Is the Earth’s Surface Critical? The Role of Fluvial Erosion and Landslides

Author(s):  
Stefan Hergarten
Keyword(s):  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
SM Mainul Kabir ◽  
David Iacopini ◽  
Adrian Hartley ◽  
Vittorio Maselli ◽  
Davide Oppo

<p>The Nahr Menashe Unit (NMU), which forms the uppermost part of the Messinian succession,  is one of the most cryptic and elusive sedimentary units present in the Levant basin (Eastern Mediterranean). We use a high-resolution 3D seismic dataset from offshore Lebanon to propose a new interpretation for its formation and evolution. The NMU varies laterally across the basin both in thickness and internal seismic characteristics. The variably coherent cyclic seismic packages affected by fracturing, faulting suggests that the NMU represent a reworked, layered evaporite succession interbedded with siliciclastics derived from both the Lebanon Highlands and the Latakia Ridge. Widespread semi-circular depressions, random linear imprints, passive surface collapsing and residual mound features within the NMU suggest that post depositional diagenetic and/or strong dissolution process often affected its evaporite-rich subunits. The well-known extended valley and tributary channel systems characterising the uppermost NMU shows mainly erosional rather than depositional features. Erosion started after deposition of NMU as a consequence of the maximum base level fall during the last phase of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC). The channel and valley system were subsequently infilled by layered sediments here interpreted to represent post-MSC deep water marine reflooding. In conclusion, our analyses suggest the NMU can be interpreted as a mixed evaporite-siliciclastic system deposited in a shallow marine or marginal environment, which subsequently experienced fluvial erosion and later burial by transgressive/high-stand sediments.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Soonkie Nam ◽  
Marte Gutierrez ◽  
Panayiotis Diplas ◽  
John Petrie

The increasing number of extreme climate events has impacted the operation of reservoirs, resulting in drastic changes in flow releases from reservoirs. Consequently, downstream riverbanks have experienced more rapid and frequent changes of the river water surface elevation (WSE). These changes in the WSE affect pore water pressures in riverbanks, directly influencing slope stability. This study presents an analysis of seepage and slope stability for riverbanks under the influence of steady-state, drawdown, and peaking operations of the Roanoke Rapids Hydropower dam on the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina, USA. Although the riverbanks were found to be stable under all the discharge conditions considered, which indicates that normal operations of the reservoir have no adverse effects on riverbank stability, the factor of safety decreases as the WSE decreases. When the role of fluvial erosion is considered, riverbank stability is found to reduce. Drawdown and fluctuation also decrease the safety factor, though the rate of the decrease depends more on the hydraulic conductivity of the soils rather than the discharge pattern.


JAMA ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 195 (12) ◽  
pp. 1005-1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Fernbach
Keyword(s):  

JAMA ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 195 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. Van Metre

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnifred R. Louis ◽  
Craig McGarty ◽  
Emma F. Thomas ◽  
Catherine E. Amiot ◽  
Fathali M. Moghaddam

AbstractWhitehouse adapts insights from evolutionary anthropology to interpret extreme self-sacrifice through the concept of identity fusion. The model neglects the role of normative systems in shaping behaviors, especially in relation to violent extremism. In peaceful groups, increasing fusion will actually decrease extremism. Groups collectively appraise threats and opportunities, actively debate action options, and rarely choose violence toward self or others.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Arceneaux

AbstractIntuitions guide decision-making, and looking to the evolutionary history of humans illuminates why some behavioral responses are more intuitive than others. Yet a place remains for cognitive processes to second-guess intuitive responses – that is, to be reflective – and individual differences abound in automatic, intuitive processing as well.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefen Beeler-Duden ◽  
Meltem Yucel ◽  
Amrisha Vaish

Abstract Tomasello offers a compelling account of the emergence of humans’ sense of obligation. We suggest that more needs to be said about the role of affect in the creation of obligations. We also argue that positive emotions such as gratitude evolved to encourage individuals to fulfill cooperative obligations without the negative quality that Tomasello proposes is inherent in obligations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Whiten

Abstract The authors do the field of cultural evolution a service by exploring the role of non-social cognition in human cumulative technological culture, truly neglected in comparison with socio-cognitive abilities frequently assumed to be the primary drivers. Some specifics of their delineation of the critical factors are problematic, however. I highlight recent chimpanzee–human comparative findings that should help refine such analyses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Parr

Abstract This commentary focuses upon the relationship between two themes in the target article: the ways in which a Markov blanket may be defined and the role of precision and salience in mediating the interactions between what is internal and external to a system. These each rest upon the different perspectives we might take while “choosing” a Markov blanket.


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