Spatial distribution characteristics and influencing mechanism of rural settlements in mountainous areas

Abstract: Spatial distribution of rural settlements can be one of the most important indicators for the state and mobility of rural population agglomeration. The distribution characteristics of rural settlements can greatly contribute to the rural reconstruction and revitalization in mountainous areas. In this study, an attempt was made to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the spatial distribution characteristics of rural settlements in mountainous areas, particularly by combining a research framework and case study. The results indicate that: 1) There were significant differences in the spatial distribution of rural settlements in the mountainous areas. Most of the rural settlements were located in areas with low elevation, gentle topography, low disaster risk, moderate distance from water, and close to towns and roads. Population size and livable environment dominated the development, location, and expansion of rural settlements. 2) There were random, scattered, or uniform patterns of spatial distribution for the rural settlements in high-density areas, while the rural settlements in low-density areas were clustered. The rural settlements were more likely to be concentrated in the areas with a high population density, such as the areas with the lower elevation, gentle slope, moderate distance to the water source, and low risk of geological disasters. 3) The natural, location, social and economic factors were interrelated to form the various coupling patterns in different periods, which determined the quantity and distribution of rural settlements in mountainous areas. There were the gradually weak impacts of natural factors on the spatial distribution of rural settlements, with the development of regional economy and society. Furthermore, the principal driving factors were achieved to change the spatial forms of rural settlements, including the location factors, urbanization, industrial development, traffic conditions, and government policies, such as planning factors. The differential strategies of spatial management were proposed to realize the sustainable land use and optimal distribution of rural settlements. First, it is necessary to transfer the rural settlements from the harsh natural conditions and disaster-prone areas to the better natural and geological conditions. Second, the ecological restoration needed to be performed on the rural settlements in the areas with fragile ecological environment. Third, the living, ecological and production space can be delimited rationally to guide the spatial management and layout of rural settlements, according to the local conditions. Fourth, the rural settlements far from the town center, traffic facilities, and water sources can be transformed from the spatial scattered layout into the centralized residence via the unified spatial planning and infrastructure.