A multilevel dataset of landform mapping and geomorphologic descriptors for the Loess Plateau of China

Abstract

Abstract The Loess Plateau is a region of importance in geomorphologic research because of its typical loess layers and intense surface erosion. Analysing the landforms on the Loess Plateau is helpful for understanding changes in the surface environment. However, geomorphologic data with high resolution are lacking for the Loess Plateau, which limits the progress of geomorphologic studies at finer scales. This study provides the first 30 m resolution landform classification and characteristics dataset for the Loess Plateau (LPL30). Considering morphological characteristics, dominant dynamics, and material conditions, the landforms on the Loess Plateau were categorized into three levels with 28 landform types. Moreover, we calculated 6 metrics to quantify the spatial distribution and category composition of the landforms in 16 analytical units with different scales and shapes, resulting in 96 geomorphologic descriptors. This dataset provides fundamental data for the study of landform formation processes and evolution mechanisms at various scales and can be employed as a geomorphological gradient to support ecology and environmental research.