Coupling mechanism of rural settlements and mountain disasters in the upper reaches of Min River

Human settlements are the place where human beings live, among which the rural settlements can be regarded as a reflection of human-land relationship in mountain areas because their vertical distribution is greatly influenced by the specific geographical environment and ecological conditions of mountains. Based on field investigation, this paper uses physical, geographical, and ecological theories to make a comprehensive study of rural settlements and mountain disasters in the upper Min River, which is an ecologically fragile area with high-frequency disasters (collapse, landslide, debris flow, etc.) and a minority inhabit district. By applying these modern scientific theories, this paper attempts to shed some light on the relationship between rural settlements and mountain disasters. Consequently, an in-depth understanding of this relationship was achieved as follows: (1) Rural settlements and mountain disasters are mainly distributed in the intercepted flows of water and soil; and both quantity and quality of arable lands in mountains are important indicators of these flows. (2) The Small Watershed Management Project is a complex system of rural settlements and mountain disasters that interacts with and constrains the ecological system. By this project, the human survival will be better guaranteed. Being fundamental for the ecological reconstruction, the coupling mechanism of rural settlements and mountain disasters is not only an engine to promote harmonious development between human and nature, but also a bridge to link them.