bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIPSTER: A High-resolution Integrated Program for modeling Sand Transport in Eolian Realms by coupling OSL and cosmogenic nuclides (Cosmolian)
Authors: Ben Dor Yoav , Vainer Shlomy
Published: June 2022

The extensivity of sand dunes in continental interiors testifies to the importance of understanding their morphodynamical properties and their dating for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and for interpreting landscape evolution. Nevertheless, the study of eolian landscape evolution at the million-years timescale is hampered by the complex interaction of factors affecting dune migration and the inherently self-destructive nature of their chronostratigraphy, thus limiting the applicability of traditional luminescence-based dating methods for configuring processes spanning over ~300 Ka. In this study, a standalone program that simulates eolian transport based on luminescence-derived chronologies coupled with numerical modelling of cosmogenic nuclides accumulation is presented. This integrative approach reveals ancient phases of sand irruption and provides a data-oriented scheme facilitating the study of eolian morphodynamical processes over multiple timescales. The program is applied on a case of the Australian Simpson Desert, where it unfolds multiple pulses of eolian vitality at 3.8-3.4, 2.9-2.5, and 1.5-1 Ma, corresponding to drastic changes in environmental settings. The synchronicity of the results with the independently established environmental framework exemplifies the applicability of process-based modelling in constructing a timeframe revealing key events in landscape evolution in arid environments by studying eolian landforms. Finally, the relationships between the model parameters used for simulating the environmental settings and sand migration patterns demonstrates the potential of the program in further investigating the triggers and mechanisms of eolian processes.
The use of mobile applications and online GIS platforms for the geosites characterization in the Atlantic Geopark Project, Portugal
Authors: Rosado-González Emmaline M. , Custódio Salomé , Monteiro Vaz Nuno , Martinho Lourenço José Manuel , Henriques Maria Helena , Abreu Sá Artur
Published: June 2022

The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are useful tools for spatial data management, as they have multiple applications in different research domains.

Nowadays the use of mobile applications and online GIS platforms have become common and easily accessible tools for various functions in the field of territorial management with a wide field of opportunities in their application.

The use of these technologies and tools can be a strong asset for the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps). For example, they can support real-time monitoring of different natural or social events and phenomena, thus making it possible to have georeferenced and updated databases for the improvement of territorial management and decision-making for the implementation of new and better policies for territorial sustainable development.

In this sense, these platforms are being used and taken advantage for the geosites inventory and characterization in the candidacy of the project 'Atlantic Geopark' in Central Portugal. The use of GIS platforms will include the collection, validation, and analyses of georeferenced data relative to the inventory of the geosites, the natural and the cultural heritage sites, as well as all the base data of the proposed territory, which includes the municipalities of Figueira da Foz, Montemor-o-Velho, Mealhada, Mira, Cantanhede and Penacova.

It is important to note that the UGGps can benefit a lot from these tools, since they have an enormous potential to support the application procedures and maintenance of the territorial management plan in the UGGps.
Combining two geomorphological mapping legends for geotourism maps: examples from Tunisia and Switzerland
Authors: Ben Fraj Tarek , Lambiel Christophe , Ghram Messedi Aziza , Clivaz Mélanie , Ben Ouezdou Hédi , Reynard Emmanuel
Published: June 2022

During the last two decades, the interest in the heritage values of geodiversity, mainly related to geology and geomorphology, has increased (Reynard and Brilha, 2018). Among the different methods used to analyse the geodiversity, geomorphological mapping can be considered as one of the main tools for the inventorying, assessment and valorisation of geoheritage sites.

In this study, we compared two legend systems to analyse the contribution of each to the representation and mapping of various geomorphological landscapes. The two legend systems considered are the UNIL (University of Lausanne) legend and the CGMED-Tunisia (Laboratoire de Cartographie Géomorphologique des Milieux, des Environnements et des Dynamiques) legend. Both were used to map four sectors: (i) the Sebkhet Oum Ez-Zessar Ramsar site on the Gulf of Gabes coastline and (ii) the Wadi K'hil watershed on the Dahar Plateau, both located in south-eastern Tunisia, (iii) the Ferpècle glacier forefield and (iv) the Sanetsch area, both located on either side of the Upper Rhone valley in the Western Swiss Alps.

In addition, the combination of the contributions of these two legends has made it possible to elaborate a geotouristic legend (Ghram Messedi et al., 2021) and, from this, to produce four geotouristic maps. These maps emphasise the geoheritage and geotouristic interests of Sebkhet Oum Ez-Zessar and Wadi K'hil, which fall within the perimeter of the UNESCO Dahar geopark project in Southeast Tunisia, as well as the importance of the Ferpècle glacier forefield geosite, part of which is listed in the federal inventory of alluvial areas of national importance illustrating rapid climate change, and the Sanetsch glacier-karst area listed in the inventory of Swiss geosites.

Key-words: Geomorphological mapping, Geotourism maps, Tunisia, Switzerland.

References

Ghram Messedi A., Ben Fraj T., Ben Ouezdou H., Clivaz M., Comisso C., Lambiel CH., & Reynard E., 2021: De la carte géomorphologique à la carte géotouristique : Proposition et application d’une méthode de représentation cartographique par SIG. Géomorphologie : relief, processus, environnement, vol. 27, n° 1, p. 69-87, DOI:10.4000/geomorphologie.15394

Reynard E. & Brilha J., (ed) 2018: Geoheritage: assessment, protection and management. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 450 p.
Semi-automatic channel detection based on detailed LiDAR data for preliminary flood hazard assessment
Authors: Michaleje Lukáš , Rusnák Miloš
Published: June 2022

The flood hazard is affected by several natural factors, such as impermeable soil, depressions and unsuitable land cover. Human impact is also not negligible in the river basin. We can observe inappropriate tillage accelerating erosion or storage of various materials and waste in the immediate proximity and directly in watercourses. The size of the inundation area is affected by the capacity of the watercourse and its ability to transmit a flood wave.

Our medium-term goal is to enrich the preliminary flood hazard assessment with watercourse channel properties such as flow, depth and capacity. We want to determine these parameters quickly for large areas using detailed data. The sub-goal on which this paper is focused is the detection of the watercourse channel as an area. Hence we are focused on detecting the right and left bank of the channel. We test our methodology in a selected area of Slovakia with an area of 320 km2. The input is LiDAR data with an average density of 32 points per m2 and average height accuracy of 0.05 m. From the above data, we created a digital elevation model (DEM) with a cell size of 1 m and derived layers such as slope, topographic position index, topographic wetness index, and topographic openness. Subsequently, we used these layers in the machine learning random forest (RF) tool for the supervised classification of the spatial limits of the channels represented by the banks. We adjusted the classification output from other depressions or potential misclassification based on proximity analysis and a morphometric approach. For validation, we use a manually edited layer of channel lines based on detailed orthophoto from 2017 and DEM.

Keywords: LiDAR, channel detection, channel morphology, banks, random forest

 
Effects of drainage captures in the retreat of Serra do Mar: an analyze using the combination of numerical models and cosmogenic isotopes 
Authors: Coelho Giorio do Vale Carolina , Ferreira Fernandes Nelson , Villela Mafra Alvesda Silva Renato , Maria da Silva Lúcia
Published: June 2022

Both internal and external Earth’s dynamics are constantly changing the landscapes and one of the most influent external components are the fluvial processes, altering the relief through erosion and fluvial deposition, as well as through its respective drainage network’s reorganization. The drainage basins dynamics seeks to achieve a balance between tectonic uplift and river erosion. The use of parameter Chi (χ) allows a comparison of basins in different scales, erosion and uplift rates, making it possible to determinate its steady or transient state and comprehends the dynamics de divisor migration of basins. Although the great advances have been reached in last decades, there are still many questions without answer. For the accomplishment of this study, two areas in the Serra do Mar of São Paulo and Paraná were chosen due to the presence of important river captures, which generated significant reorganizations in the drainage network. Furthermore, cosmogenic isotopes (10Be) data from existent literature in Serra do Mar of Paraná allows the estimation of the denudation rate of these basins in the long term. In this study, these rates are analyzed combined with values of Chi, verifying the influence of the captured rivers, which contribute to the understanding of landscape evolution. This study uses the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) SRTM 30m. The DEM data were treated in ArcGIS and analyzed in MATLAB, where oceanic and continental basins were selected, considering sea level as the base level. The analysis was made through functions of Topographic Analysis Kit (TAK), integrated to TopoToolBox, to generate longitudinal and elevation-Chi profiles and Chi maps plotted with knickpoints data and, for the Paraná basins, the product obtained were simultaneously analyzed with 10Be data. From the analysis of these data, was possible to notice the ocean basins are capturing the continental basins and, therefore, that these basins are in a transient state, which means that their divisor is migrating towards higher Chi values, thus, towards the interior of the continent. In Paraná basins, the retreating areas of the Serra do Mar escarpment directly related to places of high erosion rates on the oceanic slope. These results, although preliminary, attest the potential of analysis methods used, proving the influence of river captures in the disruption of the steady state between adjacent drainage basins located on the oceanic and continental slopes, as well as their influence on the differentiated retreat in the Serra do Mar escarpment.
Extreme rainfall induced landslides and landscape evolution in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state, SE-Brazil: geochronological and paleoenvironmental evidences.
Authors: Facadio Ana Carolina , Coelho Netto Ana Luiza , Macario Kita , Barth Ortrud Monika , Ishimine Karoline
Published: June 2022

Shallow planar landslides are common phenomena in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, constituting natural hazards that can result in catastrophic disasters such as the landslides in January 2011 and February 2022 in the cities of Nova Friburgo, Teresópolis and Petrópolis in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The study here presented provides geochronological evidence of the recurrence of landslides in this region during the Holocene and the paleoenvironmental conditions associated with bioclimatic changes, evidencing the influence of extreme events on the evolution of this mountainous landscape. The geochronological analysis of these past events was obtained from the survey of organic paleosols interspersed in colluvial sequences. All radiocarbon ages found in colluvial deposits were calibrated using the SHCAL 20 curve and depositional chronological models were applied using the Oxcal software (version 4.4). Two depositional models were used, considering the random (P_sequence) or uniform (U_Sequence) deposition process from the crossing of sedimentological information. The geochronological results of colluvial deposits with the presence of superimposed organic paleosols indicate a progressive evolutionary behavior, marked by episodes of landslides and correlate deposits between 8,990 ± 40 to 856 ± 46 yrs BP from base to top, with recurrence intervals on the order of a few hundred years, ranging between 300 and 600 years. The analysis of carbon isotopes (δ¹³C) information together with palynological data indicate significant vegetation transformations in the area as well as the incidence of natural fires preceding the occurrence of landslides. The detonation of landslides after the occurrence of fires and burning of vegetation still occurs today, however, with recurrence intervals that can be less than 10 years in the same area.
Earth observation from AHS (Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner) data: spectral response of landforms
Authors: García-Meléndez Eduardo , Ferrer-Julià Montserrat , Frías Gonzalo , Colmenero-Hidalgo Elena , Espin de Gea Antonio , Reyes Mónica , Carreño Francisca , Cruz Juncal A. , Bascones Arturo , Pereira Inés
Published: June 2022

Imaging spectrometry, also known as Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) or imaging spectroscopy has been established as a robust technology for remotely mapping the distribution of spectrally active materials at the surface of the Earth. The main objective of this work is the application of imaging spectroscopy techniques for the earth surface observation based on landform development related to the presence of clay minerals. The study area is located in the Cenozoic Tagus sedimentary basin in Central Spain, an area particularly interesting because of the presence of clay minerals of economic interest and with the potential to generate expansive soils. This area conforms a landscape characterized by gentle sloping terrains with an almost complete absence of outcrops, except for the staircase structural surfaces conditioned by horizontal bedding and resistance of the alternating lithologies made of gypsum, clays, limestones and dolostones, outcropping in the left margin of the Guatén stream valley extending in a N-S direction. Image processing procedures have been developed aiming to detect mineral associations related to specific landforms with hyperspectral imagery. Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) algorithm has been applied to the image data set for mineral mapping. Conventional aerial photointerpretation provides the spatial distribution of landform mapping units. GIS overlay operations crossing the mineral and landform units maps depict the relationships between clay minerals and landforms. The results allow the observation of differences in the distribution of minerals depending on the lithology and origin of each landform. Thus, while in the geomorphological units of fluvial origin montmorillonite is the clay mineral that occupies most of their surface, in the relatively steep slopes that articulate the structural surfaces, the spectral response is varies depending on the lithological types. Regarding the landforms of anthropic origin, the mining dumps show an spectral response associated with the mined ore (stenvensite, paligorskite, sepiolite). Lastly, in eluvial formations, their mineral distribution is always linked to their lithological nature.

Acknowledgements: This work has been supported by FEDER/Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation-Agencia Estatal de Investigación) research project ISGEOMIN-ESP2017-89045-R and HYPOPROCKS (PDC2021-121352-100) by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR.
On the age and extent of the Serra da Peneda glaciation, NW Portugal
Authors: Pereira Paulo , Binnie Steven , Dunai Tibor , Henriques Renato , Pereira Diamantino
Published: June 2022

Geomorphological vestiges in the mountains of NW Portugal testify a low altitude, sheltered, and precipitation-driven glaciation. These vestiges have already been characterised in several works, with emphasis on mapping and delimitation of the extent of glaciation, especially in the Serra do Gerês. In Serra da Peneda, the glacial reconstitution is not so comprehensive. Previous works have identified erosional and accumulation landforms, as well as various types of tills. However, the maximum extent of glaciation still raises some doubts and the spatial discontinuity of vestiges could suggest different episodes of glaciation. To detail the extent of the glaciation in the Serra da Peneda, an identification of glacial and periglacial landforms and deposits was performed, based on field surveys, aerial photography analysis, and LiDAR imagery processing and interpretation. Moreover, 10Be cosmogenic nuclide dating of moraine granite boulders exposure age was carried out in the Alto Vez valley, the area where the main glacial vestiges occur. Samples were collected from the uppermost erratic boulders of Senhora da Guia, at 1000 m asl., pointing to a Last Glaciation Maximum (LGM) age whereas the moraine boulders of the valley floor, at 900 m asl. indicate a Younger Dryas age. These are the first glacial dating results for this region and are in contrast to others previously published for exposure ages of glaciated surfaces in the Serra do Gerês, which raises the possibility that different Pleistocene glaciations may be represented in the mountains of NW Portugal. To reconstitute the history of glaciations in the region, similar dating in other moraines of the Peneda and Gerês mountains is in progress.
Risk assessment of earth mass movements in Lower Austria. Case study: NoeMotion Project 
Authors: Jiménez Donato Yenny Alejandra , Lima Pedro , Arango Maria , Glade Thomas
Published: June 2022

Landslides have caused significant losses in terms of lives and economic damage across the globe. Understanding their triggering factors, dynamics and potential impact is fundamental to implement more comprehensive disaster risk reduction measures to strengthen communities´ resilience. However, the lack of baseline data and impact information remains challenging. In order to improve our knowledge and to fill existing gaps between practitioners, disaster risk reduction institutions and other stakeholders, risk assessment and risk management projects can be appropriate starting points. Here, we present the results of a risk assessment analysis of three selected locations in Lower Austria.

The region of Lower Austria is particularly affected by landslides due to its complex geology and anthropogenic impact. The present research focuses on three earth mass movements with rotational characteristics in the regions of Erla, Behamberg, and Kreisbach. We developed different physical-based models to visualize different scenarios of potential runout areas and fluxes. Then, we performed an analysis of the cascading risk to estimate the potential economic damage in these regions to be able to propose adequate disaster risk reduction measures that could contribute to the region´s resilience.
Imaging spectroscopy in low relief landforms with airborne AHS images: an example in the Tagus Basin, Central Spain
Authors: García-Meléndez Eduardo , Ferrer-Julià Montserrat , Colmenero-Hidalgo Elena , Espín de Gea Antonio , Reyes Mónica , Carreño Francisca , Cruz Juncal A. , Báscones Arturo , Alcalde-Aparicio Sara , Pereira Inés
Published: June 2022

High spatial resolution data recorded by the AHS (Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner) imaging system is evaluated for mapping the mineral composition of low relief landforms. The study area is located in the Cenozoic Tagus sedimentary basin (Central Iberian Peninsula) in geological units made of clay (smectites), evaporitic (gyspsum, anhydrite) and carbonate rocks (limestones and dolostones). The study is based on the spectral response of key minerals such as calcite, gypsum and both Mg and Al-bearing clays in order to map their presence in the flat and gently sloping surfaces of the area located between the Tagus, Tajuña and Jarama rivers. Two mapping techniques were used: image band ratios to enhance diagnostic mineral absorption features and the SAM (Spectral Angle Mapper) algorithm. Both methods show a good discrimination of the above referred minerals, being the best mapped gypsum. For the validation of the results, spectroscopic field and laboratory measurements were used together with the geological map of the study area and conventional aerial photointerpretation, providing the spatial distribution of Landforms mapping units and their differentiated mineral composition grouped in three main domains.

Acknowledgements: this research is supported by FEDER/Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation-Agencia Estatal de Investigación) research project ISGEOMIN-ESP2017-89045-R and HYPOPROCKS (PDC2021-121352-100) by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR
Assessing trail surface erosion and walkability for a sustainable management of mountain trails
Authors: Hayakawa Yuichi , Watanabe Teiji , Wang Ting , Yu Meng
Published: June 2022

Trail use by people often causes soil surface erosion on trails. Quantitative assessment of such erosion and the amount of passersby use is essential for the sustainable management of mountain trails, as well as for their future contribution to people's health and well-being. We explore efficient measurement methods of the trail surface using different sensors, including terrestrial lidar (Trimbe TX5) and mobile lidar (Apple iPhone), for quantifying the amount of erosion on the trail surface. The study site is mountain trails at Mt. Yotei in western Hokkaido, Japan. The morphology of small features such as tree roots is more accurately represented with point clouds by terrestrial lidar, but it appears that mobile lidar measurements are more efficient than measurements with the terrestrial lidar. Human flow along hiking trails by GNSS-based tracking big data also shows spatial and temporal patterns of the trail use based on the number of hikers, and the frequency of trail use can be related to soil surface erosion. This case study also demonstrates the potential of low-cost lidar measurement for the quantification of trail walkability and its further applications to other mountainous areas. 
The most recent disaster related to extreme rainfall induced landslides and floods: Petropolis, Rio de janeiro state, SE-Brazil.
Authors: Coelho Netto Ana Luiza , Fernandes Manoel , Nunes Flavio , Bertassoni Guilherme , Bolsas Letícia , Facadio Ana Carolina , Mefano e Silva Isadora , De Paula Aydam , Duek Tomas , Thaumaturgo Gabriel , Moreno Luna
Published: June 2022

In the top of the Serra do Mar, at Rio de Janeiro state, the historic city of Petropolis has a long history of disasters related to extreme rainfall induced landslides and floods, which have become increasingly impactful in association with disorderly urban growth. The last critical event occurred on February 15, 2022, causing 236 deaths and major economic losses. A total number of 149 landslide scars were mapped with the support of a World View 3 satellite image from February 17th. These landslides reached a total area of 37 km2, being more concentrated in the central part of the city, especially in the neighborhoods of Alto da Serra (Morro da Oficina), Chácara Flora (Morro do Turco) and Vila Felipe. The critical rains were spatially non-uniform, varying between 100 and 260 mm, in just 3 hours (between 16:00 and 19:00 hours); the highest number of landslides occurred when rainfall exceeded 180 mm (77.2%). Taking into account the geometry of the slopes, it was observed that 52% of these landslide scars occurred on slopes of converging water flows; 37% on divergent slopes and only 17% on planar slopes. Two types of landslide mechanisms prevailed: shallow planar slides and debris flows, which increased flooding in the rivers that drain the city. These rivers were artificially narrowed throughout the city's history, since the 19th century. The forest remnants, although highly degraded, functioned as natural dams for many landslides (45%), reducing the spread of sediment to the valley bottom.
Emergency Geoarchaeology in an urban context
Authors: Gomes Hugo , Ferreira Cristiana , Ferreira Rita , Rosina Pierluigi , Lattao Virginia
Published: June 2022

Within the scope of construction work conducted within an urban context for the creation of new buildings located in Rua das Olarias in Leiria, a selection of historical and archaeological remains attributable to different time periods were found. Such findings include; Levallois chips, ovens and modern or sub-modern ceramics, and a burial zone. Due to the presence of Palaeolithic evidence, the DGPC (Direção-Geral do Património Cultural) has requested a more in-depth analysis of the sedimentary deposits.

Geomorphologically, the area of intervention is located in the zone of the Typhonic Valley associated with the diapiric structure of Leiria-Parceiros, which is in the proximity of the Doleritic outcrop, where the Castle of Leiria was constructed. Concerning the stratigraphic-sedimentary component, from what was so far observed in the intervention carried out in the 3 sections researchers were able to identify that the sedimentary deposits of the area are composed, at the base, by marly and clayey layers (probably corresponding to the formations of the Dagorda Margas, from the Mesozoic), these are apparently "in situ" and are identified in the Geological Map (23C -Leiria).

It was not possible to identify layers of Neogene however, unconsolidated deposits were observed throughout the area with sedimentological characteristics which appear to be deposits of overburdening and flattening due to actions which took place in recent times. Most of the surface area of interest corresponds to the landform surface of the anthropic formation, where the deposits are thought to result from pottery activities (there is presence of clays and ceramics).

In the area of active archaeological intervention, coarser sediments were noted, but the more clastic deposits do not appear to have associated structures. So far it has not been possible to confirm the presence of a geological level to which the origin of the prehistoric archaeological material could be attributed.

Thus, the sampling program (sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental) will be oriented towards the recognition of possible natural Pleistocene layers (alluvial and fluvial deposits), the distinction between these, Mesozoic layers and layers of anthropic deposits. The methodology of sediment collection for geoarchaeological and palaeoclimatic purposes (in particular for sedimentological and palynological analyses) will follow established scientific procedures.  These analyses and further information about the terrain will only be possible with the help of sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental studies.
An Anthropocene, human-driven geomorphic change not determined by climate?
Authors: Remondo Juan , Cendrero Antonio , Forte Luis M. , Beylich Achim A. , Cienciala Piotr
Published: June 2022

A discussion about the possible cause-effect links between some socioeconomic drivers and changes in geomorphic processes is presented. Different types of physical impacts, including geomorphic effects on land subsidence, denudation or frequency of geomorphic-related disasters, show global spatial distributions very similar to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) density, an indicator of the intensity of human pressure on the environment. The intensity of the indicated impacts has increased in recent times, particularly after mid-twentieth century.

            Data and estimates are presented showing that direct plus indirect “human erosion” is currently 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than purely natural one, and growing. Whereas GDP, as an indicator of per capita potential to modify the environment, has tripled in just over half a century, per capita human transfer of earth materials has increased tenfold. The frequency of disasters related to geomorphic processes has also been amplified about tenfold in less than a century. This increase is much greater than the one of other types of “natural” disasters.

            The changes observed in geomorphic processes appear to respond to land surface modification, to a great extent linked to urban and infrastructure development. The growing intensity of these stressors appears to have a global impact at least as great as that of climate, on the geomorphic changes described which seem to be one of the characteristics of the Anthropocene.
An assessment of geomorphic change and its effects on denudation and landscape evolution
Authors: Remondo Juan , Cendrero Antonio , Forte Luis M. , Beylich Achim A. , Cienciala Piotr
Published: June 2022

An analysis and assessment of the effects of human activity on geomorphic processes related to denudation/sedimentation and landscape change, is presented. The analysis focuses on changes occurred during the last couple of centuries and is based on a variety of case studies from different regions as well as global assessments. Data compiled show that certain geomorphic processes are experiencing an important acceleration, in particular since the 1950’s. The acceleration seems to have a global character and suggests a “global geomorphic change” is taking place, largely due to anthropogenic landscape changes.

            Denudation directly caused through activities involving excavation, transport and accumulation of geological materials has increased by a factor of 30 between 1950 and 2015. Direct plus indirectly human-induced denudation (triggered by land surface alteration) is presently at least one order of magnitude greater than denudation due to purely natural processes. A general increase of sedimentation rates seems to have taken place since the end of the 19th century, and more intensely after the mid-20th century. This appears to respond mainly to land surface changes, in conjunction with climate change.

            Slope movements, which represent an important contribution to denudation, sediment generation and landscape evolution, show a clear intensification, in particular after mid-twentieth century. Frequency of disasters related to such movements (an indirect measure of process frequency) in specific regions, as well as continent and global levels, has grown considerably and the general increasing trend observed is not satisfactorily explained by climate change. It rather appears to reflect increasing landscape (land use and land cover) changes. A similar increase in the frequency of flood-related disasters has been recorded.

            The results obtained suggest that the extensive landscape changes described, related to the intensification of human activities affecting land surface, represent a geomorphic change of a global extent. This change shows an acceleration coinciding with the “great acceleration” proposed as one of the manifestations of the Anthropocene.
Drivers in the geo-environmental evolution of Northern Iberian watersheds during the Anthoropocene
Authors: Cruz Hernández Pablo , Remondo Juan , Morrelón Mario , Bonachea Jaime , Cendrero Antonio , Barreda Jose Antonio , Rivas María , Villasante-Marcos Victor , Cavallotto José Luis , Forte Luis María , Gómez-Arozamena José , Leira Antón Manoel , Sierra-Fernández Carlos
Published: June 2022

This contribution is focused on the reconstruction of the geo-environmental evolution during the Anthropocene. The research initiative, within the framework of the GECANT project, aims at understanding how recent natural and anthropic changes have affected the geomorphological dynamics of Cantabrian watersheds (Northern Spain), which have experienced an intense human activity during the last centuries. For this purpose, a multi-file and multi-site approach has been used by integrating data from distinctive lakes and estuaries of a large range of environmental conditions comprising the whole Cantabrian region. A multidisciplinary strategy, including geomorphological analyses, instrumental climate records, limnological studies, and multi-proxy analysis of sediment cores (geochemistry, geochronology and palaeoecology), as well as socioeconomic data, has been used in order to disentangle the natural and human drivers and causes of environmental changes. The data obtained so far indicate an increase in sedimentation rates in lakes and estuaries since the middle of the 20th century. Conceivably, this research will lead to the improvement of our understanding of the synergistic effects of natural and human drivers at the basin scale whilst promoting an enhanced design of global change mitigation and adaptation policies.
Marine oscillatory movements during the Late Holocene in the lower course of the Piranhas-Açu River, Rio Grande do Norte – Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Aderaldo Pedro Ítalo , Perez Filho Archimedes
Published: June 2022

In Brazil, discussions about oscillation events of the mean sea level after the Holocene climatic optimum period, which corresponds to the end of the MIS1 transgressive maximum (RAILSBACK, 2015), demonstrate predominantly divergent conclusions. This may be motivated by the complexity in understanding coastal landscapes along an extensive coastline with distinct evolutionary dynamics. One of the geomorphological evidences produced as a result of eustatic processes are marine terraces, which behave as good geoindicators. These are characterized as sandy deposits, represented by old lines of beaches, formed after a sea level rise, in regressive episodes. The objective of this work is to analyze marine terraces, formed during the Meghalayan (Upper Holocene – 4.250 years BP) located in the lower course of the Piranhas-Açu River, Rio Grande do Norte – Brazil. Through dating obtained by Optically Stimulated Luminescence - OSL, applied to their surficial covers. We chose to perform OSL dating only on the surficial parts of the deposits, as they can provide information over the last period in which the sea was present, depositing sediments at that location. The identification of 4 marine terraces levels demonstrates the occurrence of 4 depositional and regressive moments of the sea, identified in the surficial covers present in level I, aged 3.475 ± 210 years BP, level II, aged between 2.585 ± 165 years BP and 2.245 ± 260 years BP, level III, aged 1.710 ± 110 years BP, and level IV, aged 365 ± 40 years BP and 290 ± 50 years BP. We also verified in this research that short-term climatic events behaved as the main drivers of changes related to marine transgressions and regressions, consequently influencing the genesis of the contextualized terraces.
Using GIS in geomorphometric research: examples from north and central regions of Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Rui , Dimuccio Luca
Published: June 2022

Geomorphometry is a research field focused on surface quantitative analysis and modelling. Due to its characteristics, it is an inherently multidisciplinary area of expertise, incorporating techniques and technology from multiple domains (e.g., geosciences, computer science, mathematics and data science). It is worth to note that the concept of surface is used here in a broad sense so, beside topography, geomorphometry can also be of interesting for study land cover change, soil formation, watershed dynamics, erosion, tectonic uplifts, landform evolution, etc. The use of modern geographic information technologies and the dissemination of digital data were major steps in the evolution of geomorphometry, allowing to go beyond the limited approach associated with quantitative geomorphology. In this work, 3 major objectives where establish: 1) assess the use of LiDAR data to build digital elevation models (DEM); 2) assess the accuracy of topographic surfaces from multiscale DEMs; 3) calculate morphometric parameters to support terrain object identification. The achievement of these objectives is based on the presentation of several examples and applications from selected key-areas in the central region of Portugal, as well as from the Côa Valley region (northeast of Portugal) in the framework of CLIMATE@COA project (COA/CAC/0031/2019).
Involvement of geomorphological factors on the occurrence of mass movements along the Southern Escarpment of the Bamileke Plateau (West-Cameroon)
Authors: Ndonbou Raoul Merlin , Nkouathio David Guimolaire , Zangmo Tefogoum Ghislain , Guedjeo Christian Suh , Tematio Paul
Published: June 2022

Mass movements are phenomena which, due to their random nature, generate very significant risks, affecting the human heritage. The Southern Escarpment of the Bamileke Plateau (ESPB) is a region with a rugged relief. This relief, associated with climatic bad weather, is the seat of numerous instabilities linked to mass movements. This study aims to establish a relationship between geomorphological factors and mass movements along the Southern Escarpment of the Bamileke Plateau. The methodological approach used in this work is based on the inventory of mass movements from field campaigns and the exploitation of satellite images as well as the mapping of geomorphological factors. The geomorphological map, the slope map and the slope direction map are the factor maps that were used to assess the occurrence and susceptibility to mass movements in the region. Based on the field observations and satellite images, a spatial distribution map of mass movement was obtained. This map reveals that landslides are the most significant mass movement in the study area with a representativeness rate of 90% compared to subsidence and rock falls which represent respectively 5% of recorded mass movements.  The steepest slopes are the areas with the highest concentration of landslides in the region. The susceptibility map obtained from the geomorphological factor maps reveals that 16.95% represent low probability areas, 43.39% represent moderate probability areas, 29.77% represent high probability areas and 9.89% represent very high probability areas. The superimposition of the susceptibility map on the spatial distribution map of mass movements allows the relevance of this susceptibility map to be validated and assessed. The information obtained on the regional geomorphology clearly explains the special distribution of recorded mass movements, especially landslides.
Possible origin and evolution of the crescent-shaped karst in Baling, Kedah, West Malaysia
Authors: Muhammad Ros Fatihah , Zaidi Muhammad Akif Akwa , Daud Muhammad Fahmi Mat , Ngasri Muhammad Afiq Hafifi , Fatt Ng Tham
Published: June 2022

Gunung Pulai and Gunung Baling (~500m a.s.l.) form the southern end of a crescent shaped ridge to the north of the town of Baling, in Kedah. This landscape is the result of karstification of the coarse sparry marble of the Baling Group, and an example of tropical karst remnant towers (karstinselberge) which are common in Peninsular Malaysia in areas with much thicker limestone. Together with the neighboring hill to the northwest, the limestone complex is possibly the remnant of a doline (a circular feature with a depression in the middle), with a diameter of about 4km. The crescent topography is formed possibly by collapse of more than half of its northwestern limb. Baling Formation comprises a variety of argillaceous, calcareous and arenaceous strata in which argillaceous beds are predominant. The Lower Silurian limestone occurs as bands, lenses or compounds of lenses measuring from a few mm to 1.6km, with the nearest distinct karst outcrop is about 10km away to the southeast. The Baling karst is the most distinct karst landscape in this area and exhibits a typical tropical karst tower despite its relatively thin strata. It hosts at least 21 caves, which are part of a system of channels and conduits draining rainwater from the ridge into Sungai Ketil. Using GIS, geomorphological analysis is carried out in an attempt to describe the landscape and its possible origin and evolution.

Glossary; gunung:mountain, sungai:river
Aeolian accumulations in Tombua region (SW Angola). Structural control on sand composition and dune morphology
Authors: Barros João , Dinis Pedro , Callapez Pedro
Published: June 2022

Tombua is a small fishing village located in SW Angola that was founded during the former colonial period, when it was called Porto Alexandre. Regional climatic conditions are typical of desertic environments, with less than 20 mm of annual precipitation. Low rainfall and persistent southerly winds promoted the advance of aeolian accumulations and the formation of the Moçamedes dune field. This dune field widens to the north until it meets the first major river valley, the Curoca, less than 10 km to the north of Tombua. Hence, coastal landscape is markedly different on the two banks in the vestibular position of this river. Because of aridity and, specially, aeolian processes, Tombua is the southernmost location with paved roads along the coast of Angola, but great human effort has been required to limit the advance of wind sands.

Two sectors with different dune features, bounded by a broadly strait line striking NNW-SSE from the eastern limit of Tombua village southward for about 25 km, can be distinguished in the region. To the east prevail barchan dunes that frequently display a clear pink hue imposed by garnet enrichment. Individual dunes can reach 7 m in height and approximately 50 m in length (along wind direction). To the west occur transverse and parabolic dunes dominated by quartz with secondary amounts of feldspar and substantially less heavy mineral contents. Individual transverse dunes lie on previous sand accumulations, and usually do not reach more than 50 m high. Parabolic dunes, which prevail near the coastline, are usually smaller (~30 m high).

Barchan dunes of the eastern sector lie on a southward tilted surface, rising in elevation from the sea level to approximately 45 meters at the latitude of Tombua. On this platform, with relative sand scarcity, wind deflation is responsible for the preferential removal of more voluminous and lower density particles (such as quartz), leaving behind a residue enriched in heavy minerals. This process culminates with the generation of granatiferous placers, recognized for some decades in the Province of Namibe.
Detrital zircon U-Pb ages from geomorphology surfaces in the middle reaches of Yellow River
Authors: Li Menghao , Hu Zhenbo , Pan Baotian
Published: June 2022

The Yellow River is one of the rivers in the world with the largest sediment runoff, with the middle reaches of the Yellow River being an important link between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the North China Plain, and even the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea for material transport. Understanding the material transport pattern of this section of the Yellow River is crucial to solving the problems of sediment accumulation in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, which is prone to breakouts and diversions. Detrital zircon U-Pb spectrum is widely used as an important provenance tracer in the river sediments of the world. Previous studies of coarser sediments (>40um) in the modern riverbed of the middle and upper Yellow River suggest that the modern Yellow River can barely transport material from upstream to downstream. This study extends the range to >20um grains and uses sediment source tracing on the geomorphic surface combined with chronology to reveal the formation process and material transport pattern of the Yellow River from the Jinshaan Gorge to the Sanmen Gorge section.

The study shows that the main source of material in the Jinshaan Gorge section of the Yellow River has been from the surrounding mountains and the bedrock within the gorge since its formation. Since the Holocene, increased surface erosion within the Chinese Loess Plateau and headward erosion by local rivers have brought material from the western part of the Chinese Loess Plateau. In the Sanmen Gorge section, the discrepancy between the ancient eastward-flowing rivers and the modern Yellow River material source reveals the formation of a pattern in which headward erosion of local rivers cut through Sanmen Gorge and led to the eastward flow of the Yellow River into the sea.
Long-term trajectory of an embankment fluvial system – the Loire River (France)
Authors: Gautier Emmanuèle , Virmoux Clément , Hureau Charlie , Saulnier-Copard Ségolène , Douillard Tristan
Published: June 2022

The new French regulation concerning the management of flood zones makes it possible to lower dikes that protect less than 30 inhabitants. Many dykes in rural areas fall into this category and can therefore be removed or lowered. In this context, we studied a long rural dyke (7 km) in the Loire valley (France). The dyke has created a “triple fluvial bed”, composed by a floodplain protected from frequent floods, a currently active bed and between the two parts, a floodplain occupied by a riparian forest - the active bed and the proximal floodplain being protected (Natura 2000). The objectives of this work are therefore i) to analyze the long-term trajectory of the embankment system in order to understand evaluate the potential effectiveness of the dyke removal; ii) the precise study of the alluvial forest aims to build a modelling of the future evolution. We developed a pluri-disciplinary approach combining history, earth science (geomorphology, sedimentology, geophysics and hydrology) and biology (study of the alluvial forest mainly by dendrology).

The historical study based on archival maps shows that the dike was built in several stages from the mid-18th century to the 1810s. The dyke has led to a fluvial metamorphosis marked by a strong reduction of the sinuosity and fluvial bed simplification. The river channel narrowed by two thirds. The alluvial vegetation progression not only reflects the fluvial form evolution, but also economic practices. On the one hand, pioneer vegetation growth was delayed by the agro-pastoral practices that ended at in the 1970’s. On the other hand, the dyke and the proximal floodplain were planted with hay and fruit trees, in order to protect the engineering work from erosion. Thus, different generations of fluvial forms are identified.

The precise study of the vegetation distribution allows to precisely determine the readjustment of the bed and the environmental drivers. The dendrochonologic analyses of the alluvial trees (hardwood and softwood forest) are good proxies to identify controlling factors at an annual time scale: hydrology (mainly frequency/duration of floods and of low water levels), climate and fluvial form evolution. The approach reveals a recent change (at the beginning of the 1990’s) that is mainly induced by the fluvial bed entrenchment and by the increasing duration of low water level. Finally, the study suggests that the dyke removal will not drastically modify the biogeomorphologic dynamics.