Abstract: Based on the PSR model, we built an evaluation system for resource and environment carrying capacity. We used the entropy weight method, the comprehensive index model and the spatial analysis function of GIS to explore the spatial-temporal dynamic of the resource and environment carrying capacity of the Lanzhou-Xining urban agglomeration, and used the obstacle degree model to identify the obstacle factors. The results showed that resource and environment carrying capacity of the Lanzhou-Xining urban agglomeration from 2005 to 2018 showed a fluctuating upward trend, which was generally at good condition. The coefficient of variation of resource and environment carrying capacity had a fluctuating upward trend, while regional differences were gradually expanding. Spatially, resource and environment carrying capacity presented a “dual-core” structure centered on the main urban areas of Lanzhou and Xining. The high-level areas were mainly concentrated in the Hehuang Valley with Lanzhou and Xining as the center and some surrounding counties, while the low-level areas were distributed in the central and southern regions of the urban agglomeration. Among them, there were spatiotemporal variations of the subsystem index. The pressure index showed a fluctuating and decreasing trend, and spatially showed a decreasing distribution characteristic from Lanzhou and Xining urban areas to the peripheral areas. The state index showed a fluctuating upward trend, and spatially showed the evolution characteristics of high in the east and west wings and low in the middle. The response index showed an upward trend, and spatially showed distribution patterns high in the east and middle, and low in the west and outside. The urbanization rate, per capita industrial wastewater discharge, domestic waste harmless treatment rate, water consumption index, and the proportion of environmental protection investment in GDP are the main obstacles restricting the improvement of resource and environment carrying capacity of Lanhzhou-Xining urban agglomeration.

Key words: resource and environment carrying capacity, spatiotemporal variation, obstacle factors, Lanzhou-Xining urban agglomeration