Analysis on spatial correlation between sensitivity of rocky desertification and macroscopic geomorphology in Guizhou Plateau

In this work, taking the typical karst plateau of Guizhou Plateau,southwest China, is used as the study area, we constructed an evaluation index system and evaluation model for assessing rocky desertification sensitivity, as well as established its spatial relation with different landform types. The results show that, (1) The sensitivity degree of rocky desertification in the karst area is mainly medium and high, accounting for 45.54% of the total land area, with a fragile ecological environment and high probability of rocky desertification; (2) There is highly positive correlation between different sensitivities of rocky desertification. The correlation between the low sensitivity and middle sensitivity is significantly correlated at the 0.05 level, and the correlation coefficient between mild and moderate, high and extremely large sensitivity is above 0.9; (3)The insensitive areas are mainly distributed in the areas of plain, hill and mesa, and the mildly and moderately sensitive ones are mainly distributed in hills, plains and platforms; while the regions with high sensitivity of rocky desertification are located in mountains and valleys; (4) The topographic relief and altitude play an important role in the spatial distribution of landform types of rocky desertification sensitivity. The results provide a theoretical basis for comprehensive management of karst rocky desertification.