Analysis of spatio-temporal changes in the landscape pattern of the Taishan mountain

Abstract

Analyzing spatial and temporal changes in landscape patterns is an important aspect of landscape ecology.We used satellite imagery and ERDAS Image software, calculated landscape indices, and quantified landscape tran-sformation processes to determine the nature and magnitude of landscape structural changes within an upland area ofthe Taishan Mountains in Shandong province, eastern China. We used digital image processing techniques to producelandscape classification maps from 1986 and 2001 Landsat images. Based on a geographic information system(GIS)and patch analyst program software (FRAGSTATS),landscape pattern indices were calculated, and the relationshipsbetween changes in landscape patterns and anthropogenic disturbances were further investigated. Theresultsshowed a significant decrease in Pinusforests, due mainly to the conversion to Quercus and mixed forests.Forest vegetation patches have become more fragmented, isolated, and much smaller since 1986. Changes in landscapestructure were significantly associated with anthropogenic disturbances, although the strength of the associationdiffered throughout the study zone. A larger proportion of bare substrate on steep slopes will damage the health ofthemountain ecosystem, in all likelihood,and upland clearing will lead to longer term potential for land degradation.