Remote sensing investigation progresses for environmental geology of the typical areas in the west of Tianshuihai, West Kunlun

With the rapid development of Chinese economy, it is of great significance to understand the evolution of environmental geology in West Kunlun area, especially for the national defense construction in border areas. This study has used GF-1 Satellite to conduct an environmental geological remote sensing survey of 1:50 000 scale in the typical areas of the west of Tianshuihai, West Kunlun, and remote sensing data of three different phases are also used for reference. The study analyzes the evolution of environmental geology in this area over the past 20 years in a comprehensive way with the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Freeze-thaw desertification and water-eroded desertification are the main landforms in this area. From 1993 to 2013, desertification in the study area has increased, and in particucar, the freeze-thaw desertification area has increased by 2.29 km². Geological environment, topography and other natural factors has determined the overall spatial distribution of desertification. Lakes and swamps have also increased gradually, which reflects the local climate warming sensitively. Desertification could flood roads and easily induce landslide, mud-rock flow , subsidence and other geological disasters. It can also serious effect the economic development and national defense construction in the areas. The high resolution remote sensing technology can play a powerful role in geological analysis of areas with poor natural geographical and inconvenient traffic conditions.