作者: NICOLAS BARBIER , PIERRE COUTERON , JEAN LEJOLY , VINCENT DEBLAUWE , OLIVIER LEJEUNE
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2745.2006.01126.X
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摘要: Summary 1 Spatially periodic vegetation patterns are well known in arid and semi-arid regions around the world. 2 Mathematical models have been developed that attribute this phenomenon to a symmetry-breaking instability. Such based on interplay between competitive facilitative influences exerts its own dynamics when it is constrained by conditions, but evidence for these predictions still lacking. Moreover, not all can account development of regularly spaced spots bare ground absence soil prepattern. 3 We applied Fourier analysis high-resolution, remotely sensed data taken at either end 40-year interval southern Niger. Statistical comparisons textural characterization gave us broad-scale decrease rainfall over recent decades sub-Saharan Sahel has accompanied detectable shift from homogeneous cover spotted marked spatial frequency about 20 cycles km−1. 4 Wood cutting grazing domestic animals led much more transition unprotected areas than protected reserve. 5 Field measurements demonstrated dominant was endogenous rather reflecting variation any pre-existing heterogeneity properties. 6 All results support use without invoking substrate or anisotropy, provide new elements further developments, refinements tests. 7 This study underlines potential studying pattern properties monitoring climatic human impacts extensive fragile bordering hot deserts. Explicit consideration self-patterning may also improve our understanding climate interactions areas.