Dynamics and integrity of wetland network in estuary

摘要: Abstract The increasing fragmentation and degradation tendency of estuarine wetlands due to rapid urbanization in coastal areas exert the urgent need quantify structural characteristic wetland network, which involves fragmentized patches for restoration conservation. Although networks have already been used conservation planning on a regional scale, variation connectivity has not well studied. Therefore, this study gathered data from Landsat TM/ETM + images construct network employed graph theoretical analysis characterize evolution, changes, integrity alteration Pearl River Estuary, South China. was defined study, including several functional attributes, six generated during 1979 2009 analyzed as well. exhibited weakening topology over time, is indicated by significant decrease degree distribution, connectivity, clustering coefficient. diminishing trends reveal that although latest can still protect environment, phenomenon its would reduce ability resist external interference.