bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neotectonics and Seismicity in the southeast edge of the Pantanal Basin (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil)
Authors: Facincani Edna , Assumpção Marcelo , Cunha Pedro , Tadeu Estevão
Published: June 2022

The largest expression of neotectonics in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul is documented in the Pantanal Sedimentary Basin, considered a N-S tectonic trench, with 400 km in length, 250 km in width and a sedimentary thickness of > 400 m. The Pantanal Basin is located in the west of the Mato Grosso do Sul state, occupying an area of 135,000 km². The Pantanal Plain is surrounded by the Maracaju-Campo Grande and Taquari-Itiquira plateaus to the east, Guimarães and Parecis to the north, Urucum-Amolar to the west and Bodoquena to the south. The region is surrounded by plateaus in rocks that range from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic. Historically, the Pantanal Basin is considered one of the seismic regions of Brazil. Intraplate earthquakes mainly result from ruptures along zones of preexisting weaknesses, located close to structural inhomogeneities, which concentrate efforts that, added to regional efforts, are capable of generating earthquakes. The main structural features identified are expressed by joints, faults and fault zones. Two main sets of fault types were recognized: normal and transient. The normal faults are those related with the NE-SW opening of the basin, while the transcurrent faults are younger and characterized by an E-W direction. The direction of the binary E-W and dextral movement enable the development of NW-SE discontinuities. The drainage network and the structure of the landforms are strongly controlled by these structural discontinuities, associated with the collapse of blocks. This allows the development of areas with greater subsidence and accommodation space for Holocene sediments in the basin, such as the so-called “Brejão do Negro”, which proved to be a frequently flooded area, marked by a hidden fluvial lake due to a floating mat of macrophytes. The Rio Negro lineament is an important seismic-tectonic feature in the southeastern portion of the Pantanal Basin, functioning as an E-W shear zone, with current neotectonic movement, forming a pull-apart rhombohedral structure. The earthquakes in the Pantanal Basin present values between 0.6 to 5.4 mb. In the brittle shear region comprised by the Negro lineament (area comprised by the Brejão do Negro), the magnitudes are higher, usually between 3.0 and 4.0 mb. Recent earthquakes recorded in this basin are the result of uniform E-W compression stresses. These lineaments impose tectonic landforms, being indicated by subsidence, escarpment, fluvial avulsions and captures, elbows, rectilinear lake edges, among others, associated with evidences neotectonic activity in the Pantanal Basin. From surveys focused on the identification of structural discontinuities and seismological activity, two tectonic events were identified for the area: the first being distensive, associated with the opening of the basin, and the second of transcurrent character.
Geological, cultural and emotional aspects for the valorization of existing and potential geosites: some case studies in the Valmarecchia and Montefeltro historical region (Northern Apennines, Italy).
Authors: Guerra Veronica , Lazzari Maurizio , Valentini Laura
Published: June 2022

The territories of the Valmarecchia and Montefeltro historical region have been investigated as emblematic expressions of dynamic landscapes that constantly change through time and as a consequence of human activities. Geosites of the study area represent different activity levels and periods, as some of the sites are related to anthropic activities and have witnessed the human population for decades, centuries and, for some of them, millennia. The continuous man-land interaction manifests as a wide assortment of spectacular fragments of landscape that witness destructive landslides, floods, unfortunate climate changes, mining operations and human exploitation of natural resources. The geomorphological interpretative basis has been settled for the promotion of Valmarecchia and Montefeltro geoheritage, in particular in terms of geotourism, as an example of Geomorphological Landscape. This last, according to Reynard & Panizza (2005), indicates a landscape made up of a composition of evidence and terrestrial forms closely interconnected by a network of genetic and functional relationships. The promotion has also been made by focusing on existing and newly proposed geosites as the best places for the transmission and dissemination of geological aspects, possibly through first-hand experience (i.e., guided excursions that aim to involve the user not only from a notional point of view but also from an emotional one) to better convey the content to be communicated. Three already known geosites and one new proposed geosite have been selected to carry out an educational geotouristic project named Paesaggeo. The project aims to engage a broad public sensitive to the themes of geology and natural environments, using digital tools and propose geologically themed treks in the selected geosites. Four different modes have been drafted and tested for each geosite, experimenting different approaches to communicate the same content. The purpose is to get the public closer to geological, geomorphological and geoheritage concepts, which are always connected to the naturalistic, biological and cultural heritage, and develop tourism promotion strategies based on geological heritage. Our goals are: lead locals and tourists to a greater understanding of natural phenomena and their typical time scales; spread knowledge about dynamic landscapes and natural, geological and hydrological risks to a broad public; promote an integrated form of slow tourism, which enhances the relationship between natural processes and populations through time.

Reynard E., & Panizza M. (2005). Geomorphosites: definition, assessment and mapping. An introduction. Géomorphologie: relief, processus, environnement, 11(3), 177-180. https://doi.org/10.4000/geomorphologie.337
Increasing geoheritage awareness through non-formal learning 
Authors: Coratza Paola , Ghinoi Alessandro , Vandelli Vittoria
Published: June 2022

Despite the increasing interest of society in environmental issues, a broad absence of Earth Science literacy is registered in the general population. Non-formal learning can play a crucial role in increasing citizens literacy to geoscience concepts and in this context geomorphological heritage sites, due to their characteristics, can be valuable resources to be used to rise public profile of geology and geomorphology.
Starting from these remarks, this presentation illustrates the research carried out in the municipality of Castellarano (Emilia Apennines, Northern Italy) where non-formal learning activities have been carried out in the framework of a project aiming to enhance the geological heritage and geodiversity of this area. In particular, three geosites of regional significance located along a cycle/pedestrian path were object of attention for the creation of Earthcaches, educational panels and guided excursions. The selected geosites are located along the Secchia riverbed and are witnesses of the long and complex geological-geomorphological history, and its influence on human development, in the study area. Earthcaches, following the Geological Society of America (GSA) guidelines, were designed to be educational, providing accurate but non-technical explanations of the geomorphological features that visitors can experience at the sites. In design educational panels particular attention was given to illustrations, i.e. photos, area images, maps and comics, because they play an important role in the learning process. The effectiveness of the designed materials has been tested in the frameworks of guided excursions organised by the municipality and have been proved as positive contributions for raising public awareness of the value of geoheritage.
Landforms in Old Landscape Paintings of Jeju Island, Korea, and Their Implications of Geomorphological Perception
Authors: Kim Taeho
Published: June 2022

Jeju Island Governor Lee Iktae produced a folding screen decorated with landscape art after carrying out two official inspection tours across the island in 1695. He selected ten geomorphosites for a series of pictures named Ten Scenic Views of Jeju. It was composed of six scenic beauties and four fortresses. The representative images of geomorphological landscapes in Jeju Island, which had been shared as a collective representation by Jeju natives, were firstly externalized through his pictures. And they have long been handed down and established as a kind of stereotype for geo-landscapes of Jeju Island. They have been consequently considered the first collection of outstanding landforms in Jeju Island because even the four pictures of fortresses also exhibit various landforms around a castle. The landforms in the paintings could be largely classified into volcanic, fluvial, coastal, and weathering, respectively. Volcanic edifices appear most frequently, reflecting particular emotions of Jeju natives toward sacred Mount Halla and over three hundred monogenetic volcanoes, referred to as Oreum in Jeju dialect, which have created a prototype landscape of Jeju Island. Lava tubes were also regarded as an intriguing feature but underestimated due to their dark and frightening images. Fluvial landforms were not highly evaluated since Jeju rivers are not perennial owing to the high permeability of basaltic drainage basins. However, three famous waterfalls in the southern area were depicted in four pictures, implying there are scarce freshwater-friendly spaces. Rocky coastal landforms, such as a vertical cliff with columnar joints and caves and a sea stack, were not also properly appraised due to their difficult access and limited viewpoints. The evaluation criteria vary with the times so that ecologically important landforms, including a coastal dune or a wetland, do not appear except a summit crater lake which symbolizes Mount Halla. Since the viewpoints of a mainlander, the governor, as well as Jeju natives were simultaneously projected on the old paintings, Ten Scenic Views of Jeju is a historical document for analyzing the ancestor's perception on geomorphological landscapes of Jeju Island.
Geomorphological monitoring of the clogging and unclogging of gravel-bed rivers substrate for the reintroduction of freshwater mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus) in the Ardennes massif (Belgium)
Authors: Imbert Camille , Vaessen Quintia , Tripon Mila , Houbrechts Geoffrey
Published: June 2022

Well-oxygenated riverbed is essential for the proper ecological functioning of watercourses and the clogging of interstitial spaces by fine sediments considerably reduces the ecological quality of aquatic habitats. This phenomenon is linked to several parameters: the availability of fine sediments in catchments, soil erosion and land use, and the dynamics of the bed load. Within the framework of two European LIFE projects (LIFE19 NAT/BE/000093 and LIFE 19 NAT BE000054), which aim, among other things, to reintroduce endangered freshwater mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus) into gravel-bed rivers of the Ardennes region, the clogging/unclogging extent of substrates and the sediment dynamics are monitored. Several monitoring devices were set up.Fine sediment traps were installed in the counter-slope of pools which is known to be a favourable habitat for mussels. This method makes it possible to quantify the amount of fine particles that can infiltrate the subsurface layer. Scour chains were placed on riffles to quantify the thickness of the active layer, which corresponds to the thickness of the bed that can be unclogged during floods. Grainsize surveys were also carried out on riffles to characterise the flow competence of rivers. Finally, the dynamics of the bed load was monitoredthanks to pebbles marked with PIT-tags. At the end, these results alongside biomonitoring and physico-chemical data will enable the identification ofthe most appropriate sites for the reintroduction of freshwater mussels.

 
Multi-satellite InSAR combination to support multi-scale analyses of hillslope processes 
Authors: Zocchi Marta , Marini Roberta , Masciulli Claudia , Antonielli Benedetta , Reame Francesca , Pantozzi Gianmarco , Troiani Francesco , Mazzanti Paolo , Scarascia Mugnozza Gabriele
Published: June 2022

Landslide inventory maps represent a preliminary step toward landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk assessment. The increasing enhancement of A-DInSAR (Advanced Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) techniques facilitates the detection of Earth’s surface displacements over large or remote areas. Moreover, applying post-processing tools to the measurements retrieved by PS-InSAR analyses (i.e., one of the most common multitemporal A-DinSAR techniques) permits the representation of gravity-driven processes evolution in both spatial and temporal terms. Nevertheless, geometric distortions linked to the orbit and acquisition parameters of the SAR sensors, along with insufficient site coverage and spatial density of the PS-InSAR analyses, may lead to a lack of information, especially in mountainous areas. To address this problem, we processed the data using different InSAR tool packages and exploited the combination of orbital geometries for different satellites at the regional and local scales. These analyses were applied over an area encompassing four regions in the Central Apennines (Italy), within the framework of a broader national project which aims at mapping and updating landslide-prone slopes interacting with urban centers. For each processed dataset, we compared the spatial coverage and the accuracy of the displacements, providing statistical correlation tests to establish the relationship between the different InSAR tool packages. Therefore, we were able to verify the possible underestimation of the velocity and coherency measurements, and then select the best dataset (or the best combination) for further analyses. Based on the comparison between the dataset and through a semi-automatic approach, we then selected several areas that exceeded specific velocity thresholds and were densely covered by PS. In these areas, classified with a high priority level, detailed analyses were performed through a set of post-processing plugins designed for the software QGIS. Spatial and temporal deformation trends of the PSI results, along with subtle surface patterns within the landslide area, were highlighted by the post-processing analyses. Thus, we derived a detailed geomorphological characterization for the high priority phenomena interacting with cities and infrastructures. While at the regional scale findings from our work help the validation and integration of multi-satellite datasets, at the local scale the proposed workflow can also support the prioritization of site-specific monitoring and intervention planning.
Geological controls on shoreface morphodynamic state and implications for coastal barrier evolution
Authors: Loureiro Carlos , Green Andrew , Cooper Andrew
Published: June 2022

The morphodynamic response of coastal sedimentary barriers to sea level changes is determined by a multitude of factors that range from dynamic forcing by waves and currents, sediment type and supply and their complex interaction through morphodynamic process-response mechanisms. These factors and mechanisms are significantly influenced or even controlled by the underlying geological framework, which remains mostly disregarded when modelling decadal to centennial barrier evolution. As sea level rises and barriers migrate landwards, the shoreline is transgressed and the shoreface is subjected to wave ravinement (erosion and scour by waves along the shoreface). The stratigraphic surface created by wave ravinement becomes an important geological control, as it defines the basal surface over which transgressive shoreface deposits accumulate.

In this work, we explore a variety of geophysical datasets obtained from multibeam and shallow sub-bottom seismic surveying in diverse coastal areas, and model shoreface profiles based on sediment type and dominant sediment transport processes to investigate the significance of wave ravinement surfaces in the morphodynamic state of contemporary shorefaces and discuss the implications for barrier evolution. Our results demonstrate that in many cases the modern shoreface closely mirrors the slope and topography of the wave ravinement surface, even in contexts of abundant sediment supply. This reflects depositional patterns that preferentially follow the antecedent shoreface topography. The dependence of the modern shoreface on the underlying surfaces implies that contemporary shoreface morphodynamic state and large-scale coastal behavior are at least partially controlled by antecedent wave ravinement. Likewise, the future evolution of coastal barriers under accelerated sea level rise will be at least partially controlled by the geological framework of the coastal area to be transgressed and the extent to which future wave ravinement is effective in modifying the shoreface configuration. This work highlights that progress in understanding and predicting barrier response to future sea level rise requires the explicit consideration of the geological framework, including the configuration of significant stratigraphic surfaces.
Recognition of shallow landslides using object-based image analysis: preliminary results in the Gurutuba watershed, Brazil
Authors: Dias Helen Cristina , Hölbling Daniel , Grohmann Carlos Henrique
Published: June 2022

Shallow landslide recognition and mapping are essential for susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk assessment. Efficient mapping approaches can be used to identify source, transport, and deposition areas and enable the creation of geomorphological, seasonal, and event-based inventories. In Brazil, landslides are a frequent natural hazard that occurs every year, mostly in the summer season (Dec-Mar). Despite their frequency, no guidelines or common procedures for landslide mapping exist. The application of new methods for recognition and mapping may improve the creation of standards for landslide inventory mapping and the enhancement of consistent landslide databases in Brazil. Manual, semi-automated, and automated methods are commonly used to identify hazards worldwide, with remote sensing and geomorphological information being the primary data for landslide mapping. Object-based image analysis (OBIA) is a well-established method for mapping natural hazards and geomorphological features. Although several studies have demonstrated the applicability of OBIA for landslide mapping in various environments, its application for landslide mapping in tropical environments in Brazil is still incipient. In 2014, the city of Itaóca (São Paulo state, Brazil) was affected by a high-magnitude mass movement event responsible for infrastructure damages and deaths. The aim of this study is to identify rainfall-induced shallow landslides using the OBIA method in the Gurutuba watershed (area of 4,5 km²), Itaóca. The recognition and mapping were performed using a RapidEye satellite image (5 m), dated 2014/01/30, in eCognition 10.0 (Trimble) software. The OBIA classification process considers spectral, spatial, contextual, and hierarchical information. Preliminary analysis indicated promising results and good applicability of the OBIA method. Many shallow landslide scars were identified, whereby large scars were more easily recognized by the method than small ones. The mapping accuracy was assessed by comparison to a reference dataset, which was created by visual interpretation of the RapidEye image. However, more research is needed to increase the transferability of the approach to allow the analysis of a more complex and larger area.

 
An assessment of potential, scope and significance of Geomorphosites, Geoparks, Geoheritage and Geotourism in some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states of India
Authors: Siddiqui Azizur Rahman
Published: June 2022

Some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states of India are having a number of localities with geomorphosites, microgeomorphosites, geopark, geoheritage and potential geotourism sites of national and international significance. These geomorphosites, geoparks and geoheritage sites needs geomorphic description in common parlance. There is a need to assess the criteria of identification of specific geomorphic features, its rarity or abundance, accessibility, level of its significance at local to global scale its management and conservation. Identification and cataloguing of specific geomorphic features, geoparks, geoheritage and geotourism needs serious enquiry in the study area. There is a need to promote the scientific study of assessment and identification of potential of geomorphosites in public domain. There is also a need to locate significant geomorphic areas like geomorphosites, geoheritage, geopark and potential of geotourism at macro level. This research works gives an exposure to various inherent microgeomorphosites and their specific location and description. An intensive field surveys for different specific localities provides valuable information in the related field. It also provides basis for the making constructive methodologies and strategies for the exposure and exploring the possibilities to enhance the significance of the study for the assessment, identification, mapping, conservation, and management of these significant and specific localities at macro level for drawing attention of researchers, environmentalist, academicians and policy makers.

Keywords: Geomorphosites, Geoheritage Sites, Geotourism, Geoparks
The contribution of geomorphological processes to urban landscape modification, Poznan, Poland
Authors: Mazurek Małgorzata , Jasiewicz Jarosław , Zwoliński Zbigniew , Hildebrandt-Radke Iwona , Makohonienko Mirosław
Published: June 2022

The poster will present the role of contemporary morphogenetic processes in shaping the morphological landscape of the city of Poznań (530 464 inhabitants). The study is based on geocomputation performed on a digital elevation model, analysis of geomorphological evolution of the city area and analysis of land cover and land use. Particular attention was paid to above-average and extreme processes. The discussed morphogenetic processes included the analysis of floods on the Warta River flowing through the city, flash floods generated in the city streets, mass movements occurring mainly on the slopes of the Warta River valley and on the slopes of moraine hills, and wind erosion occurring in vast areas devoid of vegetation. Most of these processes are related to the progressive climatic changes and sealing of the ground by concreting and asphalting large patches of the city. The analysed processes are visualised on a geomorphological map and a land cover and land use map. Contemporary morphogenetic processes observed in Poznań include: (a) on morainic hills/uplands: mass movements, wind erosion and flash floods; (b) on outwash plains: mass movements and flash floods; (c) on fluvial landforms: mass movements and river floods; (d) within plains of different origin: flash floods. Increasing urbanisation of the city, mainly through the increase in impervious surfaces, increases the risk of flash floods, which have replaced river floods in the list of risks to urban infrastructure.
GIS-Remote Sensing Integrated Based Assessment and Mapping of Landslide Vulnerability Areas in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Ayadiuno Romanus Udegbunam , Ndulue Dominic Chukwuka , Mozie Arinze Tagbo
Published: June 2022

Landslides are major hydro-geological and anthropogenic hazards that affect not only the mountains areas but also gullies, mining areas, plateau terrain, river banks, coastal areas, and offshore as undersea slides. Slides occur as a result of ground movement, rock falls, and failure of unstable slopes; sand and debris flow on slopes which can cause lots of damage with direct and indirect impacts on human settlements and physical infrastructures. The study used secondary data that consist of other literature from which the likely triggering factors – slope angle, land use land cover change (LULCC), aspect, soil texture and type, curvature, drainage density, elevation, lineament density, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference moisture index (NDMI), geology, topographic wetness index (TWI), geomorphology, rainfall, temperature, wind speed, wind pressure, settlements, rivers and roads construction were extracted, and satellite imageries (SRTM and Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS) data obtained from USGS Earth Explorer, processed and mapped based on the triggering factors using ArcGIS v10.4 and validation visit was made to confirm results. Microsoft excel 2007 was used to compute and assigned weights to the factors while weighted overlay methods in spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS v10.4 were applied in mapping the landslide vulnerable areas in the study area. The study recommended the use of laws to secure and regulate land use activities in the vulnerable areas, educating inhabitants of such areas about the dangers associated with certain land use activities and the need to avoid them, providing alternative means of livelihood that will discourage mining, deforestation, forest fire, and overgrazing, and encourage sustainable resource use and management that will not expose the areas to the triggering factors of landslide.

 

Keywords: GIS-Remote Sensing, Assessment, Mapping, Landslide Vulnerability Areas, South East
Landscape Evolution of Kasei Valles
Authors: Yazici Deniz , Yildirim Cengiz , Gorum Tolga
Published: June 2022

Kasei Valles is the second largest valley on Mars. This study focuses on landforms created by surface processes in the central part of the southern branch of Kasei Valles. We mapped the landforms and built a morphostratigraphical chronology using numerical crater dating and cross-cutting relationships of the landforms. We interpret that surface processes formed various landforms in the study area, including plateau surfaces, deeply incised canyons, colluvial fans, landslide, topographic barriers, trim lines, terraces and platy-textured valley floor fill. These features aligned within the deeply incised valley of the valles indicating incision of the plateau surface. The most common landforms are colluvial fans. Two colluvial fans and a landslide temporarily blocked the valles, forming topographical barriers to impound fluids (e.g lava, mudflow, water). The trim lines in area may indicate the presence of water like liquid in the valley, even for a short time. Terrace surfaces are very evident between these trim lines. The surface texture of the terrace surfaces implies that they were probably formed by a water-like fluid that stagnated and regressed for a period and fluctuated to carve terrace staircases. Crater statistics reveal two different temporal clusters of colluvial fan formation. The age of the older colluvial fans cluster in the Early Amazonian period (around 1.74 - 1.14 Ga), and the age of the younger colluvial fans cluster in the Late-Middle Amazonian period (around 307 Ma). The landslide is much younger, and it is estimated to have formed 122 Ma before present. The youngest studied geomorphic features are the platy-textured deposits emplaced either as lavas or mudflows, aged 90 Ma, covering the floor of the valles. Our data suggest that the presence of well-developed terraces between trim lines require the presence of a Newtonian fluid (e.g. water) that ponded into the study area and the climatic conditions for this fluid to remain stable over short timescales enough to form terraces.
Structure from Motion technique and open-source software in obtaining high-resolution DTM
Authors: Szafraniec Joanna Ewa
Published: June 2022

Thanks to the modern development of technology, for the morphometric analysis of landforms, we can use accurate data from, for example, laser scanning or UAVs. However, these methods require access to quite expensive equipment, and the available public domain data does not always meet our accuracy requirements. The aim is to present how to obtain high-resolution DTM of small landforms using the photogrammetric Structure from Motion (SfM) technique and open source software available on the web.

In obtaining data, the first stage of fieldwork can be distinguished, where the necessary simple tools are, e.g. stakes and a tape measure/ rangefinder, used to scale or build local coordinate systems of landforms and analyse height and distance errors. However, the essential tool is a digital camera, which, based on the rules of acquiring stereoscopic models (appropriate coverage of adjacent photos), will allow filming the object/ landform from all sides. This principle and image recognition techniques are the basis of the SfM method. The next stages of the work use open-source software to extract the right frames from the movie (e.g. one frame per second), adjust them by combining identical control points, generate a point cloud, rectify it and generate digital elevation models. The last stage is the creation of high-resolution DTM using appropriate interpolation methods in a geoinformation environment.

The above operation scheme allows obtaining DEM with very dense coverage of about 1 point per 1 cm2, having one film frame per second. The resolution of 0.05–0.1 m of the created DTM is a good and optimal value. The accuracy of the model can be increased by increasing the sampling of film frames. The results also show that the values of basic morphometric parameters on models with a resolution of, e.g. 2 m are significantly overestimated. It is possible to examine the minimum size of the landforms for which models with a resolution of 1–2 m will be optimal for the needs of morphometric analyses.

The described method is a cheap, simple and attractive alternative to commercial techniques and software and can be used directly in geomorphological studies, e.g. in the case of documentation of rapid changes in the topography under the influence of extreme events caused by climate change. The method can also be widely applied in many other fields, e.g., archaeology, palaeontology, architecture, and forensics.
A new geomorphological method for the evaluation of debris flow magnitude: a case study from the southern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Ascione Alessandra , Palumbo Manuela , Lane Stuart N. , Santangelo Nicoletta , Santo Antonio , Valente Ettore
Published: June 2022

Flash floods occur quickly and instantly with respect to triggering rainfall and are particularly frequent in river basins of limited extent. In the Mediterranean area, flash floods are acknowledged as the most widespread geo-hydrological hazard. They may have a particularly catastrophic character due to combination of intense precipitation and strong orographic forcing (cumulative rainfall values in the order of hundreds of mm in a few hours) with the widespread presence of steep, small river basins, referred to as Small Mediterranean Catchments. The natural susceptibility associated with Small Mediterranean Catchments eventually results in high hydrogeological risk notably for densely-urbanized and populated alluvial fans at catchment outlets. Therefore, the evaluation of sediment budgets of flash-flood prone, torrential catchments is important for the assessment of flood susceptibility and hazard in piedmont areas.

Our study addresses the evaluation of the sediment volume that has the potential to be entrained and delivered downstream during flash floods in torrential catchments. With the final aim of developing an approach useful to the definition of the order of magnitude of future flash flood events in terms of debris loads, our goal is to obtain reliable quantification of sediment storage through the geomorphological analysis of high-resolution topographic data.

We developed and tested a predictive, quantitative geomorphological technique for estimating the magnitude of debris flows related to flash floods triggered by extreme rainfall events. We applied our method to steep torrential catchments that (i) are underlain by resistant rocky bedrock, therefore not prone to large landslides, and (ii) allowed testing of our technique through quantification of the effects of recently-occurred flash floods. The three study catchments are located in southern Italy and experienced flash flood-related debris flows triggered by a rainstorm with a recurrence interval > 200 yrs. We estimated the sediment volumes stored in the investigated mountainous catchments prior to the flash flood and compared our results with the sediment volumes entrained by the debris flows. The latter volumes were estimated by post-event data collected by means of both field surveys and remote sensing (drone surveys). The results were mutually consistent so supporting our approach. The approach can be applied extensively, even in the absence of field data and measurements, to ungauged catchments similar to those we analysed for flash flood hazard assessment and planning of mitigation strategies.
Effects of terracing and land use management techniques on hydrological connectivity and water yield in a Mediterranean mid-mountain basin
Authors: Llena Manel , Nadal-Romero Estela , Khorchani Makki , Cortijos-López Melani , Zabalza Javier , Lasanta Teodoro
Published: June 2022

Mid-mountain catchments across the Mediterranean basin undergone a decrease in runoff and sediment yield during the second half of the 20th century mainly due to forest cover increase following rural abandonment together with a transition to drier climatic conditions. In the same way, due to the revegetation and afforestation processes these zones experienced the homogenization of the ancient cultural landscapes, which have several consequences from ecological, geomorphological and hydrological points of view. During last decades, land use management of these areas have become a target of environmental policy makers and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of ecosystem services. In some areas have been applied an active management through the reduction of vegetation density or by human afforestation, while others undergone a natural process of revegetation. In these setting, the conservation status of agricultural terraces plays a key role on the overall catchment response in terms of overland flow and sediment transport due to its potential effects on water and sediment connectivity between the hillslopes and the main channels. In this context, assessing the contribution of different land use management on runoff is fundamental for addressing water management and soil loss at the catchment and regional scales, especially in a context of climate change. Within this background, the aim of this work is to analyse the relative effects of terracing and land use management techniques to hydrological connectivity and water yield in a Mediterranean mid-mountain basin. To pursue this objective, we applied hydrological connectivity (IC index) and ecohydrological (RHESSys) models to different sub-catchments of the Leza Valley (Iberian System, Spain), representative of five different landscapes: (i) natural revegetation; (ii) natural revegetation with terracing reconstruction; (iii) human afforestation; (iv) human afforestation with terracing reconstruction; and (v) shrub clearing.

This research is part of the MANMOUNT project (PID2019-105983RB-100/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033) funded by the MICINN.
Land Surface Temperature Controls Stability in Gentle Clay Slopes
Authors: Loche Marco , Scaringi Gianvito , Lombardo Luigi
Published: June 2022

The effect of temperature on the stability of slopes in temperate climates is poorly constrained. Experiments demonstrate a clear thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) response in expansive soils, and evidence of thermally-induced activity exists for some landslides. However, building a representative thermal variable suitable for catchment or regional-scale studies is challenging, owing to heterogeneities in materials and stress histories and the complexity of THM processes. We performed a landslide susceptibility modelling of the portion of Italian territory featuring clay deposits. We utilised the geo-lithological map of Italy and the Italian National Inventory (IFFI), that differentiates among landslide types, and we focused on slow flows, often associated with creep movements. We relied, as one of the inputs, on a ten-year series of Land Surface Temperature (LST) data from MODIS, freely available in Google Earth Engine, and implemented a slope unit-based Generalized Additive Model (GAM) approach to account for nonlinearities in the possible temperature-slope stability relationship. We produced a susceptibility map for clay deposits over the entire Italian territory, and observed a positive dependence of landslide abundance on LST on warmer and gentle slopes, where creep phenomena are common. Higher temperatures are in fact associated with decreased soil and water viscosity and hence enhanced shear creep rates in clays.
Quantifying the short-term effects of instream gravel mining on the geomorphic unit diversity of an intermountain river
Authors: Llena Manel , Vericat Damià
Published: June 2022

Human disturbances may alter the dynamic equilibrium state of a river system, which infers a balance between processes and forms. Within the human disturbances, instream gravel mining is one of the most widespread impacts in intermontane fluvial corridors since these systems have been historically used as: (i) preferential pathways for accessing and bypassing mountain barriers; and (ii) sources of local and available gravel for building industrial and transportation infrastructures. Instream gravel mining has a rapid and localised impact on channel morphology that may cause subsequent channel adjustments upstream and downstream. Traditionally, the classification of fluvial morphology of in-channel units has been centred on field-based and planimetric identification approaches, but these involve subjective interpretation of unit type and unit boundaries. In response of these limitations, fluvial taxonomy approaches based on the objectively and consistently delineation of geomorphic units from high-resolution topographic data, are presented as a more consistent approach to mapping geomorphic units. At the same time, these approaches has potential for assessing changes in geomorphic units as part of quantitative instream gravel mining monitoring, allowing testing gravel mining actions design hypotheses. In this context, the aim of this work is to quantify the short-term effects of instream gravel mining on the geomorphic unit diversity of an intermountain river. To pursue this objective, we use pre and post-gravel mining high-resolution topographic surveys of the Upper Cinca River (Southern Pyrenees) to systematically map changes in the geomorphic units by the application of the Geomorphic Unit Tool (GUT).
From endorheism to exorheism: The Atlantic draining Paraíba do Sul River Basin (Brazil) transition
Authors: Paixão Rodrigo , Freitas Marcelo , Salgado André , Silva Luiz Guilherme , Cunha Pedro , Gomes Antonio Alberto , Martins António , Almeida Julio , Tupinambá Miguel , Dantas Marcelo
Published: June 2022

Endorheic drainage systems are rare in humid tropical areas and/or near the coast. However, in the passive margin of southeastern Brazil, in a region close to the Atlantic Ocean, is located the hydrographic basin of the Paraíba do Sul River, which has a humid tropical climate and presents landforms typical of endorheic drainage systems. The present work examines the possibility that Paraíba do Sul River Basin was endorheic during the most of the Neogene. It was based on morphological analysis of the drainage system, field work and on the interpretation of paleotopographic maps prepared using the Seppômen method. Five drainage convergence areas were identified along the main axis of the Paraíba do Sul River Basin, separated from each other by structural highs and each one associated with a Cenozoic graben. The drainage convergence areas appear to be endorheic hydrographic paleobasins, separated from each other by structural highs that would constitute their paleodivisors. The most probable mechanism for the transition endorheic-exorheic is overspill, leading to the progressive incorporation into the exorheic system and followed by headward erosion advancing inland from the gorge developed at each overspill area Atlantic Ocean. Two processes often occur concomitantly and both contribute to the same result: the expansion of an exorheic basin by the incision of a permanent channel into the endorheic basin infill. No numerical dating has been yet obtained for the proposed endorheic-exorheic transition; nonetheless, regional denudation rates suggest that this transition occurred sometime in the interval 8 to 4 Ma (end of the Miocene to mid-Pliocene), probably by 4 Ma. This transition was marked by a decrease in subsidence within the aforementioned grabens and by a much wetter climate that promoted the overspill and connection to the Atlantic. According to the interpretation of the evolution of headward erosion pulses in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, surfaces that dissected and sculpted the relief at different times during each tectonic and/or climatic event were interpreted.

 
Coastal wetland restoration based on hydrogeomorphic space units ——Taking the coastal wetland of Yancheng, Jiangsu as an example
Authors: Zhou Yong , Zhou Yi , Liu Hongyu , Li Yufeng , Wang Cheng , Wright Alan
Published: June 2022

As an important indicator of wetland hydrology, hydrogeomorphic conditions clearly indicate the coupling relationships between hydrology, landscape, and habitat. Aiming at problems of small-scale recovery and lack of systematic guidance in current coastal wetland restoration research, this study put forward a coastal wetland restoration system based on the hydrogeomorphic spatial unit. The spatial units of the hydrogeomorphic model were defined according to the regional background in Yancheng coastal wetland, and the changes in land cover patterns from 1980 to 2019 were analyzed. Then, based on the importance and potential for restoration, the key restoration areas were determined and then the dynamics change characteristic of S. salsa salt marsh boundary at the natural state was summarized. It showed that the ecosystem function in the region was basically stable from 1980 to 1998, and the boundary of the S. salsa salt marsh in each key restoration area showed dynamic stability or expansion to the sea. By 2019, with the construction of reclamation and coastal engineering, the hydrogeomorphic conditions in the region changed significantly. In addition to the continuous expansion of S. alterniflora marshes, other natural wetland types almost disappeared and transformed into aquaculture ponds or farmland. Based on those above, the study discusses the overall restoration modes of different hydrogeomorphic spatial units from two aspects of active restoration and passive restoration and puts forward systematic restoration measures in combination with the current characteristics of key restoration areas, forming a technical framework for coastal wetland restoration with practical guiding significance.
Contradictory effect of flood events and vegetation succession on the dynamics of gravel bars
Authors: Holušová Adriana , Galia Tomáš
Published: June 2022

Since river regulations extensively changed the natural course and regime of many European gravel-bed rivers, most gravel bars tend to lose some of their natural dynamics. Gravel bars are often overgrown by vegetation when there is a lack of high flows for a long time. In many areas, they are objects of protection, as they are in some cases related to preserved parts of naturally braided rivers, and they represent a unique habitat for rare species of vegetation and fauna.

In our research, we analysed spatio-temporal gravel bar dynamics, with a focus on vegetation succession progress, in two rivers of the Outer Western Carpathians for twenty years (2000–2020): the Czech part of the Olše River (73 km) and the part of the Ostravice river downstream the valley dam (46 km). We used nine archive orthophotos (2000–2020) and hydrological data to analyse the effects of flood events, vegetation succession and river regulations on the gravel bar dynamics. The orthophotos were processed in ArcGIS Pro to analyse the coverage of vegetation and unvegetated area on gravel bars where the reference banks lines from the first two studied orthophotos (2000, 2003) were used to determine the edges of bars.

Two major floods in 1997 and 2010 greatly affected the vegetation cover of gravel bars in both rivers. After the 1997 and 1999 moderate floods, the total vegetated area on gravel bars in 2000 was the lowest in all studied years in the Olše (42 %) and the second lowest in the Ostravice (54 %). Following years, trends showed slow but progressive succession until the next major flood in 2010 and moderate floods in 2014. The total area of bar vegetation in the Olše decreased by 19,2 % in 2012 compared to the last studied year of 2009 (81,8 %), and by another 9 % in 2014 probably due to the time proximity of the flood event. Similarly, the total vegetated bar area in the Ostravice decreased by 24 % in 2012 (from 92 % in 2009) and by another 13,7 % in 2014. However, only two years later, the vegetated bar area significantly increased in both rivers: compared to the year 2014, it increased by 39,8 % in the Olše and by 42,1 % in the Ostravice. The remaining studied years showed a similarly high percentage of vegetation cover (2018=87,1–93,6 %, 2020=84,5–91 %). Although the Ostravice is regulated by a valley dam, the floods had a very similar effect on both rivers. The main difference is in the rate of vegetation coverage in the years not affected by floods. In the Ostravice almost all the bars were vegetated completely or for the most part, while in the Olše, there was more variability in vegetation coverage on gravel bars including only partially vegetated or unvegetated bars. Our results suggest an ongoing succession of vegetation on most gravel bars in the last twenty years and show a significant effect of major flood events and river regulations on their morphodynamics.