What type of study is this?

This is a Observational study (also classified as: Literature Review).

August 17, 2025

Spatial and temporal distribution of Neolithic settlement sites along the Hanjiang River corridor in southern Shaanxi and their driving factors

Key Points

Natural and anthropogenic factors influenced neolithic settlements, with climate change and floods being predominant forces.
The study identified critical elevations and slopes where settlements concentrated, revealing environmental adaptations to flood risks.
GIS spatial analysis was used to integrate archaeological data and environmental proxies, assessing distribution patterns.
Findings highlight the evolution from fishing and gathering to farming, illustrating social transformation over time.

Abstract

Abstract The Southern Shaanxi Hanjiang Corridor is a vital area for prehistoric human activities, one of the origins of Chinese civilization, and a crucial cultural exchange route. Based on GIS(Geographic Information System) spatial analysis methods, this study systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of Neolithic settlement sites and their driving factors by integrating archaeological data, environmental proxies, and artifact records. The findings reveal that: (1) natural and anthropogenic factors synergistically influenced: Climate change and catastrophic floods significantly influenced the number, distribution, and cultural succession of sites, while the development of productive forces gradually weakened environmental constraints.(2)Environmental adaptive responses:Settlements were predominantly concentrated in areas with elevations between 500 and 800 m, slopes of 0° to 5°, and within 3 km of rivers.Over time, settlements shifted to higher elevations and steeper slopes to mitigate flood risks, reflecting a dynamic adaptation strategy.(3) Cultural corridor-driven spatial shifts: The core distribution of sites transitioned from the Hanzhong region (Laoguantai Culture) to the Danjiang River Basin in Shangluo (Yangshao-Longshan Cultures), primarily driven by cultural interactions between the Guanzhong Plain, Central Plains, and Jianghan Plain.(4) Subsistence patterns and social transformation: Livelihood strategies evolved from fishing-hunting-gathering (Laoguantai) to mixed farming-pastoralism (Yangshao), with enhanced handicrafts and social complexity. However, marginalization trends emerged during the Longshan period.This study elucidates the synergistic mechanisms of environmental and anthropogenic factors in shaping prehistoric settlements, providing a representative case for research on human-environment interactions in transitional zones between northern and southern China.

اسأل الذكاء الاصطناعي

Bookmark

Cite This Study

Chen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68a36de60a429f797333161a https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5793698/v1

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

اسأل الذكاء الاصطناعي

Bookmark