Luochuan Loess National Geopark, Shaanxi

This geopark is located in Luochuan County, Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province. It has an area of 8 km² and became a national geopark in 2002. It features loess sections and yellow land landscapes. The section of the loess strata within the park is continuous and complete with good exposure. It records important geological events and geological information about the climate, environment, and biology since the Quaternary period. It is the most typical site for studying Quaternary geological events in mainland China and even in Eurasia. The highest loess elevation near the park is 1,136 m above sea level, and it is a typical area for the development of loess landforms in loess areas in China. The valley is 80–140 m deep and has steep slopes of 30°–60°. Due to gravity, surface water, and groundwater, loess landslides and collapses are common in the valley.