Analysis of tectonic geomorphological characteristics based on DEM: a case study of Shizuishan, China

This paper comprehensively analyzes the tectonic geomorphological characteristics of Shizuishan in the western Ordos through field geological survey and ASTER GDEM data analysis. Firstly, the region with remarkable slope variations and significant topographic relief is where fault structures are developed or active. Moreover, the geomorphology of Shizuishan aligns with the regional fault strike, indicating that fault structures control the regional geomorphology. Secondly, through the analysis of the strip profile and elevation classification, the study area shows three-level geomorphological characteristics: the first-level geomorphic unit is above 2 100 m, mainly consisting of Shizuishan ridges and peaks; the second-level geomorphic unit is between 1 250 and 2 100 m, concentrated primarily on mountains, basin margins, and horsts, and located in the basin-mountain conversion zone between Yinchuan Graben and Shizuishan; the third-level geomorphic unit is lower than 1 250 m, mainly located in Yinchuan Graben in the east side of Shizuishan. Finally, the uplift process of Shizuishan is preliminarily discussed, which shows that it began to uplift in the Yanshanian period and experienced a rapid and large uplift in the Cenozoic.