A DYNAMIC GRADIENT ANALYSIS OF LANDSCAPE PATTERNS OF THE ZHENGZHOU URBAN AREA IN RESPONSE TO RAPID URBANIZATION

摘要

To better understand landscape pattern dynamics in a rapidly urbanizing area, this paper analyzes land use patterns and land cover data of Zhengzhou, Henan, China, using data from three Landsat TM images taken in 1988, 2001, and 2014. By combining gradient analysis and landscape pattern analysis, and by using multiple landscape on both class and landscape scales, we quantified the spatial dynamics of the landscape patterns of the study area. Our results revealed dynamic changes in the landscape patterns of the Zhengzhou area. We found that the urban landscape had expanded, and unused land had decreased from 1988 to 2014. Indexes of patch density, spread and landscape diversity showed regularity in the gradient belt near the administrative center, and their peak values expanded over time. We also found that gradient changes of urban outskirts areas in 2014 were significantly different from those in 1988 and 2001, indicating that the urban construction has resulted in considerable ecological disturb. Finally, we discuss the impact of urbanization processes on the urban core and suburban areas at different time points. We hope that these results may be beneficial for the regional land use policy-making and sustainable development planning.