Physiographic stage and its significance in the study of Cenozoic loess and paleogeography

The theories of erosion cycles and physiographic stages are important theories of geomorphology. The continent of China was relatively stable for a long time before the Paleogene, and its geomorphology was dominated by low and flat peneplains. From the end of the Cretaceous to the beginning of the Paleogene, the Himalayan movement was the prelude to radical changes of the paleogeographic environment of China, thus forming complex geomorphologic landscapes with plateaus, high mountains and large basins gradually. Erosion cycles and physiographic stages are effective methods and important means for the study of the Cenozoic geological history. Based on discussing some new ideas about erosion cycles and physiographic stages, the Cenozoic physiographic sequences in China are put forward in this paper. The relation between physiographic transition and climatic changes and its response to loess deposits are also discussed.