Optimization of water-urban-agricultural-ecological land use pattern:A case study of Guanzhong Basin in the southern Loess Plateau of Shaanxi Province,China

Extensive land use will cause many environmental problems.It is an urgent task to improve land use efficiency and optimize land use patterns.In recent years,due to the flow decrease,the Guanzhong Basin in Shaanxi Province is confronted with the problem of insufficient water resources reserve.Based on the Coupled Ground-Water and Surface-Water Flow Model(GSFLOW),this paper evaluates the response of water resources in the basin to changes in land use patterns,optimizes the land use pattern,improves the ecological and economic benefits,and the efficiency of various spatial development,providing a reference for ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin.The research shows that the land use pattern in the Guanzhong Basin should be further optimized.Under the condition of considering ecological and economic development,the percentage change of the optimum area of farmland,forest,grassland,water area,and urban area compared with the current land use area ratio is+2.3,+2.4,-6.1,+0.2,and+1.6,respectively.The economic and ecological value of land increases by14.1%and 3.1%,respectively,and the number of water resources can increase by 2.5%.

Assessment of Climate for Agricultural Suitability and Optimal Allocation of Agricultural Production in the Guanzhong Region, Shaanxi Province

Based on spatial climatic data of agriculture and the experiment data, the models of agro-ecological assessment of climate for agricultural suitability in this study were developed using the fuzzy mathematical method. Three coefficients, in- cluding the resource coefficient （Cr）, the efficiency coefficient （Ce）, and the utility co- efficient （K）, were used in the models, which were calculated based on temperature, moisture, and sunshine duration data of Guanzhong region, Shaanxi Province. The results indicated that resource coefficient was higher in west of the region than that in east, and higher in south （especially in the Central Shaanxi Plain） than that in the Weibei plateau. The value of Cr changed from 6.5 to 9.2 from north to plain area. Spatial change of efficiency coefficient was obvious, lower in the northeast than in the central plain, and the value of Ce changed from 2.3 to 6.5 from the northeast to the central plain. As for utility coefficient, it was lower in northeastern part of the Weibei plateau and in southern mountain areas than that in the central plain, showing significant latitudinal zonality. Furthermore, the value of K increased from 0.35 to 0.78 from northeast to the central plain, and decreased from 0.78 to 0.53 from the central plain to southern mountain areas. These indicated that climate resource in the central plain region was more abundant and potential, compared with other regions. GuanZhong region was classified into three larger agricultural zones and three small independent zones, according to agro-ecological assessment. Light, heat and water resources should be made use of in an efficient way in spatial allo- cation of agricultural production. For example, water facilities should also be im- proved in Weibei plateau region where highly-qualified fruit should be enhanced and fruit processing industrial chain should be shaped. Large-scale production area of wheat should be increased in central irrigation region and more vegetable bases should be developed around large and medium-scale cities. Thanks for outstanding water conservation function, the three-dimensional agriculture including medicine and other sideline production should be developed in Qinling Mountains and the special- ized commercial agriculture should be accelerated in independent small zones, ac- cording to local conditions. In the research, different crop varieties were developed in corresponding regions as per current eco-climatic conditions.

Rationality Research on Micro-evolution of Rural Courtyard Landscapes in Guanzhong Area of China

In response to the needs of landscape construction in the new countryside of west China,this paper takes Sanyi Village in Guanzhong area for example,from the combined perspective of modern landscape and traditional local culture,explores micro-evolution laws of rural courtyard landscapes in Guanzhong Area.By finding out the reasonable aspects as land use,layout and decoration,and the unreasonable aspects as material,texture and green cultivation,in the landscape micro-evolution of rural settlement courtyard,it tries to guide the landscape planning,provide some brief construction methods,focus on the"step by step"safeguarding and introductory development mode,explore tangible and intangible elements of landscape culture in rural settlements,and play the potentials of rural dwellings in courtyard landscape construction,so as to solve the conflict between conservation and development in rural settlements.

Assessment on heavy metals pollution of agricultural soil in Guanzhong District

The monitored soil samples were collected from Heihui irrigated area, Jiaokou irrigated area, Qianhe river valley and Jinghe river valley （hereafter Heihui, Jiaokou, Qianhe and Jinghe for short respectively） of Guanzhong District. According to the Environment Quality Standard for Soil （GB 15618-1995II）, we evaluated the pollution status of heavy metals （Cd, As, Cr and Pb） that could seriously endanger soil environment and human health by using single-factor index and synthetic pollution index methods. The results indicate that the synthetic pollution indices P of soil heavy metals are less than 0.7 in Heihui, Jiaokou, Qianhe and Jinghe of Guanzhong, the single-factor indices Pi of soil heavy metals of most soil samples are less than 0.7, so the soil environmental quality is in a good condition in Guanzhong on the whole; the enrichment degree of soil heavy metals is in the order of Heihui, Jinghe, Qianhe and Jiaokou; the contaminated degree of soil heavy metals has the feature of Cd 〉 As 〉 Cr 〉 Pb; heavy metals contents in the cultivated horizon soil are generally higher than those in its underlayer soil, heavy metals contents of soil have the characteristic of enriching towards the cultivated horizon; Cd exceeds standard in the soil samples HS07a, b and HS08a, b at the Yangtao orchard in Heihui and in the soil sample QHS01a at the suburban vegetable plot in Qianhe, which was mainly caused by the long-term irrational use of chemical fertilizer and pesticide.

Micromorphological Features of Old Cultivated and Modern Soils in Guanzhong Areas, Shaanxi Province, China

Using the data obtained from the LGT soil profile, this article attempts to illustrate the process of modem soil formation in the Guanzhong areas and its micromorphological features. The micromorphology is observed under a petrographic microscope, and its image is quantitatively measured by LEICAL Qwin 2.6 software. Micromorphological observations of the thin sections show that the assemblage of minerals in different horizons is very similar, which is mainly composed of Q and P1. However, there are obvious differences in C/F15μm ratio, mineral content, and coarse features. The pedofeatures is mainly composed of clay, calcite, and amorphous Fe. Ap horizon is characterized by abundant needleshaped secondary calcite, secondary clay, and earthworm fecal pellet. BC horizon is characterized by a large quantity of secondary calcite with various shapes. Bt1and Bt2 horizons are characterized by abundant clay hypocoatings and a small quantity of secondary calcite. All the results of this research suggest that Earth-cumulic Orthic Anthrosols consist of both the upper Ap horizon, which cause loessal dung and eolian dust deposition, and cultivation occurs simultaneously during the process of Ap horizon-formation, and the lower BC horizon, which is aeolian sedimentary at the time of relative aridity during late Holocene.

Arsenic Distribution Pattern in Different Sources of Drinking Water and their Geological Background in Guanzhong Basin, Shaanxi, China

To study arsenic （As） content and distribution patterns as well as the genesis of different kinds of water,especially the different sources of drinking water in Guanzhong Basin,Shaanxi province,China,139 water samples were collected at 62 sampling points from wells of different depths,from hot springs,and rivers.The As content of these samples was measured by the intermittent flowhydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry method （HG-AFS）.The As concentrations in the drinking water in Guanzhong Basin vary greatly （0.00-68.08 tg/L）,and the As concentration of groundwater in southern Guanzhong Basin is different from that in the northern Guanzhong Basin.Even within the same location in southern Guanzhong Basin,the As concentrations at different depths vary greatly.As concentration of groundwater from the shallow wells （〈50 m deep,0.56-3.87 μg/L） is much lower than from deep wells （110-360 m deep,19.34-62.91 μg/L）,whereas As concentration in water of any depth in northern Guanzhong Basin is 〈10 μg/L.Southern Guanzhong Basin is a newly discovered high-As groundwater area in China.The high-As groundwater is mainly distributed in areas between the Qinling Mountains and Weihe River; it has only been found at depths ranging from 110 to 360 m in confined aquifers,which store water in the Lishi and Wucheng Loess （Lower and Middle Pleistocene） in the southern Guanzhong Basin.As concentration of hot spring water is 6.47-11.94 μg/L; that of geothermal water between 1000 and 1500 m deep is 43.68-68.08 μg/L.The high-As well water at depths from 110 to 360 m in southern Guanzhong Basin has a very low fluorine （F） value,which is generally 〈0.10 mg/L.Otherwise,the hot springs of Lintong and Tangyu and the geothermal water in southern Guanzhong Basin have very high F values （8.07-14.96 mg/L）.The results indicate that high As groundwater in depths from 110 to 360 m is unlikely to have a direct relationship with the geothermal water in the same area.As concentration of all reservoirs and rivers （both contaminated and uncontaminated） in the Guanzhong Basin is 〈10 μg/L.This shows that pollution in the surface water is not the source of the high-As in the southern Guanzhong Basin.The partition boundaries of the high-and low-As groundwater area corresponds to the partition boundaries of the tectonic units in the Guanzhong Basin.This probably indicates that the high-As groundwater areas can be correlated to their geological underpinning and structural framework.In southern Guanzhong Basin,the main sources of drinking water for villages and small towns today are wells between 110-360 m deep.All of their As contents exceed the limit of the Chinese National Standard and the International Standard （〉10 μg/L） and so local residents should use other sources of clean water that are 〈50 m deep,instead of deep groundwater （110 to 360 m） for their drinking water supply.

Study on Architectural Concept of Environmental Adaptability of Vernacular Dwellings in Guanzhong-Tianshui Area

Vernacular dwellings are organic products adaptive to local climate and other natural conditions. From the perspective of climatic and geographical features, this study analyzed spatial layouts, outer appearance, courtyard layout and material structure of vernacular dwellings in Guanzhong-Tianshui area, and refined the ecological concepts and technologies adaptive to local environment. Vernacular dwellings are expected to develop sustainably in the evolution of natural environment, and adapt to the development needs of local human settlements.

Indication of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes on the characteristics and circulation patterns of medium-low temperature geothermal resources in the Guanzhong Basin,China

Guanzhong Basin is a typical medium-low temperature geothermal field mainly controlled by geo-pressure in the west of China.The characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes were used to analyze the flow and storage modes of geothermal resources in the basin.In this paper,the basin was divided into six geotectonic units,where a total of 121 samples were collected from geothermal wells and surface water bodies for the analysis of hydrogen-oxygen isotopes.Analytical results show that the isotopic signatures of hydrogen and oxygen throughout Guanzhong Basin reveal a trend of gradual increase from the basin edge areas to the basin center.In terms of recharge systems,the area in the south edge belongs to the geothermal system of Qinling Mountain piedmont,while to the north of Weihe fault is the geothermal system of North mountain piedmont,where the atmospheric temperature is about 0.2℃-1.8℃in the recharge areas.The main factors that affect the geothermal waterδ18O drifting include the depth of geothermal reservoir and temperature of geothermal reservoir,lithological characteristics,water-rock interaction,geothermal reservoir environment and residence time.Theδ18O-δD relation shows that the main source is the meteoric water,together with some sedimentary water,but there are no deep magmatic water and mantle water which recharge the geothermal water in the basin.Through examining the distribution pattern of hydrogen-oxygen isotopic signatures,the groundwater circulation model of this basin can be divided into open circulation type,semi-open type,closed type and sedimentary type.This provides some important information for rational exploitation of the geothermal resources.

Comparison of Micromorphological Features of Two Agricultural Cultivated Soils in Guanzhong Areas, Shaanxi Province, China

By comparing micromorphological features of irrigated and non-irrigated soils in Guanzhong areas, China, this paper tries to illustrate the influences of farming management methods on the soil-forming process. The micromorphology was observed under a petrographic microscope and its image was quantificationally measured by Nikon NISBR 2.2 software. Both irrigated and non-irrigated soils have the same soil profile pattern, Ap1- AP2- BC, but the former has a more obvious profile dissimilation. The minerals assemblage of soil profiles A and B are very similar, which is mainly composed of Q and P1. Compared with non-irrigated soil, grains of irrigated soil remarkably decrease in length, area, eqdiameter, perimeter, elongation, roundness, and C/F10μm ratio; voids are characterized by more regular void shape and more smooth void wall; there is more abundant residual clay and small amount of illuvial clay. All results in this study suggest that the farming management method has influences on soil profile dissimilation and micromorphology. Agricultural irrigation could strengthen the degree of weathering, make smaller and rounder soil grains, cause a significant increase of residual clay and appearance of illuvial clay. But no significant change has been observed in the minerals assemblage of coarse grains.

Impacts of Aerosol−Radiation Interactions on the Wintertime Particulate Pollution under Different Synoptic Patterns in the Guanzhong Basin,China

The effects of aerosol-radiation interactions(ARI)are not only important for regional and global climate,but they can also drive particulate matter(PM)pollution.In this study,the ARI contribution to the near-surface fine PM(PM_(2.5))concentrations in the Guanzhong Basin(GZB)is evaluated under four unfavorable synoptic patterns,including“northlow”,“transition”,“southeast-trough”,and“inland-high”,based on WRF-Chem model simulations of a persistent heavy PM pollution episode in January 2019.Simulations show that ARI consistently decreases both solar radiation reaching down to the surface(SWDOWN)and surface temperature(TSFC),which then reduces wind speed,induces sinking motion,and influences cloud formation in the GZB.However,large differences under the four synoptic patterns still exist.The average reductions of SWDOWN and daytime TSFC in the GZB range from 15.2%and 1.04°C in the case of the“transition”pattern to 26.7%and 1.69°C in the case of the“north-low”pattern,respectively.Furthermore,ARI suppresses the development of the planetary boundary layer(PBL),with the decrease of PBL height(PBLH)varying from 18.7%in the case of the“transition”pattern to 32.0%in the case of the“north-low”pattern.The increase of daytime near-surface PM_(2.5)in the GZB due to ARI is 12.0%,8.1%,9.5%,and 9.7%under the four synoptic patterns,respectively.Ensemble analyses also reveal that when near-surface PM_(2.5)concentrations are low,ARI tends to lower PM_(2.5)concentrations with decreased PBLH,which is caused by enhanced divergence or a transition from divergence to convergence in an area.ARI contributes 15%-25%toward the near-surface PM_(2.5)concentrations during the severe PM pollution period under the four synoptic patterns.

Oxygen and hydrogen isotope exchange of geopressured thermal water in the central Guanzhong basin

Geothermal water of Xi＇an and Xianyang in the central Guanzhong basin is typically geopressured thermal water in China. 5180 and 5D data of geopressured thermal water＇in Xi＇an and Xianyang, combined with data from the perimeter of the basin, are analyzed to study features of hydrogen and oxygen shifts. The results show that ^18O exchange of geothermal water at the perimeter of the basin and in the non-geopressured thermal water in the center of the basin is not evident, while in most of the geopressured thermal water in the central basin, in cities such as Xi＇an and Xianyang, significant oxygen exchange had taken place as well as hydrogen exchange, suggesting that isotope exchanges would slowly move the geothermal water system towards equilibrium. Thermal water reservoirs in the central basin have passed through significant water-rock reactions. Moreover, the geothermal reservoir of Xianyang city is relatively much more enclosed than that of Xi＇an city. It has been observed that the more enclosed the geological environment of geothermal water is, the more obvious the oxygen shifts are. With the increasing of the depth, residence time, total amounts of dissolute solids and temperatures of geothermal waters, the oxygen exchange accelerates.

Research on quality changes and influencing factors of groundwater in the Guanzhong Basin

This paper studies the distribution features, the chemical elements beyond standards and the influencing factors of shallow groundwater quality in the Guanzhong Basin through the data monitored in the last twenty years. The final purpose is to comprehensively evaluate the divisions of groundwater quality in the Guanzhong Basin. Results show that, the groundwater quality is in good shape, and suitable for drinking. Drinking accounts for 16.02% of the total, most of which are distributed in the lubotan of Weibei. Some come from loess plateau of Qian-Liquan County and some are generated by the industrial pollution of Xingping City. Materials exceeding standards include chloride, sulfate, three nitrogen, fluoride, manganese, iron, hexavalent chromium and so on. The main factors influencing the quality of shallow groundwater include groundwater exploitation, natural background value of special components and precipitation, among which the groundwater exploitation poses the greatest impact. The depth of water is positively correlated with the concentration of sulfate, nitrate and total hardness.

Processes of hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in the Guanzhong Basin, China

This paper analyzed regional hydrogeochemical evolution characteristics of groundwater with respect to hydrogeological conditions in the Guanzhong Basin, China. Coefficient variation in the subregion between the Shichuan River and Luo River of the Guanzhong Basin is larger than other subregions, reflecting the more complicated hydrogeological conditions of this subregion. The hydrochemical components and hydrodynamic conditions of this area have distinct horizontal zoning characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions play a controlling role in the groundwater’s hydrochemistry. The relationship between ions, and between ions and TDS（total dissolved solids） can give an indication of many charteristics of grounwater such as evaporation intensity, ion exchange, and the sources of chemical components. Results indicated that for the coefficient of variation（the coefficient of variation is a statistical measure of the distribution or dispersion of data around mean. This measure is used to analyze the difference of spread in the data relative to the mean value. Coefficient of variation is derived by dividing the standard deviation by the mean）, the minimum value of pH parameters is 0.03-0.07, the minimum value of HCO3-parameters is 0.24, while the maximum is the SO42-coefficinet at 1.67. A PHREEQC simulation demonstrated that different simulation paths roughly have the same trend in dissolution and precipitation of minerals. Along the direction of groundwater flow, the predminant precipitation is of calcite and gypsum and the cation exchange of Na+ and Ca2+ in some paths. However, in other paths, the precipitation of calcite and dissolution of gypsum and dolomite are the main actions, as well as the exchange of Mg2+ and Ca2+ in addition to Na+ and Ca2+.

LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Geochronology of Detrital Zircon in the Guanzhong Basin, China and Its Tectonic Response

Objective The Guanzhong Basin in the transitional zone of the Qinling orogenic belt and the southern margin of the Ordos Basin has been extensively studied in recent years.Although some results have been obtained,some problems such as whether the materials from the North China craton and the Qinling orogenic belt are detrital sedimentary rocks of the Guanzhong Basin still remain unresolved.

Impact of high-speed railway construction on spatial relationships in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration

The Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration is a response to the Belt and Road Initiative in Northwest China that aims to promote regional development.The direct impact of high-speed railway construction is to shorten the spatial-temporal distance among regions,improve the accessibility of regional transportation,and promote socioeconomic linkages.From the perspective of accessibility,this study analyzes the impact of high-speed railway construction on the spatial pattems and county-level economic relationships of the Guanzhong Plain urban agglom-eration.The results show that the construction of high-speed railway significantly improves regional accessibility,increases the potential for urban economic development,and gradually narrows the gaps in economic potential among cities.The construction of high-speed railway has increased the intensity of extenal economic relations among numerous counties in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration,and most of the areas with increased connections are located in the direction of routes extension.The development of the internal economic network of the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration is unbalanced,and a complex network is gradually emerging with a few large cities at the core,but the construction of high-speed railway is changing the struicture of the economic network.In general,a certain degree of intrinsic coupling exists between regional accessibility change and the evolution of economic relations caused by high-speed railway,reflecting the requirements of the regional overall development strategy.

Characteristics of helium accumulation in the Guanzhong Basin, China

Guanzhong Basin is located in the transitional zone between the Qinling orogenic belt and the Ordos plateau. Analyses of drill and geothermal wells depict that the Guanzhong Basin has abundant gas, and its major source rocks are the U-rich granites. In this study, the granitoid intrusive samples were collected from the Huashan, Baoji, Muhuguan rocks in Guanzhong Basin. A micro laser Raman spectrum examination was used to measure the composition of inclusion in the granite quartz fissures. The results depict that the inclusions include both gas-liquid and H2O-NaCl-CO2 inclusions and that their composition primarily includes H2O and CO2, with small amounts of CH4, H2 and H2S. These inclusions can be classified into nearly-primary, early secondary, and late secondary inclusions, which have homogenization temperatures of greater than 430℃, 330-370℃ and 170-230℃, respectively, based on the inclusion measurements. Additionally, the apatite fission-track investigations of six samples, which were collected from the granites at Huashan, Baoji rocks and the southern margin of Muhuguan along with the Cretaceous Sigou Formation sandstones that are located in the northwestern margin of the Guanzhong Basin reveal that the northern Guanzhong Basin began to receive deposits as early as 84 -69 Ma. This period was accompanied by the rapid uplift of the Qinling orogenic belt, which was followed by an uplift of the southern basin margin and the Qinling orogenic belt from 44-28 Ma. The authors obtained an age histogram and a probability density distribution of three sample points. The results show that the age spectra of the zircons in the Cretaceous Sigou Formation sandstones can be divided into four tectonic events. Combined with the ages of apatite fission tracks and zircon, the Guanzhong Basin has experienced five tectonic stages as follows: 28-84 Ma, 170-260 Ma, 280-510 Ma, 610-1200 Ma, and 1210-2870 Ma. Using the thermal chronology constraints, inclusion composition analyses, which include the homogenization temperature measurements, and regional burial history, this paper conclude that the early secondary inclusions are primarily composed of CO2 and N2, whereas the late secondary inclusions are composed of CH4. Furthermore, this paper identify two periods of reservoir accumulation, out of which the later period is assumed to be the main accumulation period. Therefore, the period of the formation of the late secondary inclusion in the Guanzhong Basin and the Miocene era is observed to overlap with the main helium reservoir accumulation period.

Three-dimensional crustal deformation before and after the Wenchuan earthquake in Guanzhong and adjacent regions

The recent plethora of GPS observations compensates for the 20-year-old lack in vertical displacement data for the Guanzhong region. The 2001—2007 three-dimensional（3D） crustal deformation data suggest regional movement with a horizontal velocity of 3—7 mm/a,predominantly from SSE in the west to SE in the east, and vertical inherited movement with velocity of -7 mm/a to 4 mm/a. After the Wenchuan earthquake, the GPS data suggest that the effect of the earthquake on the regional deformation is greater in the west than the east.The horizontal displacement increased during 2007—2008; however, the reverse was observed in 2008—2009. The vertical displacement in the western part of the region increased in 2008 and has been gradually returning to normal since 2009; however, in the eastern part,the effect of the earthquake remains.

Analysis of Abnormal Temperature Change in Guanzhong Plain in the North of Qingling Mountains

In this study, we analyzed the changes of houdy temperature in some regions of Guanzhong Plain in the north of Qingling Mountains on December 4, 2012. The results show that daily variation of temperature was abnormal in some regions of Guanzhong Plain on December 4, 2012, and medium fog and haze inhibited the increase of air temperature in the urban area of Xi＇an in the morning of December 4, so that air temperature went up slowly during the day of December 4. The sinking of the northwest cold air before arriving Guanzhong Plain as well as atmospheric com- pression warming effect caused by Qinling terrain blocking were the main reasons for the abnormal increase of temperature in some areas of Guanzhong Plain. Compared with surrounding districts and counties, urban heat island effect was more obvious in the urban area of Xi＇an.

Comparing Xi'an and Baoji Dialects in Guanzhong—How Mandarin Influences Two Dialects

As the main components of Northwestern mandarin,Xi'an dialect and Baoji dialect share similarities and disparities in many aspects.By making comparisons between Xi'an and Baoji dialects in terms of lexicon and syntax,this paper observes how mandarin has exerted impact on the two dialects above and finds out that Xi'an dialect is influenced more deeply by mandarin than Baoji dialect.

Space Landscape Design Strategy of Cave Dwelling Settlement in Guanzhong Region

Under the background of new urbanization development, landscape design of cave dwelling settlement should be valued. By mining and cognizing cave culture, the connotation and space type of cave dwelling settlement in Guanzhong region are analyzed, and landscape design strategies on natural environment, street space, courtyard space, public space, architectural form and landscape element of cave dwel ing are proposed, which could provide some systematic theory suggestions for land design highlighting regional characteristics.