This paper presents a standardised workflow for conducting hazard assessments of mass wasting processes in remote mountain areas with limited data.The methodology integrates geomorphological mapping and remote sensing...This paper presents a standardised workflow for conducting hazard assessments of mass wasting processes in remote mountain areas with limited data.The methodology integrates geomorphological mapping and remote sensing techniques and is adaptable to different national standards,thus ensuring its applicability in a variety of contexts.The principal objective is to guarantee the safety of mountainous regions,particularly in the vicinity of essential infrastructure,where the scope for implementing structural measures is restricted.The framework commences with comprehensive geomorphological mapping,which facilitates the identification of past hazardous processes and potential future hazards.New technologies,such as uncrewed aerial vehicles(UAVs),are employed to create high-resolution DEMs,which are particularly beneficial in regions with limited data availability.These models facilitate the assessment of potential hazards and inform decisions regarding protective measures.The utilisation of UAVs enhances the accuracy and efficiency of data collection,particularly in remote mountainous regions where alternative remotely sensed information may be unavailable.The integration of modern approaches into traditional hazard assessment methods allows for a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution of factors driving mass wasting processes.This workflow provides valuable insights that assist in the prioritisation of interventions and the optimisation of risk reduction in high mountainous areas.展开更多
Geomorphological features are commonly used to identify potential landslides.Nevertheless,overemphasis on these features could lead to misjudgment.This research proposes a process-oriented approach for potential lands...Geomorphological features are commonly used to identify potential landslides.Nevertheless,overemphasis on these features could lead to misjudgment.This research proposes a process-oriented approach for potential landslide identification that considers time-dependent behaviors.The method integrates comprehensive remote sensing and geological analysis to qualitatively assess slope stability,and employs numerical analysis to quantitatively calculate aging stability.Specifically,a time-dependent stability calculation method for anticlinal slopes is developed and implemented in discrete element software,incorporating time-dependent mechanical and strength reduction calculations.By considering the time-dependent evolution of slopes,this method highlights the importance of both geomorphological features and time-dependent behaviors in landslide identification.This method has been applied to the Jiarishan slope(JRS)on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as a case study.The results show that the JRS,despite having landslide geomorphology,is a stable slope,highlighting the risk of misjudgment when relying solely on geomorphological features.This work provides insights into the geomorphological characterization and evolution history of the JRS and offers valuable guidance for studying slopes with similar landslide geomorphology.Furthermore,the process-oriented method incorporating timedependent evolution provides a means to evaluate potential landslides,reducing misjudgment due to excessive reliance on geomorphological features.展开更多
The Longchuan River basin lies within the China Sichuan-Yunnan rhomboid block.The NS-trending Yuanmou-Lvzhi River Fault(YLF),NW-trending Chuxiong-Nanhua Fault(CNF)and Shiyang-Huoshaotun Fault(HSF)are found within the ...The Longchuan River basin lies within the China Sichuan-Yunnan rhomboid block.The NS-trending Yuanmou-Lvzhi River Fault(YLF),NW-trending Chuxiong-Nanhua Fault(CNF)and Shiyang-Huoshaotun Fault(HSF)are found within the basin.The nature of the faults is complex,and the tectonic activity distribution characteristics require further clarification.By extraction from a digital elevation model,the measured longitudinal profile and the geomorphic indices of the Longchuan River,basin showed a stream-length gradient index(SL)of 49–650,hypsometric integral(HI)of 0.27–0.58,drainage basin asymmetry factor(AF)of 3.29–27.47,basin shape index(BS)of 0.87–2.75,valley floor width-to-height ratio(VF)of 0.06–5.40,and evaluation of relative tectonic activity(Iat)of 1.6–2.6.Results showed that river morphology and geomorphological indices in the Longchuan River basin were influenced by tectonic activity,bedrock lithology,climatic conditions,and development time,with tectonic activity playing a dominant role.The relative tectonic activity of the Longchuan River basin was zoned,with a gradual increase in relative tectonic activity from the south to the north.That the slip fault zone primarily controls the tectonic deformation of the Longchuan River basin in central Yunnan and the dynamics of the central Yunnan massif are consistent with the“rigid block lateral extrusion”1model.展开更多
The Arun and Tista Rivers,which flow across the Himalayas,are commonly known as antecedent valleys that overcame the rapid uplift of the Higher Himalayan ranges.To clarify whether the idea of antecedent rivers is acce...The Arun and Tista Rivers,which flow across the Himalayas,are commonly known as antecedent valleys that overcame the rapid uplift of the Higher Himalayan ranges.To clarify whether the idea of antecedent rivers is acceptable,we investigated the geomorphology of the Himalayas between eastern Nepal and Bhutan Himalayas.The southern part of Tibetan Plateau,extending across the Himalayas as tectonically un-deformed glaciated terrain named as'Tibetan Corridor,'does not suggest the regional uplift of the Higher Himalayas.The 8,000-m class mountains of Everest,Makalu,and Kanchenjunga are isolated residual peaks on the glaciated terrain composed of mountain peaks of 4,000–6,000 m high.The Tibetan glaciers commonly beheaded by Himalayan glaciers along the great watershed of the Himalayas suggest the expansion of Himalayan river drainage by glaciation.For the narrow upstream regions of the Arun and Tista Rivers with less precipitation behind the range,it is hard to collect enough water for the power of down-cutting their channels against the uplifting Himalayas.The fission track ages of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Nappe suggest that the Himalayas attained their present altitude by 11–10 Ma,and the Arun and Tista Rivers formed deep gorges across the Himalayas by headward erosion.展开更多
Landform mapping is the initial step of many geomorphological analyses(e.g.assessment of natural hazards and natural resources)and requires vast resources to be applied to wide areas at high-resolution.Among geomorpho...Landform mapping is the initial step of many geomorphological analyses(e.g.assessment of natural hazards and natural resources)and requires vast resources to be applied to wide areas at high-resolution.Among geomorphological objects,we focus on glacial moraine mapping,since it is a task relevant to many fields(e.g.paleoclimate and glacial geomorphology).Here we proposed to exploit the potential of Deep Learning-based approaches to map moraine landforms by exploiting multi-source remote sensing imagery.To this end,we propose the first Deep Learning model to map glacial moraines,namely MorNet.As multi-source remote sensing information,we combine together three different sources:Topographic(Pleiades-derived DSM),Multispectral(Sentinel-2),and SAR(Sentinel-1)data.To cope with such heterogeneous information,the proposed model has a dedicated branch for each input source and,a late fusion mechanism is leveraged to combine them with the aim to provide the final mapping.The performance of the MorNet model is evaluated on several glacier valleys in China in the Himalayan range.This area contains minimally eroded moraines,so they are well-defined and of varied morphology.The behavior of the proposed method is compared to models using individual mono-source models in order to highlight the benefit to simultaneously leverage multi-source information.The use of multi-source data allows MorNet to exploit the complementarity of the three input sources and improve its performance from an f1-score of about 41.6 using a single source to 52.8 using three sources.MorNet provides a first-order moraine map through its ability to identify well-defined moraines.Consequently,MorNet can identify areas likely to contain moraines and intends to be used as a tool by experts to facilitate and support large-scale mapping.展开更多
Geomorphological regionalization(geomor-region)and geomorphological type(geomor-type)classification are two core components in the geomorphologic research.Although remarkable achievements have been made in the study o...Geomorphological regionalization(geomor-region)and geomorphological type(geomor-type)classification are two core components in the geomorphologic research.Although remarkable achievements have been made in the study of geomor-region,many deficiencies still exist,such as the inconsistency of landform indicators,the small quantity of division orders,disparities of geomorphological characteristics,differences of mapping results,and the small scale of zoning maps.Requirements for improved national geomor-regions are therefore needed for the purpose of an enhanced national geo-information system.Based on theories of geomor-region in China including plate tectonics,crustal features,endogenic and exogenic forced geomorphological features,and regional differentiations of geomor-type,a three-order(major-region,sub-region,and small-region)research program on China’s geomor-regions is proposed on the basis of previous 2013 geomor-region system.The major contents of the new geomor-region scheme are:(1)principles of the national multi-order geomor-regions;(2)hierarchical indicator systems of geomor-regions including characteristics of the terrain ladder under the control of tectonic setting,combinations of regional macro-form types,combinations of endogenic and exogenic forces and basic types of morphology,combinations of regional morphological types,and combinations of regional micro-morphological types;(3)naming rules and coding methods of geomor-regions;and(4)precise positioning techniques and methods of multi-order geomor-region divisions based on multi-source data.Using the new geomor-region theory and division methodology,the partition of national three-order geomor-regions of China was successfully constructed.The geomor-region system divided China into six first-order major-regions,36 second-order sub-regions,and 136 third-order small-regions.In addition,a database and management information system of the national geomor-regions were established.This research has an important guiding significance for promoting the development of China’s regional geomorphology and for practical applications based on geomor-regions.展开更多
Deep-seated catastrophic landslides,particularly rock or debris avalanches,travel extremely rapidly for long distances,causing severe damage over wide areas.This paper summarizes the geological and geomorphological fe...Deep-seated catastrophic landslides,particularly rock or debris avalanches,travel extremely rapidly for long distances,causing severe damage over wide areas.This paper summarizes the geological and geomorphological features of such events,which were induced by earthquakes and rainstorms in Asia,and then uses these features to predict future potential sites of failures.Most of the rock avalanches are preceded by gravitational slope deformation with topographic features,in which small scarps along future head of landslide are the most representative;the scarps can be identified in topographic images made by highresolution airborne LiDAR DEMs and may suggest the instability just before catastrophic failure.展开更多
Eight representative beach profiles on the eastern coast of the Shandong Peninsula are observed and measured in 2011 and 2012 to determine the coastal processes under the lower tropical wind speed condition and the be...Eight representative beach profiles on the eastern coast of the Shandong Peninsula are observed and measured in 2011 and 2012 to determine the coastal processes under the lower tropical wind speed condition and the beach response to and recovery from the tropical storm Meari in a rare typhoon region. The results show that it is the enhancement and directional change of cross-shore and longshore sediment transports caused by Meari that leads to the beach morphological changes, and most of the sediment transports occur during the pre-Meari landing phase. The erosional scarp formation and the berm or beach face erosion are the main geomorphological responses of the beaches to the storm. The storm characteristics are more important than the beach shapes in the storm response process of the beaches on Shandong Peninsula. The typhoon is a fortuitous strong dynamic event, and the effect on the dissipative beach is more obvious than it is on the reflective beach in the study region. Furthermore, the beach trend is the main factor that controlls the storm effect intensity, and it is also closely related to the recovery of the beach profiles.展开更多
The geomorphological environment is one of the most fundamental variables affecting the development of human society. The mission of geomorphological environment research is to explore the most basic environment and f...The geomorphological environment is one of the most fundamental variables affecting the development of human society. The mission of geomorphological environment research is to explore the most basic environment and features of our Earth＇s surface morphology. The results can be applied to resource evaluation, environmental protection and reducing and preventing geological disasters. Thus, it can serve to help achieve sustainable development. This paper examines the Shenzhen east coastal zone as a case strongly influenced by urban expansion. We use modern geomorphological theory and methods, along with GIS and RS techniques, to reveal key characteristics of the geomorphological environment and landform classification. Furthermore, coastal ecosystem evaluation and regional resources sustainable utilization should be considered relative to the corresponding geomorphological environment. Based on this study, we conclude that modern geomorphological theory and methods, supported by ＂3S＂ techniques including GIS, RS and GPS, can play an important role in resolving the environment, resources and population problems as well as sustainable development challenges facing humankind at present.展开更多
The Philippine Sea is the largest marginal sea in the Western Pacific Ocean and is divided into two parts by the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR).The western part is the West Philippine Basin,and the eastern part consists of t...The Philippine Sea is the largest marginal sea in the Western Pacific Ocean and is divided into two parts by the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR).The western part is the West Philippine Basin,and the eastern part consists of the Shikoku and Parece Vela basins.Based on surveyed data of massive high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data and sub-bottom profiles data collected from the southern section of the KPR from 2018 to 2021,this paper analyzes the topographic and geomorphological features,shallow sedimentary features,and tectonic genesis of the southern section of the KPR,obtaining the following conclusions.The southern section of the KPR has complex and rugged topography,with positive and negative topography alternatingly distributed and a maximum height difference of 4086 m.The slope of seamounts in this section generally exceeds 10°and is up to a maximum of 59°.All these contribute noticeably discontinuous topography.There are primarily nine geomorphological types in the southern section of the KPR,including seamounts,ridges,and intermontane valleys,etc.Among them,seven independent seamount groups are divided by five large troughs,forming an overall geomorphological pattern of seven abyssal seamount groups and five troughs.This reflects the geomorphological features of a deep oceanic ridge.Intramontane basins and intermontane valleys in the southern section of the KPR are covered by evenly thick sediments.In contrast,sediments in ridges and seamounts in this section are thin or even missing,with slumps developing locally.Therefore,the sediments are discontinuous and unevenly developed.The KPR formed under the control of tectonism such as volcanic activities and plate movements.In addition,exogenic forces such as underflow scouring and sedimentation also play a certain role in shaping seafloor landforms in the KPR.展开更多
Soil thickness,intended as depth to bedrock,is a key input parameter for many environmental models.Nevertheless,it is often difficult to obtain a reliable spatially exhaustive soil thickness map in widearea applicatio...Soil thickness,intended as depth to bedrock,is a key input parameter for many environmental models.Nevertheless,it is often difficult to obtain a reliable spatially exhaustive soil thickness map in widearea applications,and existing prediction models have been extensively applied only to test sites with shallow soil depths.This study addresses this limitation by showing the results of an application to a section of Wanzhou County(Three Gorges Reservoir Area,China),where soil thickness varies from 0 to40 m.Two different approaches were used to derive soil thickness maps:a modified version of the geomorphologically indexed soil thickness(GIST)model,purposely customized to better account for the peculiar setting of the test site,and a regression performed with a machine learning algorithm,i.e.,the random forest,combined with the geomorphological parameters of GIST(GIST-RF).Additionally,the errors of the two models were quantified,and validation with geophysical data was carried out.The results showed that the GIST model could not fully contend with the high spatial variability of soil thickness in the study area:the mean absolute error was 10.68 m with the root-mean-square error(RMSE)of 12.61 m,and the frequency distribution residuals showed a tendency toward underestimation.In contrast,GIST-RF returned a better performance with the mean absolute error of 3.52 m and RMSE of 4.56 m.The derived soil thickness map could be considered a critical fundamental input parameter for further analyses.展开更多
Digital elevation model （DEM） can be generated by interferometric synthetic aperture radar （InSAR）. In this paper, the interferometric processing and analyses are carried out for Damxung-Yangbajain area in Tibet, ...Digital elevation model （DEM） can be generated by interferometric synthetic aperture radar （InSAR）. In this paper, the interferometric processing and analyses are carried out for Damxung-Yangbajain area in Tibet, using a pair of Europe remote-sensing satellite （ERS）-1/2 tandem SAR images acquired on 6 and 7 April 1996. A portion of the In- SAR-derived DEM is selected and compared with the 1：50 000 DEM to determine the precision of the InSAR-derived DEM. The comparison indicates that the root mean squared errors （RMSE）, which are used to evaluate error, are about 35, 60, 10, and 15 m in the studied area, mountainous area, basin area and near-fault area, respectively, suggesting that obvious errors are mainly in mountainous area. Besides, the limitation of InSAR technology to generate DEM is analyzed. Our investigation shows that InSAR is an effective tool in geodesy and an important complement to field surveying in some dangerous areas.展开更多
Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism ...Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources(i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports(Geomorphological Boxes)realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend(ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis(identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley(Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites(ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In thisframework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices.展开更多
This study considers the restoration of the plant cover destroyed by a catastrophic volcano eruption in the south of Kamchatka Peninsula(the Ksudach caldera,Shtyubel cone),with a particular attention to the role of wo...This study considers the restoration of the plant cover destroyed by a catastrophic volcano eruption in the south of Kamchatka Peninsula(the Ksudach caldera,Shtyubel cone),with a particular attention to the role of woody plants.It aims to qualitatively estimate(at a qualitative level)the rate of the primary succession development depending on the microrelief and the modern relief-forming processes.The vegetation recovery in the caldera after the Shtyubel cone eruption 109 years ago proceeds slowly and irregularly.It proceeds most slowly on a thick tephra mantle continuously disturbed by water and wind erosion,lahars,debris flows,landslides,etc.Such conditions are most typical of the western part of the caldera dominated by pumice fields with occasional patches of pioneer herbs and dwarf shrubs.Alpine tundra communities with gradually expanding patches of shrub alder develop in the southern,eastern and northeastern parts of the Ksudach caldera.Since 1997 the area of the shrub alder communities has increased by 1.9 times,while the alpine tundra–by 1.3 times only.The woody plants(dwarf shrubs and prostrate shrubs)are of particular importance in the process of the vegetation recovery on pumice fields.We suggest that the bark thickness of woody plants is an integrated indicator,which may serve for estimating the state of ecosystem in the course of the primary succession development on juvenile sediments.The extremely inhospitable environments cause changes in physiological processes in the plant body and in its bark in particular.The results show that woody plants have a"thin"bark and develop some structural-functional arrangements for keeping bark tissues at their minimum.So,the woody plant structure and the rate of changes in plant communities are under control of the geomorphic conditions and primarily–of physicochemical features of the pyroclastic cover.展开更多
Stream morphology is an important indicator for revealing the geomorphological features and evolution of the Yangtze River.Existing studies on the morphology of the Yangtze River focus on planar features.However,the v...Stream morphology is an important indicator for revealing the geomorphological features and evolution of the Yangtze River.Existing studies on the morphology of the Yangtze River focus on planar features.However,the vertical features are also important.Vertical features mainly control the flow ability and erosion intensity.Furthermore,traditional studies often focus on a few stream profiles in the Yangtze River.However,stream profiles are linked together by runoff nodes,thus affecting the geomorphological evolution of the Yangtze River naturally.In this study,a clustering method of stream profiles in the Yangtze River is proposed by plotting all profiles together.Then,a stream evolution index is used to investigate the geomorphological features of the stream profile clusters to reveal the evolution of the Yangtze River.Based on the stream profile clusters,the erosion base of the Yangtze River generally changes from steep to gentle from the upper reaches to the lower reaches,and the evolution degree of the stream changes from low to high.The asymmetric distribution of knickpoints in the Hanshui River Basin supports the view that the boundary of the eastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau has reached the vicinity of the Daba Mountains.展开更多
The eastern and western fronts of plate movement in Taiwan Island and Tibetan Plateau respectively are the two major sources of tectonic force for the morphogensis during Quaternary in China's tropics. Seven examp...The eastern and western fronts of plate movement in Taiwan Island and Tibetan Plateau respectively are the two major sources of tectonic force for the morphogensis during Quaternary in China's tropics. Seven examples of geomorphological effects of plate movement are enumerated to discuss the differentiation of tectonic landforms in space and time during Quaternary. The tectonic movement tends to be more active since middle Pleistocene. Some phenomena such as the arc-shape mountain systems, volcanism and crustal deformation imply that the juncture zone of eastern and western tectonic forces is located at about 110 o E.展开更多
Natural and unnatural factors would develop coastal areas. Coastal area is a region that takes materials and substances from land surface then transfers them to sea and the remained and cumulative substances of them w...Natural and unnatural factors would develop coastal areas. Coastal area is a region that takes materials and substances from land surface then transfers them to sea and the remained and cumulative substances of them would deform under the effect of erosion forming the coasts appearance. Geomorphology is the study of land and process leading to formation and development of it. Coastal geomorphology emphasizes on formation of coastal areas and some processes such as waves, tides, and stream leading to formation of boulders, coral reefs and sandy beaches. The base of this study is on analytical comparison method of affecting variables on periodic change of shoreline in river estuary in which statistical and image data were analyzed. This research was conducted within three time intervals including 1955-1988, 2000-2006, and 2006-2013. Wind hourly data of Meteorological Organization of Iran was used to study waves. The fluctuation in level of Caspian Sea is an important factor in changes in shoreline of Caspian Sea besides the role of river and providing sediment output into the sea. The most area was belonged to 1995 along with declining trend of seal level of Caspian Sea and the lowest area was belonged to 2000 with a rising trend of sea level within three studied intervals. This point indicates the effect of seal level factor on change in area of studied intervals.展开更多
Identifying the provenance of aeolian sediments in the Hunshandake Sandy Land is of great importance for understanding the formation of the dune fields in the mid-latitudes and for deciphering information about desert...Identifying the provenance of aeolian sediments in the Hunshandake Sandy Land is of great importance for understanding the formation of the dune fields in the mid-latitudes and for deciphering information about desert＇s responses to global change. By determining the major and trace elements concentrations of aeolian sands in three grain size fractions from the central and western parts of the Hunshandake Sandy Land, we systematically study the provenance and the depositional history of aeolian sands in this desert environment. Our results show that aeolian sands from the Hunshandake Sandy Land are enriched in SiO2 and are depleted in many other elements compared to those of the Upper Continent Crust （UCC）. Variations of the immobile elements ratios like Zr/Hf, La/Yb, Th/Nb, La/Nb, LaN/YbN, GdN/YbN are relatively large in the coarse and medium fractions but minor in the fine fractions. Eu anomalies are quite different in the coarse fractions, but mostly positive in the medium fractions and all negative in the fine fractions. Decreasing tendency of Zr concentrations from the west to the east in the Hunshandake Sandy Land is evident in the coarse sands but rather weak in the fine grain size fractions. Our geochemical data indicate that the sources for the coarse and medium fractions of aeolian sands are diverse, influenced by local geology and geomorphology, while the fine sand fractions are more homogenous due to intensive mixture mainly by aeolian processes. Various ratios of immobile elements suggest that these sands should be sourced primarily from the surrounding mountains by fluvial/alluvial processes rather than from any remote territories. Aeolian sands with Ce negative anomalies are widely distributed in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, indicating that aquatic environments have occurred extensively prior to the occurrence of the dune field.展开更多
Given special tectonic and climatic conditions, Iran has the most diverse land-forms and beautiful geological phenomena, which could attract many scientific, adventurous tourists and geological researchers. The presen...Given special tectonic and climatic conditions, Iran has the most diverse land-forms and beautiful geological phenomena, which could attract many scientific, adventurous tourists and geological researchers. The present study aims at studying and introducing wonderful geomorphological attractions and numerous geotourism potentials of very hot paradise of the earth, e.g. Dasht-e Lut of Iran, a desert which contains a collection of exclusive desert relieves and geological and geomorphological records of the world. Such unique perspectives as the biggest Nebkhas of the world, the largest Yardangs or Kaluts of the world, the hottest point of the earth, as well as rare species of desert structures such as salt marshes and salt polygons, Gandom Beryan Hill, massive sand dunes, Barchans, clay zones in pretty shapes, saline river , etc., present a vast and diverse extension of geographical beauties and phenomena of the desert. Using library studies, interpretation of satellite images and field studies, this study has been conducted. The results of the studies show that Lut Desert has considerable capability for carrying out complementary studies as well as effect on economic development process in national and international levels. In addition, geotourism development obstacles in Lut Desert are identified, and such solutions as development of ways for access to attractions, erection of geotourism development centers, advertisement and introduction of the desert's attractions, dispatch of guides with tourists, promotion of the region security, extension of accommodations and… for better use of the potentials of the desert, are provided. Furthermore, towards developing the region geotourism, some other fun and exciting activities such as sand skiing, racings and desert rallies, endurance cycling, sun bath, star observation, camel riding and so on, are suggested. Obviously, having various desert attractions and multiple geotourism potentials, Dasht-e Lut has the capability of being considered among global geoparks of UNESCO.展开更多
The last major earthquake in Bantul causing severe damage occurred on May 27th, 2006. The damages in the flat area of Bantul had a certain pattern. The damages pattern controlled the subsurface characteristic below th...The last major earthquake in Bantul causing severe damage occurred on May 27th, 2006. The damages in the flat area of Bantul had a certain pattern. The damages pattern controlled the subsurface characteristic below the flat area. Understanding earthquake damage pattern through geo-morphological approach is important for earthquake hazard analysis. The techniques of remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems were applied to analyze earthquake damage pattern and geomorphological characteristics. Gravity analysis was used to identify the subsurface structure and the basement depth while geoelectric analysis was used to identify sediment depth. Moreover, spatial correlation analysis was used to identify the relationship between the earthquake damage, geomorphological characteristics, and subsurface characteristics. The results show that fluvial, marine, and aeolian landforms have low rock density value based on gravity analysis. These indicate that they were composed by thick unconsolidated material of quaternary alluvium. While denudational, structural, and solutional landforms composed by material of tertiary rocks have high rock density value. The severe damage occurred in the area that has a lower value of local gravity and deeper basement. In contrast, the slight damage occurred in the area that has higher values of local gravity and shallower basement. Moreover, the severe damage occurred in areas of thicker sediment that consist of unconsolidated material. Consequently, the area of unconsolidated material that has deeper basement and thicker sediment is prone to earthquake. They were located on fluvial, marine, and aeolian landforms.展开更多
基金Open access funding provided by University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna(BOKU).
文摘This paper presents a standardised workflow for conducting hazard assessments of mass wasting processes in remote mountain areas with limited data.The methodology integrates geomorphological mapping and remote sensing techniques and is adaptable to different national standards,thus ensuring its applicability in a variety of contexts.The principal objective is to guarantee the safety of mountainous regions,particularly in the vicinity of essential infrastructure,where the scope for implementing structural measures is restricted.The framework commences with comprehensive geomorphological mapping,which facilitates the identification of past hazardous processes and potential future hazards.New technologies,such as uncrewed aerial vehicles(UAVs),are employed to create high-resolution DEMs,which are particularly beneficial in regions with limited data availability.These models facilitate the assessment of potential hazards and inform decisions regarding protective measures.The utilisation of UAVs enhances the accuracy and efficiency of data collection,particularly in remote mountainous regions where alternative remotely sensed information may be unavailable.The integration of modern approaches into traditional hazard assessment methods allows for a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution of factors driving mass wasting processes.This workflow provides valuable insights that assist in the prioritisation of interventions and the optimisation of risk reduction in high mountainous areas.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41972284 and 42090054)This work was also supported by the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection Independent Research Project(Grant No.SKLGP2020Z005).
文摘Geomorphological features are commonly used to identify potential landslides.Nevertheless,overemphasis on these features could lead to misjudgment.This research proposes a process-oriented approach for potential landslide identification that considers time-dependent behaviors.The method integrates comprehensive remote sensing and geological analysis to qualitatively assess slope stability,and employs numerical analysis to quantitatively calculate aging stability.Specifically,a time-dependent stability calculation method for anticlinal slopes is developed and implemented in discrete element software,incorporating time-dependent mechanical and strength reduction calculations.By considering the time-dependent evolution of slopes,this method highlights the importance of both geomorphological features and time-dependent behaviors in landslide identification.This method has been applied to the Jiarishan slope(JRS)on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as a case study.The results show that the JRS,despite having landslide geomorphology,is a stable slope,highlighting the risk of misjudgment when relying solely on geomorphological features.This work provides insights into the geomorphological characterization and evolution history of the JRS and offers valuable guidance for studying slopes with similar landslide geomorphology.Furthermore,the process-oriented method incorporating timedependent evolution provides a means to evaluate potential landslides,reducing misjudgment due to excessive reliance on geomorphological features.
基金central Yunnan Province(1:50,000)Chuxiong City,central Yunnan Province(Grant/Award Numbers:DD20220987)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant/Award Numbers:41972118).
文摘The Longchuan River basin lies within the China Sichuan-Yunnan rhomboid block.The NS-trending Yuanmou-Lvzhi River Fault(YLF),NW-trending Chuxiong-Nanhua Fault(CNF)and Shiyang-Huoshaotun Fault(HSF)are found within the basin.The nature of the faults is complex,and the tectonic activity distribution characteristics require further clarification.By extraction from a digital elevation model,the measured longitudinal profile and the geomorphic indices of the Longchuan River,basin showed a stream-length gradient index(SL)of 49–650,hypsometric integral(HI)of 0.27–0.58,drainage basin asymmetry factor(AF)of 3.29–27.47,basin shape index(BS)of 0.87–2.75,valley floor width-to-height ratio(VF)of 0.06–5.40,and evaluation of relative tectonic activity(Iat)of 1.6–2.6.Results showed that river morphology and geomorphological indices in the Longchuan River basin were influenced by tectonic activity,bedrock lithology,climatic conditions,and development time,with tectonic activity playing a dominant role.The relative tectonic activity of the Longchuan River basin was zoned,with a gradual increase in relative tectonic activity from the south to the north.That the slip fault zone primarily controls the tectonic deformation of the Longchuan River basin in central Yunnan and the dynamics of the central Yunnan massif are consistent with the“rigid block lateral extrusion”1model.
基金supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS KAKENHI)Grant Number 18H00766(principal investigator:Takashi Nakata)Grant Number 18KK0027(principal investigator:Yasuhiro Kumahara).
文摘The Arun and Tista Rivers,which flow across the Himalayas,are commonly known as antecedent valleys that overcame the rapid uplift of the Higher Himalayan ranges.To clarify whether the idea of antecedent rivers is acceptable,we investigated the geomorphology of the Himalayas between eastern Nepal and Bhutan Himalayas.The southern part of Tibetan Plateau,extending across the Himalayas as tectonically un-deformed glaciated terrain named as'Tibetan Corridor,'does not suggest the regional uplift of the Higher Himalayas.The 8,000-m class mountains of Everest,Makalu,and Kanchenjunga are isolated residual peaks on the glaciated terrain composed of mountain peaks of 4,000–6,000 m high.The Tibetan glaciers commonly beheaded by Himalayan glaciers along the great watershed of the Himalayas suggest the expansion of Himalayan river drainage by glaciation.For the narrow upstream regions of the Arun and Tista Rivers with less precipitation behind the range,it is hard to collect enough water for the power of down-cutting their channels against the uplifting Himalayas.The fission track ages of the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Nappe suggest that the Himalayas attained their present altitude by 11–10 Ma,and the Arun and Tista Rivers formed deep gorges across the Himalayas by headward erosion.
基金funded by the University of Montpellier(IR's PhD fellowship)and the French Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales(access to Pleiades images).
文摘Landform mapping is the initial step of many geomorphological analyses(e.g.assessment of natural hazards and natural resources)and requires vast resources to be applied to wide areas at high-resolution.Among geomorphological objects,we focus on glacial moraine mapping,since it is a task relevant to many fields(e.g.paleoclimate and glacial geomorphology).Here we proposed to exploit the potential of Deep Learning-based approaches to map moraine landforms by exploiting multi-source remote sensing imagery.To this end,we propose the first Deep Learning model to map glacial moraines,namely MorNet.As multi-source remote sensing information,we combine together three different sources:Topographic(Pleiades-derived DSM),Multispectral(Sentinel-2),and SAR(Sentinel-1)data.To cope with such heterogeneous information,the proposed model has a dedicated branch for each input source and,a late fusion mechanism is leveraged to combine them with the aim to provide the final mapping.The performance of the MorNet model is evaluated on several glacier valleys in China in the Himalayan range.This area contains minimally eroded moraines,so they are well-defined and of varied morphology.The behavior of the proposed method is compared to models using individual mono-source models in order to highlight the benefit to simultaneously leverage multi-source information.The use of multi-source data allows MorNet to exploit the complementarity of the three input sources and improve its performance from an f1-score of about 41.6 using a single source to 52.8 using three sources.MorNet provides a first-order moraine map through its ability to identify well-defined moraines.Consequently,MorNet can identify areas likely to contain moraines and intends to be used as a tool by experts to facilitate and support large-scale mapping.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41590845,No.41421001,No.41571388。
文摘Geomorphological regionalization(geomor-region)and geomorphological type(geomor-type)classification are two core components in the geomorphologic research.Although remarkable achievements have been made in the study of geomor-region,many deficiencies still exist,such as the inconsistency of landform indicators,the small quantity of division orders,disparities of geomorphological characteristics,differences of mapping results,and the small scale of zoning maps.Requirements for improved national geomor-regions are therefore needed for the purpose of an enhanced national geo-information system.Based on theories of geomor-region in China including plate tectonics,crustal features,endogenic and exogenic forced geomorphological features,and regional differentiations of geomor-type,a three-order(major-region,sub-region,and small-region)research program on China’s geomor-regions is proposed on the basis of previous 2013 geomor-region system.The major contents of the new geomor-region scheme are:(1)principles of the national multi-order geomor-regions;(2)hierarchical indicator systems of geomor-regions including characteristics of the terrain ladder under the control of tectonic setting,combinations of regional macro-form types,combinations of endogenic and exogenic forces and basic types of morphology,combinations of regional morphological types,and combinations of regional micro-morphological types;(3)naming rules and coding methods of geomor-regions;and(4)precise positioning techniques and methods of multi-order geomor-region divisions based on multi-source data.Using the new geomor-region theory and division methodology,the partition of national three-order geomor-regions of China was successfully constructed.The geomor-region system divided China into six first-order major-regions,36 second-order sub-regions,and 136 third-order small-regions.In addition,a database and management information system of the national geomor-regions were established.This research has an important guiding significance for promoting the development of China’s regional geomorphology and for practical applications based on geomor-regions.
文摘Deep-seated catastrophic landslides,particularly rock or debris avalanches,travel extremely rapidly for long distances,causing severe damage over wide areas.This paper summarizes the geological and geomorphological features of such events,which were induced by earthquakes and rainstorms in Asia,and then uses these features to predict future potential sites of failures.Most of the rock avalanches are preceded by gravitational slope deformation with topographic features,in which small scarps along future head of landslide are the most representative;the scarps can be identified in topographic images made by highresolution airborne LiDAR DEMs and may suggest the instability just before catastrophic failure.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.41030856the Marine Specific Welfare Project of China under contract No.200905008-4the Project of Taishan Scholar
文摘Eight representative beach profiles on the eastern coast of the Shandong Peninsula are observed and measured in 2011 and 2012 to determine the coastal processes under the lower tropical wind speed condition and the beach response to and recovery from the tropical storm Meari in a rare typhoon region. The results show that it is the enhancement and directional change of cross-shore and longshore sediment transports caused by Meari that leads to the beach morphological changes, and most of the sediment transports occur during the pre-Meari landing phase. The erosional scarp formation and the berm or beach face erosion are the main geomorphological responses of the beaches to the storm. The storm characteristics are more important than the beach shapes in the storm response process of the beaches on Shandong Peninsula. The typhoon is a fortuitous strong dynamic event, and the effect on the dissipative beach is more obvious than it is on the reflective beach in the study region. Furthermore, the beach trend is the main factor that controlls the storm effect intensity, and it is also closely related to the recovery of the beach profiles.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Xi＇an Jiaotong University and China Scholarship Council postgraduate scholarship program Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank Professor Bruce Mithchell, Vice President of University of Waterloo, for improving the manuscript greatly.
文摘The geomorphological environment is one of the most fundamental variables affecting the development of human society. The mission of geomorphological environment research is to explore the most basic environment and features of our Earth＇s surface morphology. The results can be applied to resource evaluation, environmental protection and reducing and preventing geological disasters. Thus, it can serve to help achieve sustainable development. This paper examines the Shenzhen east coastal zone as a case strongly influenced by urban expansion. We use modern geomorphological theory and methods, along with GIS and RS techniques, to reveal key characteristics of the geomorphological environment and landform classification. Furthermore, coastal ecosystem evaluation and regional resources sustainable utilization should be considered relative to the corresponding geomorphological environment. Based on this study, we conclude that modern geomorphological theory and methods, supported by ＂3S＂ techniques including GIS, RS and GPS, can play an important role in resolving the environment, resources and population problems as well as sustainable development challenges facing humankind at present.
基金This paper is funded by the National Special Program of China Geological Survey(DD20191002,DD20191003)。
文摘The Philippine Sea is the largest marginal sea in the Western Pacific Ocean and is divided into two parts by the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR).The western part is the West Philippine Basin,and the eastern part consists of the Shikoku and Parece Vela basins.Based on surveyed data of massive high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data and sub-bottom profiles data collected from the southern section of the KPR from 2018 to 2021,this paper analyzes the topographic and geomorphological features,shallow sedimentary features,and tectonic genesis of the southern section of the KPR,obtaining the following conclusions.The southern section of the KPR has complex and rugged topography,with positive and negative topography alternatingly distributed and a maximum height difference of 4086 m.The slope of seamounts in this section generally exceeds 10°and is up to a maximum of 59°.All these contribute noticeably discontinuous topography.There are primarily nine geomorphological types in the southern section of the KPR,including seamounts,ridges,and intermontane valleys,etc.Among them,seven independent seamount groups are divided by five large troughs,forming an overall geomorphological pattern of seven abyssal seamount groups and five troughs.This reflects the geomorphological features of a deep oceanic ridge.Intramontane basins and intermontane valleys in the southern section of the KPR are covered by evenly thick sediments.In contrast,sediments in ridges and seamounts in this section are thin or even missing,with slumps developing locally.Therefore,the sediments are discontinuous and unevenly developed.The KPR formed under the control of tectonism such as volcanic activities and plate movements.In addition,exogenic forces such as underflow scouring and sedimentation also play a certain role in shaping seafloor landforms in the KPR.
基金support for this work:National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41877525,61971037 and 31727901)Chongqing Key Laboratory of Geological Environment Monitoring and Disaster Early-warning in Three Gorges Reservoir Area(No.MP2020B0301)。
文摘Soil thickness,intended as depth to bedrock,is a key input parameter for many environmental models.Nevertheless,it is often difficult to obtain a reliable spatially exhaustive soil thickness map in widearea applications,and existing prediction models have been extensively applied only to test sites with shallow soil depths.This study addresses this limitation by showing the results of an application to a section of Wanzhou County(Three Gorges Reservoir Area,China),where soil thickness varies from 0 to40 m.Two different approaches were used to derive soil thickness maps:a modified version of the geomorphologically indexed soil thickness(GIST)model,purposely customized to better account for the peculiar setting of the test site,and a regression performed with a machine learning algorithm,i.e.,the random forest,combined with the geomorphological parameters of GIST(GIST-RF).Additionally,the errors of the two models were quantified,and validation with geophysical data was carried out.The results showed that the GIST model could not fully contend with the high spatial variability of soil thickness in the study area:the mean absolute error was 10.68 m with the root-mean-square error(RMSE)of 12.61 m,and the frequency distribution residuals showed a tendency toward underestimation.In contrast,GIST-RF returned a better performance with the mean absolute error of 3.52 m and RMSE of 4.56 m.The derived soil thickness map could be considered a critical fundamental input parameter for further analyses.
基金supported by the Basic Scientific Research Special Fund from Institute of Earthquake Science, China Earthquake Administration (02092403 and 0207690224)
文摘Digital elevation model （DEM） can be generated by interferometric synthetic aperture radar （InSAR）. In this paper, the interferometric processing and analyses are carried out for Damxung-Yangbajain area in Tibet, using a pair of Europe remote-sensing satellite （ERS）-1/2 tandem SAR images acquired on 6 and 7 April 1996. A portion of the In- SAR-derived DEM is selected and compared with the 1：50 000 DEM to determine the precision of the InSAR-derived DEM. The comparison indicates that the root mean squared errors （RMSE）, which are used to evaluate error, are about 35, 60, 10, and 15 m in the studied area, mountainous area, basin area and near-fault area, respectively, suggesting that obvious errors are mainly in mountainous area. Besides, the limitation of InSAR technology to generate DEM is analyzed. Our investigation shows that InSAR is an effective tool in geodesy and an important complement to field surveying in some dangerous areas.
基金funded by the Fondi Potenziamento della Ricerca - Linea 2 - 2015 Project "Dynamic of active margins: from rift to collisional chains", leader Dr. Davide Zanoni
文摘Geomorphological mapping plays a key role in landscape representation: it is the starting point for many applications and for the realization of thematic maps, such as hazard and risk maps, geoheritage and geotourism maps. Traditional geomorphological maps are useful for scientific purposes but they need to be simplified for different aims as management and education. In tourism valorization, mapping of geomorphological resources(i.e., geosites, and geomorphosites), and of geomorphic evidences of past hazardous geomorphological events, is important for increasing knowledge about landscape evolution and active processes, potentially involving geomorphosites and hiking trails. Active geomorphosites, as those widespread in mountain regions, testify the high dynamicity of geomorphic processes and their link with climatic conditions. In the present paper, we propose a method to produce and to update cartographic supports(Geomorphological Boxes)realized starting from a traditional geomorphological survey and mapping. The Geomorphological Boxes are geomorphological representation of single, composed or complex landforms drawn on satellite images, using the official Italian geomorphological legend(ISPRA symbols). Such cartographic representation is also addressed to the analysis(identification, evaluation and selection) of Potential Geomorphosites and Geotrails. The method has been tested in the upper portion of the Loana Valley(Western Italian Alps), located within the borders of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in 2013. The area has a good potential for geotourism and for educational purposes. We identified 15 Potential Geomorphosites located along 2 Geotrails; they were ranked according to specific attributes also in relation with a Reference Geomorphosite located in the Loana hydrographic basin and inserted in official national and regional databases of geosites(ISPRA; Regione Piemonte). Finally, the ranking of Potential Geomorphosites allowed to select the most valuable ones for valorization or geoconservation purposes. In thisframework, examples of Geomorphological Boxes are proposed as supports to geo-risk education practices.
基金supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research(Grant RFBR No.15-04-04774)and within the framework of the state contract with the Space Systems Research Institute(Roskosmos)under the"Monitoring-SG"programsupported financially by RFBR(Grant№18-0500967)。
文摘This study considers the restoration of the plant cover destroyed by a catastrophic volcano eruption in the south of Kamchatka Peninsula(the Ksudach caldera,Shtyubel cone),with a particular attention to the role of woody plants.It aims to qualitatively estimate(at a qualitative level)the rate of the primary succession development depending on the microrelief and the modern relief-forming processes.The vegetation recovery in the caldera after the Shtyubel cone eruption 109 years ago proceeds slowly and irregularly.It proceeds most slowly on a thick tephra mantle continuously disturbed by water and wind erosion,lahars,debris flows,landslides,etc.Such conditions are most typical of the western part of the caldera dominated by pumice fields with occasional patches of pioneer herbs and dwarf shrubs.Alpine tundra communities with gradually expanding patches of shrub alder develop in the southern,eastern and northeastern parts of the Ksudach caldera.Since 1997 the area of the shrub alder communities has increased by 1.9 times,while the alpine tundra–by 1.3 times only.The woody plants(dwarf shrubs and prostrate shrubs)are of particular importance in the process of the vegetation recovery on pumice fields.We suggest that the bark thickness of woody plants is an integrated indicator,which may serve for estimating the state of ecosystem in the course of the primary succession development on juvenile sediments.The extremely inhospitable environments cause changes in physiological processes in the plant body and in its bark in particular.The results show that woody plants have a"thin"bark and develop some structural-functional arrangements for keeping bark tissues at their minimum.So,the woody plant structure and the rate of changes in plant communities are under control of the geomorphic conditions and primarily–of physicochemical features of the pyroclastic cover.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41930102,No.41971333。
文摘Stream morphology is an important indicator for revealing the geomorphological features and evolution of the Yangtze River.Existing studies on the morphology of the Yangtze River focus on planar features.However,the vertical features are also important.Vertical features mainly control the flow ability and erosion intensity.Furthermore,traditional studies often focus on a few stream profiles in the Yangtze River.However,stream profiles are linked together by runoff nodes,thus affecting the geomorphological evolution of the Yangtze River naturally.In this study,a clustering method of stream profiles in the Yangtze River is proposed by plotting all profiles together.Then,a stream evolution index is used to investigate the geomorphological features of the stream profile clusters to reveal the evolution of the Yangtze River.Based on the stream profile clusters,the erosion base of the Yangtze River generally changes from steep to gentle from the upper reaches to the lower reaches,and the evolution degree of the stream changes from low to high.The asymmetric distribution of knickpoints in the Hanshui River Basin supports the view that the boundary of the eastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau has reached the vicinity of the Daba Mountains.
文摘The eastern and western fronts of plate movement in Taiwan Island and Tibetan Plateau respectively are the two major sources of tectonic force for the morphogensis during Quaternary in China's tropics. Seven examples of geomorphological effects of plate movement are enumerated to discuss the differentiation of tectonic landforms in space and time during Quaternary. The tectonic movement tends to be more active since middle Pleistocene. Some phenomena such as the arc-shape mountain systems, volcanism and crustal deformation imply that the juncture zone of eastern and western tectonic forces is located at about 110 o E.
文摘Natural and unnatural factors would develop coastal areas. Coastal area is a region that takes materials and substances from land surface then transfers them to sea and the remained and cumulative substances of them would deform under the effect of erosion forming the coasts appearance. Geomorphology is the study of land and process leading to formation and development of it. Coastal geomorphology emphasizes on formation of coastal areas and some processes such as waves, tides, and stream leading to formation of boulders, coral reefs and sandy beaches. The base of this study is on analytical comparison method of affecting variables on periodic change of shoreline in river estuary in which statistical and image data were analyzed. This research was conducted within three time intervals including 1955-1988, 2000-2006, and 2006-2013. Wind hourly data of Meteorological Organization of Iran was used to study waves. The fluctuation in level of Caspian Sea is an important factor in changes in shoreline of Caspian Sea besides the role of river and providing sediment output into the sea. The most area was belonged to 1995 along with declining trend of seal level of Caspian Sea and the lowest area was belonged to 2000 with a rising trend of sea level within three studied intervals. This point indicates the effect of seal level factor on change in area of studied intervals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant nos.: 40930105, 41172325)the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Strategic Priority Research Program (grant no. XDA05120502)
文摘Identifying the provenance of aeolian sediments in the Hunshandake Sandy Land is of great importance for understanding the formation of the dune fields in the mid-latitudes and for deciphering information about desert＇s responses to global change. By determining the major and trace elements concentrations of aeolian sands in three grain size fractions from the central and western parts of the Hunshandake Sandy Land, we systematically study the provenance and the depositional history of aeolian sands in this desert environment. Our results show that aeolian sands from the Hunshandake Sandy Land are enriched in SiO2 and are depleted in many other elements compared to those of the Upper Continent Crust （UCC）. Variations of the immobile elements ratios like Zr/Hf, La/Yb, Th/Nb, La/Nb, LaN/YbN, GdN/YbN are relatively large in the coarse and medium fractions but minor in the fine fractions. Eu anomalies are quite different in the coarse fractions, but mostly positive in the medium fractions and all negative in the fine fractions. Decreasing tendency of Zr concentrations from the west to the east in the Hunshandake Sandy Land is evident in the coarse sands but rather weak in the fine grain size fractions. Our geochemical data indicate that the sources for the coarse and medium fractions of aeolian sands are diverse, influenced by local geology and geomorphology, while the fine sand fractions are more homogenous due to intensive mixture mainly by aeolian processes. Various ratios of immobile elements suggest that these sands should be sourced primarily from the surrounding mountains by fluvial/alluvial processes rather than from any remote territories. Aeolian sands with Ce negative anomalies are widely distributed in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, indicating that aquatic environments have occurred extensively prior to the occurrence of the dune field.
文摘Given special tectonic and climatic conditions, Iran has the most diverse land-forms and beautiful geological phenomena, which could attract many scientific, adventurous tourists and geological researchers. The present study aims at studying and introducing wonderful geomorphological attractions and numerous geotourism potentials of very hot paradise of the earth, e.g. Dasht-e Lut of Iran, a desert which contains a collection of exclusive desert relieves and geological and geomorphological records of the world. Such unique perspectives as the biggest Nebkhas of the world, the largest Yardangs or Kaluts of the world, the hottest point of the earth, as well as rare species of desert structures such as salt marshes and salt polygons, Gandom Beryan Hill, massive sand dunes, Barchans, clay zones in pretty shapes, saline river , etc., present a vast and diverse extension of geographical beauties and phenomena of the desert. Using library studies, interpretation of satellite images and field studies, this study has been conducted. The results of the studies show that Lut Desert has considerable capability for carrying out complementary studies as well as effect on economic development process in national and international levels. In addition, geotourism development obstacles in Lut Desert are identified, and such solutions as development of ways for access to attractions, erection of geotourism development centers, advertisement and introduction of the desert's attractions, dispatch of guides with tourists, promotion of the region security, extension of accommodations and… for better use of the potentials of the desert, are provided. Furthermore, towards developing the region geotourism, some other fun and exciting activities such as sand skiing, racings and desert rallies, endurance cycling, sun bath, star observation, camel riding and so on, are suggested. Obviously, having various desert attractions and multiple geotourism potentials, Dasht-e Lut has the capability of being considered among global geoparks of UNESCO.
文摘The last major earthquake in Bantul causing severe damage occurred on May 27th, 2006. The damages in the flat area of Bantul had a certain pattern. The damages pattern controlled the subsurface characteristic below the flat area. Understanding earthquake damage pattern through geo-morphological approach is important for earthquake hazard analysis. The techniques of remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems were applied to analyze earthquake damage pattern and geomorphological characteristics. Gravity analysis was used to identify the subsurface structure and the basement depth while geoelectric analysis was used to identify sediment depth. Moreover, spatial correlation analysis was used to identify the relationship between the earthquake damage, geomorphological characteristics, and subsurface characteristics. The results show that fluvial, marine, and aeolian landforms have low rock density value based on gravity analysis. These indicate that they were composed by thick unconsolidated material of quaternary alluvium. While denudational, structural, and solutional landforms composed by material of tertiary rocks have high rock density value. The severe damage occurred in the area that has a lower value of local gravity and deeper basement. In contrast, the slight damage occurred in the area that has higher values of local gravity and shallower basement. Moreover, the severe damage occurred in areas of thicker sediment that consist of unconsolidated material. Consequently, the area of unconsolidated material that has deeper basement and thicker sediment is prone to earthquake. They were located on fluvial, marine, and aeolian landforms.
