Geographical analysis of forest types based on a digital elevation model generated from synthetic aperture radar

Abstract

This research aims to examine forest type distribution, based on slope and aspect maps, generated from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The study is conducted over an area about 1564.9 km2 located in Khutag-Undur soum of Bulgan aimag (province), northern Mongolia. Sentinel-1 interferometric SAR images acquired on 5 and 17 October of 2020 are used to generate a digital elevation model (DEM). For a forest type classification, geocoded Sentinel-2 multispectral images acquired on 5 July and 27 September of 2019 are used. Initially, a DEM creation from the SAR data is performed and the slope and aspect maps are generated, following which geographical analysis is performed using slope, aspect and classified forest type maps. The result of the analysis shows that about half of the forested areas face the north-west, north and north-east directions. It also revealed that evergreen conifers are distributed on slopes of moderate degrees facing towards the south-east and south, whereas the deciduous conifers are mainly distributed on relatively steep slopes facing south-west, west and north-west.

Console-Based Mapping of Mongolia Using GMT Cartographic Scripting Toolset for Processing TerraClimate Data

“…Climate variables, such as temperature, precipitation and winds, have a strong effect on the environmental setting of the country well correlating with the topographic structure and the extent of the major eco-zones. Climate change affects various aspects of vegetation: agricultural potential and crop production [11][12][13], as well as distribution and health conditions of forests [14,15]. Besides environmental effects, climate has an impact on social processes, such as nomadic tourism in Mongolia [16,17], or distribution of nature attractions, e.g., national parks and reserves, aesthetics, quality and suitability of landscapes for visits and recreation [18,19].…”

Analysis of mitochondrialDNAhaplogroup frequencies in the population of the slab burial mortuary culture of Mongolia (ca. 1100–300 BCE)

“…The grave structures range from 2 to 7 m in length and 3 to 4 m in width with an east–west orientation that are often found constructed in parallel rows running north–south. The environs of slab burials are diverse, including valley mouths, the base of mountain slopes, near waterways, and are often in association with earlier monumental sites due to diachronic site re‐use (Erdenebaatar, 2002; Honeychurch et al, 2009; Turbat, 2006). The geographic distribution of slab burials in Mongolia shows a clear pattern of high densities in the eastern and central region, where most of the earliest sites have been located, with gradual decline westward into the mountainous areas of Mongolia (Honeychurch & Amartuvshin, 2011; Map 1).…”