Multi-method dynamical reconstruction of the ecological impact of copper mining on Chinese historical landscapes

摘要

This study deals with the historical impacts of mining as a result of the economic development in Eastern Asia. It focuses on landscape changes caused by the emerging copper mining industry in China's south east provinces. Since the ecological aftermath has never been documented in Chinese history, a reconstruction of dynamic landscape processes is performed. A key region for this reconstruction are the mining areas in Yunnan province. This province was the most important supplying region of copper in China during the early and mid Qing dynasty (1725-1855).