Physical Geographical Factors Research Articles

Process and proposal for comprehensive regionalization of Chinese human geography

The comprehensive regionalization of Chinese human geography is based on the rules governing regional differentiation of Chinese physical geographic factors. Based on regional differences and similarities in human factors, this study divides the whole country into two levels of relatively independent, complete and organically linked human geographic units. As a fundamental, comprehensive, cutting-edge, practical and important task, the comprehensive regionalization of human geography highlights the characteristics, regional and sub-regional features, complexity and variety of spatial differences between factors of Chinese human geography. It is capable of promoting the development of human geography based on local conditions, providing basic scientific support to national and local development strategies, such as the Belt and Road Strategy, new urbanization and environmental awareness, and creating a sound geopolitical environment in key areas. Using results from existing physical and human geographic zoning studies, and in accordance with the principles of synthesis, dominant factors, the relative consistency of the natural environment, the relative consistency of social and economic development, the consistency of the regional cultural landscape, the continuity of spatial distribution and the integrity of county-level administrative divisions, and taking as its basis the division of human geography into 10 major factors (nature, economy, population, culture, ethnicity, agriculture, transportation, urbanization, the settlement landscape and administrative divisions), this paper constructs an index system for the comprehensive regionalization of Chinese human geography through a combination of top-down and bottom-up zoning and spatial clustering analysis. In this study, Chinese human geography is divided into eight regions and 66 sub-regions. The eight human geography regions are (I) Northeast China, (II) North China, (III) East China, (IV) Central China, (V) South China, (VI) Northwest China, (VII) Southwest China, and (VIII) Qinghai and Tibet. This zoning proposal fills gaps in studies involving the non-comprehensive regionalization of Chinese human geography. Each human geography region and sub-region has different topographical, climatic, ecological, population, urbanization, economic development, settlement landscape, regional cultural and ethno-religious attributes. This proposal on the comprehensive regionalization of Chinese human geography dovetails closely with previous studies on comprehensive regionalization in Chinese physical geography, Chinese economic zoning, and Chinese agricultural zoning. It shows that, under the dual roles of nature and humans, there are certain rules of regional differentiation that govern the comprehensive regionalization of Chinese human geography.

Geographical features and development regularities of rural areas and settlements distribution in mountain countries

Abstract River basins and valleys surrounded by dividing mountainous ranges are considered to be the basis for distribution of population and settlements in mountainous countries. In these areas physical-geographical factors are interrelated and interconnected, having a direct influence on distribution of population and settlements. Mountainous relief is preventing the consolidation of territory and development of fundamental processes of resettlement. For these areas basins and river valley-types of settlement systems are the most typical. As the economic activities of settlements are closely related to natural environment, the influence of natural environment on rural areas and settlements is bigger than on urban settlements: particularly, in mountainous areas with a great diversity of natural conditions. On the basis of analysis and generalization of the research outcomes of the author and different other researchers, some geographical features and development regularities of rural areas and settlements distribution in mountainous countries are worked out.

The impact of topography on social factors, a case study of Montenegro

Relationships between environmental and social factors have long been studied by geographers. Nowadays, GIS-aided statistical analysis provides new tools to explore these relationships. In order to detect the impact of topography on social factors, we selected the country of Montenegro as a case example due to its high topographic variability. We compared the spatial pattern of population, settlements and ethnic minorities to physical geographic factors, especially to topography, but lithology and land cover data were also taken into consideration. We found that certain factors are closely correlated, e.g. the settlement density linearly decreases with elevation, while the characteristic settlement area shows an exponential increase upwards. The population density is not related to absolute elevation, but it is in close correlation with height (i.e. elevation relative to the local minimum). Population change and illiteracy are also topography-related social factors. On the contrary, the variable ethnic pattern of Montenegro is influenced by historical, political and economic effects rather than by environmental factors or topographic features. As a conclusion we state that in the scale of a country or a region, the environment can strongly impact some social factors.

The role of pedological information in the definition of land productivity and potential pressures on soil quality from Timis county.

Soil properties can exert a decisive influence on the development of the root system, mineral nutrition, providing air, hydric and thermal regime needed to carry the main physiological processes in plants. In turn, it acts both directly and indirectly on fertility (quality) status of soil. Systematic mapping and agrochemical soil studies conducted by the Office of Pedological and Agrochemical Studies from Timis county provides valuable data on the state of soil quality, the establishment and implementation of differentiated crop technologies, and determining the suitability of land for various crops, substantiation of land improvement works and improvement technology, organization and systematization of land. This paper provides basic knowledge and methodological elements to assess and characterize the natural and anthropogenic resources, hoping that the information presented will interest the decision maker in the future, the agricultural research and practice with respect to environmental protection, to strive for development interdisciplinary studies, because we cannot speak about a healthy environment without an healthy soil. The issues addressed refer to an area of 869,665 ha of which 697,143 ha of agricultural land, included in the National Monitoring Program for Soil-Land for Agriculture in Timis county. The importance and originality come from the need to protect the edaphic cover and environment by: accumulation of scientific data necessary to support certain technologies of conservative work and sustainable management of soil and water resources by implementing conservative systems work and sustainable management of the physical-geographical and edaphic factors from Timis county.

Characteristics of the socio-geographic factors in the Drina-Velika Morava strategic direction zone

This paper presents the assessment of the operational - geographic features of the Drina-Velika Morava strategic direction. Due to the scope of the article, a variant of the assessment of the strategic direction is presented through its socio-geographic factors, while the mathematical-geographical and physical-geographic factors, as well as the operating lines of action are not discussed. Within the socio-geographic factors, the characteristics of the population, economy and communication networks are considered. The geographic area of the direction is nationally compact and provides war mobilization of units with no particular strain. The transportation network is not fully developed which makes combat operations difficult to attackers and facilitates them for the defenders. There are significant technical and technological potentials in the direction of the zone, but they are not evenly distributed. After the consideration of the complex socio - geographical factors, it is concluded that the shown strategic direction enables, without any special restrictions, a successful execution of combat operations in the long run.

Effects of geoecological factors on vegetation of the Gruza basin

The paper presents the results of a study of the effects of geoecological factors on the vegetation of the Gruža ba- sin (F=618.6 km²). In the first phase, geoecological factors were identified and their differentiation to physical geographic (geological structure, tectonics, relief, climate, waters, types of land) and anthropogeographic factors (activities of popula- tion) was carried out. In the second phase, their influence on vegetation was defined, and in the third phase, the condition in the Gruža basin was analyzed on the basis of topographic and thematic maps using GIS methodology.

Contemporary surface wind climatology of Turkey

The aim of this study was to examine the climatological characteristics of boundary layer gradient winds in Turkey in detail. In the study, monthly average wind speed (V m) data measured at 267 stations for the 16 directions, prevailing wind direction (V p), and station pressure (P s) data measured at 174 stations during the period 1970–2008 by the Turkish Meteorological Service (TMS) were used. The data were provided by the TMS. To attain the aim of the study, wind patterns of midseason months representing the seasonal wind distributions were used, and surface wind formations were examined through calculation of divergent and rotational components of the average wind rate. Besides, it was aimed at explaining the relationships between sea level pressure (SLP) patterns and wind formations. The patterns of midseason months were examined via the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In accordance with V m data, it is seen that air flows in Turkey generally tend to orientate radially from west to east. Climatologically, the strongest prevailing winds in Turkey blow during the summer months, while the weakest winds blow during the autumn months. V m and V p distributions show a parallelism (i.e., wind gradient) in the months during which temperature differences between land and sea are high due to the differences in their specific heat values. The distributions of V m and V p values vary considerably in spring and autumn months during which temperature differences are relatively lower. According to the PCA results, the first two components represent the strong wind areas in Turkey. These components presumably explain the existence of coherent wind formation areas, which display different characteristics due to regional physical geographical factors and processes (e.g., orography, altitude, exposure, land–sea distribution, surface mechanical and thermodynamic modifications of the air masses and air flows, etc.) in addition to the direct effect of different synoptic-scale pressure and circulation conditions.

Exploring the impact of climate on human longevity

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of physical geographic factors and climate conditions on human longevity. The centenarian rate (CR) in 2005 was computed for Japan's 47 prefectures, whose geography and climate vary greatly. Several pathways, such as excess winter mortality, land use and agricultural production, possibly linking physical and climate factors with extreme longevity, were explored. The probability of becoming a centenarian varies significantly among the Japanese prefectures. In particular, the computation of CR70 demonstrated that the actual probability for individuals 70years old in 1975 of becoming centenarians in 2005 was 3 times higher, on average, in Okinawa, both for males and females, than in Japan as a whole. About three quarters of the variance in CR70 for females and half for males is explained by the physical environment and land use, even when variations in the level of socio-economic status between prefectures are controlled. Our analysis highlighted two features which might have played an important role in the longevity observed in Okinawa. First, there is virtually no winter in Okinawa. For instance, the mean winter temperature observed in 2005 was 17.2°C. Second, today, there is almost no rice production in Okinawa compared to other parts of Japan. In the past, however, production was higher in Okinawa. If we consider that long term effects of harsh winters can contribute to the mortality differential in old age and if we consider that food availability in the first part of the 20th century was mainly dependent on local production, early 20th century birth cohorts in Okinawa clearly had different experiences in terms of winter conditions and in terms of food availability compared to their counterparts in other parts of Japan. This work confirms the impact of climate conditions on human longevity, but it fails to demonstrate a strong association between longevity and mountainous regions and/or air quality.

The Changing Geography of Violence in Russia's North Caucasus, 1999-2011: Regional Trends and Local Dynamics in Dagestan, Ingushetia, and Kabardino-Balkaria

Three U.S. geographers analyze the temporal and spatial trends of 17,438 violent events in Russia's North Caucasus region from August 1999 to July 2011, demonstrating that the diffusion of conflict away from Chechnya intensified during the period 2007-2011, as levels of violence rose in neighboring republics. An increasing number of casualties are civilians in Dagestan, Ingushetia, and Kabardino-Balkaria, the three republics that are the focus of the paper. Employing multiple methods of spatial pattern analysis and geographically sensitive regression models, the authors examine the spatial fragmentation of violence from the perspective of rebel groups operating in the three republics. The analysis documents how the incidence of violence varies dramatically over space (i.e., reflecting the influence of urbanization, strategic location, and physical geographic factors such as elevation and extent of forest cover). Although violence in the North Caucasus region as a whole has declined in absolute terms over the past four years, the authors show how new geographies of violence are developing in the region, underscoring the emergence of republic-based insurgent operations against the various organs of the Russian state. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: H560, H770, O180. 9 figures, 3 tables, 1 appendix, 103 references:

The Effects of Physical-Geographic Factors on Flood Episodes Extremity in the Vydra River Basin

The paper summarizes findings about the Vydra River basin (sw. Czechia) runoff regime including its sources with a special respect to observed flood situations formation and course. The main focus is concentrated on explanation of runoff dynamics relation to physical-geographic conditions of chosen subcatchments. In this term, special emphasis is adverted to peat land hydrological function assessment. Research is based on analyses of long-term time series of Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and of data acquired within more than three years field survey which is carried out in the study area by the Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology.

Is a global rural and remote health research agenda desirable or is context supreme?

This paper proposes that there is value in international comparison of rural and remote health-care service delivery models because of practical reasons - to find ideas, models and lessons to address 'local' delivery challenges; and for theoretical reasons - to derive a conceptual framework for international comparison. Literature review and commentary. There are significant challenges to international comparative research that have been highlighted generically; for example, equivalence of terminology, datasets and indicators. Context supremacy has been raised as a reason why models and research findings might not be transferable. This paper proposes that there is insufficient knowledge about how rural contexts in relation to health service delivery are similar or different internationally. Investigating contexts in different countries and identifying the dimensions on which service delivery might differ is an important stimulus for study. The paper suggests, for discussion, dimensions on which rural service delivery might differ between countries and regions, including physical geographical factors, social interaction with rurality, policies of service provision and the politics and operation of health care. The paper asks whether, given the need to develop models suitable for rural areas and for theory on rural health to extend, international comparative research is an imperative or an indulgence.

Фізико-географічні передумови, динаміка та наслідки катастрофічного липневого паводка 2008 року у верхів’ї річки Прут

A system of natural (geologic-geomorphological, biotic, meteorological and complex landscape) and anthropogenic factors causing catastrophic flooding in the upper course of the Prut within the landscape of Chornogora has been analysed. A dynamic correlation in time between atmospheric precipitations and a change of water level in the course of the river has been traced. A range of unigue, incomparable ecologic-geographic consequences of flooding, connected with the bottom erosion, the change of course profile, the side erosion, activisation of slides processes, the change of landscape structure of the territory and economic Losses has been determined. Key words: flood, physical-geographic factors, dynamics, natural territorial complex.

The erosion intensity changes in Zajecar municipality

Apart from other geomorphologic processes (glacial erosion, nivation, abrasion) which are predominantly determined by the intensity of natural factors, soil erosion is significantly determined by anthropogenic influences. Despite the fact that the physical-geographic factors are important determinants of the erosion intensity this geomorphologic process has also demographic, socio-economic, environmental, and multidisciplinary aspects as well. Control works, some demographic characteristics of the territory and the type of land use are the direct and indirect anthropogenic influences and modifiers of the intensity of this process. The basic idea of this paper is to assess the basic socio-geographic change over certain area and to determine its effects on the erosion intensity.

Implementation of the “KINEROS” Model for Estimation of the Flood Prone Territories in the Malki Iskar River Basin

This article presents main results from the implementation of the KINEROS model to the Malki Iskar river basin above the town of Etropole. KINEROS is a mathematical model based on fundamental physical laws aimed at simulating the spatial distribution of water balance elements for a given meteoro- logical event. A detailed study of the set of physical geographical flood risk factors (relief, climate, waters, soils, LC/LU) has been performed. The analysis has been carried out on the basis of specific methods for estimation of the role of each factor. The results show the importance and practicality of implementation of the GIS, RS and flood risk modeling in generally unpredictable dangerous situations, which are typical for small mountain catchments. The application of the KINEROS model for simulation of events depending on the changes in the landscape conditions may in- crease significantly the effect of flood risk management in mountainous munici- palities.

Regionalization of water environmental risk and spatial development guidance: a case study of Wuxi City

基于区域开发与水环境保护的相互作用关系,本文根据河湖水环境质量要求对地区开发的约束影响,分析水环境约束的区域差异及相应区域开发中水污染物排放的控制.以无锡市为例,综合考虑河湖水文及流域地貌等自然地理要素,将全市域划分为两个一级环境单元区.34个二级子环境单元区,作为水环境约束评价的基本单元;选择河湖水体使用功能、水体通达性、水质目标和引水通道、地貌特征等要素作为表征水环境约束的评价因子,运用GIS空间分析和统计分析方法,综合评价全市域水环境约束的等级分区.以此作为空间开发引导的依据,其中水环境约束较弱的地区可以适当布局水污染物排放量较大的生产生活项目.而水环境约束较强的地区需要严格控制乃至禁止水污染物排放量大的项目建设.;Based on the relationship between regional development and water environment protect and affection of water environmentquality of river and lake on regional development, the paper analysed regional disparity of water environmental risk and controllingof water pollution discharge in regional development. Taking Wuxi as a case, comprehensively considering physical geographicalfactors such as river and lake hydrological condition, watershed geomorphic condition etc, the whole city had been divided into twosections of the first grade environmental cells, thirty four sections of the second grade environment sub-cells, as estimating cells ofwater environmental risk. According to the relationships between land development and change of water environments, severalfactors had been selected, such as function of water utilization, connecting condition to water body (Lake Taihu, Yangtze River, etc)outside, water quality needs and the channels of leading water, and geomorphic condition for evaluating and regionalize the risk ofwater environments for four grads by using GIS spatial analyzing and statistic analyzing methods. As a result, the area with big riskof water environments would not allow the development of water polluting factory and inhabitant quarter. It could be the one ofguidances for the spatial development.

Digital elevation model and satellite images an assessment of soil erosion potential in the Pcinja catchment

Pcinja is large left tributary of Vardar River (135 km long, 2877,3 km2 catchment?s area), which drainages surface waters from northeastern Macedonia, and small part of southeastern Serbia. Because of suitable physical-geographic factors (geology, terrain morphology, climate, hydrology, vegetation coverage, soil composition, and high human impact), some parts of the catchment?s suffer significant erosion process. For this reason, it is necessary to research properly spatial distribution of erosion, then influence of physical and anthropogenic factors for the intensity of soil erosion, related erosion landforms (with morphology, genesis, evolution, soil erosion protection etc.). Earlier researches in the area have been performed generally with combination of cartographic and classic field analysis. But in last decades, there are new possibilities available like satellite images and digital elevation models. In this work has been presented the methodology of utilization of satellite images and DEM for erosion research, with analysis and comparisons of outcome data.

Changes of the intensity of Ljig river basin erosion: Influence of anthropogenic factor

According to new field investigations as well as mapping of erosion in Ljig river basin we have found out that its intensity has changed in regard to period of 40 years ago. The most expressive changes were noticed in Ljig river basin. As we have not noticed changes in physical-geographical factors the cause of the intensity decrease might be only influenced by indirect anthropogenic factor. Processes of growing old and decrease of rural population, migration village-town, marginalization of agriculture and decrease of cattle reserves caused the changes of land utilization. Agriculture areas were becoming overgrown with growing wild vegetation which restrained gradually considerable expressed processes of erosion in the past.

Constraining factors to sustainable utilization of water resources and their countermeasures in China

This paper discusses the constraining factors to sustainable utilization of water resources in China, and the countermeasures to realize sustainable water utilization. The result of comprehensive analysis shows that constraining factors to sustainable utilization of water resources in China are complicated, including physical geographical factors and socio-economic factors, such as uneven distribution of water resources at temporal and spatial scales, inappropriate institutional arrangement and non-water-saving and non-water-conservation production and life mode. The countermeasures against constraining factors to water resources sustainable development are put forward as follows: 1) using wetlands and forests, and through spatial conversion to realize temporally sustainable supply of water resources; 2) transferring water between basins and areas and developing various water resources in water shortage area; 3) establishing water-saving society; 4) strengthening water pollution control and water resources protection; and 5) establishing unified water resources management mechanism.

Management of flood disasters in the Jianghan Plain, China

This study examines the causes of flood disasters in Jianghan Plain, China and provides practical solutions to mitigate them. Results from this study indicate that both historical archives and more recent recorded data point to an increasing frequency in flood disasters since 1961. Furthermore, damage and losses from flood disasters have also increased significantly in the region. By analyzing the physical geographic factors and human activities, this study found that the main causative factors contributing to increasing flood disasters are landform/topography, climate elements, reduced drainage capacity of rivers in contrast to increased flood discharge, and human activities. Finally, the study examines various practical solutions to mitigate flood disasters in the Jianghan Plain.

Physical geographical background of the culture of traditional Chinese residential architecture

Produced in China’s physical environment, traditional Chinese residential architecture is restrained by social factors and adapts itself to the natural economy. Physical geographical environment does not solely shape architectural styles. However, in the self-sufficient economy era, it deeply influenced the culture of traditional Chinese residential architecture. This thesis discusses regional influence of climate on the spatial patterns and styles of residential architecture; it also analyzes the influence of landforms and water systems on architectural landscapes and local housing selections. Geology and botany play another important role in forming local features and improving microenvironment around builidings. With the comprehensive effects of all elements that take climate as the key one, architectural styles differ evidently in various regions. On the above basis, analysis is made to find the view of nature of traditional residential architecture culture with the connotative views of utility, aesthetic perception and ecology. By analyzing the effects of physical geographical factors on China’s residential architecture and exploring the natural view in its cultural and spiritual aspects, some enlightenment may be gained to protect ecological environment and realize harmony among man, architecture and environment, thus developing the culture of modern residential architecture with local flavor and characteristics.