Zonality of distribution of physico-geographical zones in China

Abstract

With the methods of regression analysis and trend surface analysis, taking the bottom and top lines of dark conifer forest, bottom line of permafrost and the snowline of the latest glaciation in China as examples, this paper discusses the zonality regulaties of the distribution of physico-geographical zones in China. (1) Latitude zonality obeys the mathematical model of normal frequency distribution, being approximate to descending straightly within the latitude of China. (2) Longitude zonality shows that the elevation of physico-geographical zone rises straightly with the distance to east coast. (3) The combination of latitude and longitude zonalities appears a plane inclining from SSW to NNE. The decline of physico-geographical zone resembles a semiellipse-sphere inclining from the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau to northeast China, reflecting the effect of relief. (5) Physico-geographical zonation depends on the combination of hydrothermal conditions. Thus the factors influencing the distribution regularities of physico-geographical zones of China are latitude zone, the distribution of oceans and land and relief features.