Abstract
Linpan settlements (abbreviated as Linpan) are the most important traditional type of rural settlement in the Chengdu Plain, and they are an important part of the agroforestry ecological system in southwest China. In this study, we measured the micrometeorological parameters (air temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed) in 12 Linpans for two years to determine the seasonal micrometeorology variations; then, we explored the impacts of Linpan size and tree distribution on the Linpan micrometeorology. The results show that the Linpans undergo seasonal cooling (from 0.6 to 1.3°C), humidification (from 0.9% to 4.1%), reduction in solar radiation flux (from 92.1 to 496.0 W/m2), and changes in wind speed (by 0.4 to 0.5 m/s) compared to the surrounding environment. Both solar radiation flux and wind speed showed the following decreasing trend with respect to sampling positions in the Linpan: outside > edge > center. The Linpan size did not affect the solar radiation flux or wind speed over the four seasons. The main factor affecting solar radiation flux and wind speed was the horizontal tree distribution not the Linpan size. However, the Linpan size was significantly correlated with the air temperature in summer and winter. Large Linpans (>5 × 103 m2) showed better ability to control the temperature to within a comfortable range in extremely hot and cold seasons. The Linpan size also showed a negative relationship with the relative humidity, but only in winter. Among the tree distribution patterns, a scattered distribution was optimal to achieve a comfortable micrometeorology over the course of the year. In addition, we suggest some ways to adapt the Linpan micrometeorology, which could be used to protect traditional Linpans, as well as for ecological restoration.
Highlights
Linpan settlements are the elementary unit of the villages found in the Chengdu Plain, a beautiful and unique rural landscape in southwest China
12 traditional Linpans located in Sandaoyan town (30°52′14′′N, 103°54′49′′E), Pi county (30°48′38.46′′N, 103°53′14.13′′E), Chengdu Plain (30°3N, 104°3′E), China, were chosen for the study. e Linpan ranged in size from 2,000 to 10,000 m2 (Figures 2(a) and (2b))
In sample No 8, Te and Tc increased, and a negative ΔTair was even observed in winter. e phenomenon indicates that larger Linpan could have the warming effects in winter, and an area of 5.5 × 103 m2 could be the lower limit of Linpan size at which the central temperature of the Linpan exceeds the temperature outside the Linpan in winter
Summary
Linpan settlements (abbreviated as Linpan) are the elementary unit of the villages found in the Chengdu Plain, a beautiful and unique rural landscape in southwest China. Increasing urban and rural integration in this region is threatening the survival of traditional Linpans, which have changed significantly with respect to quantity and structure [1]. The number of local residents in Linpan has decreased substantially because of increasing migration to new settlements in towns or rural areas. Only a few studies have discussed Linpan because it is only since 2007 that the value of the Linpan to the ecology and landscape has been recognized by researchers [2].
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