Urbanization-induced vegetation phenological changes: Variability across vegetation types and zones in China

Abstract

Urbanization, marked by the replacement of natural landscapes with artificial ones, is a global phenomenon progressing rapidly, particularly in China. One of the most observable impacts of urbanization is its effect on vegetation phenology. Using remote sensing-derived data, we quantified the changes in vegetation phenology in 319 urban areas across China, when compared with their corresponding non-urban areas. Our research reclassified four vegetation types into croplands, shrublands, grasslands, and forests. The results indicate that urbanization leads to vegetation phenological changes, the significant differences between urban and non-urban areas, that vary by vegetation type across China, ranging from 1 to 3 days, except for forests. Additionally, at the seven vegetation zones, the extent and magnitudes of these changes varied depending on the vegetation type and zone, emphasizing the importance of considering specific species and regional climatic contexts. Our study provides valuable insights into the relationship between urbanization and vegetation phenology, informing urban planning and conservation strategies.