Acta Geographica Sinica ›› 2010, Vol. 65 ›› Issue (3): 339-350.doi: 10.11821/xb201003009

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The Progress and Prospects of Nebkhas in Arid Areas

DU Jian-hui1, 2, 3,YAN Ping1, 2, DONG Yu-xiang3   

  1. 1. School of Geographical Science and Planning, Sun-Yet San University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
    2. State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
    3. College of Resources Science & Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
  • Received:2009-11-07 Revised:2010-01-11 Online:2010-03-30 Published:2010-03-30
  • Supported by:

    [Foundation: State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, No.2008-ZZ-02; National Science and Technology Supporting Plan of the 11th Five-year Plan Period, No.2006BAD26B0302; Financial Supporting Plan of Initial Study for Young Teacher in 2009, No.37000-3126171]

Abstract:

Nebkhas is a common relief type in arid and semi-arid areas, which plays an important role in the stablization of ecological environment in these areas. This paper reviews the following aspects, including formation and succession, spatial distribution, shape characteristics, surface airflow characteristics and balance between erosion and deposition, ecological and physiological characteristics of vegetation. It also focuses on its response to precipitation and underground water, soil properties as well as the protection measures. We found that there had been limited studies on nebkhas, in which succession periods were not differentiated, shape characteristics, surface airflow, soil and vegetation dynamics in different succession periods were not fully understood. So it is difficult to explain succession dynamics of nebkhas and its affecting factors.

Key words: Nebkhas, succession period, protection measures, ecological function