Hou Renzhi and the research of desert historical geography
As the pioneer of the whole new science field research on desert historical geography,Professor Hou Renzhi conducted many surveys into desert areas.Based on the investigations,he made systematic research on the historical changes of the geographical environment and its evolution laws,and has achieved remarkable academic achievements on the theoretical accomplishment and practical exploration.His works not only reveal the influences of human activities on the geographical environment and its evolution law in desert areas,but also provide an important scientific basis and historical reference for the national sand-control,the production development and the economic construction in desert areas of northwest China.His academic thoughts and significant achievements deserve our reverence,inheritance and emulation.The first part of the paper mainly elucidates the process of desert investigation.Part 2 elaborates his theoretical achievements on historical geography of desert.Part 3 is a specific introduction to his practical results.The conclusion of Hou's research in this field is drawn in the last part.