Landscape pattern and process of modern oasis in Xinjiang, China

Based on Landsat MSS/TM images and CBERS-02 CCD data of Beitun Oasis in Ertix River Watershed in the years of 1972, 1989, 1999 and 2005, the landscape patterns for the past 30 years were analyzed. Using the GIS data collective platform, we calculated the landscape pattern conversion probability matrix, landscape pattern index, and contribution rates of major landscape components to characterize the impacts and responses of landscape pattern changes and landscape ecological processes. The results indicate that in this region the areas of farmlands, urban & rural residential lands and waters are increasing, the area of woodlands is decreasing, and that of grasslands is decreasing and then increasing. In the desert landscape patterns, the areas of sandlands and Gobi deserts & bare lands are decreasing after increasing, and those of saline or alkaline lands & marchlands are increasing obviously in the latter period. The features of landscape ecological process of urban & rural residential lands are concentrated in spatial pattern, but for grasslands and woodlands, those are fragmentized in spatial patterns. The landscape components convert very frequently, and the landscape pattern is not stable. Woodlands ecosystem function reducing and soil salinization and alkalization result in a negative influence on the local ecological system. It is essential to adjust the landscape patterns to rehabilitate and construct the fragile ecological system of modern oasis landscape ecosystem in arid area and use water resources reasonably, so that ecological environment and social economy is healthy and stable with sustainable development.