Loess Plateau

Map of China and loess Plateau

Loess Plateau geomorphology——2012-4 - panoramio

Geomorphology of Chinese Loess Plateau

Wind escarpment between Mu Us Desert and Chinese Loess Plateau

3D model

Loess Plateau, also known as the Huangtu Plateau, is a highland area in China, covering approximately 640,000 km² in the upper and middle reaches of China's Yellow River. Characterized by its yellow soil, the plateau is named after the loess sediment that has been deposited by wind storms over the ages. The Loess Plateau is one of the world's most distinctive erosion landscapes and is of significant importance both ecologically and agriculturally.

Geography

The Loess Plateau spans several Chinese provinces, including Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, and Gansu, with parts extending into Qinghai, Hubei, Sichuan, and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Its terrain is marked by rolling hills and deep ravines. The Yellow River cuts through the plateau, creating dramatic gorges and contributing to the region's significant silt load, which has historically caused frequent and devastating floods downstream.

Geology

The geology of the Loess Plateau is primarily composed of loess, a highly erodible, silt-sized sediment that has been blown in from deserts in northern China and Mongolia over millions of years. This accumulation of loess is among the thickest in the world, reaching depths of more than 100 meters in some areas. The plateau's soil is highly fertile, making it an important agricultural region, but its fine, loose nature also makes it highly susceptible to erosion by water and wind.

History

Historically, the Loess Plateau is considered one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, with several ancient cultures, including the Yangshao Culture and the Longshan Culture, having flourished in the area. Over millennia, the plateau's residents have developed unique agricultural practices to cope with the challenging landscape, including the creation of terraces and the use of cave dwellings carved into the loess hillsides.

Environmental Issues and Conservation

The Loess Plateau has faced severe environmental degradation, primarily due to deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices that have led to widespread soil erosion. This erosion has resulted in the loss of fertile soil, the silting up of rivers and reservoirs, and the creation of the infamous "Yellow Dust" storms that affect not only China but also neighboring countries.

In recent decades, the Chinese government and various international organizations have initiated several large-scale conservation projects aimed at restoring the ecological balance of the Loess Plateau. These projects have focused on terracing, tree planting, and the establishment of sustainable farming practices. Notably, the Grain for Green project has been instrumental in converting farmland back into forest and grassland to reduce erosion and improve the environment.

Impact

The environmental restoration efforts on the Loess Plateau have had significant positive impacts, including the reduction of soil erosion, the improvement of air and water quality, and the increase in biodiversity. These efforts have also contributed to the economic development of the region, improving the livelihoods of millions of people.

See Also

• Yellow River Civilization
• Soil conservation
• Sustainable agriculture
• Desertification