bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomorphic signature of active tectonics in European foreland basins: morphometric analysis of drainage network systems of Western Alps and Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Buleo Tebar Victor , Bonasera Mauro , Sandric Ionut , Fubelli Giandomenico , Ilinca Viorel
Published: June 2022

Mechanisms and processes that have led to the formation of curved orogenic belts are widely studied and still discussed around the world. Europe has witnessed the formation and evolution of a few cases, among which are the Western Alps (and Alps-Apennines inference zone) and the curvature zone of Romanian Carpathians, both formed during Alpine orogeny. Despite the differences regarding the tectonic evolution between these two different ranges, foreland basins are present in both cases as the result of the geodynamic processes related to deformation during the collisional phases. These subsurface features, filled with deposits of material eroded from the surrounding mountain ridges, often turn into flat surfaces resulting from the deposition of sediments. Under such conditions, any signature or features of tectonic activity are not easily recognized in the visible landscape. However, anomalous changes in fluvial geomorphology, characteristics of drainage patterns and topographic setting along drainage network systems are among the elements that can provide relevant information of recent tectonic activity in areas where the main signatures and tectonic features might be buried by thick layers of sediment eroded from the adjacent mountain ranges. This study aims is to analyze topographic features in these mountain ranges through a morphometric approach using GIS techniques. This approach enables evidence of active tectonics to be identified and, consequently, potential seismic hazard for those areas where knowledge of seismogenetic sources is still limited. In addition, certain aspects of the tectonic evolution of these areas might be more clearly understood with the new information obtainable from such study. Morphometric analysis based on 5 m and 10 m resolutions DEM supported by geological and geomorphological field investigations provided evidence of compressive tectonics activity referable to recent times. Stream-Length Gradient (SL) and Normalized Steepness index (Ksn) are some of the indices that have been calculated using open-source QGIS software.
Geomorphic markers of Quaternary tectonics in Westernmost Iberia: insights from the Lower Mondego River terraces (central Portugal)
Authors: Martins António , Cunha Pedro , Gouveia Margarida , Gomes Alberto , Falguères Christophe , Stokes Martin , Voinchet Pierre , Cabral João , Bahain Jean-Jacques , de Vicente Gerardo
Published: June 2022

The Lower Mondego Valley (LMV), located in the Western Iberian passive margin which is under compressive tectonic reactivation since ca. 80 Ma, is used for deciphering long-term landscape evolution during the Quaternary and the control played by active tectonics, eustasy and climate.

The elaboration of a detailed geomorphological map allowed the establishment of the spatial and temporal distribution of the different geomorphological units and morphogenetic systems operating in the LMV. The culminant unit of the Mondego Cenozoic Basin (allostratigraphic unit UBS13, recording an Atlantic fan-delta and adjacent shallow marine siliciclastic environments) and terrace levels (river and marine) are used as geomorphic markers to quantify fluvial development and tectonic activity. The main stages of evolution are a transition of endorheic to exorheic (Atlantic base level) drainage in the Mondego Cenozoic Basin, ca. 3.7 Ma ago, followed by onset of the fluvial incision stage (valley entrenchment) by ca. 1.8 Ma.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) dating is used to improve the chronological framework for the terrace staircases of the LMV and to decipher the response of the river to the regional uplift and other long-term controls (resistance of the substratum to erosion, eustasy and climate). Six river terrace levels (T1, the older, to T6, the younger), inset in the UBS13 and previous to the modern alluvial plain, were characterized and correlated with marine terraces represented at Cape Mondego, near the river mouth. The fluctuating eustatic and climate controls are superimposed on a long-term crustal uplift.

The data show marked compartmentalization of fluvial system behaviour with changes in incision rates (acting as a proxy of uplift rates) from east to west, creating distinctly different sectors. Differential uplift is inferred between the valley sides and between the four main reaches in which the LMV is subdivided by major faults. Differential uplift is mainly related to regional fault sets trending N-S to NNW-SSE, NNE-SSW, ENE-WSW, and E-W to WNW-ESE. Using as geomorphic references the topmost deposits of the UBS13 unit and river terraces located above the alluvial plain, average long term incision rates were estimated ranging from 0.03 to 0.16 m/ka, depending on the response of the Lower Mondego River to coupled regional uplift and differential uplift due to active faulting. Estimated average rates for the vertical slip component on the inferred active faults is ca.0.04 m/ka. This study demonstrates the applicability of river archives to assess not only the timing of uplift on a regional scale, but also the relative uplift of individual smaller tectonic blocks.
Examining the root-soil interactions within live Vetiver grass buffers towards their deployment for riverbank stabilisation in the Gangetic delta lowlands of India
Authors: Patel Priyank Pravin , Mondal Sayoni
Published: June 2022

The role of vegetation as a bioengineering tool for mitigating riverbank erosion has long been acknowledged but is comparatively less researched. Grasses, in particular, are effective in combating erosion by providing dual support. While their aboveground biomass reduces flow velocities, the underground root network binds detachable soil particles, thereby consolidating bank slopes. The effectiveness of installing Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) hedges/buffers for this purpose has been investigated in plot level studies along the River Ketia, a spill-channel of the River Silabati in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, which is part of the Gangetic delta lowlands of India. The impact of this grass' root network on the local soil physicochemical properties was studied along with its contribution towards slope stabilisation. The mechanical reinforcement properties of the Vetiver grass roots were examined from root tensile strength and root morphological parameters. While the uppermost (0-10 cm) soil layer showed an increase in the soil organic carbon content, the saturated hydraulic conductivity, decreased bulk density and increasing size of surface macro-aggregates (>0.25mm), all attested to the increasing stability of soil aggregates brought about by root reinforcement. With an increased root tensile strength in the surface layers, the root area ratio was also discerned as being satisfactorily high and Vetiver grass roots were observed to enhance soil cohesion. A channel cross-section survey across the Ketia in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 2019–2020 showed changes in channel dimensions, with the Vetiver-protected right bank getting slightly aggraded while the left flank (bereft of such protection) suffered erosion. Flood modelling in HEC-RAS was done to examine the extent to which flow velocities could be reduced by such grass buffers, using roughness coefficients garnered from similar simulation exercises elsewhere. The overall results attest that Vetiver grass can be a sustainable riparian erosion conservation tool along lowland rivers.
Environmental significance of (paleo)soils surveyed throughout 20 years of research in the Mt. Cusna area (Northern Apennines)
Authors: Masseroli Anna , Mariani Guido S. , Trombino Luca
Published: June 2022

Because of the close relationship among soils features and their forming factors, soils and paleosols are a useful archive both to reconstruct past environmental conditions and to gather information on the morphodynamic processes affecting landscape evolution through time. The formation of complex paleosols sequences is deeply affected by the combined effect of different soil forming factors that, shaping pedogenesis, leave marks that can be interpreted and used to reconstruct the climatic and environmental history of the landscape.

By integrating geopedological, geomorphological and geoarchaeological data gathered in over 20 years of research, we aimed to reconstruct the environmental Holocene history of the Mt. Cusna area (Northern Italian Apennines). We collected chemical, physical and micromorphological data of about 70 soil profiles into a georeferenced database, which maps different soil characteristics from both modern soils and paleosols. The integration of soil data with other types of available data, as geomorphological map, previous paleoenvironmental and geoarcheological reconstructions, allowed to highlight natural and anthropogenic trends and model the dynamics of past climate history, past environmental conditions, and the reciprocal distribution of landforms and paleosurfaces.

We have defined the occurrence of different phases of biostasy, characterized by the absence of erosion and/or deposition on the slope, the presence of vegetation cover, and the soil development, alternated with phases of rhexistasy, characterized by slope instability and soil erosion and burial. The soil and paleosols variability across the study area mirrors the different impact of soil forming factors on pedogenesis (e.g., vegetation cover, human impact, slope dynamics), supporting a detailed characterization of the succession of different environments conditions through space and time.

These results highlight how soils can represent an important archive for paleoenvironmental information as well as geomorphological dynamics and demonstrate that a multi-disciplinary approach is necessary to properly characterize soils and retrace environmental changes.
A Resilient Solution for Management of Beach Tourist Destination (NW Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Muzirafuti Anselme , Randazzo Giovanni , Lanza Stefania
Published: June 2022

Coastal erosion worldwide affects seaside resorts, linear infrastructures (promenades, railways, and coastal roads), small entrepreneurs’ activities, and local economies. On the other hand, the development of these human activities often leads to coastal dynamics and coastal erosion in general. With ever-changing environmental conditions due to both climate change and human activities, coastal area and particularly sandy beaches are being subjected to phenomenon of different kinds.  Local authorities and scientific communities have been working and searching for solutions to contrast these processes. Different solutions have been adopted regarding beach protection including hard engineering structures, seawalls, and beach nourishment. However, these solutions have been proven not to be cost effectives and sometimes they have been inefficient in terms of sustainability and resiliency. Within the last 50 years, the pocket beach of San Vito lo Capo located on the Northwestern coast of Sicily has undergone repetitive modifications in terms of beach morphology and grain sediment sizes. Moreover, this beach has been identified as an important tourist destination and contributes efficiently on local economic development.

The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive geomorphological and sedimentological analyzes in order to determine its natural resilience and eventually propose solutions to increase its protection and its sustainable management.

To achieve this objective, emerged and submerged sediments have been sampled and analyzed, single beam echo sounding and AUV photogrammetry surveys have been performed for morpho-topographic analyses, and a morpho-dynamic shoreline analysis has been conducted based on the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite images acquired from 2001 to 2017.

The results indicate that the sediments tend to move along the coastline generally from center to the western part of the beach with no loss of the sediments for the beach. Furthermore, wave penetration and wind analyses revealed the presence of non-destructive wave with maximum penetration reaching the urban area.  Such ability of the beach to dissipate the wave energy can be enhanced by using sever beaches to dissipate the winter waves. While morpho-dynamic evolution of the beach can be managed by establishing a seasonal re-equilibrium of internal sediment distribution.

 
Multi-parameter based Channel Health Assessment for Reach Prioritization along the River Silabati in Eastern India for Stream Restoration
Authors: Mondal Sayoni , Patel Priyank Pravin
Published: June 2022

The inclusion of the term 'Hydromorphology' in the Water Framework Directive by the European Union has altered earlier perspectives of stream health analysis. Rivers are now viewed from integrative standpoints of channel morphology, hydrology and ecology for framing and sustaining long-term restoration goals. The scant examples of such analyses, especially from the Indian subcontinent, has spurred on this study to be undertaken in an eastern Indian river along which the ambient stream geomorphic condition was examined using an integrated, multi-metric framework that places due importance on morphological functions and hydrological attributes while also considering the riparian ecological structure as an essential element in judging the overall stream health. The enumerated Morphological Quality Index (MQI) deftly highlighted the causes of geomorphic and hydrological disconnectivities within the stream reaches while the site-specific Horton's Water Quality Index (WQI) revealed the direct influence that channel morphology and water quality have on in-stream biota. These results were further validated using vegetation indices like the Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera (QBR), Riparian Strip Quality Index (RSQI) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to provide greater objectivity of assessment and to gain a holistic insight into the overall stream health status. With anthropogenic pressures being the main triggers of stream health deterioration along this river, all the above indices pointed towards mostly degraded channel conditions, except in some relatively inaccessible reaches. Finally, the overall channel quality rating obtained by combining all these indices, identified the middle and lower courses as experiencing the highest degree of impairment, which equates to just over one-fifth (21.37%) of the entire river course. The adopted methodology was proven to be a rational framework for addressing the hydromorphological disturbances faced by a channel, in addition to pointing out sites that need management and restoration on a priority basis.
Agricultural Policy triggers Land Degradation in the dry Mediterranean Southern Alentejo, Portugal (1986-2021)
Authors: Cerqueira Henrique , Roxo Maria José , Calvo-Cases Adolfo
Published: June 2022

The scale and intensity at which human actions induces Land Degradation depends on which drivers are at play. Land management practices may provide the conditions for increasing or decreasing erosional processes, carbon emissions, water carrying capacity and vegetation cover, while Land Use Change (LUC) determines the spatial extent and magnitude of its effects. In Southern Portugal, especially the Eastern side of the Guadiana River, shallow and incipient soils, a semi-arid Mediterranean-type climate, and land use intensity all contribute to an important degree of degradation. Abrupt LUC can be traced back to the early 20th century when the commons were divided to be privately exploited on a yearly basis (1906-1926). Then, the autarkic policies of the Estado Novo Dictatorship converted large areas of poor soils to very intensive rainfed wheat crops (1929-1938), which culminated in vast areas of degradation and decreasing yields. The decades that followed were marked as a transitional period where some tenants were still trying to produce rainfed crops while others were converting towards pastures. As Portugal became a member of the EU and thus a partner in the common market, agricultural policy has since 1986 been a major driver for LUC and its effects in soils and productivity. This study used soil erosion data for different land uses from the Vale Formoso Soil Erosion Centre plots, a long data series (1961-Present), field observations and remote sensing data from the Landsat Series (1984-2021) are used to analyse changes in land use, vegetation cover and soil erosion from 13 sample areas within the Mértola Municipality. Results show a very high variability in erosion rates between land use classes, and a tendency towards volatility in change over time that has been exacerbated after the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU. Finally, we present a conceptual model describing the temporal variability in erosion processes, discriminating their behaviour at hillslopes and valley floors and within land use / land cover changes, as well as an analysis of its consequences on the study area.
Understanding the hydrology of a Swati peatland: A case study of Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini
Authors: Ndlela Thandeka , Beckedahl Heinz , Grundling Althea , Grundling Piet-Louis
Published: June 2022

The Malolotja Nature Reserve is located on the great southern African escarpment which comprises the ecotone between the highveld and middleveld. The reserve has several streams, rivers and wetlands with the most significant being the Malolotja wetland which, during a reconnaissance undertaken in 2018, showed it to contain significant peat deposits. This is the first scientific record of peatlands within the country. While it is widely acknowledged that the primary characteristic of peatlands is their high organic content, their ability to retain water and therefore their hydrological properties, control their existence and development. The first hydrology of the peatland was investigated using a network of 10 wells, 18 piezometers and 1 rain gauge; installed in one transect at specific monitoring points within the peat. Monitoring of various hydrological parameters was initiated on April 14th, 2019 and ceased on May 31st, 2020. Monitoring of water levels, electrical conductivity, water temperature, rainfall and air temperature was conducted weekly. 

The findings suggest that the northern and central areas of the peatland have a shallow water table, high electrical conductivity and low water temperatures, while the peripheral areas have a deeper water table, lower electrical conductivity and higher water temperatures. The dominant water sources for the peatland appear to be rainfall, groundwater, recharge from the central stream back into the peat, and slope seepage. The peatland also appears to be a good sink for ammonium, with a pH range varying from slightly acidic to slightly basic. Without a detailed mineralogical study of the underlying bedrock, a geological contribution (though appearing unlikely) cannot be completely verified out. It is in this context that further analysis of the peat itself is currently underway, and it is hoped that this will provide a better understanding of how water moves within the system. 
Back-analysis of the Abbadia San Salvatore (Mt. Amiata, Italy) debris flow of July 27-28, 2019 using the WEEZARD system
Authors: Amaddii Michele , Rosatti Giorgio , Zugliani Daniel , Marzini Lorenzo , Disperati Leonardo
Published: June 2022

Mountain environments are naturally exposed to debris flows, a mass movement which represents one of the major geomorphological hazard sources for urbanized alluvial fan. In the last decades, climate change has contributed to extreme precipitations increase, making debris flows both larger and more frequent than in the past. The assessment and management of the risk associated with these events, according to UE Flood Directive, is feasible and desirable by using appropriate practices and the best available technology that do not imply excessive costs.
In line with the above-mentioned European Directive, we present a multidisciplinary approach for the numerical modelling of the debris flow event that occurred on July 27-28, 2019 in Abbadia San Salvatore, a  village located in a catchment of the Mt. Amiata area (Southern Tuscany, Italy). Debris flow was triggered by an extreme rainfall of 110 mm/1 h causing a channelled erosive process, and the subsequent obstruction of a culvert at the entrance to the village, flooding and damaging it.
Mt. Amiata is an extinct Pleistocene volcano mainly consisting of trachidacitic lavas characterized by a pervasive saprolite weathering, resulting in a large amount of residual loose debris resting on the hillslopes and along the hydrographic network. Specific geological and engineering-geological field investigations were carried out to assess the availability of debris material and its hydrological behaviour, providing more constraints for numerical modelling. 
The Green-Ampt model, implemented in the FLO-2D software, was used for the evaluation of discharge values in the hydrographic network. Subsequently, the debris flow modelling was conducted applying the WEEZARD system, composed of a previously developed advanced two-phase debris-flow model (TRENT2D), re-coded as a web service. The mass movement was simulated to quantify erosive and depositional processes that occurred during the event. In addition, a specific approach was implemented to model the effect of the culvert that was clogged during the event.
Despite the challenging modelling aspects, the results in terms of debris volume, erosion rates, flooded area and timing of the culvert obstruction, are in agreement with observed data. 
The WEEZARD system has therefore proved to be an effective tool, in line with the indications of the European Directive. Moreover, the reconstruction was obtained using most of the a priori parameters setting. This shows that the used modelling approach has a good predictive capacity and can therefore be reasonably used to support further predictive hazard mapping analyses. Finally, another important element to be highlighted is that an accurate input model based on the integration of detailed geological-geomorphological investigations is necessary to obtain reliable modelling results.
Reconstructions of the last deglaciation in the Cantal and the Aubrac mountains (Massif Central, France) and paleoclimatic implications
Authors: Ancrenaz Arthur , Defive Emmanuelle , Pochat Stéphane , Rinterknecht Vincent , Rodrìguez-Rodrìguez Laura , Poiraud Alexandre , Schimmelpfennig Irene , Braucher Régis , Jomelli Vincent , Bourgeois Olivier , Steiger Johannes
Published: June 2022

During the 20th century, the last glaciation in the Massif Central, France, was documented by several geomorphologists based on intensive field investigations. Seven paleoglaciers were identified, ranging from cirque glaciers in the Velay (4 km2) to coalescent ice caps (3500 km2) covering the Cantal, Cézallier and Monts Dore mountains. The associated glacial chronology relied mainly on morphostratigraphic observations and indirect age determination, such as radiocarbon ages from organic sediments in freshly deglaciated landscapes. Our study aims to improve this incomplete glacial chronology in order to reconstruct the paleoclimatic conditions that controlled these glaciations. We focused on the Cantal Mounts (45.0°N, 2.7°E) and Aubrac Mounts (44.6°N, 3.0°E) in the western Massif Central. Glacial landform assemblages and associated morphostratigraphy were re-investigated in the field and updated by new observations, e.g. the identification of end moraines. Three glacial stadials were recognized: the Local Last Glacier Maximum (LLGM) and two glacier re-advances. A final cirque glaciation was identified in the Cantal. We obtained an original set of exposure ages from erratic boulders and depth profiles in till at key sites using in situ produced Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclides 10Be, 26Al and 36Cl. Our results show comparable glacial chronologies for the Cantal ice cap and the Aubrac plateau icefield suggesting that the majority of glacial landforms and sediments were deposited during the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 26.5 to 19.5 ka) and the Last Glacial-to-Interglacial Transition (LGIT; 19.5 to 11.7 ka). Advances and retreats of these two paleoglaciers were synchronous with regional climatic events reported from independant paleoclimatic proxies, especially the Heinrich Stadial 2 and the Heinrich Stadial 1. We combined two glacier modelling procedures, the theoretical glacier surface profiles and the Positive Degree-Day method, to constrain the paleoclimatic conditions (i.e. paleotemperatures and paleoprecipitations) that controlled these glacial fluctuations. The results showed changes between past and current climatic gradients with a probable enhancement of southerly moisture advection from the Mediterranean during the Heinrich Stadial 2 and drier conditions during the Heinrich Stadial 1.
Long-term development and decoupled kinematics of two adjacent rock glaciers in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Lambiel Christophe , Vivero Sebastián , de Meris Sébastien , King Georgina , Scapozza Cristian
Published: June 2022

Rock glaciers are key landforms of the Alpine periglacial environment that transfer large amounts of debris. To improve our knowledge of the variation in permafrost creep rates over the Holocene, we combined data on current surface movements with surface dating on two adjacent rock glaciers in the Western Swiss Alps, the so-called Yettes Condjà B and C rock glaciers (hereafter YC-B and YC-C). Surface movements have been monitored since 2000 using GNSS measurements, and since 2016 by complementary UAV surveys and daily oblique photographs taken by a webcam. Furthermore, we used Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) for dating block samples in the front of both rock glaciers and Schmidt hammer exposure-age dating (SHD) on different transects.

YC-B is a very active landform that has developed on a steep and regular slope directly at the foot of a rock wall. Surface velocities display substantial interannual variations, from 0.4 m/a between 2005 and 2007, up to 3.5 m/a in 2015 and 2020. Cumulative displacements reached up to 49 m in 21 years. During the last decade, the rock glacier has been separated into two distinct parts by the progressive appearance of a scar in the steepest part of the landform. This suggests the onset of a destabilization phase of the rock glacier. In contrast, YC-C is much less dynamic, and its morphology and topography are more complex than YC-B. Its roots are occupied by a small debris-covered ice patch, and geophysical surveys suggest a high ice content in the landform. Velocities are much lower than in YC-B, with values between 0.1 and 0.4 m/a in the lowermost active sector. During the last 21 years, the cumulative displacement has been up to 6.5 m.

SHD revealed ages of around 7.00 to 9.00 ka towards the front of both rock glaciers, while OSL dating in the front yielded ages of 8.00 to 12.00 ka. Thus, the two rock glaciers would have started to develop during the Early Holocene (11.70–8.24 ka b2k), i.e. before the Holocene Thermal Maximum which, in the Alps, is dated between 9.55 and 6.35 ka b2k. Combining these ages with the length of the rock glaciers, we obtain a mean Holocene velocity of 0.3 m/a for YC-B and 0.4 m/a for YC-C. There is thus a strong discrepancy between the rock glacier ages and the current surface velocities, especially for YC-B. Indeed, the estimated mean velocities during the entire Holocene are two orders of magnitude lower than the current velocities for this rock glacier. This indicates a considerable increase in velocities in recent decades and that current creep rates are probably unprecedented. More generally, this raises several questions about the velocity variations of rock glaciers on a Holocene timescale.
Landslides in the global geoheritage
Authors: Morino Costanza , Coratza Paola , Soldati Mauro
Published: June 2022

This work is the first in its kind to highlighting the importance of landslides in the global geoheritage. So far, landslides – despite having been included in the global geoheritage - have received only minimal attention compared to much more popular and spectacular landforms. Our research aims at remedying this shortcoming. We firstly survey the literature to understand to what extent landslides have been considered as part of geoheritage and identified as geosites and/or geomorphosites. There are few cases of landslides defined as geomorphosites, and most of them are located in Europe. We define three new aspects that should be considered when identifying a landslide as a geomorphosite, namely: 1) past and present climate changes, 2) anthropic impact and 3) risk perception. These aspects, added to the values commonly used to define a geosite, are of particular relevance today, as anthropic activities and human-induced climate change are impacting on the environments and human communities all over the world. We report on well-known examples of landslides around the world that exemplify and incorporate these new aspects.

Acknowledgements: This study is funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche in the framework of the project ANR-19-CE01-0010 PERMOLARDS
Geomorphological mapping of pipe collapses as a tool to identify the relationships of soil piping and geological structure at regional scale
Authors: Hałys Joanna , Bernatek-Jakiel Anita
Published: June 2022

Soil piping is an important subsurface soil erosion process that accelerates land degradation in many areas around the world, as well as it impacts landscape evolution mainly by developing new gullies. Up to now, several studies have revealed factors controlling this process (such as high silt content, soil dispersion, biological activity of soil biota, and high hydraulic gradient), but most of them are connected with local soil properties and local topography. This study aims to identify the relationships of soil piping with geological structure at regional scale. The study is conducted in the Bieszczady Mts. (SE Poland), which are the westernmost part of the Eastern Carpathians. The Bieszczady Mts. covers more than 2200 km2. They are built of flysch rocks, i.e., sandstones alternated with shales and mudstones, which are diversified in the vertical profile (variable thickness of shale and sandstone layers) and in the horizontal profile (regional variability). Moreover, the Bieszczady Mts. lies in the contact zone of two major tectonic units of the Outer Carpathians (the Dukla and the Silesian Units). The study involves geomorphological mapping of pipe collapses (PCs), which are surface manifestations of soil piping, i.e., pipe roof collapses. PCs are mapped manually by visual inspection using hillshade of LiDAR-based Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with 1 m accuracy, along with the orthophotos. The data are verified in the field. Thanks to the previous study in this area, the geomorphological mapping has been limited to the areas where grasslands/pastures occur and where transition from pastures to forest has been observed (Bernatek-Jakiel and Jakiel, 2021).

First results have shown that PCs are related to geological structure. They develop in the areas where prevails thin- and medium-bedded sandstones with shales, not in the areas with thick-bedded sandstones. These rocks are grouped in the narrow strips of NW–SE direction in the Bieszczady Mts.

Recognition of soil piping relationship with geological structure is an important step to incorporate piping erosion to regional and global soil erosion models. This is of crucial significance in the sustainable soil management.

This research is part of a project that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 952327 and it has been supported by a grant from the Priority Research Area Anthropocene under the Strategic Programme Excellence Initiative at the Jagiellonian University.
River channel adjustments in contrasting environments from the analysis of historical maps and aerial images: the Karst Dinarides vs. the Pannonian Basin
Authors: Pavlek Katarina , Faivre Sanja , Čanjevac Ivan
Published: June 2022

Since the end of the 19th century, river channels across Europe have been noticeably modified by human interventions and climate change. In Croatia, rivers are most significantly altered by the construction of hydropower plants and flood management measures, which often involve hard engineering strategies such as river straightening and channelization. This study investigates changes in channel morphology on two Croatian rivers from contrasting environments (the Karst Dinarides and the Pannonian Basin) since the end of the 19th century, based on the analysis of historical topographic maps and aerial images in GIS.

The Cetina River, located in the Mediterranean basin, has a composite valley characterised by an interchange of narrow carbonate canyons and zones of lateral valley widening. Its channel morphology has been strongly affected by the construction of hydropower plants since the 1950s. Therefore, we analysed changes in active channel width and the occurrence of fluvial bars and islands in the pre-dam phase (1880s–1950/60s) and the post-dam phase (1950/60s–2010s). Partial channel narrowing and drying of marsh zones recorded in the pre-dam phase were attributed to the natural changes in humidity and discharge following the end of the Little Ice Age. Agricultural intensification most likely had an influence on the increase in sediment supply, as evidenced in particular by a considerable river delta progradation of 500 m by the 1960s. In the post-dam phase, severe reductions in discharge due to water diversion resulted in channel narrowing by about 50% along one third of the river length. Moreover, we observed a reduction in the bar area and an increase in the island number. These changes can also be related to land abandonment and natural reforestation in the catchment.

The meandering Orljava River, located in the Pannonian basin, is distinguished by its dynamic morphology due to frequent flash floods. The river has not been extensively channelized unlike most lowland Croatian rivers. Nevertheless, its morphodynamics has been under significant human impact due to removal of riparian vegetation, artificial cut-offs, and the construction of weirs. Preliminary results suggest that the acceleration of lateral channel migration after 2011 is strongly related to the combined effect of recent engineering works, particularly removal of riparian vegetation, and a major flood event in 2014, since higher discharges were not followed by such high channel migration rates in the previous decades. Recently increased erosion of river banks leads to the loss of adjacent agricultural land, demanding a shift in approach to river management.
Impact of basic weather conditions on rock falling 
Authors: Šegina Ela , Jemec Auflič Mateja
Published: June 2022

A relative rarity of large rockfall events makes relevant statistical analysis of the potential meteorological influencing factors extremely difficult. Opposite, small rockfall events occur daily and are well evidenced by the state infrastructure agency. In one year, 2.623 such small rockfall events were evidenced along the 2.348 km long road network of the Republic of Slovenia. A dense network of 280 national meteorological stations provided daily weather data for the analysis of the correlation between rock falling events and weather conditions. We present the results of the extensive statistical analysis of the rockfall data and analyse the impact of the basic meteorological parameters, such as temperature oscillation and precipitation evidenced at the nearest meteorological station, on the occurrence of small-scale rock falling on the national scale.  
Did The Physical and Metaphorical Border of the Sea Surface force Geomorphology as a Land-Driven Discipline?
Authors: Furlani Stefano , Musumeci Daniele
Published: June 2022

The morphology of the emergent and submerged landscape reflects the processes and times that are involved in the shaping of the respective environments. The border between these landscapes is represented by the sea surface. It is highly variable insomuch that the current sea level is far from being an average level in relation to the Earth’s surface and to the geological history of Earth. The continuous change in altitude of the sea surface produces a transitional zone, roughly between a few meters above the current sea level and 150 meters deep. Below the transitional zone, that corresponds to the uppermost part of the continental shelf, the processes are almost totally marine, while above it they are almost totally continental. In the middle, it is possible to find landforms of mixed origins.

Until less than a century ago, the emergent landscape was already well-known with respect to the submerged one that was almost totally unknown . Therefore, the sea surface clearly distinguishes two separate worlds, the emerged one and the submerged one, the former being easily accessible, the latter much less. For this reason, geomorphology, like geology, was basically born as an Earth-driven discipline, and only later it also focussed below the sea surface. Geomorphological theories have been deeply affected by this border because until one century ago, little information was available on the sea bottom. Geomorphologists could not produce really data-based global theories until few decades ago. The base-level represented generally the lower limit of geomorphological theories. Even today the submerged lands continue to be much less accessible and certainly not directly available to the classic geological field surveys, apart from limited shallow areas where it is possible to use snorkel or scuba equipment.
Change in mountainous river system due to human influence (on the example of Chorna Tisha, Ukrainian Carpathians)
Authors: Derii Anastasiia
Published: June 2022

Changes in river valleys due to human activity can be seen at many sites throughout the world. Nowadays, this notorious issue becomes extremely relevant due to the intensification of floods in developed regions.  Therefore, investigating changes in the valley after the flood can help the local government develop rules related to the use of the valley. The work is an attempt of valley typological classification and analyze of human influence on intensification of flood in 2020.  Chorna Tisha is an example of a site where signs of strong antropopresion reach 200 years. The Chorna Tisha river was mapped from the mouth of the Apshynets river to the mouth of the Biala Tisha river (about 45 kilometers).  The mapping method contributes to the analysis of the distribution of valley forms. The effects of the hydro-engineering structures (splash dams), road building, and gravel extraction can be seen after the typological classification of the valley. The erosion curve of selected valley is non-classical, due to local geological conditions, but due to human activity, most of the parts where we can predict the accumulation of gravel material are now transportation sites. This result led to the conclusion that the river valleys in mountainous areas of Ukraine are highly altered.
Multitemporal Analysis of the process of gully in “Residential Dom Bosco”, Cachoeira do Campo, Ouro Preto-MG - Brazil 
Authors: Dutra Rodrigues Jéssica , Félix Andrade Silva Cecília , Rodrigues Silva Jairo
Published: June 2022

The multitemporal analysis of the 45,500m² gully located in the Dom Bosco residential complex in Cachoeira do Campo, district of Ouro Preto-MG - Brazil, allowed us to characterize the process and comprehend the factors that contributed to the expansion of the area affected by such gully. Satellite images obtained from Google Earth in 2006, 2011 and 2018 were used. The information processing with identification, delimitation and quantification of the data, was performed using the ArcGis 9.2 software. The analysis of the images together with the fieldwork allowed us to observe the intensification of the urbanization process, with precarious housing around the gully, which contributed to changes on it. According to the analysis, it was recommended that the government should monitor the gully, stimulating residents to take part in the process, and should also revegetate with endemic species to inhibit the progress of the process. Popular participation in the process is fundamental, but investments in environmental education need to be made to guide the community, as the population does not have basic knowledge related to erosion processes, a clear reality considering the number of constructions on the edge of the gully and the significant amount of rubbish discharged into it.
Static and Dynamic Slope Stability Analysis for locating Critical Slip Surface in Gangtok, Sikkim-Himalaya
Authors: Sengupta Arnab , Nath Sankar Kumar
Published: June 2022

Gangtok, the capital City of Sikkim suffered immensely from Slope failure problem due to complex geological setting, high intensity rainfall and seismic shaking. In the present study site-specific geophysical and geotechnical investigations have been carried out at Chandmari, a perennial sliding zone for slope stability analysis. In order to identify sliding surfaces, Newmark Displacement methods have been applied for the estimation of Factor of Safety (FOS) and lateral displacement along the sliding block. The predicted FOS at Chandmari exhibiting that the sliding blocks are unstable due to gravity sliding/water seepage and/or seismic shaking. The near surface imaging through Ground Penetrating Radar survey exhibits that the discontinuity and fractured saturated zones are present in the near and shallow subsurface strata triggering ground subsidence and slope failure necessitating systematic slope failure modelling in the terrain for adopting appropriate mitigation measures.
Large landslide system full characterization in central Italy: relevance of geomorphological and geotechnical models to plan monitoring and risk mitigation works.
Authors: Seitone Francesco , Bonasera Mauro , Buleo Tebar Victor , Fubelli Giandomenico , Licata Michele
Published: June 2022

The geomorphological and geotechnical assessment of a large landslide should be always carried out to plan the best solution for monitoring and risk mitigation works. Too many times monitoring and works were realised following standard procedures without preventively comprehending the morphoevolution of the landslide system. This work aims to offer a full and multidisciplinary analysis in an anthropized area to supply strategic support for civil protection activities, to deepen the local natural hazard and try to reduce them.

We investigate a complex landslide system located in San Vito Romano, Central Italy, 40 km east from Rome. It has a spatial extent of about 1 km2. The geological context is characterised by a Tortonian sequence of turbidite deposits, characterised by marls and arenaceous intercalations, forming a monocline with 15-20° dip-direction eastward, parallel to slope inclination. Moreover, a complex hydrogeological system characterises the groundwaters.

A field survey has been carried out to recognize the geomorphological features and elements as crowns, scarps, tension cracks and all other geomorphic evidence. The survey also focused on building damages. A geomorphological-technical model has been realised interpreting boreholes, piezometers, inclinometers, high precision GPS stations and cracks digital metres, geotechnical and geophysical investigations, coupled with detailed digital elevation models analysis through GIS software. In this way the San Vito Romano landslide has been interpreted as a large rock translational slide in the upper part of the slope turning into a rotational slide in its accumulation zone. Data have been used for experimental slope stability analysis to find the main critical areas of the slope and correlate water table changes and landslide movements. Even though data model is still developing and calibrating, preliminary data provide realistic results. The individuation and characterization of most critical areas allow to plan where locate further instrumentations choosing the most appropriate ones for the two different detected portions of the landslide. Based on it, the suggested work consists in a drainage trench system upstream the main scarp to canalize the surface running waters avoiding infiltration in recharging area, and a large drainage borehole, for the purpose of limiting the water table changes downstream in the accumulation zone.
Stream piracy and tectonic control on the evolution of drainage networks: A case study from the Island of Evia, Greece.
Authors: Valkanou Kanella , Karymbalis Efthimios , Tsanakas Konstantinos , Soldati Mauro , Papanastassiou Dimitris , Gaki-Papanastassiou Kalliopi
Published: June 2022

The drainage networks are very sensitive to changes caused by the interactions between tectonic activity, climate, and earth’s surface processes and thus contain useful information on the landscape development. Drainage networks and catchments located on the footwall of normal faults are excellent archives for understanding and quantifying the active deformation processes. This study aims to identify stream piracies due to tectonic activity, to record the main factors that facilitated river captures, as well as to identify and interpret lateral tilting of river valleys. The study area includes 3 drainage networks and their corresponding catchments (ranging in area between 15.2 km2 and 29 km2), located at the eastern slopes of the Dirfis Mountain range, in Evia Island, Central Greece. The rough landscape of the area and the evolution of the drainage networks seem to be strongly controlled by the neotectonic activity of the offshore Dirfis normal fault zone. Selected morphotectonic parameters including Asymmetry factor (Af), Transverse topographic symmetry factor (T), Mountain front sinuosity (Smf), and Valley height-width ratio (Vf) were estimated for the drainage networks and their catchments, whereas the longitudinal profiles of the main streams’ channels were constructed and analyzed. All three streams are characterized by active headward erosion and intense incision. Along the main streams’ channels a large number of knickpoints, mainly of tectonic origin, were detected. The results suggest that the evolution, the shaping up and the patterns of the drainage networks along with the morphological characteristics of the valleys and the stream longitudinal profiles anomalies are controlled by neotectonics. The stream piracies in the study area (network adjustments, abrupt changes in flow direction, elbow of capture), result mainly from changes in response to the activity of the local fault zones of the eastern slopes of Dirfis Mountain range and reveal the effect of both tectonic uplift and tilting.