Analysis of Spatio-temporal Changes in the Landscape Pattern of the Taishan Mountain

Analyzing spatial and temporal changes in landscape patterns is an important aspect of landscape ecology. We used satellite imagery and ERDAS Image software, calculated landscape indices, and quantified landscape transformation processes to determine the nature and magnitude of landscape structural changes within an upland area of the Taishan Mountains in Shandong province, eastern China. We used digital image processing techniques to produce landscape classification maps from 1986 and 2001 Landsat images. Based on a geographic information system (GIS) and patch analyst program software (FRAGSTATS), landscape pattern indices were calculated, and the relationships between changes in landscape patterns and anthropogenic disturbances were further investigated. The results showed a significant decrease in Pinus forests, due mainly to the conversion to Quercus and mixed forests. Forest vegetation patches have become more fragmented, isolated, and much smaller since 1986. Changes in landscape structure were significantly associated with anthropogenic disturbances, although the strength of the association differed throughout the study zone. A larger proportion of bare substrate on steep slopes will damage the health of the mountain ecosystem, in all likelihood, and upland clearing will lead to longer term potential for land degradation.