关键词: 第四纪地层, 古地理研究, 中国第四纪, 近三十年来, 古地理学, 中国猿人, 洞穴堆积, 古冰川, 古气候, 珠穆朗玛峰地区

Abstract: The task of palaeogeography is to reconstruct the geographic environment of the past. Some palaeogeographer maintain to treat geographical elements as complex rela-tionships integrated into one sytem which exsists in area and distinguish from other areas. They emphasize that wide variety of natural phenomena are interrelated and interacted with each other. Thus, in the study of genesis of natural phenomena and their evolution, the same integrative view should be adopted in order to form a logical framwork to solve problems of the past.In recent decades, there has been a growing tendency to employ synthesizing or integrative methods to explain the changes of ancient geograohical environment, espe-cially the palaeoclimate of quarternary Ice Age.Many new experimental methods and techniques have been developed, such as the study of microscopic fossils, the application of radiometric dating, the use of palaeoma-gnetism, the study of weathering crust and palaeosoil ect.The major research works that bave been accomplished by Chinese palaeogeogra-phers and their related scientists during last 30 years, may be highlighted in 8 areas:1) On the palaeogeographical divisions of China during Quaternary Era.2) The upheavel of the Tibetan Plateau and its profound effect,3) The study of palaeogeography in arid regions of northwest China.4) Palaxeogeographical Problems of loess in north China.5) Palaeogeographical problems of karst phenomena in Southwest China.6) Questions about the Quarternary glaciation in East China.7) Problems about the fluctuation of sea levels and changes of coastal line.8) The study of early man.I attempt to draw some general conclusions;1) Attention should be paid on the integrative role in the areal differenciation and the regularities of distribution,2) Emphasis should be placed on the research of the quaternary deposits especially the model analysis of modern sedimentation for the correlation with the past.3) Complexities of quaternary glacial, loess, and cave deposits should be recogniz-ed.4) When we study the developmet of quaternary stratigraphy and geomorpholo-gy, attentions should be laid on the formation of weathering crust and palaeosoil at the same time.5) Besides the tectonic processes which show the bold outline of relief on the earth surface under the endogene force, the formation of other physical geographic elements have also been subjected to the conditions of palaeoclimate. The later is the key in the study of ancient environment.6) To study the neotectonic processes, heavy reliance continues to be placed on influence of landforms and quaternary deposits. The compilation of elaborate neotec-tonic maps of whole China is urgently needed.7) The study of evolution and distribution of quaternary vegetation and animals should be carried on with the view point of ecosystem. Meanwhile, much efforts are needed to study ancient environment in relation to early men.8) In the study of palaeogeography, new methods and techiques should be intro-duced.