The natural basis of the formation of the dual-nuclei structural model

The dual-nuclei spatial structure is composed of a regional central city, a port city and their spat ial relations in certain regions. In general, this spatial structure c ould be found in most of the coastal regions or regions along big rivers. In terms of the mechanism, the dual-nuclei structure is the result of the s patial interaction and the complementary characteristics of the center city and the port city. The 'marginal function' of the port city and its relationship with the central city has long been discussed in th e literature. On the one hand, drainage area is the main natural geo graphical background of the formation of the dual-nuclei spatial structure; the refore, we can build a theoretical geographic structure that is based on the drainage area. On the other hand, vicissitude of the coastline al so has important influence on the formation of the dual-nuclei spatial structure. It is especially meaningful if we can notice this when w e examine deeply the research on the spatial structure of delta.