荒漠化多发生在生态环境脆弱带, 是全球最突出的生态环境问题之一。从区域尺度着手, 对荒漠化进行有效评价, 是正确认识荒漠化的发生、发展过程, 保障区域生态安全, 维护可持续发展的重要前提。该文回顾了荒漠化的界定, 总结了荒漠化评价的发展历程, 并针对荒漠化评价对象、评价指标体系、评价尺度进行了系统梳理。在此基础上, 提出植被特征信息是开展荒漠化评价的有效指标, 并对其在荒漠化评价中的应用进行了总结和分析, 就荒漠化评价的未来研究方向作了展望。
Desertification is widely recognized as one of the most serious global environmental threats occurring in ecological fragile areas. To assess desertification at a regional scale is of practical significance in understanding environmental change and strengthening ecosystem management. We critically reviewed the development of desertification concepts, as well as common assessment methodologies. We emphasized desertification assessment objects and indicators, as well as scales. We showed that, compared to other indicators, indicators derived from vegetation information are more reliable and effective in desertification assessment. We proposed future research prospects on desertification assessment.