Research Article
Open Access
Origin and Evolution of the South Sichuan Basin Danxia Landform: Insights into Broader Chinese Danxia Landform Development
1
School of economics, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin 644000, China
* Corresponding Author:
Yan Cao,
[email protected]
Volume 1, Issue 2
2025
Received: 15 September 2025
Accepted: 22 September 2025
Published: 04 October 2025
Article Information
Abstract
Danxia landform, recognized for its steep cliffs and red coloration, has drawn significant scientific attention. While Chinese Danxia Landforms are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their genesis and evolution, particularly in less-explored regions, remain under study. The southern Sichuan Basin, one of China's three largest Danxia outcrop areas, offers a unique case study due to its distinct geological setting and limited research. This study investigates the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin using a multi-faceted approach. Field observations documented geomorphological characteristics and stratigraphy of the Danxia formations. Tectonic analysis, using regional structural data and fault mapping, assessed the impact of tectonic uplift and deformation. The findings suggest that the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin is driven by four factors: (1) thick, well-bedded red sandstones and conglomerates; (2) regional tectonic structures, such as faults and folds; (3) episodic tectonic uplift, creating topographic relief and fluvial incision; and (4) the combined effects of weathering, erosion, and gravity shaping the cliffs. The analysis challenges the prevailing southeast-to-northwest evolutionary model for Chinese Danxia, as the southern Sichuan Basin follows a distinct developmental trajectory, influenced by regional tectonic settings and external forces. This study shows that Danxia genesis is a complex interaction of lithological, tectonic, and geomorphic processes. The findings highlight regional variability and underscore the importance of considering regional tectonic context and external forces in understanding Danxia evolution across China. This research deepens understanding of Danxia genesis and provides insights for conserving these globally significant landscapes.
Graphical Abstract
Keywords
Danxia landform
genesis and evolution
tectonic structures
evolutionary model
south Sichuan basin
Data Availability Statement
Data will be made available on request.
Funding
This work was supported by the Scientific Research Project of Sichuan World Heritage Popularization Base under Grant YC25-01.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate
Not applicable.
References
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APA Style
Li, P., Cao, Y., & Li, H. (2025). Origin and Evolution of the South Sichuan Basin Danxia Landform: Insights into Broader Chinese Danxia Landform Development. Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment, 1(2), 76–87. https://doi.org/10.62762/JGEE.2025.503978
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TY - JOUR AU - Li, Pengju AU - Cao, Yan AU - Li, Hongying PY - 2025 DA - 2025/10/04 TI - Origin and Evolution of the South Sichuan Basin Danxia Landform: Insights into Broader Chinese Danxia Landform Development JO - Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment T2 - Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment JF - Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment VL - 1 IS - 2 SP - 76 EP - 87 DO - 10.62762/JGEE.2025.503978 UR - https://www.icck.org/article/abs/JGEE.2025.503978 KW - Danxia landform KW - genesis and evolution KW - tectonic structures KW - evolutionary model KW - south Sichuan basin AB - Danxia landform, recognized for its steep cliffs and red coloration, has drawn significant scientific attention. While Chinese Danxia Landforms are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their genesis and evolution, particularly in less-explored regions, remain under study. The southern Sichuan Basin, one of China's three largest Danxia outcrop areas, offers a unique case study due to its distinct geological setting and limited research. This study investigates the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin using a multi-faceted approach. Field observations documented geomorphological characteristics and stratigraphy of the Danxia formations. Tectonic analysis, using regional structural data and fault mapping, assessed the impact of tectonic uplift and deformation. The findings suggest that the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin is driven by four factors: (1) thick, well-bedded red sandstones and conglomerates; (2) regional tectonic structures, such as faults and folds; (3) episodic tectonic uplift, creating topographic relief and fluvial incision; and (4) the combined effects of weathering, erosion, and gravity shaping the cliffs. The analysis challenges the prevailing southeast-to-northwest evolutionary model for Chinese Danxia, as the southern Sichuan Basin follows a distinct developmental trajectory, influenced by regional tectonic settings and external forces. This study shows that Danxia genesis is a complex interaction of lithological, tectonic, and geomorphic processes. The findings highlight regional variability and underscore the importance of considering regional tectonic context and external forces in understanding Danxia evolution across China. This research deepens understanding of Danxia genesis and provides insights for conserving these globally significant landscapes. SN - 3069-3268 PB - Institute of Central Computation and Knowledge LA - English ER -
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@article{Li2025Origin,
author = {Pengju Li and Yan Cao and Hongying Li},
title = {Origin and Evolution of the South Sichuan Basin Danxia Landform: Insights into Broader Chinese Danxia Landform Development},
journal = {Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment},
year = {2025},
volume = {1},
number = {2},
pages = {76-87},
doi = {10.62762/JGEE.2025.503978},
url = {https://www.icck.org/article/abs/JGEE.2025.503978},
abstract = {Danxia landform, recognized for its steep cliffs and red coloration, has drawn significant scientific attention. While Chinese Danxia Landforms are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their genesis and evolution, particularly in less-explored regions, remain under study. The southern Sichuan Basin, one of China's three largest Danxia outcrop areas, offers a unique case study due to its distinct geological setting and limited research. This study investigates the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin using a multi-faceted approach. Field observations documented geomorphological characteristics and stratigraphy of the Danxia formations. Tectonic analysis, using regional structural data and fault mapping, assessed the impact of tectonic uplift and deformation. The findings suggest that the genesis of Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin is driven by four factors: (1) thick, well-bedded red sandstones and conglomerates; (2) regional tectonic structures, such as faults and folds; (3) episodic tectonic uplift, creating topographic relief and fluvial incision; and (4) the combined effects of weathering, erosion, and gravity shaping the cliffs. The analysis challenges the prevailing southeast-to-northwest evolutionary model for Chinese Danxia, as the southern Sichuan Basin follows a distinct developmental trajectory, influenced by regional tectonic settings and external forces. This study shows that Danxia genesis is a complex interaction of lithological, tectonic, and geomorphic processes. The findings highlight regional variability and underscore the importance of considering regional tectonic context and external forces in understanding Danxia evolution across China. This research deepens understanding of Danxia genesis and provides insights for conserving these globally significant landscapes.},
keywords = {Danxia landform, genesis and evolution, tectonic structures, evolutionary model, south Sichuan basin},
issn = {3069-3268},
publisher = {Institute of Central Computation and Knowledge}
}
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