Studies on Arid Lands

The progress and prospects of nebkhas in arid areas

Expand
  • 1. School of Geographical Science and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen 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 date: 2010-04-02

  Revised date: 2010-06-06

  Online published: 2010-10-15

Supported by

State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, No.2008-ZZ-02; Open Fund Program by Gansu Key Laboratory of Desertification Combating, No.KD200602; Financial Supporting Plan of Initial Study for Young Teacher in 2009 in Sun Yat-Sen University, No.37000-3126171

Abstract

Nebkhas are often extensively distributed in arid and semi-arid areas, and play an important role in the stabilization of ecological environment in these areas. This paper reviews the following aspects, including formation and succession, spatial distribution, shape and surface airflow characteristics, balance between erosion and deposition, ecological and physiological characteristics of vegetation, response to precipitation and groundwater, soil properties as well as the protection measures. We found that nebkhas were studied without differentiation of succession periods, and shape characteristics, surface airflow, soil properties as well as vegetation dynamics in different succession periods were not fully understood, which made it difficult to explain the succession dynamics of nebkhas and its affecting factors. Previous studies of nebkhas were over-emphasized for its role as an indicator of land degradation, while its ecological functions in degraded ecosystems were neglected, which was unfavorable for the ecological restorations in arid and semi-arid areas. Future studies should pay more attention to the variation of vegetation, soil as well as hydrological process in the succession of nebkhas and its interaction between different influencing factors. In addition, positive role of nebkhas in degraded ecosystems in arid and semi-arid areas should be fully discussed. According to the data got from the above, effective protection measures of nebkhas should be explored.

Cite this article

DU Jianhui, YAN Ping, DONG Yuxiang . The progress and prospects of nebkhas in arid areas[J]. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 2010 , 20(5) : 712 -728 . DOI: 10.1007/s11442-010-0806-5

References


[1] Aguiar M R, Sala O E, 1999. Patch structure, dynamics and implications for the functioning of arid ecosystems. TREE, 14(7): 273–277.

[2] Ardon K, Tsoar H, Blumberg D G, 2009. Dynamics of nebkhas superimposed on a parabolic dune and their effect on the dune dynamics. Journal of Arid Environments, xxx: 1–9.

[3] Bochet E, Poesen J, Rubio J L, 2000. Mound development as an interaction of individual plants with soil, water erosion and sedimentation processes on slopes. Earth Surface Process and Landforms, 25: 847–867.

[4] Brown G, Porembski S, 1997. The maintenance of species diversity by miniature dunes in a sand-depleted Haloxylon salicornicum community in Kuwait. Journal of Arid Environments, 37: 461–473.

[5] Chu Jianmin, 2007. Water utilization of dominant desert plants
[D]. Beijing: Chinese Academy of Forestry. (in Chinese)

[6] Cui Xianghui, Feng Qiang, Wang Xuequan, 2007. Characteristics and simulation analysis of evapotranspiration of shrub sand dune at the oasis-desert transitional zones. Science of Soil and Water Conservation, 5(1): 44–48. (in Chinese)

[7] Domingo F, Villagarcía L, Brenner A J et al., 2000. Measuring and modelling the radiation balance of a heteroge726 Journal of Geographical Sciences neous shrubland. Plant, Cell and the Environment, 23: 27–38.

[8] Dougill A J, Thomas A D, 2002. Nebkha dunes in the Molopo Basin, South Africa and Botswana: Formation controls and their validity as indicators of soil degradation. Journal of Arid Environments, 50: 413–428.

[9] Du Jianhui, Yan Ping, Ding Liangang et al., 2009. Soil physical and chemical properties of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas surface at different development stages in Minqin oasis. Journal of Desert Research, 2: 248–253. (in Chinese)

[10] Du Jianhui, Yan Ping, E Youhao, 2007a. Distribution patterns and characteristics of Nitraria tangutorum nebkha at its different evolvement stages in the Minqin County of Gansu Province. Chinese Journal of Ecology, 26(8): 1165–1170. (in Chinese)

[11] Du Jianhui, Yan Ping, E Youhao et al., 2007b. Influence of heavy rain event on soil water content of Nitraria tangurum nebkhas in different succession periods. Bulletin of Soil and Water Conservation, 27(6): 20–24. (in Chinese)

[12] Du Jianhui, Yan Ping, Zhan Xiuli et al., 2008. Surface erosion-resistance of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas at different succession stages in Minqin oasis and related affecting factors. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 19(4): 763–768. (in Chinese)

[13] El-Bana M I, Nijs I, Khedr A A, 2003. The importance of phytogenic mounds (nebkhas) for restoration of arid degraded rangelands in Northern Sinai. Restoration Ecology, 11(3): 317–324.

[14] El-Bana M I, Nijs I, Kockelbergh F, 2002. Microenvironmental and vegetational heterogeneity induced by phytogenic nebkhas in an arid coastal ecosystem. Plant and Soil, 247: 283–293.

[15] Flombaum P, Sala O E, 2007. A non-destructive and rapid method to estimate biomass and aboveground net primary production in arid environments. Journal of Arid Environments, 69: 352–358.

[16] Gat J R, Yakir D, Goodfriend G, 2007. Stable isotope composition of water in desert plants. Plant and Soil, 298: 31–45.

[17] Gile L H, 1975. Holocene soils and soil-geomorphic relations in an arid region of southern New Mexico. Quaternary Research, 5: 321–360.

[18] He Xingdong, Gao Yubao, Ren Anzhi, 2003. Role of wind-sand disturbance in the formation and development of Tamarix taklamakanensis community. Acta Botanica Sinica, 45(11): 1285–1290.

[19] He Zhibin, Zhao Wenzhi, 2004. Spatial pattern of two dominant shrubs populations at transitional zone between oasis and desert of Heihe River Basin. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 15(6): 947–952. (in Chinese)

[20] Hesp P A, 1981. The formation of shadow dunes. Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, 51: 101–112.

[21] Hesp P A, McLachlan A, 2000. Morphology, dynamics, ecology and fauna of Arctotheca populifolia and Gazania rigens nabkha dunes. Journal of Arid Environments, 44(2): 155–172.

[22] Jia Baoquan, Cai Tijiu, Gao Zhihai et al., 2002. Biomass forecast models of Nitraria Tangutorum shrub in sand dune. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 16(1): 96–99. (in Chinese)

[23] Jia Baoquan, Zhang Hongqi, Zhang Zhiqiang et al., 2003. The study on the physical and chemical characteristics of sand soil crust in the Minqin County, Gansu Province. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 23(7): 1442–1448. (in Chinese)

[24] Jia Xiaohong, Li Xinrong, 2008. Spatial pattern of sand-mound of Nitraria in different habitat at the southeastern fringe of the Tengger Desert. Environment Science, 29(7): 2046–2053. (in Chinese)

[25] Khalaf F I, Misak R, Al-Dousari A, 1995. Sedimentological and morphological characteristics of some nabkha deposits in the northern coastal plain of Kuwait, Arabia. Journal of Arid Environments, 29: 267–292.

[26] Langford R P, 2000. Nabkha (coppice dune) fields of south-central New Mexico, USA. Journal of Arid Environments, 46: 25–41.

[27] Leenders J K, van Boxel J H, Sterk G, 2007. The effect of single vegetation elements on wind speed and sediment transport in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 32(10): 1454–1474.

[28] Li Changlong, Li Maozai, Wang Jie et al., 2005. Studies on restoration and reconstruction of degenerated vegetation of Nitraria shrub on oasis boundary. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 19(1): 167–171. (in Chinese)

[29] Li J, Zhao C, Zhu H et al., 2007. Effect of plant species on shrub fertile island at an oasis–desert ecotone in the South Junggar Basin, China. Journal of Arid Environments, 71: 350–361.

[30] Li Qiuyan, He Zhibin, Zhao Wenzhi et al., 2004. Spatial Pattern of Nitraria sphaerocarpa population and dyDU Jianhui et al.: The progress and prospects of nebkhas in arid areas 727 namics in different habitats. Journal of Desert Research, 24(4): 484–488. (in Chinese)

[31] Li Zhizhong, Wu Shengli, Wang Xiaofeng et al., 2007a. Bio-geomorphologic growth process of Tamarix nabkha in the Hotan River Basin of Xinjiang. Acta Geographica Sinica, 62(5): 462–470. (in Chinese)

[32] Li Zhizhong, Wu Shengli, Xiao Chenxi et al., 2007b. Study on wind-tunnel simulated flow pattern over nabkha dunes in Hetian river basin, Xinjiang (II). Journal of Desert Research, 27(1): 15–19.(in Chinese)

[33] Liang Jiye, Wang Yange, Yang Xiaohui, 2008. Distribution pattern of Bassia dasyphylla on Tangutorum nitraria sand dunes in desert-riverside ecotone. Pratacultural Science, 25(5): 42–47. (in Chinese)

[34] Ling Yuquan, Qu Jianjun, Jin Jiong, 2003. Influence of sparse natural vegetation on sand-transporting quantity. Journal of Desert Research, 23(1): 12–17. (in Chinese)

[35] Link S O, Waugh W J, Downs J L et al., 1994. Effects of coppice dune topography and vegetation on soil water dynamics in a cold-desert ecosystem. Journal of Arid Environments, 27(3): 265–278.

[36] Liu Bing, Zhao Wenzhi, Yang Rong, 2008. Characteristics and spatial heterogeneity of Tamarix ramosissima Nebkhas at desert-oasis ecotone. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 28(4): 1446–1455. (in Chinese)

[37] Liu Jianquan, 2002. Ecological characteristics of Nitraria tangutorum community in Xishawo, Minqin of Gansu Province. Journal of Plant Resources and Environment, 11(3): 36–40. (in Chinese)

[38] Luo Junbao, Sun Baoping, 2005. Study on techniques of vegetation in arid region: A case research along the Yuelianghu Highway in the Tengger Desert, China. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 19(4): 205–208. (in Chinese)

[39] Ma Shilong, Ding Guodong, Hao Yuguang et al., 2006. Experimental research of viscous flow around a Nitraria tangutorum boscage. Research of Soil and Water Conservation, 13(6): 147–149. (in Chinese)

[40] Manzano M G, Navar J, 2000. Processes of desertification by goats over-grazing in the Tamaulipan thornscrub (matorral) in northeastern Mexico. Journal of Arid Environments, 44: 1–14.

[41] Mountney N P, Russell A J, 2006. Coastal aeolian dune development, Sólheimasandur, southern Iceland. Sedimentary Geology, 192(3): 167–181.

[42] Nickling W G, Wolfe A S, 1994. The morphology and origin of nabkhas, region of Mopti, Mali, West Africa. Journal of Arid Environments, 28: 13–30.

[43] Nield J M, Baas A C W, 2008. Investigating parabolic and nebkha dune formation using a cellular automaton modelling approach. Earth Surface Process and Landforms, 33: 724–740.

[44] Okin G S, Murray B, Schlesinger W H, 2001. Degradation of sandy arid shrubland environments: observations, process modelling, and management implications. Journal of Arid Environments, 47: 123–144.

[45] Parsons A J, Wainwright J, Schlesinger W H et al., 2003. The role of overland flow in sediment and nitrogen budgets of mesquite dunefields, southern New Mexico. Journal of Arid Environments, 53: 61–71.

[46] Peng Hongjia, Fu Bojie, Chen Liding et al., 2004. Study on features of vegetation succession and its driving force in Gansu desert areas: A case study at Minqin County. Journal of Desert Research, 24(5): 628–633. (in Chinese)

[47] Qiu Mingxin, Liu Jiangqiong, 1983. Studies on a typical plant community of nitraria sphaerocarpa on the gravel desert in China. Acta Botanica Boreali-occidentalia Sinica, 3(2): 142–149. (in Chinese)

[48] Qong M, Takamura H, Hudaberdi M, 2002. Formation and internal structure of Tamarix cones in the Taklimakan Desert. Journal of Arid Environments, 50: 81–97.

[49] Rango A, Chopping M, Ritchie J et al., 2000. Morphological characteristics of shrub coppice dunes in desert grasslands of southern New Mexico derived from scanning LIDAR. Remote Sensing of Environment, 74: 26–44.

[50] Ren Jun, Tao Lin, 2003. A numerical taxonomy of the genus Nitraria from Gansu Province, China. Acta Botanica Boreali-occidentalia Sinica, 23(4): 572–576. (in Chinese)

[51] Roels B, Donders S, Werger M J A et al., 2001. Relation of wind-induced sand displacement to plant biomass and plant sand-binding capacity. Acta Botanica Sinica, 43(9): 979–982.

[52] Seifert C L, Cox R T, Forman S L et al., 2009. Relict nebkhas (pimple mounds) record prolonged late Holocene drought in the forested region of south-central United States. Quaternary Research, 71: 329–339.

[53] Su Yongzhong, Zhao Halin, Zhang Tonghui, 2002. Influencing mechanism of several shrubs and subshrubs on soil fertility in Keerqin sandy land. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 13(7): 802–806. (in Chinese)

[54] Sun Qiumei, Li Zhizhong, Wu Shengli et al., 2007. The process of land desertification in the desert and oasis transition belt of Hetian River Basin. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 21(6): 136–141. (in Chinese)

[55] Sun Xiang, Yu Zhuo, 1992. A study on root system of Nitraria tangutorum. Journal of Desert Research, 12(4): 50–54. (in Chinese)

[56] Tengberg A, 1995. Nebkha dunes as indicators of wind erosion and land degradation in the Sahel zone of Burkina Faso. Journal of Arid Environments, 30: 265–282.

[57] Tengberg A, Chen D L, 1998. A comparative analysis of nebkhas in central Tunisia and northern Burkina Faso. Geomorphology, 22: 181–192.

[58] Thomas F M, Foetzki A, Arndt S K et al., 2006. Water use by perennial plants in the transition zone between river oasis and desert in NW China. Basic and Applied Ecology, 7: 253–267.

[59] Titus J H, Nowakw R S, Smith S D, 2002. Soil resource heterogeneity in the Mojave Desert. Journal of Arid Environments, 52: 269–292.

[60] Wang X, Wang T, Dong Z et al., 2006. Nebkha development and its significance to wind erosion and land degradation in semi-arid northern China. Journal of Arid Environments, 65: 129–141.

[61] Wang X M, Xiao H L, Li J C et al., 2008. Nebkha development and its relationship to environmental change in the Alaxa Plateau, China. Environment Geology, 56: 359–365.

[62] Wei Xiaoping, Zhao Changming, Wang Genxuan et al., 2005. Estimation of above and below-ground biomass of dominant desert plant species in an oasis-desert ecotone of Minqin, China. Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 29(6): 878–883. (in Chinese)

[63] Wu Shengli, Li Zhizhong, Hui Jun et al., 2006. Study on the distribution character of surface pressure of nabkha in wind-tunnel imitative experiment. Arid Land Geography, 29(6): 790–796. (in Chinese)

[64] Wu Shengli, Li Zhizhong, Hui Jun et al., 2008. The morphological characteristics and growth mode of nebkha in the basin of Hotan River, Xinjiang. Geographical Research, 27(2): 314–322. (in Chinese)

[65] Xia Xuncheng, Zhao Yuanjie, Wang Fubao et al., 2004. Stratification features of Tamarix cone and its possible age significance. Chinese Science Bulletin, 49(13): 1337–1338. (in Chinese)

[66] Xia Xuncheng, Zhao Yuanjie, Wang Fubao et al., 2005. Discussion of environmental significance of age layers of Tamarix ramosissima sand-hillock in Lop Nor region, Xinjiang. Chinese Science Bulletin, 50(19): 2176–2177. (in Chinese)

[67] Xu Wenqiang, Luo Geping, Chen Xi, 2006. Soil properties under shrubs in arid areas of oasis-desert transition belt. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 17(4): 583–586. (in Chinese)

[68] Yang Zihui, Gao Zhihai, 2000. Impact of precipitation and underground water level in the edge of oasis on growth and decline of Nitraria tangutorum community. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 11(6): 923–926. (in Chinese)

[69] Yue Xingling, Hasi, Zhuang Yanmei et al., 2005. Studies on sandy grassland nebkhas: A review. Journal of Desert Research, 16(4): 360–363. (in Chinese)

[70] Zhang Jinchun, Zhao Ming, Zhang Yingchang et al., 2005. A research between photosynthetic, transpiration characteristics and impact of irrigated vegetation of Haloxylon ammodendron and Nitraria tangutorum. Acta Botanica Boreali-occidentalia Sinica, 25(1): 70–76. (in Chinese)

[71] Zhang Li, Dong Zengchuan, Huang Xiaoling, 2004. Modeling on relation between major plants growth and groundwater depth in arid area. Journal of Desert Research, 24(1): 110–113. (in Chinese)

[72] Zhang Ping, Ha Si, Yue Xingling et al., 2008. Nitraria Nebkhas: Morphology and sediments. Arid Land Geography, 31(6): 926–932. (in Chinese)

[73] Zhao Changming, Wei Xiaoping, Yu Qiushi et al., 2005. Photosynthetic characteristics of Nitraria tangutorum and Haloxylon ammodendron in the ecotone between oasis and desert in Minqin, Region, County. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 25(8): 1908–1923. (in Chinese)

[74] Zheng Dan, Li Weihong, Chen Yapeng et al., 2005. Relations between groundwater and natural vegetation in the arid zone. Resource Science, 27(4): 160–167. (in Chinese)

[75] Zhu Zhenda, Chen Guangting, 1994. Land Sandy Desertification in China. Beijing: Science Press, 24. (in Chinese)

Outlines

/