Based on 1986TM and 2000ETM data

land use and landscape pattern changes in the source region of the Yellow River were studied using geographical information(GIS) technology. The results show that the area with a high coverage of grassland

wetland and glacier decreased in the time period

while the area of barren land increased. The comprehensive land use index decreased remarkably

indicating that desertification worsened. The degree of land scape fragmentation of the study area increased

although

the diversity index and fractal degree decreased.