Aller au contenu principal

page search

Bibliothèque Multi-scale land cover dynamics of semiarid scrubland in Baja California, Mexico

Multi-scale land cover dynamics of semiarid scrubland in Baja California, Mexico

Multi-scale land cover dynamics of semiarid scrubland in Baja California, Mexico

Resource information

Date of publication
Décembre 2014
Resource Language
ISBN / Resource ID
AGRIS:US201400149337
Pages
1315-1328

Land use and cover changes trigger multi-factorial responses with tangible and intangible effects. Driving forces governing changes are scale-, place- and time-dependent; because of their complexity, a multi-scalar analysis is required to determine conjoint causation. Studies using multi-scalar approach in semiarid scrubland ecosystems are scanty. This paper investigates land use changes on the largest semiarid scrubland ecosystem of Mexico, the Baja California Peninsula, using a multi-scalar analysis approach. It further provides insight into the likely underlying causes for land use trends. Multi-temporal databases were compiled for 1978, 1990, 2000 and 2003 from various sources; population was projected for the same years. Land cover processes were validated through intensive fieldwork. Map overlapping with the aid of geographic information systems allowed computation of land cover transformation rates. New algorithms were developed to better understand land cover trends. Multi-variate analysis was also performed to provide a synthetic statistical overview. Results showed that land cover change occurred at different times, at variable scales, due to distinct drivers. As a consequence, the current regional scenario has been shaped by distinguishable socio-economic changes. The semiarid scrubland ecosystems in the Baja California Peninsula experienced contrasting trends detectable only at site and local scales. Regionally, the replacement of original vegetation (scrubland) for other land cover category is following trends similar to those in the rest of Mexico and most semiarid ecosystems worldwide. These findings support the hypothesis that land use and cover changes must be analyzed at different times and scales to deeply understand underlying forces.

Share on RLBI navigator
NO

Authors and Publishers

Author(s), editor(s), contributor(s)

Rosete Vergés, Fernando Antonio
Velázquez, Alejandro
Bocco, Gerardo
Espejel, Ileana

Publisher(s)
Data Provider
Geographical focus