Abstract:
Based on land cover and classification data, meteorological data, watershed data, soil data, digital elevation model, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), etc., the Integrated Valuable of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Model and Revised Wind Erosion Equation was used to assess the spatiotemporal characteristics of ecosystem services and service bundles in different ecological zones in Xinjiang from 1992 to 2018. The results show the following: 1) Habitat support services and carbon storage and sequestration capacity in Xinjiang have significantly increased from 1992 to 2018, with the most notable changes being observed in the Altai Mountains–Junggar Basin Western Mountain Forest and Grassland Ecological Zone, Tianshan Mountain Forest and Grassland Ecological Zone, and Pamir–Kunlun Mountains–Altun Mountains Alpine Grassland Ecological Zone. 2) Soil conservation services, windbreak and sand fixation services exhibited segmented characteristics around 2007. The capabilities of both services declined from 1992 to 2007 but showed an increasing trend from 2007 to 2018, indicating an overall improvement. 3) Each ecological zone has distinct core ecosystem services, with the overall capabilities of each service bundle improving from 1992 to 2018. Regional ecosystem service assessments play a critical role in understanding ecosystem complexity. This research can serve as an important reference for the promotion of ecological planning, restoration, and protection in Xinjiang and even in arid regions, thereby enhancing ecosystem service capabilities.