The current state of steppe ecosystems in the arid zone of Mongolia (a case study of the model site of Mandalgovi)

[摘要] Under the conditions of climate change and intensive anthropogenic impact, the cenotic diversity of steppe ecosystems is changing. This paper presents results of a study of steppe communities in the arid climatic zone of Mongolia, in particular, a key site named "Mandalgovi". A classification of the vegetation in this territory is carried out using a cluster analysis of the coenoflora. We have identified 2 groups of formations of desert steppes including 5 formations and 12 associations by using a dominant-determinant approach. A relationship of the plant communities with the relief, general moistening, soil fertility, and salinity has been revealed using methods of ecological ordination. A spatial-temporal distribution of NDVI obtained with Landsat data and VEGA-PRO satellite service is analyzed. An increase in the areas with low values of the NDVI index (from 0.0 to 0.1) characteristic of desert steppes is revealed. This is due to a decrease in the phytocenotic diversity, substitution of indigenous species, and introduction of invasive species, thus leading to a drastic transformation of the plant communities.

[发布机构] Baikal Institute of Nature Management SB RAS, Sakyanovoi st., 8, Ulan-Ude; 670047, Russia^1

[效力级别] 计算机科学

[关键词] Anthropogenic impacts;Climatic zone;Invasive species;Phytocenotic diversity;Plant communities;Satellite services;Soil fertility;Spatial-temporal distribution