The spatial-temporal change pattern of wetland in the middle-lower Yangtze river: A case study of Wuhu, Anhui

Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, which are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems. Utilizing RS and the GIS software, remote datum were matched and classified. By these transactions, the temporal and spatial changes of wetland landscape are explored in Wuhu, combining qualitative analysis and quantitative methods. This paper analyzed the time-spatial revolution process which indicated that, firstly the area of wetland reduced rapidly from remote sensing image in 1988, 2001 and 2005, secondly the exterior of urban changed acutely and the interior were protected well in view of spatial pattern. Moreover, driving force factors were pointed out. Human activities, especially urbanization were the main causes of wetlands degradation. Simultaneity, the development of farming, the construction of infrastructure and nature were important factors. Owing to rapid economic development and urban sprawling, wetlands are encountering threaten to be converting to other land uses. Thus, the paper provides policy advices for wetland conservation and urban planning toward sustainable development.