Assessment of Land Sensitivity to Desertification Alongside the Linhe-Ceke Railway

The Linhe-Ceke Railway was cited as subject in a case study,and soil,landform and vegetation type are selected as key factor in assessing land sensitivity to desertification.Based on remote sensing images and data related to the two sides along the Linhe-Ceke Railway,landform,soil and vegetation maps are plotted.Sensitivity of the land to desertification alongside the railway was evaluated,using the weighing-grading map superposition model.Results show that 54.5% of the two land strips alongside the whole length of railway is highly sensitive and 4.4% extremely sensitive.The two parts are the major zone distributed with drifting sands.Effective measures should be taken in the areas during the construction and operation periods so as to prevent land desertification and drifting sands from extending and aggravating.