Distribution Of Settlements Research Articles

Urban orientalism and informal urbanization in Jinan, Shandong, China

This study examines urban orientalism in Jinan, Shandong, China, focusing on its intersection with informal urban spaces. Urban orientalism, a concept rooted in Edward Said’s seminal work, describes the tendency of Western observers to romanticize and portray non-Western cities as exotic. Jinan, undergoing rapid expansion, reflects a complex relationship between urban orientalism and informal settlements, influencing both the city’s physical landscape and social dynamics. The research explores how perceptions of Jinan’s “Oriental” identity shape policies, urban development strategies, and the lived experiences of its residents. Through a multidisciplinary approach integrating urban studies, cultural geography, and anthropology, this study analyzes the spatial distribution of informal settlements, their evolution over time, and the socioeconomic factors contributing to their persistence. In addition, it considers how local and global urban imaginaries shape views on informality and inform policy decisions impacting urban development. Drawing on empirical data from fieldwork, interviews, and archival research, this study aims to deepen understanding of urban orientalism as a multifaceted phenomenon with tangible implications for urban governance and spatial equity. Addressing these biases through more inclusive urban planning strategies is crucial for fostering equity and acknowledging diverse urban experiences.

A coupled model of zebra mussels and chlorine in collective pressurized irrigation networks

Zebra mussel infestation has become a serious problem affecting pressurized networks. Larvae settle in pipeline walls creating relevant obstructions to flow as they grow and develop shells. Oxidant injections in the stream are commonly used to control the infestation. A model is proposed for simulating the transportation, settlement and death of mussels in pressurized networks. This model is coupled to a solute transport, diffusion, and decay model of oxidant chemicals. During the analyzed irrigation campaigns, the larvae entry was monitored at various intervals. These data, showing high variability, were used as input to the model using different scenarios averaging and modifying the time distribution of larvae concentration. Simulations predicted similar mussel settlement patterns across all scenarios, suggesting that network morphology and total larval abundance primarily influence settlement distribution. We compared the effectiveness of continuous and intermittent oxidant applications. Continuous treatments were the most effective (up to 99%), but required up to 3.5 kg ha−1 of chlorine. Reasonable control could also be attained with short injections (1 to 3 h) just before the peak irrigation service discharge, leading to up to 93% of chlorine savings and reaching similar mortality rates. The model was also used to estimate the larvae and chlorine export to on-farm irrigation systems through hydrants and to evaluate strategies for mitigating the risks of on-farm infestation and environmental impact. The protection of on-farm irrigation systems required additional chlorine input. The model can be parametrized to simulate similar species in different types of pressurized networks, using different chemicals for treatment.

Assessing Settlement Suitability Using Road Network Analysis for Sustainable Urban Planning in Ambon City, Indonesia

The availability of infrastructure, particularly the road network, is a critical factor influencing the spatial distribution and suitability of land for settlement development in Ambon City. This study aims to assess settlement suitability by analyzing the relationship between settlement areas and their proximity to the road network, with a focus on supporting sustainable urban planning. Using road network data and SPOT 6 satellite imagery, the research employs a buffer technique to categorize settlements into three zones based on their distance from the nearest road: less than 100 meters, between 100 and 750 meters, and more than 750 meters. The findings reveal that settlements located within 100 meters of the road network cover 8,538.43 hectares, or 26.21% of the total settlement area. Settlements situated between 100 to 750 meters from roads account for 11,634.20 hectares (35.72%), while those farther than 750 meters from the road network occupy 12,401.05 hectares, representing 38.07% of the total settlement area. These results underscore the critical role that proximity to roads plays in determining the suitability of land for residential development, with a noticeable concentration of settlements closer to transportation infrastructure. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers in Ambon City, offering a spatial understanding of settlement distribution that can guide future infrastructure development and land use policies.

Numerical Analysis of Grouting Reinforcement Effects on Deep Foundation Pits Adjacent to Elevated Railways

To mitigate the impact of foundation pit construction on adjacent existing structures, grouting reinforcement techniques are often employed to enhance the deformation strength of the soil. This study focuses on the expansion project of the Dayun Comprehensive Hub in Shenzhen, conducting full-scale numerical simulations of the excavation of deep foundation pits adjacent to existing elevated railways and examining the effects of different grouting reinforcement schemes. The results indicate that the single-row and double-row grouting schemes increased the bearing capacity of the foundation piles by 23.7% and 31.9%, respectively, significantly enhancing the structural bearing performance. After reinforcement, the maximum deformation position of the elevated bridge foundation piles shifted upward, and the settlement distribution of the cap beam became more concentrated, indicating that grouting reinforcement effectively controlled the ground settlement and the deformation of the foundation piles. Furthermore, compared to controlling the deformation of the retaining structures, grouting reinforcement was more effective in controlling ground settlement and pile deformation, highlighting its advantages in complex environments. Although the double-row grouting scheme demonstrated superior technical performance, the single-row scheme remains the preferred option considering reinforcement efficiency and economic factors.

The spatiotemporal distribution and environmental suitability evaluation of Neolithic settlements in the Western Guanzhong Basin of China

Illustrating the relationship between past settlement changes and human-land could help us to understand the complex interactions among climate, human activities, and the environment. Based on archeological literature and fieldworks, this paper combines dating techniques and GIS analysis to explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and human diffusion of Neolithic settlements in the Western Guanzhong Basin (WGB), and to quantitatively analyzes the relationship between human activities and natural geographic factors by index model. The results show that: (1) There was a continuity of Neolithic cultures in the WGB and the absolute chronological sequence of human activities ranges from 7500 to 3900 a BP; (2) The distribution of settlements tends to be on river terraces and Loess tableland, and with the evolution of Neolithic cultures, human activities shifted from near-water to far-water distributions and expanded to areas of high gradient. The center of activity of the settlement spreads from a single nucleus (the Wei River) to multiple nuclei (the Wei River, the Qian Rivers, and the Qishui River) and back to a single nucleus on the northern bank of the Wei River in the area of present Qishan-Fufeng, laying the foundation for the development and strength of the Western Zhou Dynasty Cultures in this area; (3) The suitability level of the natural geographic environment in the WGB gradually decreased from the Wei River to the north and south, and settlements were mainly distributed in the highly and moderately suitable zones; (4) It was found that as early as the Neolithic period, mankind had already grasped certain laws of nature, and the spatial distribution of settlements reflected mankind’s awareness of disaster avoidance and “compromise and reconciliation.”

Holocene shoreline displacement, land‐cover change and human settlement distribution on the southeast coast of Sweden

ABSTRACTIn this study, we investigate the interplay between relative sea‐level changes, the development of human settlements and land‐cover changes in the Västervik–Gamlebyviken region on the southeast coast of Sweden, an important archaeological area from the Mesolithic until recent times. The reconstruction of shore displacement was based on diatom analysis of radiocarbon‐dated sediment cores from three lake basins combined with previously published lake isolation data. The resulting curve was used to construct palaeogeographical maps for selected time windows. Land‐cover changes were inferred from pollen data from three lakes using the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm with its two models REVEALS and LOVE. Our data suggest that people took advantage of the land gained due to an overall fall in relative sea level from ~35 to ~3 metres above sea level (m a.s.l.) over the last 10 000 years, interrupted by periods of transgression and highstands. A sea‐level regression of ~16 m occurred between 10 000 and 8500 cal a bp followed by an ~3–4‐m sea‐level rise, reaching ~22 m a.s.l. at ~7500 cal a bp, which corresponds to the maximum Littorina Sea shoreline in the area. The available archaeological findings for the Mesolithic and Early Neolithic (8950–5450 cal a bp) agree well with the shore displacement curve showing that settlements and human activities were concentrated along or above the shorelines as defined from our study. During the transgression after 8500 cal a bp, however, seasonal settlements were submerged (as shown by findings of polished stone tools and hearths buried in sand) and used again during the subsequent regression after 4600 cal a bp. The Iron Age (2450–900 cal a bp) corresponds partly to a highstand at ~11 m a.s.l. between 3600 and 2000 cal a bp and partly to a rapid regression of ~8 m between 2000 and 1500 cal a bp, and both periods coincide with known human activities along the contemporaneous shoreline. The rapid regression after 2000 cal a bp corresponds to an increase of both regional and local landscape openness and the beginning of a continuous record of crop cultivation.

The historical evolution and social transformation of settlements in the mountainous regions of western Guangdong: a case study of Xinyi County, China

The formation of China’s territory has a long historical process. Prior research has highlighted the diverse historical development patterns across different regions. To delve deeper into the distinctiveness among regions and their nuanced disparities, the research centers on the settlements within Xinyi County, situated in the mountainous terrain of western Guangdong Province, China. The current study employs the research method of “Backward Observation” by conducting a literature review and utilizing ArcGIS for spatial analysis to investigate the spatial distribution and evolution process of regional settlements in western Guangdong. The results suggest a predominant involvement of the state in propelling the advancement of the indigenous community within Xinyi County, a progression primarily fulfilled by the conclusion of the late Qing and initial Republican eras, guided by the persistent localization and gentrification of migrating populations. Xinyi’s advancement pattern and speed exhibited notable distinctions from neighboring areas within Guangdong Province. This investigation additionally delves into G. William Skinner’s inquiries regarding the exceptional attributes and evolutionary patterns of localities, aligning with the South China School’s viewpoint on the varied nature of regional advancement procedures and cadences. This research on Xinyi’s historical evolution is importance in coordinating the preservation and advancement of historical towns, addressing urban-rural development disparities, and formulating future development strategies.

Research on the Spatial–Temporal Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of Ancient Settlements in the Sichuan Basin

An investigation into the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of ancient settlements and their relationship with the environment in the Sichuan Basin can enhance our understanding of the evolution of the regional human–land relationship. Utilizing kernel density analysis by GIS, this paper obtained the spatial distribution characteristics of 1100 settlements in the Neolithic, Shang–Zhou, and Qin to Southern Dynasties periods. Subsequently, a GIS spatial analysis was performed to examine the distribution of these settlements in relation to the natural environment, focusing on four aspects: elevation, slope, aspect, and water buffer zone. The results demonstrate that: (1) The distribution of settlements from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties has expanded from the Chengdu Plain in the west and the Xiajiang Area in the east to the hilly areas in the center. (2) The settlements in the Neolithic and Shang–Zhou periods are predominantly located at elevations between 300–600 m, slopes between 0–3°, aspects between 135–225°, distances to rivers between 0–1000 m, and soil choice on Luvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, and Anthrosols. The influence of aspect on settlements during the Qin–Southern Dynasties period was notably reduced. The settlements mainly grow in the Chengdu Plain and the smaller plains along the river from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties in the Sichuan Basin. (3) The emergence and advancement of primitive agriculture, the construction of early water conservancy facilities, commercial and trade exchanges, and the establishment of regimes led to a shift from a double core to a more dispersed distribution in the Sichuan Basin from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties periods. The evolution of settlements reflects the adaption and competition of the residents to the natural environment in the Sichuan Basin. Furthermore, it provides insights into the complex social development in the region, ranging from the formation of early states to the establishment of the Qin and Han Empires.

Evaluation of Settlement Distribution on Detailed Spatial Plan in Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 2018 – 2038

Settlement as a place to live is one of the main needs that need to be met for the survival of human life. The need for settlement will increase along with the increase in population. The development of settlements in Sewon District. Bantul, Indonesia which is very dynamic requires monitoring to ensure that the distribution of settlements is in accordance with the spatial pattern plan that has been determined by the local government. Imagery as a remote sensing product which is then processed with the help of GIS [HV1] can be used in monitoring the distribution of settlements because it can provide more detailed information regarding land use, including settlements. This research aims to evaluate the distribution of settlements against the detailed spatial plan (RDTR) for the Sewon Urban Area (BWP) of Bantul Regency in 2018-2038. This study uses visual interpretation techniques of SPOT-7 PMS imagery in mapping existing settlement land, field surveys, and GIS processing. The research results show that mapping settlement land using imagery produces an overall accuracy of 95.20%. The settlement evaluation shows that there is a suitability of settlement land with the detailed spatial plan reaching 579.88 hectares or 87.26%, while the settlement land that is not in accordance with the detailed spatial plan is 9.62 hectares or 1.45%, and the settlement land that is temporarily not in accordance with the detailed spatial plan is 75.05 hectares or 11.29% of the total settlement area in Sewon District. Local governments must pay more attention to existing settlements with regular monitoring so that the existing settlements that are not in accordance with the detailed spatial plan will not expand.

Spatial evolution and influencing factors of water-town settlements in Southern China: evidence from 942 villages in Zhongshan City

ABSTRACT Zhongshan, a city characterized by its profound historical heritage and distinctive rural civilization, has been consistently influenced by traditional agricultural practices throughout its history. This research conducts an in-depth exploration of Zhongshan’s unique rural spaces, systematically examining the evolutionary trends and determinants of Zhongshan’s water-town settlements across different historical epochs through the application of multidimensional spatial analysis techniques. The results indicate that these settlements exhibited cohesive spatial distribution characteristics across five historical periods. Notably, there was a significant clustering effect during the Ming and Qing dynasties, while Before the Qing dynasty, the spatial distribution of the settlements presented a pattern with multiple core areas coexisting. After the Qing dynasty, the spatial layout of these principal core areas stabilized and gradually diffused to surrounding areas, forming a balanced and continuous distribution pattern. Throughout the study period, the spatial pattern of the water-town settlements exhibited characteristics of five primary core areas and several secondary core areas. Concurrently, the centroid of the water-town settlements consistently shifted southeastward. When examining the intensity of influence on spatial evolution, the study found that socio-economic (q = 0.345) and accessibility factors (q = 0.356) exert a greater impact on the spatial distribution of rural settlements than do natural environmental factors (q = 0.136). However, the interaction between natural environmental factors and socio-economic and accessibility factors provides greater explanatory power than the interactions within natural factors alone. This suggests that in a specific socio-economic context, the impact of the natural environment on water-town settlements is enhanced. Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrates that the rural population, regional economic status, proximity to urban centers, and the distribution of water bodies positively influence the spatial evolution of water-town settlements.

Deformation analysis of ground and existing tunnel induced by overlapped curved shield tunneling

The deformation caused by tunnel excavation is quite important for safety, especially when it is adjacent to the existing tunnel. Nevertheless, the investigation of deformation characteristics in overlapped curved shield tunneling remains inadequate. The analytical solution for calculating the deformation of the ground and existing tunnel induced by overlapped curved shield tunneling is derived by the Mirror theory, Mindlin solution and Euler-Bernoulli-Pasternak model, subsequently validated through both finite element simulation and field monitoring. It is determined that the overcutting plays a crucial role in the ground settlement resulting from curved shield tunneling compared to straight shield tunneling. The longitudinal settlement distribution can be categorized into five areas, with the area near the tunnel surface experiencing the most dramatic settlement changes. The deformation of the existing tunnel varies most significantly with turning radius compared to tunnel clearance and grouting pressure, especially when the turning radius is less than 30 times the tunnel diameter. The tunnel crown exhibits larger displacement than the tunnel bottom, resulting in a distinctive 'vertical egg' shape. Furthermore, an optimized overcutting mode is proposed, involving precise control of the extension speed and angular velocity of the overcutting cutter, which effectively mitigates ground deformation, ensuring the protection of the existing tunnel during the construction.

Model of Tsunami Mitigation and Evacuation Routes in Pancer Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi has the largest tsunami disaster risk in East Java, about 45,305 affected people, Rp. 160,886,000,- for the risk of physical losses, Rp. 106,414,000,- for the risk of economic losses and 84 ha of environmental losses (BNPB, 2023). In addition, according to historical data, Banyuwangi was hit by tsunami on June 9, 1994 with magnitude of 7.8 which caused a maximum run up of 14.0 m and killed 238 lives (BNPB, 2023). Also based on Undang- undang No. 24 Tahun 2007 concerning Disaster Management, Indonesia should have preventive and mitigation measures for tsunami disasters both before and after as an effort to reduce the disaster risk (Putra, 2009) . Tsunami modeling in southern Java using COMCOT v1.7 as tsunami worst case scenario in Banyuwangi is the first step for mitigation. The initial results of COMCOT were then used for preparing tsunami disaster evacuation route planning based on the Tsunami Natural Disaster Evacuation Route Planning Guidelines, Dirjen Bina Marga, 2023. The final step is validation/routing survey of the 8 (eight) routes that have been determined. 2 (two) of the 8 (eight) routes fulfill the guidelines for planning tsunami mitigation routes. However, all routes can be considered due to the distribution of settlements, the number of affected residents and the number of routes needed

Patterns of spawning and settlement of reef fishes as strategic responses to post-settlement competition

Settlement is a critical transition in the life history of reef fish, and the timing of this event can have a strong effect on fitness. Key factors that influence settlement timing are predictable lunar cyclic variation in tidal currents, moonlight, and nocturnal predation risk as larvae transition from pelagic to benthic environments. However, populations typically display wide variation in the arrival of settlers over the lunar cycle. This variation is often hypothesized to result from unpredictable conditions in the pelagic environment and bet-hedging by spawning adults. Here, we consider the hypothesis that the timing of spawning and settlement is a strategic response to post-settlement competition. We use a game theoretic model to predict spawning and settlement distributions when fish face a tradeoff between minimizing density-independent predation risk while crossing the reef crest vs. avoiding high competitor density on settlement habitat. In general, we expect competition to spread spawning over time such that settlement is distributed around the lunar phase with the lowest predation risk, similar to an ideal free distribution in which competition spreads competitors across space. We examine the effects of overcompensating density dependence, age-dependent competition, and competition among daily settler cohorts. Our model predicts that even in the absence of stochastic variation in the larval environment, competition can result in qualitative divergence between spawning and settlement distributions. Furthermore, we show that if competitive strength increases with settler age, competition results in covariation between settler age and settlement date, with older larvae settling when predation risk is minimal. We predict that competition between daily cohorts delays peak settlement, with priority effects potentially selecting for a multimodal settlement distribution.

Severe droughts reduce river navigability and isolate communities in the Brazilian Amazon

The Amazon basin is experiencing severe droughts that are expected to worsen with climate change. Riverine communities are especially vulnerable to these extreme events. This study investigates the experiences of Brazilian Amazonian communities during droughts occurring from 2000-2020. We assess the distribution of settlements at risk of prolonged isolation during extreme low-water periods, along with impacts reported in digital news outlets. Using historic time series of river levels from 90 gauges, we look at how long droughts lasted in regions with reported impacts. Results indicate that the droughts in 2005, 2010, and 2016 were the most severe, with over an additional month of low water levels in those years. Such drought events routinely disrupt inland water transport and isolate local populations, limiting access to essential goods (food, fuel, medicine) and basic services (healthcare, education). Given this new reality, Amazon countries must develop long-term strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and disaster response.

‘In the shadows of a giant?’ A spatial analytical method for assessing coastal proximity using R: a case-study from the Bronze Age Saronic Gulf (Greece)

Highlights: The study introduces novel methods in spatial analysis to reinterpret long-standing archaeological theories about settlement distribution Spatial analysis reveals fluctuating proximity of Bronze Age settlements to the coast in the Saronic Gulf, influenced by socio-cultural and climatic changes. Shifts in settlement patterns and external factors like the rise of Argolic centers reshaped Kolonna's influence, reorienting it towards its hinterlands. Abstract: This study explores the interrelation between settlement dynamics and coastal proximity during the Bronze Age in the Saronic Gulf, utilising an innovative spatial analytical approach. By integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) and statistical methods in R, this paper analyses a dataset comprising 258 archaeological sites across diverse coastal and inland environments. The methodology uses the Movecost package for R to calculate least-cost paths, quantifying the ease of access to coastlines, and enabling a nuanced interpretation of settlement patterns over time. Results indicate significant shifts in settlement patterns linked to socio-economic, climatic, and political changes. The early phases, particularly during Early Helladic II, show an increased distance from the coast, suggesting a period less reliant on maritime activities despite the existence of extensive maritime networks. Conversely, Early Helladic III and Middle Helladic III–Late Helladic II periods mark a more pronounced coastal orientation; in the first case, it was probably connected to climatic instability and survival strategies and, in the second one, connected to socio-political change and economic opportunities. The analysis challenges traditional views of constant coastal habitation. Instead, it reveals a complex pattern where coastal proximity was not solely dictated by maritime capabilities: it was a strategic choice influenced by a myriad of factors, including security, agricultural potential, external trade relations and climatic change. The rise and fall of Kolonna, a significant urban centre, underscores these dynamics, as shifts in its regional influence correlate with broader Aegean power structures and climatic events. This paper contributes to the understanding of how ancient societies adapted their settlement strategies in response to changing socio-political circumstances. It also demonstrates the potential of R and spatial statistics as powerful tools for archaeological inquiry, providing new perspectives on traditional interpretations of ancient settlement patterns.

Circular settlements of the Trans-Urals and Western Siberia from the Neolithic to the early iron age

Circular in plan fortified settlements, or ring settlements, were an ideal type of lowland fortifications. One of their prototypes is unfortified settlements with a closed layout of dwellings in a circle and an oval. In the north of Eurasia, ring fortifications emerged in the Neolithic (6th–4th millennia BC), in the fisher-hunter-gatherers’ communities in the taiga area of the Ob’ River Basin and the mountain-forest Trans-Urals, during the mass settlement of these territories in the context of global warming. In the Bronze Age (late 3rd – early 1st millennium BC), such fortified settlements, as well as promontory and riverside fortified settlements, disappeared in the taiga giving way to large earth-timber fortified dwellings. At the beginning of the Bronze Age, during the next xerotherm, in the steppes of the Trans-Urals, pastoralists who migrated from South-Eastern Europe erected circular fortresses (the Sintashta culture of the 21st–18th centuries BC). Probably, the construction of circular in plan unfortified settlements of the Tashkovo culture in the forests of the Lower Tobol region in the 21st/20th – 16th centuries BC was influenced by the steppe defensive architecture. The earliest taiga fortified settlements were developing independently of the forest-steppe and steppe settlements. The former and the latter alike were economic, industrial, social and, possibly, cult centres of communities. A new mass distribution of ring settlements in the forest-steppe area of the Tobol-Irtysh region, and later in the taiga area of the Surgut and Lower Ob’ River region, took place at the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age (8th/7th centuries BC – 3rd/4th centuries AD). In the 6th/5th centuries BC – 3rd/4th centuries AD, the defensive systems of some West Siberian fortifications were supplemented with bastion-tower elements borrowed from the Saka people of the Aral Sea region.

Spatial Pathology of Earthquake Management in Salas Babajani County, Kermanshah, Iran

Background and objective Human settlements are formed and developed in a specific natural environment. Social, political, cultural, and economic systems that govern the societies can affect residential spaces. Therefore, the special natural and human habitats cause the formation of special spaces, which require their own management system. After the earthquake on November 12, 2017, in Salas Babajani County, Kermanshah, Iran, whose epicenter was Ezgeleh district, the presence of natural areas in the county caused the crisis management in this region to face special problems. In addition, the sectoral and centralized management structure governing the country and thus the Salas Babajani County added to the complexity of these problems and caused the residents of this region to suffer a deep crisis. The aim of the current study is a spatial pathology of earthquake management in urban and rural settlements of Salas Babajani County. Method This is a descriptive-analytical study. Data were collected using the documentary method and a researcher-made questionnaire. Participants were the residents of Salas Babajani County. Results The findings showed that the earthquake management in the County has a high compliance with the centralized and sectoral management model. In addition, it was found that the crisis management in the four stages (prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery) was in an unfavorable situation. the highest weakness was in the prevention stage and the lowest weakness was related to the preparedness stage. Conclusion Overall, the results showed that crisis management has worsened by moving away from the center towards the outskirts, especially towards the southwestern borders. In other words, by moving away from the political center of the County (Tazeh Abad district), the crisis management became very unfavorable. Also, it was found that the crisis management was greatly influenced by the spatial factors of elevation, land slope, transportation network, distribution of human settlements, and population density.

Why does the courtyard spaces of same ethnic group present diverse characteristics in different regions： evidence based on ENVI-met climate modeling

The rapid urbanization in developing countries like China has led to a heightened challenge of climate degradation and the erosion of traditional ecological knowledge worldwide. The widespread distribution of Yi traditional settlements across various climatic zones in southwest China offers a unique opportunity to investigate the diverse courtyard spaces within the same ethnic group, influenced by distinct climatic environments. Through comprehensive field investigation, meticulous field measurement, and rigorous ENVI-met simulation, this study conducts a comparative analysis of microclimates in Yi typical courtyards across diverse climatic conditions. The results show that: 1) Courtyard plays a pivotal role in regulating microclimate dynamics across cold, temperate, and hot climatic conditions. 2) The microclimate regulation mechanism of a courtyard varies across different climatic environments. 3) The climate regulation efficacy of courtyards will diminish as the climate environment undergoes changes. 4) The aspect ratio (AR) is a key spatial factor which plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of regulating courtyard microclimate. Concluded this study, the research findings not only provide valuable guidance for the protection planning and design of traditional Yi settlements in southwest China, but also offer significant insights for courtyard construction in other regions with extreme climates worldwide. In addition, this study constructs a new research framework for traditional settlements, which is of great significance for scientifically and accurately identifying the spatial value of traditional settlements and improving the theoretical system of traditional settlement protection and activation.

Quality Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Human Settlements in Western China: The Case of 12 Provinces, Municipalities and Autonomous Regions

Quality Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Human Settlements in Western China: The Case of 12 Provinces, Municipalities and Autonomous Regions

Middle to late Holocene human societies on the eastern margin of the Eurasian Steppe, and their adaptation to environmental changes

The impact of environmental changes on the development of human societies in the Eurasian Steppe is not well understood over the Holocene timescale. In this study, we have reported the phytoliths, grain size, and weight loss on ignition for an aeolian soil profile in the Liao River Basin at the eastern margin of the Eurasian Steppe. The profiles spanned the middle and late Holocene based on AMS 14C dating. By employing the summed radiocarbon probability distribution of archaeological sites and kernel density analysis, the spatial and temporal distributions of human populations and settlements were investigated in order to analyze the rise and fall of ancient cultures. Our findings indicated that the environment in the Liao River Basin underwent three stages of change. From 6700 to 5400 cal yr BP, the climate was warm and humid. The climate suddenly became cold and dry from 5400 to 4900 cal yr BP. The climate fluctuated, with a general tendency towards cold and dry conditions, from 4900 cal yr BP to 1700 cal yr BP. In addition, human societies in the region underwent significant changes, with rapid agricultural development and population growth in the warm and humid environment of the Middle Neolithic (6700–5000 yr BP). However, during the Late Neolithic (5000–4000 yr BP), the living environment suddenly became cold and dry, which limited the development of human society and drastically reduced its population. Nevertheless, the resilience of human societies continued to increase, and in the Bronze Age (4000–2000 yr BP), even in an overall cold and dry living environment, human societies still developed and their population increased sharply. Changes in the East Asia Summer Monsoon were an important driver of cultural change, and our study emphasizes the complex human-environment interactions that shaped societal development on the Eurasian Steppe.