Dynamic and driving evolution of lake basin pressure in cold and arid regions based on a new method: A case study of three lakes in Inner Mongolia, China

Static single-path assessment methods usually underestimate the lake basin pressure (LBP). Considering cumulative transmission of multiple paths, how to assess dynamic changes LBP and reveal driving evolution is not clear. Here, taking Hulun, Daihai Wuliangsuhai basins in cold arid region as study case, we established an method that coupled paths. For first time, this reveals found rapid economic development accelerated urbanization dramatically increased LBPs three lakes. Specifically, has by 90%–270 % past 32 years, they experienced a stable stage driven climate (1987–1992), followed slight increasing agriculture (1993–2004) finally significant increase (2005–2018) industry urbanization. Different degrees warming, populations intensities livestock were main factors spatial differences basins. The Lake Basins exhibited phase driving, continuous ineffective characteristics water environment changes, respectively, which related governance. Compared with paths quality quantity, was most strongly transmitted through ecological path. Rapid will bring greater management should promote construction environmental protection mechanisms correspond urbanization, such land use, continue strengthen watershed governance alleviate impact LBP, especially on service functions ecosystem. Our quantified from different provided action priorities for management.