Search

Situated in China's arid and semi-arid zones, the Xinjiang region heavily relies on groundwater for its freshwater supply. This study utilizes data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission, covering the years 2003 to 2021, to quantitatively evaluate the temporal and spatial changes in groundwater storage anomalies (GWSA) in the Xinjiang region. Furthermore, we incorporate the HydroSHEDS dataset to examine the spatial variations in groundwater storage anomalies across watersheds of varying scales. Based on our findings, the GWSA decreased during the study period at a mean rate of −0.381 mm/month, marked by a consistent trend and notable interannual variability. In addition, significant regional disparities are observed; while groundwater storage in the southeastern watersheds is on an upward trend, a general decline is noted in the northern and central regions. The most pronounced depletion is detected in the northwest, especially in the Ili River basin and along the western slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. These changes are intricately linked to anthropogenic factors, including population growth and escalating water demands. In response, the study advocates for the development and enforcement of more rigorous and scientifically informed groundwater management strategies to promote sustainable water use in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LST (Land surface temperature) is an important indicator for monitoring dynamic changes in the earth's resources and environment. However, the complexity of obtaining long-term, continuous LST data hinders the development of research on LST responses to meteorological factors or LUCC in areas where data is lacking. The objective of this research was to use the VIC-3L (Variable Infiltration Capacity) based on multi-source remote sensing data to simulate and explore spatio-temporal changes in the LST, to analyze the relationship between the LST and meteorological elements by using cross-wavelet transform (XWT) and wavelet coherence (WTC), the relationship between the LST and LUCC by using three-phase remote sensing images of LUCC. The following results were obtained. The annual average LST of the study area is increasing at a rate of 0.027 °C per year. The annual average LST level is relatively high in the central and eastern regions. The average temperature has an important influence on LST, which is mainly reflected in the period scale of 1~4a in 1963–1972, 1980–1996, and 2004–2010. The sharp decline in open shrubs may have exacerbated the increase in LST in the study area. This study provides a scientific reference for studying LST in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]