Abstract: Vertical gradient of mountain landscape is about 1000 times of its hor izontal gradient, and hence, only using landscape pattern index is quite difficu lt to reflect the landscape regularity along vertical gradient. Mountain altitud inal belt is a kind of classic geographic models representing the vertical diffe rentiation of landscape, being of significance in geographic and ecological rese arches. However, the discrete expression pattern and the inaccuracy of the borde rlines of mountain vertical belts limit the roles of mountain vertical belt in a ccurately describing landscape pattern in regional scale and in explaining ecolo gical processes. This paper reviewed the research progress and existing problems on mountain altitudinal belt, put forward a suggestion of using modern informat ion technology to establish a comprehensive and continuous mountain landscape in formation chart, and discussed the framework and prospect of the establishment o f the chart, which would have reference value for accurately describing mountain landscape pattern and explaining specific ecological processes, and promote the further improvement of the methodology for mountain ecological research.

Key words: Yellow River Delta, groundwater depth, soil salinity, vegetation growth, NDVI.