Applicability of Different Indices for Delineating the Boundary of Arid Region: A Case Study in Northwestern China

Abstract

Arid regions are vital components of Earth’s land surface. Clarifying the area/boundary of arid region is crucial for comprehending area changes and potential mechanisms. However, the accuracy and applicability of arid region boundary delineated by different indices remain unclear. In this study, the annual precipitation (AP), humidity index (H), and aridity index (K) were calculated for delineating arid region of China using 106 meteorological stations during 1990–2019. The results suggest that AP and H can accurately delineate arid region, because they are consistent with the distribution of typical soil and vegetation in arid region, whereas K is not. Moreover, AP is the best index for delineating arid region in regions with limited meteorological data, especially in studying long-term patterns and mechanisms of area changes. The accuracy of delineating arid region using H is enhanced in regions with abundant meteorological data. Over the past 30 years, influenced by the increase of atmospheric moisture influx and precipitation, the area in arid region of northwestern China decreased by 70 × 10³–90 × 10³ km², resulting in the present area of approximately 1.55 × 10⁶ km². This study provides appropriate indices for delineating arid region, contributing to improving our knowledge of regional responses difference to climate change.

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