Spatial heterogeneity and explanatory variables of surface soil moisture changes in the Northwest Shandong Plain, China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study explored the spatial variability of surface soil moisture (SSM) and its explanatory variables during distinct monsoon periods in the Northwest Shandong Plain using geo-statistical techniques and the Optimal Parameters-based Geographical Detector (OPGD) model. The findings reveal significant seasonal differences in SSM spatial patterns, with higher heterogeneity in summer (CV = 72.41%) compared to winter (CV = 17.91%). Soil salinity and electrical conductivity are the primary drivers of SSM variability, explaining up to 85% and 75% of summer variation, respectively, and 60% and 62% in winter. Vegetation cover has a stronger influence in summer (q = 0.30), while topographic factors such as elevation (q = 0.40) and aspect (q = 0.35) dominate in winter. The OPGD model identifies complex, nonlinear interactions, with slope-salinity (q = 0.94) and slope-conductivity (q = 0.89) as the strongest in summer and winter, respectively. This study highlights the seasonal variability of SSM heterogeneity in semi-humid regions and demonstrates the effectiveness of the OPGD model in analyzing nonlinear relationships.
Source: Geocarto International
Authors: Chenglei Hou, Mou Leong Tan, Qin Ma, Joon Chuah, Fei Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,390
Award: G3202728357
OpenAlex ID: W4411211049