Vegetation Cover Variation in Dry Valleys of Southwest China: The Role of Precipitation

Many ecological restoration projects have been carried out in Southwest China; however, changes vegetation cover the dry valleys of China rarely reported. With their unique characteristics high temperatures and low humidity, these considerably lower than neighboring areas, making them main sediment sources rivers China. Thus, it is imperative to understand China’s valleys, as well effects precipitation, since water deficit dominant cause obstructed plant growth. In this study, fractional (FVC) period 2000 2020 were analyzed based on MODIS-NDVI data, precipitation also analyzed. Our results indicated that: (1) long-term mean annual FVC values dry–hot (DHVs), dry–warm (DWVs), dry–temperate (DTVs) 0.426, 0.504, 0.446, respectively; (2) significant decreasing trends mainly found DHVs DWVs that distributed southwestern part valley region (DVR), which was due decrease precipitation; (3) increasing reported DTVs Min River Baishui River, probably increase precipitation. By analyzing temporal study highlighted dynamics demonstrated anthropogenic activities such urbanization, land use changes, hydro-power project construction may considerable valleys. Overall, not only provides insights might inform further detailed studies mechanisms cover, but could provide valuable guidance for management region.