The Main Drivers of Wetland Evolution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Plain

Abstract

Analysis of the driving mechanism of wetland change can help identify the spatial differences in the mechanisms of different elements in order to better scientifically prevent and utilize wetlands. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Plain (BTHP) was selected as the study area, and the dynamic degree model and change intensity index were utilized to examine the spatial and temporal changes of wetlands based on four periods of land use data. After establishing a wetland change evaluation system that included topography, geology, meteorological, and human activities, we utilized a random forest model to study the driving mechanism of wetland change from 1990–2020. Based on the developed zoning map, we then offered specific protection policies. We have four major findings: (1) the wetlands reduced significantly in the BTHP and underwent a change process from decreasing to increasing, and reservoirs and rivers, particularly along the Bohai Rim, were the primary determinants of wetland changes; (2) the impact of topographic factors such as elevation showed a significant gradient effect, the impact of geological factors such as hydrogeological division was low and indirect, the impact of meteorological factors was nonlinear, and the impact of anthropic factors was most significant and showed clear spatial directivity; (3) the urban expansion and agricultural reclamation had significant dominant effects, coupled with the topographical effects of elevation and slope, the geological environmental effects of surface subsidence and hydrogeological division, and the cumulative effects of temperature and precipitation, which resulted in the spatial change of wetlands; and (4) protecting wetland integrity, dynamic monitoring, restricting human activities, and establishing wetland buffer zones should be applied to the general area, natural factors area, anthropic factors area, and significant comprehensive area, respectively.

Mapping the urban conditions in the digital age, one building at a time: A case of A Little Bit of Beijing

“…The architectural style diagrams are considered by ALBOB authors as the most crucial element of the book project's way of documenting the city. These diagrams are black-and-white visualisations using axonometric projections and cutting and parallel sliding techniques to show the interior spaces on one surface (Li 2013). Specifically, the cutting technique would be used to cut through one blocking feature to reveal the blocked space.…”

“…ALBOB presents an account of urban spaces that are not dominated by official urban planning (see also Kim 2016), attempting to capture scenes that exemplify the energetic dynamics resonated with messy urbanism (Chalana and Hou 2016). Specifically, ALBOB authors have attempted to explain the constructions of urban spaces recorded and drawn through two aspects: the role of small shops and the importance of the interior spaces in urban development and urban life (Li 2013). First, informed by Fumihiko Maki's notion of "group form" and Jane Jacob's work on street life, the book project suggests that small shops play a key role in understanding these urban neighbourhoods in Beijing.…”

“…The group form notion recognizes the existing informal development and the messiness of such development (Oshima 2016). Li (2013) argues that 798, Nanluoguxiang, and Building 42 in Sanlitun exemplify Maki's group form notion, with small shops acting as one fundamental element, despite the fact that small shops tend to feature a marginalised type of architecture. Li goes on to explain that documenting and drawing these three urban districts in Beijing provide a good example of how small shops as an ancient commercial form might cope with the fierce competition brought by the giant modern retail industry including department stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres, that is, to bundle with the city (Li 2013).…”

“…Li (2013) argues that 798, Nanluoguxiang, and Building 42 in Sanlitun exemplify Maki's group form notion, with small shops acting as one fundamental element, despite the fact that small shops tend to feature a marginalised type of architecture. Li goes on to explain that documenting and drawing these three urban districts in Beijing provide a good example of how small shops as an ancient commercial form might cope with the fierce competition brought by the giant modern retail industry including department stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres, that is, to bundle with the city (Li 2013). In this process, Li (2013) narrates, the city provides the support of a whole range of functionality and footfall, while small shops provide diversity and interactivity for the city.…”

“…Li goes on to explain that documenting and drawing these three urban districts in Beijing provide a good example of how small shops as an ancient commercial form might cope with the fierce competition brought by the giant modern retail industry including department stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres, that is, to bundle with the city (Li 2013). In this process, Li (2013) narrates, the city provides the support of a whole range of functionality and footfall, while small shops provide diversity and interactivity for the city. In this way, Li (2013: 26) holds that small shops have contributed to producing "the most interesting neighbourhoods in Beijing."…”