1.Institute of Urban and Regional Development,Taiyuan Normal University,Jinzhong,Shanxi 030619,China
2.Shanxi Key Laboratory of Surface Processes and Resource Ecological Security in Fenhe River Basin,Taiyuan Normal;University,Jinzhong,Shanxi 030619,China
3.Institute of Carbon Neutrality,Taiyuan Normal University,Jinzhong,Shanxi 030619,China
4.School of Geographical Sciences,Taiyuan Normal University,Jinzhong,Shanxi 030619,China
Objective This study aims to explore the decoupling relationship between rural settlements and rural populations in the Ω-shaped bend region of the Yellow River, providing a reference for coordinating human-land relationships and optimizing village layouts. Methods By comprehensively applying the land use transition matrix, spatial autocorrelation, and Tapio decoupling model, and taking 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2023 as key time points, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution process and decoupling relationship of rural settlements and rural population in the Ω-shaped bend region of the Yellow River. Results (1) From 2000 to 2023, the area of rural settlements showed an overall expansion trend, forming a Ω-shaped spatial distribution pattern characterized by “local concentration along the main course of the Yellow River and overall dispersion throughout the region.” The expansion mainly encroached upon cultivated land and grassland, and the increase was mainly at low rates, demonstrating a spatial encroachment logic that contradicts the goal of ecological protection. (2) From 2000 to 2023, the rural population showed an overall evolution trend of rapid contraction followed by a deceleration in the rate of contraction. Its spatial distribution exhibited a distinct pattern of “high-high” and “low-low” agglomeration characteristics, with the population changes mainly characterized by rapid and moderate contraction, indicating that it has entered a deceleration plateau period. Conclusion From 2000 to 2023, the dominant type of human-land relationship in the Ω-shaped bend region of the Yellow River was strong negative decoupling, with significant spatial heterogeneity and prominent human-land conflicts. The overall weakening of strong negative decoupling and the slowdown of population contraction jointly suggest a positive signal that the human-land system might be seeking a new balance.
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