The Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Evolutionary Relationship Between Urbanization and Eco-Environmental Quality: A Case Study in Hangzhou City, China

Abstract

The rapid expansion of urban spaces driven by accelerating urbanization has profoundly impacted the eco-environmental quality. However, the dynamic relationship between urbanization and eco-environmental quality remains insufficiently understood. This study quantifies urbanization intensity and eco-environmental quality using the impervious surface distribution density (ISDD) and Remote Sensing-based Ecological Index (RSEI). By examining the spatiotemporal dynamics and evolutionary relationships of these indicators in Hangzhou from 1985 to 2020, we found that urban expansion drove ecological degradation in expansion areas, whereas ecological quality in the old city significantly improved. The ecological response to urbanization intensity exhibited spatial variation: in low-intensity urbanized expansion areas, ecological quality declined with increasing urbanization, whereas in the high-intensity urbanized old city, ecological quality improved. Additionally, the degree of coupling coordination between urbanization and ecological quality steadily increased over time, underscoring the importance of rational urban planning and ecological management in achieving sustainable development. This study provides a scientific foundation for urban ecological environment management and offers practical insights for fostering green development in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Keywords

• urbanization
• impervious surface distribution density
• RSEI
• spatiotemporal dynamics
• coupling coordination degree