Geomorphological responses of rivers to active tectonics along the Karahay?t Fault, Western Türkiye

Understanding the topography in active tectonic areas and assessing the rates and models of active deformation in the upper crust are primary objectives in tectonic geomorphology studies. The drainage pattern of river systems is highly sensitive to tectonically induced changes, and it often preserves the records of the formation and progression of most tectono-geomorphic processes within its boundaries. Therefore, the evolution of landforms is a consequence of the evolution of individual drainage basins in which they are formed. Assessing the rates of tectonic deformation using geomorphic data is a traditionally adopted method to characterize the nature of active faults. Globally, the Digital Elevation Model(DEM) is widely used as a crucial tool to analyze the morphotectonic features of drainage basins. In this study, some geomorphic indices were applied to investigate the impact of tectonism on landscape along the Karahay?t Fault and its associated drainage areas. These geomorphic indices are mountain front sinuosity(Smf values between 1.17-1.52), valley floor width-to-height ratio(Vf values between 0.25-1.46), basin asymmetry factor(AF values between 15-72), drainage basin shape(Bs values between 3.18-6.01), hypsometric integral and curve(HI values between 0.32-047), channel sinuosity(S values between 1-1.6), normalized steepness index(Ksn values between 1-390) and Chi integral(χ values between 200-4400). The development of drainage areas on the hanging wall and footwall block of the Karahayit Fault differs depending on the uplift. The drainage areas developed on the hanging wall present different patterns depending on the regional uplift caused by the fault. This reveals that the fault contributed significantly to the development of drainage areas and regional uplift in the region. In addition, the maximum earthquake magnitude that may occur in the future on the Karahayit Fault, whose activity is supported by geomorphic indices, is calculated as 6.23. Since an earthquake of this magnitude may cause loss of life and property in the region, precautions should be taken.

Tectonic geomorphology of Türkiye and its insights into the neotectonic deformation of the Anatolian Plate

Quantitative geomorphic analyses are usually powerful in identifying active tectonics across global orogenic belts.Our present study will focus on the Anatolian Plate which hosts a lot of recent catastrophic earthquakes in Türkiye.Six geomorphic indices for 100 sub-basins around Türkiye have been computed including local relief,slope,normalized steepness index(k_(Sn)),hypsometric curve and integral(HI),transverse topographic symmetry factor(Tf),and the basin asymmetry factor(Af).The averaged kSnand Af values have shown four high-value anomalous zones,suggesting relatively high uplift rates featured by high river incision and regional tilting.The values of 0.35≤HI<0.6 for basins with S-shaped curves imply intensive tectonic activities along the eastern part of the North Anatolian Fault Zone(NAFZ),the Northeast Anatolian Fault Zone(NEAFZ),the East Anatolian Fault Zone(EAFZ),and the Central Anatolian Fault Zone(CAFZ).All results of the geomorphic indices analysis suggest a relatively high degree of tectonic activity in the following four areas,the Isparta Angle,the Eastern Black Sea Mountains,the South-eastern Anatolia Region,and the Central Anatolian fault zone.We further suggest that the eastern part of the NAFZ,NEAFZ,EAFZ,and CAFZ will be more active in tectonic activities,with a greater potential for strong earthquake occurrence.

Relative active tectonic in the metamorphic rocks of the Yaounde group: insights from geomorphic indices and topographic analysis

The Yaounde Group(YG),representing the southern edge of the North Equatorial PanAfrican Belt,consists of quartzites,schists,micaschists,amphibolites,gneisses and migmatites.Tectonism has formed a landscape characterized by the development of linear and folded valleys and ridges,fault scarps,V-shaped valleys,incised rivers and knickpoints.These landforms constitute important markers of the regional tectonic activity,which have been computed from spatial sources such as SRTM,DEM,hydrographical networks and geomorphic indices such as AF,T,Smf,Vf,Bs,Hi,U,SI and Li.The results highlighted a mature relief consisting of asymmetric basins generated by tilting and uplift phenomena.The relative index of active tectonics(RIAT)has been estimated from an average of eight geomorphic indices evaluated on 24 subbasins,in the study area.Four classes have been defined:class 1(1.38),very high active(1.0≤RIAT<1.5);class 2(1.50-1.88),high active(1.5≤RIAT<2.0);and class 3(2.00-2.13)moderate active(2.0≤RIAT<2.5).These three classes,respectively covering 10.20%(458 km2),80.10%(3595 km2)and 9.69%(435 km2)of the study area,have shown a highly active tectonic zone,and imply the existence of a neotectonic event in the YG.This tectonic unit(YG)was also affected by the dextral NW-SE strike-slip faulting,which cross-cut the Sanaga Shear Zone(SSZ)at Ebebda and the foliation oriented NW-SE.The tilting and uplift of rocks related to Moho ascending are responsible for crustal thinning in the Cameroon basement,more important to the Adamawa Plateau from the Cretaceous age and the reactivation of existing tectonic accidents.The presence of hills,fault scarps,reverse faults,knickpoints,V and U shaped valleys and rounded mountains testify to the interaction between tectonic uplift,lithology,climate,weathering and erosion.

Proposing a novel geo-structural model for Torbat-e-Jam-Fariman plain(Northeast of Iran),based on Geomorphic indices calculation,conjugating the field evidences

There are various faults in northern and southern margins of Torbat-e-Jam-Fariman plain which show the probability of enormous earthquake in the future.In present study the geomorphic indices contain Asymmetry Function(Af),Sinuosity of mountain front(Smf),Valley floor index(Vf),Hypsometric index(Hi),Mean Axial slope of channel index(MASC)and Drainage Basin Shape(Bs),have been utilized to determine the relative tectonic activity index(IAT)to recognize,eventually,the geo-structural model of the study area.Faults and folds control the geo-structural activities of the study area,and the geomorphic indices are being affected in consequence of their activities.The intensity of these activities is different throughout the plain.There are many geomorphic evidences,related to active transform fault which are detectable all over the study area such as deviated rivers,quaternary sediments transformation,fault traces.Therefore,recognition of geo-structural model of the study area is extremely vital.Field study,then,approved the results of geomorphic indices calculation in determining the geo-structural model of the study area.Results depicted that the geostructural model of the study area is a kind of Horsetail splay form which is in accordance to the relative tectonic activity of the study area.Based on the above mentioned results it can be predicted that the splays are the trail of Neyshabour fault.

基于GPU的大规模时空连续性地形Geomorphing算法

针对地形可视化过程中时间和空间连续性问题,提出一种在大规模地形场景漫游过程中地形Geomorphing(几何过渡)改进算法.基于Geomorphing原理,通过划分地形块的区域,计算块内不同区域顶点的时间和空间权值,在GPU中同时完成LOD平滑过渡和裂缝处理.实验表明,在4096×4096的地形数据范围内,算法能够以平均每秒60帧的帧率完成地形的实时平滑漫游,并且在可视化过程中消除了突跳和裂缝现象.

Detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea,China:The result of Holocene erosional and depositional processes sculpting the offshore continental shelf

High-resolution multi-beam/single-beam bathymetric data and seismic profiling data from the latest surveys are used to map and interpret the detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea(NYS),China.The mapping area covers 156410 km^(2),and incorporates a flat shelf plain,subaqueous accumulation shoals,tidal scouring troughs,and tidal sand ridge groups.Offshore areas with water depths less than 50 m in the western region of the NYS are mainly covered by thick,loose sediments,forming wide spread accumulation geomorphological features;these include the Liaodong Peninsula subaqueous accumulation system containing shoals and rugged scouring troughs,and the large mud wedge of the Shandong Peninsula.In the central part of the NYS,there is a relatively flat residual shelf plain with coarser sediment deposits.This flat shelf plain has a water depth larger than 50 m and a thin layer of sediment,on which there is a large pockmark field caused by seafloor seepage.These geomorphological structures indicate that modern sedimentary processes are the main driving force controlling the sculpture of the current seafloor surface landform.Extensive strong tidal current systems and abundant sediment sources provide the critical external forces and essential conditions for the formation of seafloor geomorphology.The tectonic basement controls the macroscopic morphological shape of the NYS,but is reflected very little in the seafloor geomorphic elements.Our results provide a detailed seafloor geomorphological map of the western region of the NYS,an area that has not previously mapped and also provide a scientific framework for further research into offshore seafloor geomorphology,shelf sedimentary processes,and submarine engineering construction in this region.

Geomorphology and Hydrology of the Benin Region, Edo State, Nigeria

This paper examines the geomorphology and hydrology of the Benin Region, Edo State, Nigeria. The major landform features and processes of the region are highlighted. This region is a strategic and significant landscape in Nigeria. Information was gathered on the various aspects of the landscape, including the Geology, Physiography (Relief) and Geomorphology, Geomorphic processes, Weathering, Drainage processes, Landforms, Surface Water Hydrology and Water Resources. The Benin Region is underlained by sedimentary formation of the South Sedimentary Basin. The geology is generally marked by top reddish earth, composed of ferruginized or literalized clay sand. Geologically, the Benin Region comprises of 1) the Benin formation;2) alluvium;3) drift/top soil and 4) Azagba-Ogwashi (Asuba-Ogwashi) formation. Several parts of the region are surrounded by the Benin historical moats. The region has been described as a tilled plain in the south western direction. The local relief of the region is 91 m. Boreholes records in the Benin Region show evidence of deep chemical weathering overtime. Soil profile reveals that the region is composed mainly of reddish brown sandy laterite. Intermittent layers of porous sands of sandy clays may reach a large depth as found in the borehole drilled in the region. These are products of deep chemical decay of the original parent rock materials. Three river systems drain the Benin Region. They are the Ikpoba River, the Ogba River and Owigie-Ogbovben River systems. The mean annual discharge of Ikpoba River for 1982-1983 and 1993-2002 was 1411 mm/yr, which was 1.019 × 109 m3 with a mean annual baseflow of 1256.23 mm (0. 907 × 109 m3). This constitutes 87.65% of the total flow. It has a mean annual surface runoff of 225.18 mm (0.112 × 109 m3) or 24.4 % of the total discharge. The water resources of the region include surface water and underground water.

Characteristics of soil seed banks at different geomorphic positions within the longitudinal sand dunes of the Gurbantunggut Desert, China

Understanding the characteristics of soil seed banks in sand dunes is crucial to stabilize the dune systems and maintain the plant populations in deserts. In this study, we conducted a survey investigation in the field and a seed germination experiment in the laboratory to explore the characteristics of soil seed banks at various geomorphic positions of longitudinal sand dunes in the Gurbantunggut Desert, China. Totally, 17 plant species belonging to 17 genera and 9 families were identified in soil seed banks, and 35 plant species belonging to 34 genera and 17 families were identified in aboveground vegetation. Plant species richness in soil seed banks decreased with increasing soil depth. The highest species richness was presented in the upper slope of the windward slope and the lowest species richness was presented in the base of the windward slope. There was no significant difference in seed density of soil seed banks among the examined seven geomorphic positions. The highest seed density occurred in the lower slope of the leeward slope while the lowest occurred in the crest. Moreover, seed density decreased with increasing soil depth, being the highest in the upper soil layer （0-2 cm）. For both soil seed banks and aboveground vegetation, there was no significant difference in Simpson＇s diversity index among the seven geomorphic positions; however, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou＇s evenness index showed significant differences among the seven geomorphic positions. Those results showed that although there was no significant difference in seed density of soil seed banks among the seven geomorphic positions, the geomorphic positions significantly affected the species richness, diversity and distribution of soil seed banks. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of soil seed banks at different geomorphic positions of sand dunes is essential to vegetation restoration or reestablishment. Furthermore, the Jaccard＇s similarity coefficients of plant species between soil seed banks and aboveground vegetation at the seven geomorphic positions were low, suggesting that vegetation restoration or reestablishment processes should be promoted through adding seeds to surface layers.

Quantitative analysis of the macro-geomorphic evolution of Buyuan Basin, China

Buyuan River, the largest tributary within the Chinese Lancang-Mekong River region downstream of the Jinghong Dam, plays a crucial role in river function and ecosystem service of the Lancang-Mekong River. The geomorphic evolution of a basin exerts a key control on riverine sediment input and transport. In this study, the geomorphic characteristics of Buyuan Basin are analyzed using morphological parameters, hydrodynamic parameters and the stream power river incision model. The results show that: 1) The slight north-south difference of channel density is most likely due to lithology and independent of tectonic activity and climate. 2) The weak tectonic activity and the low hypsometric integral(HI) value suggest that the macroscopic landform condition limits erosion and sediment production. 3) The logarithmic longitudinal profile of the main channel defends that the upstream sediments generated by erosion are easily deposited in the downstream channel, rather than being transported directly into the Lancang-Mekong River. 4) Approximately 74% of the reaches have annual average stream power less than 500 W·m^(-1). The narrow variation ranges of stream power in 50% of the river channel indicate relatively stable hydrodynamic environment. 5) Stream erosion and tectonic activity make the longitudinal profiles of the main channel and most tributary channels unstable. The wide range(between 22.01 and 45.58 with θ=0.43) of steepness index(k_(sn)) of longitudinal profiles implies differential uplift in the basin.

Assessment of active tectonics from geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters in part of Ganga basin

Ganga river basins exposed to active erosional and deformational processes. The recurrence of landslides, floods, and seismic activities makes it more susceptible to deformational activities. The tectonic analysis using geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters will help in determining the hazard-prone area of the river basin. Geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters are calculated to investigate the role of neotectonic activities, as it acts as a controlling factor in the development of landforms in the tectonically active terrains. Neotectonic activities influence the terrain topography, which significantly affects the drainage system and geomorphological setup of the area. In this study, the assessment of active tectonics of study area was determined using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model(GDEM) based on Geomorphic Indices(Stream Length Gradient index, Hypsometric integral, Asymmetry factor, Basin shape, Valley floor width to Valley height ratio, Mountain front sinuosity index) cumulatively with Linear, Areal and Relief morphometric parameters on 27 delineated basins of the study area. The combined classification of Relative Tectonic Activity Index(Iat) and morphometric parameters of 27 basins categorized all the zones into four different classes:Class 1 – Very High(<1.97;410 km^2);Class 2 – High(1.97 – 2.05;275 km^2);Class 3 – Moderate(2.05 – 2.21;273 km^2),and Class 4 – Low(>2.21;299 km^2). The basins with tectonic activities have a consistent relationship with structural disturbances, basin geometry, and field studies. The tectonically active zonation of a part of Ganga basin using geomorphic indices and morphometric parameters suggest that it has significant influence of neotectonic activities in a part of Ganga basin.

Effects of geomorphic conditions, wind speed, and precipitation on dustfall over northern China

We investigated how dustfall flux (DF) and dust particle size (DPS) were affected by geomorphic conditions, wind speed, and precipitation using data from 27 sites in northern China. The sites with the greatest DF and greatest median diameter of dustfall (MDD) were primarily in desert regions and had extensive mobile sands. DF and MDD were lowest in agricultural regions, which had low levels of coarse particles because of human land use and high vegetation coverage that restrained blowing sand. DF values were higher and MDD values were lower in the western agricultural region than in the eastern agricultural region because the former is closer to desert regions and contains more fine dust that has traveled far. In regions with extensive desertified lands, DF values were lower than those in desert regions, and MDD values were greater than in agricultural regions, possibly due to coarsening of soil texture by desertification processes combined with higher vegetation coverage and soil moisture than in desert regions, thereby restraining blowing sand. Although high DF and MDD always coincided spatially with strong winds and low precipitation, the strong winds and low precipitation did not always mean high DF and MDD. High DF also coincided temporally with periods of low precipitation, but low precipitation did not always mean high DF. Thus, although the spatial trends in DF and DPS were controlled mostly by geomorphic conditions, and monthly trends in DF were controlled mainly by wind speed, weak wind and high precipitation can restrain the blowing sand at certain times and locations. Seasonal changes in DPS may be controlled simultaneously by geomorphic conditions, meteorological factors, and distance from source areas, not solely by the winter monsoon.

Formation Mechanisms and Geomorphic Evolution of the Erlian Mudflow Fans, Eastern Guide Basin of the Upper Reaches of Yellow River

Several argillaceous platforms lie along the Yellow River（YR） of the eastern Guide Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and their compositions, formation processes, and geomorphic evolution remain debated. Using field survey data, sample testing, and high-resolution remote sensing images, the evolution of the Erlian mudflow fans are analyzed. The data show significant differences between fans on either side of the YR. On the right bank, fans are dilute debris flows consisting of sand and gravel. On the left bank, fans are viscosity mudflows consisting of red clay. The composition and formation processes of the left bank platforms indicate a rainfall-induced pluvial landscape. Fan evolution can be divided into two stages： early-stage fans pre-date 16 ka B.P., and formed during the last deglaciation; late-stage fans post-date 8 ka B.P.. Both stages were induced by climate change. The data indicate that during the Last Glacial Maximum, the northeastern Tibetan Plateau experienced a cold and humid climate characterized by high rainfall. From 16–8 ka, the YR cut through the Erlian early mudflow fan, resulting in extensive erosion. Since 8 ka, the river channel has migrated south by at least 1.25 km, and late stage mudflow fan formation has occurred.

Regional hard coral distribution within geomorphic and reef flat ecological zones determined by satellite imagery of the Xisha Islands,South China Sea

Coral reefs in the Xisha Islands （also known as the Paracel Islands in English）, South China Sea, have experienced dramatic declines in coral cover. However, the current regional scale hard coral distribution of geomorphic and ecological zones, essential for reefs management in the context of global warming and ocean acidification, is not well documented. We analyzed data from field surveys, Landsat-8 and GF-1 images to map the distribution of hard coral within geomorphic zones and reef fiat ecological zones. In situ surveys conducted in June 2014 on nine reefs provided a complete picture of reef status with regard to live coral diversity, evenness of coral cover and reef health （live versus dead cover） for the Xisha Islands. Mean coral cover was 12.5% in 2014 and damaged reefs seemed to show signs of recovery. Coral cover in sheltered habitats such as lagoon patch reefs and biotic dense zones of reef flats was higher, but there were large regional differences and low diversity. In contrast, the more exposed reef slopes had high coral diversity, along with high and more equal distributions of coral cover. Mean hard coral cover of other zones was 〈10%. The total Xisha reef system was estimated to cover 1 060 km2, and the emergent reefs covered -787 km2. Hard corals of emergent reefs were considered to cover 97 km2. The biotic dense zone of the reef flat was a very common zone on all simple atolls, especially the broader northern reef flats. The total cover of live and dead coral can reach above 70% in this zone, showing an equilibrium between live and dead coral as opposed to coral and algae. This information regarding the spatial distribution of hard coral can support and inform the management of Xisha reef ecosystems.

Relative active tectonics evaluation using geomorphic and drainage indices, in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, western India

The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.

Geomorphic and tectonic controls of landslides induced by the 2022 Luding earthquake

On 05 September 2022,an Ms 6.8(Mw 6.6)earthquake occurred in Luding County,Sichuan Province,China,with the epicenter at 29.59°N,102.08°E and a focal depth of approximately 16.0km.Combining field investigations,high-resolution satellite images and multiple datatpes characterizing the seismogenic structure,topography and geology,this study attempts to discuss the influence of geomorphic and tectonic indexes on landslide distribution.The results show that the 2022 Luding earthquake with seismogenic fault at the Moxi fault,was a sinistral strike-slip event that triggered at least 4528landslides over an area of~2000 km2.These landslides span a total area of 28.1 km^(2),and the western section of the seismogenic fault,which serves as the active wall area,is characterized by a higher landslide concentration,especially in the Wandong Basin.The seismogenic fault and lithology influence the regional distribution of landslides,and more landslides occurred closer to the seismogenic fault and in the controlling lithologies of granite and dolomite.Local topography influences the landslide occurrence position on the slope;the eastern section is prone to form landslides in the lower gorge section,and the western section is prone to form landslides in the upper-top section of the gorge.For coseismic landslides in the eastern Baryan Har block,the eastern boundary(Longmenshan fault),where the earthquakes are characterized by thrusts with slight dextral strike-slip movement,could be the primary landslide-prone area;the southern boundary,the Moxi fault and the southern segment of the Xianshuihe fault,with more intensive strikeslip movement,may be the secondary landsideprone area;and the northern boundary is the tertiary landside-prone area.Additionally,the current landslide inventory may be underestimated although this underestimation has limited influence on the results.

Geomorphic indices and relative tectonic uplift in the Guerrero sector of the Mexican forearc

Tectonically active areas,such as forearc regions,commonly show contrasting relief,differential tectonic uplift,variations in erosion rates,in river incision,and in channel gradient produced by ongoing tectonic deformation.Thus,information on the tectonic activity of a defined area could be derived via landscape analysis.This study uses topography and geomorphic indices to extract signals of ongoing tectonic deformation along the Mexican subduction forearc within the Guerrero sector.For this purpose,we use field data,topographical data,knickpoints,the ratio of volume to area（Rva）.the stream-length gradient index（St）,and the normalized channel steepness index（k_（sn））.The results of the applied landscape analysis reveal considerable variations in relief,topography and geomorphic indices values along the Guerrero sector of the Mexican subduction zone.We argue that the reported differences are indicative of tectonic deformation and of variations in relative tectonic uplift along the studied forearc.A significant drop from central and eastern parts of the study area towards the west in values of R_（VA）（from ~500 to^300）,St（from ~500 to ca.400）,maximum St（from ~1500-2500 to ~ 1000） and k_（sn）（from ~150 to ~100） denotes a decrease in relative tectonic uplift in the same direction.We suggest that applied geomorphic indices values and forearc topography are independent of climate and lithology.Actual mechanisms responsible for the observed variations and inferred changes in relative forearc tectonic uplift call for further studies that explain the physical processes that control the forearc along strike uplift variations and that determine the rates of uplift.The proposed methodology and results obtained through this study could prove useful to scientists who study the geomorphology of forearc regions and active subduction zones.

Appraisal of active tectonics in Hindu Kush:Insights from DEM derived geomorphic indices and drainage analysis

Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush （NW Pakistan and NE Alghanistanl result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition processes. Active tectonics in this region have greatly influenced the drainage system and geomorphic expressions. The study area is a junction of three important mt^unlain ranges （Hindu Kush-Karakorunl-Himalayas） and is thus an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the relative tectonic activity resulting from the India-Eurasia collision. We evaluate active tectonics using DEM derived drainage network and geomorphic indices hypsometric integral （Hl）. stream-length gradient （SL）, fractal dimension （FD）, basin asymmetry factor （AF）, basin shape index （B,）, valley floor width to wllley height ratio （Vf） and motmtain front sinuosity （Star）. The results obtained from these indices were combined to yield an index of relative active tectonics （IRAT） using GIS. The average of the seven measured geomorphic indices was used to ewfluate the distri- bution of relative tectonic activity in the study area. We defined tour classes to define the degree of rela- tive tectonic activity： class 1 very high （1.0 ≤ IRAT 〈 1.3）; class 2 high （1.3 ≥ IRAT 〈 1.5）： class 3--moderate （1.5 〉 IRAT 〈 1.8）; and class 4--low （1.8 〉 IRAT）. In view of the results, we conclude that this combined approach allows the identification of the highly deformed areas related to active tectonics. Landsat imagery and field observations also evidence the presence of active tectonics based on the deflected streams, deformed landforms, active mountain fronts and triangular facets. The indicative values of IRAT are consistent with the areas of known relative uplift rates, landforms and geology.

Geomorphologic patterns of dune networks in the Tengger Desert,China

Dune networks are widely distributed in the world＇s deserts,which include primary ridges and secondary ridges.However,they have not been sufficiently studied in a systematic manner and their origins and spatial and morphological characteristics remain unclear.To provide information on the geomorphology of dune networks,we analyze the software geomorphologic patterns of the dune networks in China＇s Tengger Desert using matrix and laboratory to process remote-sensing images.Based on analysis of image features and their layout in a topographic map,we identify two types of dune networks （square and rectangular dune networks） with different size and morphological structures in the Tengger Desert.Four important geomorphic pattern parameters,ridge length,spacing,orientation and defect density,are analyzed.The length of primary ridges of dune networks decreases from northwest of the desert to the southeast,resulting an increasing spacing and a transition from rectangular dune networks to square dune networks.Wind regime and sediment supply are responsible for the variation in pattern parameters.We use the spacing and defect density data to estimate the construction time of dune networks and found that the dune networks in the Tengger Desert formed since about 1.3 ka BP.

Estimation of Ground Deformation Caused by the Earthquake (M7.2) in Japan,2008,from the Geomorphic Image Analysis of High Resolution LiDAR DEMs

In this study, a new method for quantitative and efficient measurement for the ground surface movement was developed. The feature of this technique is to identify geomorphic characteristics by image matching analysis, using the intelligent images made from high resolution DEM(Digital Elevation Model). This method is useful to extract the small ground displacement where the surface shape was not intensely deformed.

Gradient effect of road transportation on economic development in different geomorphic regions

The economic benefits of transport infrastructure investment have been widely accepted.However,the varying influence of road transport development across vertical space has rarely been discussed.Taking Sichuan province in China as case study area where the landform is diverse and complex,administrative counties were categorized into 4 main types:plain counties,hill counties,mountain counties,and plateau counties.Using statistical data during 2006-2014,theperformanceofeconomic development and transport construction level in the four types of counties are discussed.Subsequently,the heterogeneous effect of each grade road on economy was calculated by local regression model(GWR).The results indicate that plain counties largely surpassed the other geomorphic counties in economic development level,while the gradient gap among them was on the decline.Similarly,distribution of transport infrastructure presented a decreasing trend from the low plain counties to high plateau counties.Regional imbalances were mainly reflected in the County road and Village road.Regarding the changes of regional gaps,National&Provincial roads and County roads were constantly expanding,whereas the disparity of Village road was slowly narrowing over time.Particularly noteworthy was the non-stationary economic influence of traffic factors across vertical gradients.On average,National&Provincial roads generated higher benefits in the high elevation regions than the lowlands.In contrast,County road and Village road were found to be more effective in promoting economic development in plains.With regard to local estimates of traffic factors,coefficients in mountain counties exhibited larger fluctuation ranges than other geomorphic units.The conclusions provide a basis for government decisionmaking in a more reasonable construction arrangement of road facilities and sustainable economic development.