Calculation of reverse-fault-related parameters using topographic profiles and fault bedding

Fault-related parameters are critical for studying tectonic evolution, deformation character- istics, active tectonism, and seismic hazards. A new method of calculating reverse-fault- related parameters has been developed, which uses systematic analysis of the geometrical characteristics of normal and reverse scarps of reverse faults together with measurements of topographic profiles and fault bedding. The results show that the most suitable method of calculating fault parameters heavily relies on the specific type of fault scarp. For a reverse scarp, the size of the vertical displacement （VD） of the fault, the vertical separation （VS） of the hanging wall and the footwall, and the fault scarp height （SH）how the relationship VD ≥VS ≥ SH; conversely, for normal scarps, VD ≤ VS ≤ SH. The theoretical equations were used to study fault deformation in the Southwest Tianshan Mountain foreland basin. The results showed that, for every fault, VD ≥ VS ≥SH, which is consistent with our predicted relationship. This finding demonstrates that this method is suitable to explore structural information of reverse faults. In the study area, the vertical displacement is 1.4 times the horizontal displacement, suggesting that fiexural-slip faults may play an important role in transferring local deformation from horizontal shortening to vertical uplift. Therefore, one of the most important steps in correct calculation of reverse-fault-related parameters is selection of the proper equations by identifying the specific type of fault scarp and the corresponding calculation method.

Assessment of Land Erosion and Sediment Accumulation Caused by Runoff after a Flash-Flooding Storm Using Topographic Profiles and Spectral Indices

This research deals with the characterization of areas associated with flash floods and erosion caused by severe rainfall storm and sediment transport and accumulation using topographic attributes and profiles, spectral indices (SI), and principal component analysis (PCA). To achieve our objectives, topographic attributes and profiles were retrieved from ASTER-V2 DEM. PCA and nine SI were derived from two Landsat-OLI images acquired before and after the flood-storm. The images data were atmospherically corrected, sensor radiometric drift calibrated, and geometric and topographic distortions rectified. For validation purposes, the acquired photos during the flood-storm, lithological and geological maps were used. The analysis of approximately 100 colour composite combinations in the RGB system permitted the selection of two combinations due to their potential for characterizing soil erosion classes and sediment accumulation. The first considers the “Intensity, NDWI and NMDI”, while the second associates form index (FI), brightness index (BI) and NDWI. These two combinations provide very good separating power between different levels of soil erosion and degradation. Moreover, the derived erosion risk and sediment accumulation map based on the selected spectral indices segmentation and topographic attributes and profiles illustrated the tendency of water accumulation in the landscape, and highlighted areas prone to both fast moving and pooling water. In addition, it demonstrated that the rainfall, the topographic morphology and the lithology are the major contributing factors for flash flooding, catastrophic inundation, and erosion risk in the study area. The runoff-water power delivers vulnerable topsoil and contributes strongly to the erosion process, and then transports soil material and sediment to the plain areas through waterpower and gravity. The originality of this research resides in its simplicity and rapidity to provide a solid basis strategy for regional policies to address the real causes of problems and risks in developing countries. Certainly, it can help in the improvement of the management of water regulation structures to develop a methodology to maximize the water storage capacity and to reduce the risks caused by floods in the Moroccan Atlas Mountain (Guelmim region).

Obtaining morphometric variables from gullies using two methods of interpolation laser scanner data:the case study of Vassouras,Brazil

Gully erosion is a worldwide problem of land degradation and water quality,and it is also frequent in Brazil.Typically,anthropic influence is the major driver of gully evolution.To study and monitor gullies it is necessary to use specific instruments and methods to obtain accurate information.The objective of this study was to use Terrestrial Laser Scanning(TLS) to create digital elevation model(DEM) accurately and define morphometric variables that characterize gullies in a mountainous relief.Two different interpolations were evaluated using the Topogrid and GridSurfaceCreate algorithms to elaborate DEM.Topographic profile for gullies was used to assess modeling quality.The DEM of the Gully 1(G1) from the Topogrid algorithm estimated soil loss of 49%,whereas the GridSurfaceCreate algorithm estimated a soil loss of97%,in a period of 1 year.The estimated soil loss for the Gully 2(G2) was 14% from the Topogrid,and 8%from the GridSurfaceCreate algorithm.The GridSurfaceCreate algorithm underestimated the volume to area ratio for G2 due to a failure on interpolating a region of low point representativity.The Topogrid algorithm represented better the terrain irregularities,as observed through the topographic profiles traced in three regions of G1 and G2.Statistical analysis showed that the GridSurfaceCreate algorithm presented lower accuracy in estimating elevations.The underestimation trend of this algorithm was also observed in G2.The gullies showed considerable soil losses,which may reduce the areas suitable for agricultural activities,and silting up of water courses.The Topogrid algorithm presented satisfactory results,denoting great potential to produce morphometric data of gullies.