Objective To reveal the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of high-temperature and drought events in the Weihe River Basin, quantitatively assess their impacts on vegetation growth, and provide a scientific basis for coping with climate change and effectively carrying out disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. Methods Using data from 1980 to 2020, including maximum temperature, precipitation, and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) in the Weihe River Basin, this study employed trend analysis, correlation analysis, and meta-Gaussian model to calculate the Standardized Temperature Index (STI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of high-temperature and drought events were analyzed, and the probabilities of vegetation activity decline under different high-temperature and drought conditions were quantified. Results Over the past 40 years, pronounced trends of high temperature and drought were observed, with notable temperature rise in the southeastern Guanzhong Plain and the northern Loess Plateau, while relatively severe droughts occurred in the west and north. Overall, high-temperature events were more frequent. The feedback effects of temperature on vegetation growth varied across different regions. In the central part of the river basin, rising temperatures contributed to vegetation growth, while negative feedback effects were observed in the southeast. Over 80% of the region showed positive correlations between vegetation and precipitation, and increased precipitation promoted vegetation growth. Irrigated areas were more sensitive to high temperature, while vegetation in rain-fed areas and grasslands was more influenced by precipitation variations. As high-temperature and drought conditions intensified, the probability of vegetation activity decline in the Weihe River Basin increased significantly. When high temperature (drought) conditions escalated from mild to moderate and severe levels, the probability of vegetation activity decline rose by 4% (8%) and 11% (16%), respectively. Compound high-temperature and drought conditions had the greatest impact on vegetation, and grasslands and rain-fed areas exhibited stronger sensitivity. This highlighted the combined effects of compound climate events, particularly evident in grassland ecosystems. Conclusion Over the past 40 years, high-temperature and drought conditions in the Weihe River Basin have intensified. As high-temperature and drought conditions strengthen in the river basin, the probability of vegetation activity decline significantly increases, particularly in the northern Loess Plateau region where compound high-temperature and drought events exert more severe impacts on vegetation than single climate events.
政府间气候变化专门委员会(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC)在2021年的第六次评估报告中指出,2010—2019年全球平均表面气温(Global Mean Surface Air Temperature, GSAT)比1850—1900年增高了0.9~1.2 ℃[1]。高温、干旱等自然极端气候事件在全球范围发生的频率呈现显著上升趋势[2],高温、干旱都会对工业和农业、生态环境以及社会的稳定发展造成极大危害[3]。极端高温、干旱通过影响植物的生理过程、植被生态系统的群落结构及其功能,影响作物产量、植被生长状况以及水文环境等。植被是联系土壤、大气、水分和动物界的重要纽带,也是陆地生态系统的主体和生态系统的基本组成部分[4],在调节气温、水土保持、物质循环中扮演重要角色,对气候变化和人类活动较为敏感[5]。在高温干旱发生频率显著上升的背景下,植被的生长受到严重威胁[6]。随着全球气候变暖,高温和干旱等气象灾害频发,而高温常常与干旱相伴而生,当高温干旱同时发生形成复合事件,称之为复合高温干旱事件,其负面影响可能超过单一高温或干旱事件的叠加效应。目前极端气候事件的监测、影响评估成为当前气候变化领域研究的热点之一,受到国内外学者的广泛关注。
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