On the Spatial Pattern of Danxia Landform in China

Danxia landform as special geomorphic type is distributed in most parts of China. According to its spatial distribution patterns and regional differences, three major Danxia landform concentrated areas in China are identified in this paper. They are southeast area (including Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Hunan and Guangxi provinces), the southwest area (the transitional zone of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and Sichuan Basin) and the northwest area (including Longshan mountain and both sides of the Huanghe River and its anabranches). The geologic and geographic conditions of Danxia landform and their differences of the three areas are analyzed. The Danxia geomorphologic landscapes, such as upright-shaped peaks, Danxia mesa, stone wall, cave and vertical cave, Danxia natural bridge, a narrow strip of sky and so on, are generally formed in the southeast area. The landscape of southwest area is characterized by Danxia escarpment face, waterfall and waterfall groups. The special landscapes in arid areas are found in the northwest area, for example, the mud-coating type, columniation type and board type of Danxia landforms, however there are more differences here than in the other two areas because of the complexity of the nature including the climate, running water, wind abrasion, the loessial cover and relevant elements and so on. Based on the tectonic uplift rates, regional structure of sedimentary red-basin, the fluvial process, weathering and biological processes, gravity and other internal gravitation and external processes in each Danxia landform area in China, this paper discusses the causes which control the differences and also explains the landscapes formation process and its mechanism.