Evaluation and mapping of relative sensitivity of the terrestrial ecosystems to acidic deposition in Fujian

Abstract

Based on the semi-quantitative approach, four environmental factors of sites (i.e. bedrock lithology, soil type, land use, and rainfall) were categorized, weighted and combined to determine and assess the relative sensitivity of the terrestrial ecosystems to acidic deposition in Fujian Province. Then the factors have been digitized and combined to assign an overall value for each mesh square (16.77 km×18.39 km) by using the geographic information system (GIS) The results indicated that the most sensitive area in Fujian was mainly located in the southeast, and the least: ensitive area was distributed sporadically in the east along the coast. Due to slow weathering rate of siliceous rocks, acid to weakly acid reactions of the soils, along with the greater percent of coniferous forests, more than 80 percent of the total area exhibits higher sensitivity classes (4–7).

Keywords

Acidic deposition / Terrestrial ecosystem / Relative sensitivity / Mesh map