Vegetation coverage in Chinese oasis declining, desertification threat increasing.
The vegetation coverage of Tsagan Us oasis in Dulan County, China, increased from 1990 to 2006, with a restoration trend from 1990 to 2001. However, from 2001 to 2006, there was an increase in very low coverage vegetation and a decrease in high coverage vegetation, indicating local degradation. Factors influencing vegetation coverage included ecological recovery measures, climate change, and water resource change. The research provides support for vegetation restoration and combating desertification in the area.