The Increase in Recent Years of Desertification in Northern China: Local and Global Impacts

Presentation Type

Oral and/or Visual Presentation

Presenter Major(s)

English, Geography and Planning

Mentor Information

Kin Ma, makin@gvsu.edu

Department

Geography

Location

Kirkhof Center 2201

Start Date

13-4-2011 2:30 PM

End Date

13-4-2011 3:00 PM

Keywords

Culture, Environment, Global Change, Social Science, Sustainability

Abstract

The existence of large deserts in Northern China and Mongolia is an important historical phenomenon that has long affected human life. However, as human activity has increased in these areas in modern times, their aridity has also increased. Desertification in the region has led to changes in local lifestyles and settlement patterns, while at the same time having an impact at the global level through the long range transport of contaminated desert dust. The purpose of this research is to examine the anthropogenic forces that contribute to desertification in the region and the effects of increasing desertification at the local level, as well as its overall impact upon global climate change. The extent of dust storms originating in the region are illustrated using satellite imagery. Recent conservation efforts and policy decisions in regarding the issue are also investigated in detail, as are the socioeconomic changes that have resulted.

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Apr 13th, 2:30 PM Apr 13th, 3:00 PM

The Increase in Recent Years of Desertification in Northern China: Local and Global Impacts

Kirkhof Center 2201

The existence of large deserts in Northern China and Mongolia is an important historical phenomenon that has long affected human life. However, as human activity has increased in these areas in modern times, their aridity has also increased. Desertification in the region has led to changes in local lifestyles and settlement patterns, while at the same time having an impact at the global level through the long range transport of contaminated desert dust. The purpose of this research is to examine the anthropogenic forces that contribute to desertification in the region and the effects of increasing desertification at the local level, as well as its overall impact upon global climate change. The extent of dust storms originating in the region are illustrated using satellite imagery. Recent conservation efforts and policy decisions in regarding the issue are also investigated in detail, as are the socioeconomic changes that have resulted.