The Spatial Patterns of Red Beds and Danxia Landforms: Implication for the formation factors–China

A clustered distribution pattern of Danxia landforms, concentrated primarily in Southeast China, the Sichuan Basin, and the Qilian-Liupan regions, was identified through spatial analysis. The study, which analyzed 1,100 Danxia sites and their relationship with red beds across China, revealed that these landforms cover approximately 9.5% of the country's land area. Using geological and tectonic maps alongside ArcGIS software, researchers performed adjacent index calculations and Thiessen polygon analyses to map the spatial patterns and assess the influence of tectonics on Danxia formation. The findings highlight the significant role of geological elements in shaping these distinctive landscapes.

Yan, L., Peng, H., Zhang, S., Zhang, R., Kašanin-Grubin, M., Lin, K., & Tu, X. (2019). The Spatial Patterns of Red Beds and Danxia Landforms: Implication for the formation factors–China. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-37238-7