The process and driving forces of eco-geo-environmental evolution of the Songnen Plain in northeast China since the Quaternary

Abstract.

The eco-geo-environment of Songnen Plain in northeast China has changed many times since the Quaternary. The evolution processes of the plain are divided into two phases according to the appearance of humans: the phase controlled by natural driving forces and the phase affected by human activity. The driving forces of eco-geo-environment evolution include natural and societal factors. In the geological history period, natural factors have a decisive impact and consist of neotectonic movement and the East Asia monsoon. Since humans appeared in the Songnen plain, the influence of social factors has become stronger and stronger with human society development. Societal forces include economic elements, population explosion, inefficient management and some political factors. The natural factors decided the vulnerability of the eco-geo-environment. The societal factors that acted on the vulnerable eco-geo-environment have been dangerous and created real environmental disasters.