restoration of these landscapes. The highest levels of biodiversity were found at the "Halda Ema" mine dump, suggesting that site-specific characteristics are key to supporting species diversity. The results underline the importance of long-term monitoring and analysis of the influences that shape the woody flora in these areas, and emphasize the need to integrate ecological, social and economic aspects into the regeneration process. Variability in the biodiversity of woody plants between individual locations was revealed, with the greatest diversity at the "Halda Ema" dump and part of the Terezie tailings. Our study also reveals a higher prevalence of native plant species over invasive species in most of the monitored sites, which may reflect favorable ecological conditions or effective management strategies that prevent the spread of invasive species. These patterns, which agree with previous studies, suggest that ecological factors including habitat preference and human influence play a critical role in plant community dynamics. These findings expand our understanding of the process of landfill succession and the factors influencing biodiversity, reinforcing the importance of an integrated approach in ecological and environmental research to inform conservation and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The results of our long-term monitoring of a family of larks (Alauda arvensis L., Melanocorypha calandra L., M. leucoptera Pallas, M. yeltoniensis J.R. Forster, and Calandrella rufescens Vieillot) in the semi-desert zone of the Saratov Trans-Volga region are presented. Bird censuses were carried out at four key sites on permanent routes during the nesting period; the total length of the census transects was 792 km. Statistical indicators of the population dynamics were calculated, namely, the growth rates (Tnp) and average density values (ind./100 ha) of each lark species. A statistical multivariate factor analysis (F-test) was carried out, with the help of which we were able to reveal the influence of a whole range of factors on the lark density dynamics. Changes in habitat conditions in the key areas (Fcrit = 1.30, p = 0.003), as well as weather factors (Fcrit = 1.39, p = 0.004) of particular years, have a significant impact on the density dynamics of larks. Evaluation of the variance showed the heterogeneity of the sample (St = 0.119, p = 0.006); therefore, the average densities of larks differ significantly from each other. Thus, the structure of the lark community and the annual density of each species are the result of the environmental conditions of the habitats at each key site, and the weather conditions of particular years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English-language scientific publications on the natural degradation and transformation of medicinal substances in the aquatic environment under the effect of various factors are reviewed. The medicines that are most common in water are listed. The main source of pollution is shown to be poorly treated municipal sewage. The factors that affect the fate of substances in the medium and are considered in the article are the dilution or concentration due to changes in the hydrological regime or the conditions of the use of medicines, water pH, wind-wave roiling, photodegradation, bioaccumulation, etc. The analysis of foreign studies of drug contamination was used to make conclusions about the prospects of the development of these areas for use in Russian studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qiang religious culture is the result of its adaptation to the natural environment and socio–economic development. The Upper Reaches of Min River has been the main inhabiting district of the Qiang ethnic group in China. Based on the construction of the resource system for Qiang religious culture, this study quantitatively illustrated the cognitive characteristics of this culture in the basin and the main factors influencing its regional differentiation using statistical methods, Moran’s I method, Getis-Ord Gi* method, and the Geo-detector model. The results suggested that the respondents’ cognitive degree (RCD) in relation to the religious culture in the study area was 0.258 ± 0.031, and the cognitive degrees for religious buildings, supplies, literature, and beliefs were as follows: religious literature (0.332) > religious supplies (0.287 ± 0.076) > religious buildings (0.222 ± 0.037) > religious beliefs (0.193 ± 0.023). This result was mainly related to the dissemination methods of religious cultural elements, the status of their preservation, and changes in the production and lifestyle of the people. Furthermore, the respondents’ cognition presented significant regional differentiation characteristics. Two natural factors, namely, humidity and elevation, were the major ones that influenced cognitive regional differentiation with influences values of 0.293 and 0.280, respectively. Elevation and average night light index exhibited significant correlations with cognition (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the influence was enhanced when various factors interacted with one another. This study contributes to the quantitative research on the sustainable development of the Qiang religious culture and national culture inheritance.

The agro-pastoral ecotone serves as an important ecological transition zone between grassland and cropland. It plays a crucial role in providing forage and maintaining the ecological security of Northern China. China has initiated many ecological restoration projects in the agro-pastoral ecotone. Separating the affecting factors of anthropogenic activities and natural factors change on grassland may help guide future ecological restoration projects. This study investigated the grassland change over the agro-pastoral ecotone in Inner Mongolia (APEI) using land use data, vegetation index, and monthly climate data, social and economic data from 2010 to 2020. Two indicators were introduced to evaluate the grassland change in quality and quantity. The average annual maximum NDVI of grassland within each sample was used as a proxy for grassland quality, and the proportion of grassland within each sample was used as a proxy for grassland quantity. The driving mechanisms of grassland quality were examined on different types of grassland. The results showed that (1) from 2010 to 2020, the quantity of grassland in APEI slightly decreased while the quality of the grassland significantly improved; (2) the change in grassland quality was jointly caused by natural factors and human activities, with 66.77% being attributed to natural factors and 33.23% to human activities. In some areas, the alteration in grassland quality was solely determined by either the impacts of natural factors or human-induced disturbances; and (3) temperature and precipitation played different roles in affecting grassland quality among different types of grassland. In some areas, anthropogenic activities, such as farmland and population, would affect grassland quality. The findings of this study would contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of ecological environmental changes in the agro-pastoral ecotone and guide the planning and implementation of future ecological restoration projects in agro-pastoral areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the study of regional features of the steppe landscape structure of the Aktobe region. For a comprehensive analysis of the studied territory, a specialized landscape geoinfor-mation system of the regional level was formed using GIS technology. The spatial data base was based on the characteristics of the components of the natural environment of the studied territory, exposed to annual anthropogenic impact. For the purposes of landscape analysis of the territory, we have formed a specialized landscape geoinformation system at the regional level of GIS generalization, based on the ArcGIS10.4.1 software. By such a GIS system, we mean an interactive system capable of collecting, systematizing, storing, processing, evaluating, displaying and distributing data and acting as a means of obtaining on its basis new information and knowledge about space-time phenomena. The study consists of several stages: generalization of analytical data, creation of a landscape map using the tools of overlay layers of ArcGIS, where the layers characterize the landscape structure component-by-component, as well as SRTM satellite images were used to create a digital relief model of the Aktobe region. The obtained research results mapping the steppe landscapes of the Aktobe region serve as a basis for studying the ecological situation of the territory, as well as assessing the structure of the studied territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial modeling is one of the important tools in the geographic information systems environment that is used to show the causal relationships between the spatial variables of various phenomena. (overlay) to get accurate results. The main idea is based on building a geographic information base (Geo database) that organizes data on the phenomenon of the study area represented by environmental factors and agricultural crops in the form of layers so that each layer represents a specific topic, the aim of which is to prepare a spatial modeling map of agricultural land from matching each of the (structure) maps geology, elevations, slope, slope direction, soil, soil productive capacity) after studying and analyzing each one separately using Model Builder in ARC GIS 10.8.2 program to find out the best suitable places for agricultural crops in Al-Hamdaniya district and compare them with the crops actually planted for the year 2021. The study showed that the agricultural crops grown in Al-Hamdaniya district are located within the very good and good areas for cultivation, while there is little or no cultivation in the areas that are not suitable for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water conservation services are key indicators of ecological services. Against the backdrop of frequent extreme weather events and water scarcity caused by global climate change and intensified human activities, assessing these services and their drivers are crucial tasks for regional ecological security and sustainable development. Jiangxi Province is one of the first national ecological civilization pilot zones in China, representing an important ecological barrier in southern China. Exploring the characteristics of spatial and temporal changes in water conservation and their driving factors can facilitate the rational development and utilization of regional water resources and the construction of ecological civilizations. Therefore, based on long time series data, the InVEST model was used to explore the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of water conservation services, and to elucidate the trend of their change through the Theil–Sen median trend analysis and the Mann–Kendall test; then, the geographic detector and geographically weighted regression model were used to further analyze the drivers of spatial variability of water conservation services. The results showed the following: (1) The average depth of water conservation was 103.18 mm, showing a spatial pattern of "low in the middle, high in the surroundings, high in the north and low in the south". (2) Slight improvements were primarily observed (77.49%), with only 1.60% of the area showing significant improvements. (3) Land use was the main driver of the spatial differentiation, and the interaction between precipitation and forestland had a significantly greater effect on spatial heterogeneity than any single factor. (4) Obvious spatial heterogeneity occurred in the driving factor impacts, with natural factors (precipitation, evapotranspiration, forestland, and grassland) having a positive impact on water conservation services, and land-use factors (construction land and cropland) and socioeconomic factors (population density and land area) having a negative effect. This study provides a reference for water-conservation-based ecosystem construction and policy formulation in Jiangxi Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of rapid urbanization and global climate change, understanding the trade-offs and synergies of wetland city ecosystem services is vital for mitigating regional ecological and environmental risks, and enhancing human well-being. The Dongting Lake Basin is an ecologically fragile area of global significance. Uncontrolled resource utilization and intensive human activities have severely damaged the ecological environment, including in Miluo. Thus, it is of paramount research importance to uncover the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services and their driving mechanisms in Miluo. To achieve this, we classified Miluo's land use data over the past two decades using a random forest model and Landsat imagery. We quantified the major ecosystem services in Miluo by employing ecological process models such as InVEST, RUSLE, and CASA. Additionally, we examined the trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services at different scales and identified the driving mechanisms using multi-source remote sensing data. The results revealed that forests exhibited the highest level of ecosystem services, while urban ecosystem services experienced a significant decline. Over the past two decades, Miluo displayed notable trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services, with synergies prevailing as the dominant pattern, particularly at the county scale. Furthermore, human activities emerged as the primary driver of changes in Miluo's ecosystem services during the 20-year period. Therefore, it is imperative for scientists, policymakers, and civil society to develop effective and scientifically sound strategies to mitigate the ecological risks resulting from rapid urbanization and climate change in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the areas with the highest concentration of sites with prehistoric graphic expressions in the Iberian Peninsula. The region stands out both by the number of sites, over 400 rock shelters, and by their typological and chronological implications, with paintings dating from at least the early Upper Paleolithic to the latest stages of prehistory. However, recent decades have witnessed the generalized and accelerated deterioration of these paintings, which, in many instances, has led to them disappear altogether. This article analyzes the natural and anthropic factors that, in one way or another, contribute to the degradation of a rock art phenomenon on the verge of extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the responses of vegetation phenology to natural and human disturbances is essential for better understanding ecosystems. In this study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data and products were used together with other relevant data to analyse vegetation phenological responses to urbanisation and natural factors in the major urban agglomerations of the Urumqi-Changji, Shihezi-Manasi, and Wusu-Kuidun-Dushanzi regions on the Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM). Vegetation phenology distributed along an urban-rural gradient showed distinct variability, with start of growing season (SOS), end of growing season (EOS), and growing season length (GSL) occurring earlier, later, and longer, respectively, in urban areas than those in suburban and rural areas. In the Urumqi-Changji region, the earliest SOS, the later EOS, and the longest GSL occurred. Surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) was most pronounced in the Urumqi-Changji region, with a heat island intensity of 1.77–3.34 °C. Vegetation phenology was influenced by both urbanisation and natural factors, whose contributions were 44.2% to EOS and 61.8% to SOS, respectively. The results of this study emphasise the importance of quantifying the vegetation phenological responses to human disturbances, including climate change, along the urban-rural gradient on the UANSTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Adab / Al-ādāb is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fluctuating asymmetry is a sensitive indicator of favorable conditions during the period of individual development. The influence of climatic factors, biotopic conditions, latitude, altitude, and age of plants from the natural populations of the silver birch Betula pendula Roth was analyzed. The material consisted of 13,000 leaves of the silver birch from 11 regions of north-eastern Siberia. The influence of 23 climatic factors and six integrated coefficients characterizing the general suitability of the climate, as well as summer, winter, spring, and autumn was analyzed. The developmental stability of woody plants and, consequently, the level of the FA of the lamina in natural biotopes can vary in a wide range. We found that climatic factors, mainly conditions in the warm season, have a significant impact. We also noted the influence of the age, biotope, and light conditions. For Betula pendula, an increase in FA was registered on the ecological periphery of its range, i.e., on the edge of the forest belt in the north and in the mountains. The data obtained demonstrate the high influence of natural stress-inducing factors on development stability in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study region: The Ebro River Basin, northeast Spain. Study focus: The work analyzes the evolution of water temperature (Tw) in the Ebro River and its main tributaries, its annual cycle and its trends, as well as the effects of various natural and anthropogenic factors on them. New hydrological insights for the region: Stations located downstream of nuclear power plants showed an anomalous increase in Tw not consistent with the river section where they are located, with higher values in the lower-flow months (August to December). The stations affected by the main reservoirs along the Ebro River showed a lower annual temperature range and the stations located in large irrigation systems showed a lower summer temperature compared to other stations with similar climatic conditions. Finally, there was a significant annual increase in Tw at all stations (mean ∆Tw=0.05 °C/year), except those located at the head of the tributaries. These trends were higher for the stations downstream of the Ascó nuclear power plant (∆Tw > 0.08 °C/year). Seasonally, the spring months showed the greatest changes, with higher increases at the stations downstream of Ascó (∆Tw ≥ 0.10 °C/year). The increase in air temperature associated with global warming and the decrease in flows associated with the increase in water consumption resulted in an increase in the temperature of the river.

Morocco's Atlantic coastline stretches from Tangier to Lagouira over a distance of around 3,000 km. It displays considerable geomorphological diversity depending on the structural domains, the nature and age of the terrain adjacent to the coastal profile, and even the degree of human covetousness and activity. In addition to a wealth of climato-eustatic records, coastal sedimentary dynamics, and prehistoric seismicity, there is evidence of an alarming retreat of the shoreline at sites such as Larache, Rabat, Safi, and Agadir. A project to research and map vulnerable sites with a view to forecasting risks in the field of coastal zone development is needed to avoid the dangers of marine aggression, which is likely to be amplified by extreme climate change and anthropogenic action in the context of increasingly strong littoralization.

Vagueira Beach, on the central Portuguese coast, is known as one of the places in Europe most affected by coastal erosion. The area has suffered more than 156 m of coastline retreat from the period 1958 to 2001. With the aim of evaluating the influence of local factors on coastal erosion, this paper assesses the anthropogenic and natural factors that are related to the retreat of the coastline by adopting statistical correlation and regression analyses. Through Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), it was observed that local factors, such as annual dredging at the Aveiro Port entrance (r = 0.93), the total length of groins in the Espinho–Vagueira section (r = 0.89), and storm events (r = 0.52), are directly related to coastline retreat in the area. A multiple linear regression model was developed in which coastline retreat is explained by these same factors over the period 1980–2006. With a coefficient determination of R2 = 0.91, it was observed that the length of groins (significant at the 1% level), the dredging of the port entrance (significant at the 5% level), and precipitation (as a proxy for storm events; significant at the 10% level) are significantly correlated with coastline retreat. Hence, it is shown that anthropogenic factors are the main drivers of coastline retreat in Vagueira Beach. This study provides an innovative approach for the assessment of coastal erosion, resulting in important information that could be used for decision-making related to coastal zone management as it allows us to understand in greater detail the main drivers of coastal erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance of rural settlements has been based on natural factors such as soil and water. Natural factors have a decisive effect on location, dispersion, range of influence, physical development, morphology, and these factors sometimes act as positive factors and sometimes as negative. The purpose of this study is the status of rural settlements in Firoozabad city in relation to natural factors. The statistical population includes rural settlements of Firoozabad city. This city has two parts and 5 rural districts. The method studied in this research is the fuzzy TOPSIS method, which is one of the best decisionmaking methods based on fuzzy variables. The information used includes altitude, slope, direction, climate, vegetation, soil, erosion, land use, which have been analyzed in GIS environment. Findings show that the central part with the most villages has the weakest performance compared to natural factors and Ahmadabad rural district is in the first place with 95%. The second part of the city is related to a part of Meymand that has performed better in terms of natural factors so most of the villages in the city are in a better condition in this part. In general, rural settlements in the north and northwest of Firoozabad are in a better situation. The situation of rural settlements in the southern and central parts of the city is unsuitable and are in an awkward situation. Therefore, it demands that the potential and capacity of rural settlements in the city be well studied and in proportion to the existing talents in the region, to introduce, plan and implement alternative livelihood programs for the agro-livestock economy that is currently has been destroyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle and lower reaches of Hanjiang River Basin (MLHB), areas that have an important ecological function in China, have experienced great changes in the vegetation ecosystem driven by natural environmental change and human activity. Here, we explored the spatio-temporal dynamics of fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) and quantitatively analyzed its driving factors to advance current understanding of how the ecological environment has changed. Specifically, we used the dimidiate pixel model to calculate the FVC of the MLHB from 2001 to 2018 based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data. We then used Theil–Sen median slope (Sen's slope) and coefficient of variation (CV) to explore spatial and temporal variations, as well as characteristics in fluctuations. Finally, we utilized a geographical detector model (with spatial scale effects and spatial data discretization tests) to quantify the influence of the detected natural and human factors. Results showed that average annual FVC was 0.30–0.75 for ~90% of the study area over the 19-year study period with a heterogeneous spatial distribution. FVC variation trend displayed stability and improvement. Areas with higher FVC displayed greater stability. All 10 detected natural and anthropogenic factors were responsible for changes in FVC. The primary factors causing FVC to change were precipitation (in 2001) and slope (in 2018), followed by landform type, distance to water, and nighttime light (NTL) (in 2018). Precipitation and slope consistently displayed the largest interaction across all years. The interaction between human and topographical factors had gradually increasing significance on changes in FVC over the research period. The range and type of factors suitable for promoting vegetation growth were detected in the study area. Results of this study can provide a scientific basis for developing effective strategies for local vegetation protection, restoration, and land resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riverine surface sediments are known to be important sources and sinks for different variables like metals, organic carbon and nutrients. This paper presents the surface sediment quality of the Red River which was monitored for nine trace metal elements, total organic carbon and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and silica) during four sampling campaigns in 2019. The results showed that Fe and As concentrations were higher than the allowed values of the Vietnam National technical regulation on the surface sediment quality QCVN 43:2017/BTNMT. Trace metal element concentrations were, from highest to lowest, Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr > As > Cd > Hg. The geoaccumulation index and the enrichment factor values revealed that the Red River sediments were polluted by As; moderately polluted by Cu, Pb, Cd, and Hg; and uncontaminated by other metals (Mn, Cr and Zn). For other variables, total organic carbon (0.43 ± 0.31%), total nitrogen (0.09 ± 0.04%), and total phosphorus (0.060 ± 0.018%) were low in comparison with other urban rivers, whereas total silica (29.93 ± 4.52%) seemed to be high. Spatially, the lowest values of most variables were observed at the Hoa Binh site, where human population and activities are lowest and when discharge was highest. In contrast, most variables were highest at the Ba Lat site where the human activities clearly impacted on the Red River. These results indicate that the Red River sediment is affected by a combination of natural characteristics and human activities in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agro-pastoral ecotone serves as an important ecological transition zone between grassland and cropland. It plays a crucial role in providing forage and maintaining the ecological security of Northern China. China has initiated many ecological restoration projects in the agro-pastoral ecotone. Separating the affecting factors of anthropogenic activities and natural factors change on grassland may help guide future ecological restoration projects. This study investigated the grassland change over the agro-pastoral ecotone in Inner Mongolia (APEI) using land use data, vegetation index, and monthly climate data, social and economic data from 2010 to 2020. Two indicators were introduced to evaluate the grassland change in quality and quantity. The average annual maximum NDVI of grassland within each sample was used as a proxy for grassland quality, and the proportion of grassland within each sample was used as a proxy for grassland quantity. The driving mechanisms of grassland quality were examined on different types of grassland. The results showed that (1) from 2010 to 2020, the quantity of grassland in APEI slightly decreased while the quality of the grassland significantly improved; (2) the change in grassland quality was jointly caused by natural factors and human activities, with 66.77% being attributed to natural factors and 33.23% to human activities. In some areas, the alteration in grassland quality was solely determined by either the impacts of natural factors or human-induced disturbances; and (3) temperature and precipitation played different roles in affecting grassland quality among different types of grassland. In some areas, anthropogenic activities, such as farmland and population, would affect grassland quality. The findings of this study would contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of ecological environmental changes in the agro-pastoral ecotone and guide the planning and implementation of future ecological restoration projects in agro-pastoral areas.

Currently, lake surface water temperature (LSWT), as one of the most important indicators for evaluating lake health, is rapidly rising due to the influence of large-scale climate change and regional human activities in rapidly developing urban areas. The variety of LSWT will affect water environment problems such as lake water quality, aquatic organism growth and reproduction. Therefore, this study selected six lakes that play a crucial role in China’s economic and social development, and explored the causes and driving mechanisms of LSWT changes, which would provide support for the governance and protection of the ecological environment. Meanwhile, according to the fluctuation of lake boundary, the lakes were divided into two types, A and B. Based on the classification, the changing characteristics of LSWT from 2001 to 2018 were analyzed, and the stepwise polynomial regression analysis was used as new method to quantify the contribution from each driving factor to LSWT. Then, the driving mechanisms of natural and anthropogenic factors to LSWT was discussed. Results show that (1) the mean comprehensive change rates of LSWT-day and LSWT-night showed an upward trend in the past 18 years. The correlation between near surface air temperature (NSAT) and the annual average LSWT of the 6 lakes was higher than that of other factors, and this feature was most significant in spring, autumn and winter. The correlation between anthropogenic factors and annual average LSWT was affected by lake type, NSAT and precipitation in the basin. (2) Natural factors (especially NSAT) had higher contribution rates to LSWT. The contribution from anthropogenic factors to LSWT-night was higher than that in the daytime. For lakes classified in type B, the effect intensity of anthropogenic factors on LSWT-day was affected by NSAT, precipitation and lake area. The contribution rate to LSWT-night was related to the growth rate of the impervious surface area in the basin.

The phenomenon of hydrodynamic erosion affects the riverbeds in which sub-crossings of pipes or bridges are located. The depth of erosion is determined at a point in the riverbed by the use of specialized computational relationships. For some works located in the riverbed it is necessary to know the erosion depths on the perimeter of the flow section. The analysis models used to investigate the phenomenon of hydrodynamic erosion were: a - topographic model; b - calculation relations from the technical regulations; c - erosion simulation model on a river section. The obtained results were materialized by the evolution of the erosion depths on the considered river sector over an interval of about 5-15 years. The depth of erosion on the lower course of the Moldova River showed values from 0.75 m to 1.65 m on a research sector. The research results were capitalized on the design of the rehabilitation works of the constructions present in the riverbed.

In the face of rapid urbanization and global climate change, understanding the trade-offs and synergies of wetland city ecosystem services is vital for mitigating regional ecological and environmental risks, and enhancing human well-being. The Dongting Lake Basin is an ecologically fragile area of global significance. Uncontrolled resource utilization and intensive human activities have severely damaged the ecological environment, including in Miluo. Thus, it is of paramount research importance to uncover the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services and their driving mechanisms in Miluo. To achieve this, we classified Miluo’s land use data over the past two decades using a random forest model and Landsat imagery. We quantified the major ecosystem services in Miluo by employing ecological process models such as InVEST, RUSLE, and CASA. Additionally, we examined the trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services at different scales and identified the driving mechanisms using multi-source remote sensing data. The results revealed that forests exhibited the highest level of ecosystem services, while urban ecosystem services experienced a significant decline. Over the past two decades, Miluo displayed notable trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services, with synergies prevailing as the dominant pattern, particularly at the county scale. Furthermore, human activities emerged as the primary driver of changes in Miluo’s ecosystem services during the 20-year period. Therefore, it is imperative for scientists, policymakers, and civil society to develop effective and scientifically sound strategies to mitigate the ecological risks resulting from rapid urbanization and climate change in the future.

Understanding vegetation changes and their driving forces in global alpine areas is critical in the context of climate change. We aimed to reveal the changing trend in global alpine vegetation from 1981 to 2015 using the least squares regression method and Mann-Kendall (MK) test. The area-of-influence dominated by anthropogenic activity and natural factors was determined in an area with significant vegetation change by residual analysis; the primary driving force of vegetation change in the area-of-influence dominated by natural factors was identified using the partial correlation method. The results showed that (1) the vegetation in the global alpine area exhibited a browning trend from 1981 to 2015 on the annual scale; however, a greening trend was observed from May to July on the month scale. (2) The influence of natural factors was greater than that of anthropogenic activities, and the positive impact of natural factors was greater than the negative impact. (3) Among the factors that were often considered as the main natural factors, the contribution of albedo to significant changes in vegetation were greater than that of temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and sunshine duration. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection of vegetation and sustainable development in alpine regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layout of rural buildings has been shaped over centuries as most existing towns were founded several hundred years ago with the main reason for establishing a village in a given place being natural factors such as access to resources. Over the centuries, some characteristic building layouts have emerged. The aim of the research presented in the article was to determine the degree of impact of natural factors on the process of establishing a village and to identify contemporary factors influencing the development of the historical layout of rural buildings. The research was carried out using the example of a rural commune neighboring Częstochowa. All the towns in the exemplary rural commune were analysed historically. The results are presented in the form of numerical indicators showing the influence of individual factors on the settlement of the village. Then, using the example of four representative settlements for different types of buildings, the historical and current layout was compared. It was found that the original layout of buildings has been preserved as a general outline, and current development depends mainly on economic factors and the attractiveness of the area, illustrated with appropriate examples.

Understanding the responses of vegetation phenology to natural and human disturbances is essential for better understanding ecosystems. In this study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data and products were used together with other relevant data to analyse vegetation phenological responses to urbanisation and natural factors in the major urban agglomerations of the Urumqi-Changji, Shihezi-Manasi, and Wusu-Kuidun-Dushanzi regions on the Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM). Vegetation phenology distributed along an urban-rural gradient showed distinct variability, with start of growing season (SOS), end of growing season (EOS), and growing season length (GSL) occurring earlier, later, and longer, respectively, in urban areas than those in suburban and rural areas. In the Urumqi-Changji region, the earliest SOS, the later EOS, and the longest GSL occurred. Surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) was most pronounced in the Urumqi-Changji region, with a heat island intensity of 1.77–3.34 °C. Vegetation phenology was influenced by both urbanisation and natural factors, whose contributions were 44.2% to EOS and 61.8% to SOS, respectively. The results of this study emphasise the importance of quantifying the vegetation phenological responses to human disturbances, including climate change, along the urban-rural gradient on the UANSTM.

In 2020, 744 orchards in South Korea were reported to be infected by fire blight (Erwinia amylovora (Burrill) Winslow et al.). The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, South Korea, immediately conducted a surveillance study involving 350 orchards to determine the source of the outbreaks, and the extent of its spread and pathway(s). A delimiting survey and sampling surveys were carried out to gather and analyse data during 2020. The attempts to trace the source of the diseased plants revealed a possible pathway. Infected apple trees could have been transported to previously pest‐free regions such as Gwangju and Yangju of Gyeonggido via the purchase of infected materials, e.g. from a domestic nursery. Once established, the disease could readily spread by natural means such as insects and wind into flowers, shoots and growing tips on adjacent trees. This is the likely pathway for entry of fire blight in the new region. Contaminated pruning tools may be another pathway for long‐distance dispersal of this pathogen within South Korea based on data collected through this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative understanding of changes in water resources is crucial for local governments to enable timely decision-making to maintain water security. Here, we quantified natural-and human-induced influences on the terrestrial water storage change (TWSC) in Sichuan, Southwest China, with intensive water consumption and climate variability, based on the data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its Follow-on (GRACE-FO) during 2003–2020. We combined the TWSC estimates derived from six GRACE/GRACE-FO solutions based on the uncertainties of each solution estimated from the generalized three-cornered hat method. Metrics of correlation coefficient and contribution rate (CR) were used to evaluate the influence of precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, reservoir storage, and total water consumption on TWSC in the entire region and its five economic regions. The results showed that a significant improvement in the fused TWSC was found compared to those derived from a single model. The increase in regional water storage with a rate of 3.83 ± 0.54 mm/a was more influenced by natural factors (CR was 53.17%) compared to human influence (CR was 46.83%). Among the factors, the contribution of reservoir storage was the largest (CR was 42.32%) due to the rapid increase in hydropower stations, followed by precipitation (CR was 35.16%), evapotranspiration (CR was 15.86%), total water consumption (CR was 4.51%), and runoff (CR was 2.15%). Among the five economic regions, natural influence on Chengdu Plain was the highest (CR was 48.21%), while human influence in Northwest Sichuan was the largest (CR was 61.37%). The highest CR of reservoir storage to TWSC was in Northwest Sichuan (61.11%), while the highest CRs of precipitation (35.16%) and evapotranspiration (15.86%) were both in PanXi region. The results suggest that TWSC in Sichuan is affected by natural factors and intense human activities, in particular, the effect of reservoir storage on TWSC is very significant. Our study results can provide beneficial help for the management and assessment of regional water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we looked for the answer to the question of what factors influence the development of the price of arable land with the help of Hungarian statistical data. Regular meeting with agricultural entrepreneurs also was source of actual information. The price of land in Hungary is rising by 5-10% on average every year. The average market price of arable land per hectare increased to HUF 1,969 million in 2021, which is a 14% increase compared to the previous year (HUF 1,727 million / ha) compared to last year. The average rent for arable land last year was HUF 81,957. The elimination of undivided areas has been preceded by huge expectations, but market experience shows that, despite the opportunity, the complicated administrative process is likely to deter many. Among the factors examined, natural factors (such as land quality, soil type, location, topography, natural waters) and economic and social factors (e.g. infrastructure, markets, labour supply, subsidies) are important. Prices are significantly affected by the irrigability of the area, for the development of which significant subsidies are currently available. It can also be considered a value-preserving investment for capital-intensive companies. The demand-supply relationship is modified by the fact that the pre-emption system in the current land trade legislation (Act CXXII of 2013 on the turnover of agricultural and forestry land) pursues the objective that land ownership should be acquired primarily by local farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Adab / Al-ādāb is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Assam is a state in Northeast India facing floods every year which leads to human misery and devastation of nature. The objective of this review is to explore the natural and anthropogenic factors causing flood in Assam over a period of 11 years. The SCOPUS, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies in Assam. The outcome of interest was to identify the natural and anthropogenic factors that contributed to the occurrence of floods in Assam from 2010 to 2020. Data were charted and reported in accordance with the “PRISMA guidelines.” From 1582 screened citations, 54 articles went under full-text screening, among which 35 studies were eligible for this review. Rainfall events, climate change, urbanization, deforestation, improper drainage and embankment construction contributed most. This review concludes that anthropogenic factors outweigh the natural factors for flood occurrence in Assam.

As an important ecological barrier in northern China, the ecological environment of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) has been greatly improved in recent decades. However, due to spatially non-stationarity, the contribution of human activities and natural factors to vegetation restoration may exhibit different coupling effects in various areas. In this paper, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of the YRB from 1986 to 2021 was used as the dependent variable, and terrain, meteorological, and socioeconomic factors were used as independent variables. With the help of Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), which could handle the scale difference well, combined with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and traditional Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), the spatial non-stationary relationship between vegetation and related factors was discussed. The results showed that: (1) The vegetation was subject to fluctuating changes from 1986 to 2021, mainly improving, with a growth rate of 0.0018/year; the spatial distribution pattern of vegetation in the basin was high in the southeast and low in the northwest. (2) Compared with the OLS and GWR, the MGWR could better explain the relationship between vegetation and various factors. (3) The response scale of vegetation and related factors was significantly variant, and this scale changed with time. The effect scale of terrain factor is lower than climate and social factors. (4) There was obvious spatial heterogeneity in the effects of various influencing factors on vegetation. The vegetation of the upstream was mainly positively affected by mean annual temperature (coefficients ∈ [1.507, 1.784]); while potential evapotranspiration was the dominant factor of vegetation in the middle and lower reaches of the basin (coefficients ∈ [−1.724, −1.704]); it was worth noting that the influence of social factors on vegetation was relatively small. This study deeply explores the spatial non-stationarity of vegetation and various related factors, thereby revealing the evolution law of vegetation pattern and providing scientific support for monitoring and improving the ecological environment quality of the YRB.

Copyright of Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water contamination by mutagenic microchemicals is a worldwide problem. To evaluate the overall water quality and identify the source(s) of pollutants (B, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr) in different watercourses in middle-upper Egypt, we analyzed 66 surface water samples collected from the significant waterways. In addition to trace pollutants, 15 physicochemical parameters (pH, Temperature, EC, alkalinity, DO, BOD, COD, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, and NO3-) were measured. Multivariate statistical approaches such as exploratory principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and correlation matrix analysis were applied to explore the sources of the contaminants. Data reveal that surface water quality in the investigated area is threatened by high concentrations of trace elements, which are higher than the permissible limits recommended by WHO guidelines and Egyptian standards for drinking water and irrigation purposes. Statistical analyses suggest that surface water contamination is the result of interference of natural (geogenic related to rock–water interaction) and human (interrelated to agrogenic and domestic sewage) inputs. The study will help decision-makers to take appropriate actions for freshwater sustainable management and protection. Moreover, surface water should be treated before use for drinking purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of hydrodynamic erosion affects the riverbeds in which sub-crossings of pipes or bridges are located. The depth of erosion is determined at a point in the riverbed by the use of specialized computational relationships. For some works located in the riverbed it is necessary to know the erosion depths on the perimeter of the flow section. The analysis models used to investigate the phenomenon of hydrodynamic erosion were: a - topographic model; b - calculation relations from the technical regulations; c - erosion simulation model on a river section. The obtained results were materialized by the evolution of the erosion depths on the considered river sector over an interval of about 5-15 years. The depth of erosion on the lower course of the Moldova River showed values from 0.75 m to 1.65 m on a research sector. The research results were capitalized on the design of the rehabilitation works of the constructions present in the riverbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The study of the degree of influence of natural factors in the Trans‐Baikal region on the quality of the air of the city of Petrovsk‐Zabaykalsky, which lies in an intermountain basin. Material and Methods. The geomorphology and climate of the intermountain basins of the Trans‐Baikal regions, as well as their separation by orographic features, were studied. Missing points were identified which need for further scientific research regarding the influence of natural factors of the Trans‐Baikal region on the quality of the air. Results. Geographical and natural factors in the formation of the qualitative composition of the atmosphere of cities located in intracontinental intermountain basins are presented. Studies were conducted from 2005 to 2015 at three observation posts (hereinafter – OP) in the city of Petrovsk‐Zabaykalsky (Н1 = 800 m; Н2 = 860 m; Н3 = 895 m). The dynamics of the average values of pollutant content in the air of the city of Petrovsk‐Zabaykalsky for the period 2005‐2015 were considered (based on field observations from three OPs), as well as the dynamics of the atmospheric pollution index of benzo(a)pyrene in the air in Petrovsk‐Zabaykalsky for the period 2005‐2015. Geoecological threats were assessed together with the geographical mechanisms responsible for them and the dynamics of atmospheric air pollution of a characteristic situation (the Tugnui basin and atmospheric air of the city of Petrovsk‐Zabaykalsky) were studied. The regular occurrence of extremely dangerous concentrations of pollutants in the atmosphere of cities located in intermountain basins is presented. Conclusion. The author’s research into the influence of natural factors (using the example of the Tugnui basin) on the air quality of a city on the National Priority List (e.g. the city of Petrovsk‐Zabaykalsky) showed that extremely dangerous concentrations of pollutants, especially substances of the first hazard class, namely benzo(a)pyrene, are created because of geographical factors.

This article examines the prevalent state of river ecosystems in the forest-steppe area of Ukraine with special focus on preservation methods and revitalisation of river ecosystems in the coastal territories.

Understanding vegetation changes and their driving forces in global alpine areas is critical in the context of climate change. We aimed to reveal the changing trend in global alpine vegetation from 1981 to 2015 using the least squares regression method and Mann-Kendall (MK) test. The area-of-influence dominated by anthropogenic activity and natural factors was determined in an area with significant vegetation change by residual analysis; the primary driving force of vegetation change in the area-of-influence dominated by natural factors was identified using the partial correlation method. The results showed that (1) the vegetation in the global alpine area exhibited a browning trend from 1981 to 2015 on the annual scale; however, a greening trend was observed from May to July on the month scale. (2) The influence of natural factors was greater than that of anthropogenic activities, and the positive impact of natural factors was greater than the negative impact. (3) Among the factors that were often considered as the main natural factors, the contribution of albedo to significant changes in vegetation were greater than that of temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and sunshine duration. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection of vegetation and sustainable development in alpine regions.

A quantitative understanding of changes in water resources is crucial for local governments to enable timely decision-making to maintain water security. Here, we quantified natural-and human-induced influences on the terrestrial water storage change (TWSC) in Sichuan, Southwest China, with intensive water consumption and climate variability, based on the data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its Follow-on (GRACE-FO) during 2003–2020. We combined the TWSC estimates derived from six GRACE/GRACE-FO solutions based on the uncertainties of each solution estimated from the generalized three-cornered hat method. Metrics of correlation coefficient and contribution rate (CR) were used to evaluate the influence of precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, reservoir storage, and total water consumption on TWSC in the entire region and its five economic regions. The results showed that a significant improvement in the fused TWSC was found compared to those derived from a single model. The increase in regional water storage with a rate of 3.83 ± 0.54 mm/a was more influenced by natural factors (CR was 53.17%) compared to human influence (CR was 46.83%). Among the factors, the contribution of reservoir storage was the largest (CR was 42.32%) due to the rapid increase in hydropower stations, followed by precipitation (CR was 35.16%), evapotranspiration (CR was 15.86%), total water consumption (CR was 4.51%), and runoff (CR was 2.15%). Among the five economic regions, natural influence on Chengdu Plain was the highest (CR was 48.21%), while human influence in Northwest Sichuan was the largest (CR was 61.37%). The highest CR of reservoir storage to TWSC was in Northwest Sichuan (61.11%), while the highest CRs of precipitation (35.16%) and evapotranspiration (15.86%) were both in PanXi region. The results suggest that TWSC in Sichuan is affected by natural factors and intense human activities, in particular, the effect of reservoir storage on TWSC is very significant. Our study results can provide beneficial help for the management and assessment of regional water resources.

Soil thickness is an important basic characteristic of soil, which can directly reflect the degree of soil development, is closely related to soil fertility, and is an important index for identifying soil fertility in the field. It is not only a supplementary source of soil nutrients, but also a primitive storage of soil minerals, and a main indicator for judging the degree of soil erosion. Soil thickness and properties are important indicators of soil quality and an important material basis for plant growth. Soil thickness can affect vegetation growth and surface hydrology, and also has a decisive effect on landslides, soil erosion, and soil fertility and productivity. In view of this, this paper studies the soil thickness and its influencing factors, and provides a theoretical basis for improving the soil quality in different regions and protecting the regional ecological environment.