Spatial Differentiation Characteristics of Human Settlements and Their Responses to Natural and Socioeconomic Conditions in the Marginal Zone of an Uninhabited Area, Changtang Plateau, China

• DOI: 10.1007/s11769-022-1280-6
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01T09:02:46Z
• Authors: Haipeng Zhang; Hanchu Liu; Yong Sun; Renwei He
• Keywords: Human settlement; Settlement (finance); Socioeconomic development

The Changtang Plateau (CTP) in Qinghai-Tibet of China is one the top-10 uninhabited areas with most important ecological value world. It great academic and practical significance to carry out research on human settlements marginal zones promote harmonious coexistence between humans nature CTP. Using high-definition remote-sensing images visually interpret identify settlement-patch data, combined field investigations, this study explores spatial characteristics Shuanghu Nyima counties their responses natural socioeconomic conditions hinterland Findings reveal that scale CTP extremely small, density very sparse. Settlements primarily consist several households, some containing more than a dozen or are sub-village scale. Socioeconomic development low factors have weak influence settlement layout Natural core elements affecting tend occur mountains, gentle slopes, high average annual temperatures. Careful site selection can help mitigate impact disasters. To meet needs grazing, layouts must typically high-quality grassland orientation. Riverbanks key areas, sites often far away from alpine salt lakes. environmental significantly differ those low-altitude inland areas.