Progresses and Problems in Research on Sandy Desertification in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

Sandy desertification research in Qinghai Xizang plateau has very important theoretical and experimental significance. In recent years, the problem of sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau has been investigated and studied, and some results were gotten. This paper summarizes the main progresses and problems of research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau. First, the paper reviews the development process of research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau, which can be cut into 3 stages. In first stage, from 1950's to 1970's, the major researches are on desert investigation and sandy hazard control. In second stage, in 1980's, research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau was begun, especialy the problem of sandy desertification in Gonghe basin of Qinghai was deeply studied. In 1990's, the third stage is the most important period of research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau, the sandy desertification problem in almost all over the Qinghai Xizang plateau was studied, its research content is comprehensive and systematic and a lot of research results were gotten. Second, the status and main progresses of sandy desertification research in Qinghai Xizang plateau are summarized: ① Through research on the sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau, the area and type and distribution as well as damages of desertification have been clearly investigated, this fills in the blanks of research regions of sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau. ② In the research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau, the status, causes, trend, control strategy and measures and control planning of regional sandy desertification have been taken as a organic whole to be systematically studied, which developed and completed the research content of sandy desertification. ③ In the research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau, gravel desertified land was definited at first time, and the concept of multiple and regional causes of sandy desertification was given, which developed the basic theory of sandy desertification study. ④ At the same time, the study applying techniques to combat sandy desertification has been intensified. At last, this paper also analyses the problems of research on sandy desertification in Qinghai Xizang plateau, for examples, unbalance in research region, lack in study basis and theoretical research and control techniques, etc. And the directions and major items of sandy desertification research in Qinghai Xizang plateau are given.