Zoning of environmental geology and functions in karst fault-depression basins

Intermountain basins in karst plateaus, known as karst fault-depression basins, resulted from subsidence and dissolution of fault blocks induced by Cenozoic tectonic uplift. Determined by the mechanism dominated by these processes, these basins are characterized by distinct geomorphic zones, intense neotectonic movements, uneven distribution of water resources, prominent zoning of soil and vegetation, significant vertical variations of climate, and large regional differences of human activities. Among them, the types and causes of the geomorphic landscapes are not only the overall reflection of the environmental geology but also the influencing factors of the habitat. Moreover, the types and causes of the landscapes are outstanding features for environmental geological zoning, as they can be easily observed and distinguished. Accordingly, the karst fault-depression basins can be divided into four environmental geological zones， (1) Erosion and karst mountain zone, (2) karst peak cluster-hill-valley zone, (3) deposition plain region, and (4) erosion and karst canyon. Each of these zones has different functions, i.e. (1) highly significant in ecological functions, (2) equally important in ecological and economic functions, and (3) most remarkable in economic functions. The functions of zone depend on the location of its associated river systems and the macro influence of its regional ecology. In this article, we show the three-dimensional maps detailing the environmental geological zones of karst fault-depression basins. These maps directly display the details of each zone and their interrelationships, revealing the structure of their water cycling systems and mass transport processes.