Research on Typology Identification for Low-Carbon Development of Rural Settlements Based on the “Morphology-Size-Function” Framework: A case study of Longxi County

Xi Wang; Jing Bai; Ying An

doi:10.62051/ijgem.v10n4.11

Authors

Xi Wang
Jing Bai
Ying An

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ijgem.v10n4.11

Keywords:

Morphology-Size-Function, Rural settlements, Low-carbon development, Typology

Abstract

Exploring the spatial configuration of rural settlements for low-carbon development is of great significance for addressing global climate change and promoting sustainable urban-rural transitions. It also constitutes a critical component in achieving China’s “Dual Carbon” goals. Existing studies predominantly focus on the singular dimensions of morphology, size, or function, which limits their capacity to address the complex demands of systemic decarbonization in rural areas. Taking Longxi County, a typical loess hilly-gully region on the Loess Plateau, as a case study, this research constructs a three-dimensional analytical framework integrating “Morphology, Size, and Function”. By employing spatial analysis, K-means clustering, this paper examines the evolution of rural settlements from 2000 to 2020. The results indicated a trend of agglomerative restructuring in settlement morphology, evolving from scattered points to clustered patches. Settlement sizes were characterized by polarization towards large villages and decline of small ones, while functions transitioned from production-dominated to diversified. Both total carbon emissions and emission intensity increased significantly, forming "high-carbon corridors" along transportation arteries and "high-carbon poles" in valley areas. M₂-S₁-F₄ and M₃-S₁-F₄ types demonstrated relatively superior low-carbon performance, whereas M₂-S₁-F₂ and large-scale settlements exhibited higher emissions.

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