Analysis of systematic transitions of land cover and land use in Morona Santiago, during the period 2000-2018
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.sidebar##
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1838-3671
Santiago Bonilla-Bedoya
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The analysis of systematic transitions using specific metrics allows the identification of causal and random patterns of change between land cover and land use categories in a study area. OBJECTIVE. To analyze changes and identify the most prevalent systematic transitions in land cover and land use in the province of Morona Santiago during the period 2000-2018. METHOD. This paper employs cross-tabulation matrix analysis that, by calculating metrics such as gains, losses, exchanges, net changes and total changes, allows the identification of systematic transitions in two periods: 1) 2000-2008 and 2) 2008-2018. RESULTS. The predominant systematic transitions for both periods of analysis correspond to the loss of “Forest” to be replaced by “Agricultural Land”, and the gain of “Agricultural Land” to replace “Forest”. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. These transitions are driven not by random exchanges but by a clear causal relationship, as shown by the classic “fishbone” pattern of deforestation, a well-documented phenomenon in the Ecuadorian Amazon, marked by shrinking forest cover and expanding agricultural land.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This license inidicates that:
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.