This document summarizes a study on Cenozoic geomorphological and paleo-environmental evolution in China using multi-source data. Key findings include: 1) Seven river terraces were identified along the Huangshui River using remote sensing images, DEM data, and field surveys. 2) Three planation surfaces and 11 denudation surfaces were mapped in the Minhe area based on DEM analysis and interpretation of remote sensing and field data. 3) Color synthetic images and analyses of water content helped distinguish Cretaceous, Tertiary, and loess strata, clarifying the geological structure.

1. Cenozoic geomorphological and paleo- environmental evolution survey
using multi-source data conformity
Yunhai Zhu*a,b
, Ze Sunc
, Chaoling Lid
, Qingwen Yud
, Kexin Zhanga,b
,
Xiaohu Koua,b
,Wanguo Wange
a
Faculty of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei,P.R.China;
b
Geological Survey of China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074,Hubei,P.R.China;
c
Jilin Normal University, Siping136000,Jilin, P.R.China; d
China Geological Survey Bureau,
Beijing100083, P.R.China; e
Regional Geological Survey Institute of Hubei Province, Wuhan430000,
P.R.China
ABSTRACT
The earth surface information is very important in study of Cenozoic geomorphological evolution and paleo-environment
evolution. In this essay, we adopt remote sensing data, DEM data and finity geological survey data to study the valley
geomorphology. It indicates there are seven river terrace developed in Huangshui river area and saved integrity. we can
recognize high flood plain, T1 terrace, T2 terrace and T3 terrace in remote sensing image. From the study on
geomorphology using Digital elevation model(DEM) , We made the diagram of geomophological geological map based
on three-dimension DEM data in Minhe area , identify three planation surfaces and 11 Denudation surfaces and discuss
the distribution, altitude, uplift speed of different planation surface. We also discuss the method in distinguish Cenozoic
strata with other geological body.
Keywords: multi-source data conformity, Cenozoic, geomorphological evolution, paleo-environmental evolution
1. INTRODUCTION
Cenozoic Geological mapping, especially Quaternary geological mapping which related with human activity, is
relatively weakness in China. During the globle history, Cenozoic is an important geological period tightly related with
human survive and development. Many fatal problems in three main topics on current international society development,
population, resource and environment, are all closely linked with Cenozoic geology. So it is important to study Cenozoic
geology.
Because of complex geological condition, special physical geography and zoology, abundant nature resource and severe
geological disaster, it has become an important area in country resource survey of Western area in china, especially in
Tibet plateau and circumjacent area. In Cenozoic strata area, how to use the digital geological mapping method, adopt
multi technique, utilize multi-source geological data[1]
, study the relation between Cenozoic geomorphological evolution
and paleo-environment evolution has become the technique basement in Quaternary geological survey in Western area.
It is mainly involved the earth surface information on the study of Cenozoic geomorphological evolution and
paleo-environment evolution. Utilizing the multi-source data, we should use remote sensing data, DEM data and finity
geological survey data. We ascertain planation surfaces, terraces according high precision remote sensing data, DEM
data. Combined the former geological and chronology data, we analyze Tibet plateau uplift spread rule in different stages
regionally and then discuss the evolution of Tibet plateau. We take the Minhe and Linxia area as the example to discuss
the Cenozoic geomorphological evolution and paleo-environment evolution.
*yhzhu@cug.edu.cn; phone 86-27-6358 8901
Geoinformatics 2007: Remotely Sensed Data and Information, edited by Weimin Ju, Shuhe Zhao
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752, 675220, (2007) · 0277-786X/07/$18 · doi: 10.1117/12.760733
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-1
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

2. Digtial Mapping System - [PRBDB (Mci Shan H50E006023)]
F .
1
12. 5±O 3TKeB2
C14 '
I Gps.wt
Ei
I Photo.wt
J Routing.wI
1i Sample.wt
I Sand_s..
J Sand_s...
1i Sectioned
Section.wt
1I Sketch.wt
j Mulwater.wl
1 Mulwater.wt
J Mulsoit.wt
I Mulstrem.wt
EI25WAT...
1I 2SROCK.WL
2SROCK.WT _d
25501L.WL €I
II 25501L.WT
I25STRE...
1125STRE... _d
25WAT...
I
I
I
jI
I
I
C
Ki
2. TERRACE STUDY
There are Yellow river, Datong river, Huangshui river and Zhuanglang river in Minhe area, and they consist Yellow river
system together in studying area. Among them, Huangshui river and Zhuanglang river is the first branch of Yellow river
system, Datonghe river is the second branch. Terraces are developed well and abroad distributed in studying area,
especially Huangshui river, Yellow river, Datong river and Zhuanglang river. From the field practical measured profile
combined with the remote sensing and DEM data, the study on river valley relief indicates that the terrace in Huangshui
river is developed best and reserved integrallty, it has 7 terraces from T0 to T6 (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1. Digital geological mapping of terraces in Minhe area, Qinghai Province.
Huangshui river is one of the mainly branch of Yellow river, and originated from the west edge of Qilianshan mountains
, and was thought as the upriver riverway of paleo-Yellow river. Terraces are developed badly in gorge area and
developed 5 to 7 inside basin. Most of terraces are bedrock seated terraces, thicker alluvial gravel layer overlay the
bedrock seated, thick loessland overlay on the top. Among the 7 terraces, T0-T3 keep the original terrace plate basically,
T4-T6 terrace surfaces are formed a series of mount and hill due to subsequently erosion, they are all erosive contact
each other.
The Huangshui river is 700 km longer in studying area and influx to Yellow river in Hekou area, Lanzhou city. It
develops two planation surface, seven terraces from T0 to T6 in drainage area, among them T0 to T3 are developed best.
The terraces are revealed clearly in remote sensing image (Fig. 2). We can recognize high flood plain, T1 terrace, T2
terrace and T3 terrace. It is clearer in remote sensing image than field observation because the observation scale.
The development of terraces is not the same in different section and has asymmetry in each side of the river. Right
diagram in Fig. 2 displays the valley terraces of Huangshui river in Xincheng area. The terrace in north shore is better
than south one. Terrace shape is reserved well in north shore, terrace sequence is output continuous basically. Besides the
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-2
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

3. acreage of T3 terrace in south shore is larger, others are all suffered late reconstruct in different degrees and output
discontinuous.
We can also get the information from the remote sensing images which cannot be observed in geological survey, for
example, we discover that the soil erosion in Liujiaxia reservoir is very serious (Fig. 3). A large amount of mud and sand
are filled up in the place where the Yellow river are enter into reservoir. In Hekou area, we discover the same
phenomena, the river color is red which illuminates that there are large amount of laterite in the river. Nature sight color
image is helpful to analyze the soil erosion.
Fig. 2. Remote sensing explanation of Quaternary terraces in Minhe area; Left is in Liancheng area, right is in Xincheng area,
we can recognize high flood plain, T1 terrace, T2 terrace and T3 terrace.
Fig. 3. Real color synthetic image reflects mud and sand deposit in the Liujiaxia reservoir.
3. DENUDATION SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTRAST
Planation surface is the ultimate landform derived from the long development of geomorphy and controlled by sea level
and spans different drainage area, so the planation surface is the most direct evidence to study the uplift of
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-3
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

4. I F24UUUm
4000b
Dabanmountains
3500
Hualong
I
I A Datongriver
P 3000m I 1 P 3000m I I III
T JxkY
I /i ArPt1 T-T P1-3 QP1-3 I Ii 01 I I I I 'IT k Ifl
2500
7 FIuangshui nv
1/
/Pt1d
I
V /
I-1ENX FN.X Foothill planation surface 0Y
Qinghai-Xizang Tibet and was studied unfailing for many years[2-4]
. Former study considered that there are three
uplifting, two planate in Qinghai-Xizang Tibet，and exist two planation surfaces, namely peak planation surface and
main planation surface. From the field survey, we also make sure that there are two planation surfaces(3000m，4000m)
in studying area (Fig. 4)[5]
and inosculate with the conclusion of two planation surfaces in Qilian Mountains(3000m，
4000m) by Li Jijun (2001)[6]
.
Fig.4. Tectonic and geomophological profile from Laji mountains to Daban mountains
Digital elevation model(DEM) is a very useful tool in Quaternary geomophological studying and can distinguish and
understand planation surface in different elevation directly. We made three-dimension DEM diagram in Minhe
area(Fig.5) and researched the geomophological character. We also interpreted that diagram combined with remote
sensing image and original field geological survey data and get the diagram of geomophological geological map based
on three-dimension DEM data in Minhe area (Fig. 6).
Fig.5. Three-dimension DEM diagram in Minhe area.
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-4
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

5. T3
/
We can distinguish three planation surfaces in Minhe area in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 which can be called third–degree planation
surface PIII(3000～3500m), second–degree planation surface PII(4000～4400m), first–degree planation surface from
lower to high accord height above sea level. Third–degree planation surface, so-called denuded surface of foothill or
piedmont denudation plain, is inclined to lower part from the piedmont and graded to local erosion base level (e.g inland
lake, large river ) and is a part of mountain foot. Third–degree planation surface is well developed in studying area and is
the main part of Loess Plateau. It is widely distributed and extend to foot of slope of Qilian Mountains. Its distribution
altitude is from 1900m to 2600m degression from west to east and the distributed area is about 6000km2. It is well saved
and contacts with second–degree planation surface steeply with 600 to 700m altitude difference which reflects that the
denudation surface is also active and suffer extensive tectonic uplift and erosion. It was covered with proluvial and
alluvial sand and pebble layer inhomogeneity in thickness, and covered loess above inhomogeneity in thickness,
commonly tens meters, most thickness two hundreds meters. Denuded surfaces of foothill are saved very well in east
area of Zhuanlang river in east of studying area, it develops 11 denuded surfaces from low to high(Pe1-11). ESR and
paleomagnetism study of first and second denuded surfaces in Honggu area, Lanzhou city, demonstrates that the forming
time of first denuded surface is about 1.6MaB.P.(ESR) and that of second denuded surface is 1.9MaB.P.(
paleomagnetism). It indicates that after main planation surface formed, it had suffered at least 11 phases of intermittence
tectonic uplift, which made the denuded surfaces were distributed as ladders along pediment, the loess
Fig. 6.Geomophological geological diagram based on three-dimension DEM data;PⅠ: first-degree planation surface; PⅡ:
second-degree planation surface; PⅢ: third -degree planation surface; T0-T6:T0 to T6 terraces; Pe1-Pe11: 1 to 11 Denudation
surfaces.
thickness covered is smaller , commonly tens meters. The loess was erosion in some place and the base rocks exposed.
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-5
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

6. Second planation surface PII is a lower and younger planation surface, so-called main planation surface, can be tracked
continuum in whole area. Its altitude is about 3000m to 3500m, distribute acreage is about 2000km2. Its shape is
capacious and flat, altitude is relatively steady, high in southwest and low in northeast. Anamorphic altitude of planation
surface can reach to 3500m owing to latter neotectonic movement. This planation surface is a flat plateau mountain and
cut all kind of strata and tectonics, was covered by red weathering residue and deposited sand and gravel in low-lying
place. Second planation surface PII is saved integrity near Hualong county, where the red layer of Guide group,
Cenozoic has been risen to 3500m which indicates that Second planation surface had suffered more intensive uplift after
forming and made the red layer reformed intensively.
First-degree planation surface(PI)，so-called summit surface or ancient planation surface，was the remnant of superior
planation surface. Its acreage is about 3000km2, altitude is about 4000m, and contact with second planation surface in
gradual transition. There also exist a sub-planation surface in 3000-4000 m due to tectonic influence and reconstruct, and
the red layers of Guide Group, Pliocene series, covered on this surface, so we guess that it is caused by distortion of main
planation surface. First-degree planation surface(summit surface) was formed by Himalayan movement, is the rocks
stand out in summit sporadic, main planation surface developed then was lower than that about 500-1000m.
4. DISTINGUISH CENOZOIC STRATA USING MULTI-SOURCE DATA
4.1 Color synthetical image to reflect nature character
We use TM3,TM2,TM1 visible light wave bands combination to endow red, green and blue color and make a real color
synthetical image. In this image, we can easily identified base rock and loess (see Fig. 7) in Minhe area,Qinghai
Province. Many tectonic phenomena can also be clearly observed in this kind of image.
Fig. 7. Color synthetical imageof 321 bands combination.
4.2 Water content analyze of different rock
Bands combination 5, 3 and NDWI can be use to analyze water content analyze of different rock. It is different in water
content duo to the difference in chemical composition, physical character, structure in different rocks and can be use as a
new method to distinguish geological bodies. In Fig. 8, we can easily draw the boundary among Cretaceous, Teriany and
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-6
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

7. A
'—if
loess and also distinguish the basal conglomerate at the bottom of angular unconformity interior in Teriany. It is
the same as the conclusion from geological mapping using digital geological mapping system (RGMAPPING system)
(see Fig. 9).
Fig. 8. Water content analyze of different rock in remote sensing image.
4.3 Three-dimension analyze using remote sensing and DEM data
It has some problems in visual interpretation method to color synthetical image and often mix up positive relief and
negative relief by error. To solve this kind of problem, we combine DEM data and remote sensing data and analyze
geological phenomena. We mainly finish visual interpretation using digital elevation model, the method and flow is as
follow:
A. Made the contour data digital in relief map, and care that the attribute of altitude line is numeral. Change projection
form to geographic coordinate after digitalized, unit is second. Use the tool in RGMAP system to change the altitude line
to Shape vector format. It is proved in practice that the RGMAP system has the better switch interface with this kind of
vector format.
B. input the file in vector format into Envi4.0, change the vector data end in EVF, use the conversion tool in Envi4.0 to
pick-up digital altitude, eliminate bad point, choose ground resolution and then form digital elevation model.
C. Observe the geological body from three-dimention using 3D surfaceview tool in Envi4.0. Many project of color
synthetical can be adopt, such as RGB457 band combination can be use to analyze tectonic geology, RGB753 band
combination can reflect soil information, RGB432 band combination be use to analyze vegetation. We use RGB321color
ban combination to estimate Cenozoic strata, because this band combination fit for the habit of mankind eye and the
color of geological body is not difference with real body.
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-7
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

8. IAPIS - [DSGIAPJ
____________________________________ - x
____ is ?1
- j5J 1362 1370 1387 1400 1412 1425 1437 1450
IL ii
DTERLK8L —
DTRALK.8L
DZGEoLINE.SL :
o 1 25UII.WL
-
D*.8L -
D.SL J
LI J _ALTERATION_PNT.st
Eli _ATTITIJDE. st
—
o j _CRATER. st
OoIt
DRRIW0LE.st -
D_F0SSILst —
LI _ISOTOPE. st .. :
Dispst.st €I :
o _PHOTOGRAP}(. st [J —
DLSAMPLE.st
DLSKETC8.st
D1_sPRING.st
oj ADD_lAYER. ST j —
DANOPT.ST
OAttitds.st
OIATTN0TE.ST
—
o j COLO1JM_SECTION. ST j
o ] CUTTING_PROFILE.ST i :
DFsssi1.st
DFss.st -
s Gss1sbs1. st 9
ULEGEND.ST
U MAP_PRONE. ST j
LI 0TROR1.ST
E1RESPT.ST
DSssp1st 9
DSsstiss.st e
DSkstsh.st
o ______
o lk.st
D.ST
TERLK. UT
Fig. 9. Geological map made in RGMAP system show the same area of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 shows the geological body of Qp3pl in plane (left) and three-dimention image. In three-dimention remote image,
we can clearly distinguish this kind of geological body with other geological body.
Fig. 10. Geological body of Qp3pl in plane and three-dimension remote image; left is the plane remote image and
the right one is three-dimension remote sensing image.
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-8
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Xiang Shuyuan, Fan Guangmin in China University for their conducting fieldwork. Thanks also go to
Sun Ze, Zhang Zhiyong for their constructive comment and suggestions that helped me to improve the quality of this
paper. This work was supported by the special fund for the National Excellent Dissertation for Doctoral Degree(Project
No.200228) and the fund from the Ministry of Land and Resources(Project No.19991300004021 and 200213000016).
REFERENCES
1. Li C L, Zhang K X, Study on regional multi-source geological spatial information system based on technique of
GIS, Earth Sciences-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2001,26(5), 545-550(in Chinese with English
abstract).
2. Cui Z J, Li D W, Wu Y Q, et al., On planation surfaces, Chinese Sciences Bulletin,1998, 43(17), 1794-1804.
3. Li J J, Fang X M, Ma H Z., et al., Geomorphological evolution of upper reach of the Yellow River and Late
Cenozoic uplift of Qinghai-Xizang plateau, Sciences in China(Series D),1996,26(4),316-322.
4. Li J J, Study on the geomorphological evolution of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) plateau and Asian monsoon, Marine
Geology and Quaternary Geology,1999, 19(1),1-11(in Chinese with English abstract).
5. Gu Y S, Zhang W S, Zhu Y H, et al, Preliminary digital geomorphologic research on southeastern margin of Qilian
Mountains based on RGMAP, Earth Sciences-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2003,28(4), 395-400(in
Chinese with English abstract).
6. Li J J, Fang X M, Pan B T, et al., Late Cenozoic intensive uplift of Qinghai-Xizang plateau and its impact on
environments in surrounding area, Quaternary Sciences, 2001,21(5),381-391(in Chinese with English abstract).
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 6752 675220-9
Downloaded From: http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 05/31/2013 Terms of Use: http://spiedl.org/terms