Adaptation of urban distribution to the fluvial geomorphic environment and the reconstruction of the river system structure by urban distribution in Haihe Plain in the past 2,200 years

Abstract

AbstractThe alluvial plain of many of the world's large rivers is generally an area with concentrated urban distribution and a long history of development. In eastern China, the alluvial plains downstream of large rivers such as the Haihe River are the most densely populated and economically developed regions. Beijing, the capital of China, is located on the Haihe Plain. It is a matter of great significance that the region's capacity for livability and sustainable development be improved. Using the river geomorphic data and historical town information, methods of spatial statistical analysis and historical literature research, this paper analyzes the spatial relationship between the distribution of urban centers and the fluvial geomorphology of the Haihe Plain over more than 2,200 years. The research finds that: first, different levels of cities and towns have led to varying choices regarding the fluvial geomorphic environment. Second, in different periods in which different transportations were dominant, the distribution of cities and towns has adapted to the fluvial geomorphology. In the land transportation period, urban settlements mainly concentrated on the diluvial‐alluvial fans at the foot of the Taihang Mountain; in the inland shipping period, they focused on gathering at the confluence of rivers on the central plain and along the canals; in the period of global trade, Tianjin, a trade center, established itself at the mouth of the Haihe River. Third, humans intend to rebuild water system structures (such as the Grand Canal) in the context of major water conservancy projects in the basin to meet the needs of the expanding regions and towns. The research shows that the urban development of the Haihe Plain should adapt to the natural regional pattern and establish a solution based on respecting the natural conditions of the basin, to make the regional sustainable development more resilient.