Formation mechanisms of Qiaoba-Zhongdu Danxia landforms in southwestern Sichuan Province, China

Abstract

Embarking on systematics, the formation mechanisms of Danxia landforms were explained from perspectives of human activities, geography, and climate. The formation mechanisms of Qiaoba-Zhongdu Danxia landforms in the research region were systematically discussed using theories and methods in sedimentology, paleo-climatology, tectono-dynamics, and surface process dynamics. Meanwhile, approaches such as remote-sensing imagery interpretation, rock and ore identification, geochemical analysis, and interpretation of seismic profiles were also adopted. Research results show that Qiaoba-Zhongdu Danxia landforms are in the mature stage of landform evolution. The formation process involves five stages including being bred by sedimentation, rendered by paleo-environmental conditions, landscaped by tectonism, carved by geomorphologic agents, and embellished by human activities.

Keywords

• danxia landforms
• distribution law
• evolution stages
• formation mechanisms of landforms