High‐resolution facies analysis of a coastal sabkha in the eastern Gulf of Salwa (Qatar): A spatio‐temporal reconstruction

Gullies are sources and reservoirs of sediments and perform as efficient transfers of runoff and sediments. In recent years, several techniques and technologies emerged to facilitate monitoring of gully dynamics at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Here we present a detailed study of a valley-bottom gully in a Mediterranean rangeland with a savannah-like vegetation cover that was partially restored in 2017. Restoration activities included check dams (gabion weirs and fascines) and livestock exclosure by fencing. The specific objectives of this work were: (1) to analyze the effectiveness of the restoration activities, (2) to study erosion and deposition dynamics before and after the restoration activities using high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), (3) to examine the role of micro-morphology on the observed topographic changes, and (4) to compare the current and recent channel dynamics with previous studies conducted in the same study area through different methods and spatio-temporal scales, quantifying medium-term changes. Topographic changes were estimated using multi-temporal, high-resolution DEMs produced using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry and aerial images acquired by a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The performance of the restoration activities was satisfactory to control gully erosion. Check dams were effective favoring sediment deposition and reducing lateral bank erosion. Livestock exclosure promoted the stabilization of bank headcuts. The implemented restoration measures increased notably sediment deposition.

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Significance in the Integration of Facies Analysis, Stable Isotopes and Diagenetical Results for the High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy Characterization in the Shallow Platform of Shuaiba Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Abu Dhabi Onshore, UAE

10.2118/207828-ms ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kevin Michael Torres ◽

Noura Al Madani ◽

Rodrigo Rafael Gutierrez

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Direct Evidence ◽

Facies Analysis ◽

Carbonate Platform ◽

Nutrient Supply ◽

Abu Dhabi ◽

Small Scale ◽

Facies Association ◽

Accommodation Space ◽

Shallow Platform

Abstract The study presents the sequence stratigraphy of the carbonate platform focused in lower part of Shuaiba Formation, as well as the organization of the arrangement formed by the cyclical sedimentological evolution at high-resolution scale, through the facies analysis, diagenetical imprints and finally, significance of stable carbonate isotope results in the building up of carbonate platform in southeast Abu Dhabi. Interpreted stratigraphic surfaces from integration of depositional facies reviewed in all available cored data within studied area and stable carbon isotope results allowed that four small-scale regression-transgression depositional cycles can be discriminated which are stacked into a medium-scale sequence, that may record a 600 kyr Milankovitch signal. The small-scale sequences were correlated within the studied area using both conventional well logs and stable isotope records. Transgression hemicycles represent the increasing of accommodation space and can be identified in direct evidence, such as 25-40 ft. thickness of lithocodium/bacinella floatstones and skeletal peloidal packstones facies, association of facies interpreted within upper slope sub-environment. Likewise, in δ13C profiles, the rise/fall turnarounds of small-scale sequences are marked by negative δ13C peaks and associated with characteristics patterns: (1) proportion decrease of shallower sub-environments facies is interpreted as an rising relative sea-level and (2) decreasing δ13C trends interpreted to be related to decreasing nutrient supply. The medium/big pores of floatstones poorly connected in packstone matrix are expressed in the medium/high porosity with low permeabilities. In contrast, regressive hemicycles represent the reduction in accommodation space and can be characterized in direct evidence, such as the growing up of persistent 10-20 ft. thickness with thousands of meters of correlation of stromatoporoids and rudist facies, association of facies interpreted within shelf-margin complex sub-environment. In addition, the fall/rise turnarounds are marked by positive δ13C peaks, associated with the stromatoporoids/rudists mounds with characteristic patterns: (1) proportion increase of shallower sub-environments facies is interpreted as falling relative sea-level and increase in proximity and (2) increasing δ13C values interpreted to reflect increasing nutrient supply. Unusually very high permeability is attributed to the present of fractures and dissolution events that is enhanced where proportion of stromatoporoids facies are more pronounced. The described characterization resulted in the identification of genetic cycles that reproduce the sedimentological evolution, which are presented in small-scale sequences. In addition, the δ13C values enabled to understand the internal organization and the development of the carbonate building up in the Shuaiba shallow platform evolution. This study provides update and understanding on sedimentary facies, depositional pattern, and expands on previous published works, using new approach from semi-regional to local scales. Finally, results help to understand the laterally extensive water break-through thin intervals, which are directly related to the regressive hemicycles described previously.

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Accuracy and spatio-temporal variation of high resolution satellite rainfall estimate over the Ganjiang River Basin

Science China Technological Sciences ◽

10.1007/s11431-013-5176-7 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 56 (4) ◽

pp. 853-865 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

QingFang Hu ◽

DaWen Yang ◽

YinTang Wang ◽

HanBo Yang

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Temporal Variation ◽

River Basin ◽

Satellite Rainfall ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Ganjiang River Basin ◽

Satellite Rainfall Estimate

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Spatio-Temporal Mixed Pixel Analysis of Savanna Ecosystems: A Review

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13193870 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 3870

Author(s):

Hilma S. Nghiyalwa ◽

Marcel Urban ◽

Jussi Baade ◽

Izak P. J. Smit ◽

Abel Ramoelo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Time Series ◽

High Resolution ◽

Land Cover ◽

Parametric Methods ◽

Mixed Pixel ◽

Medium Resolution ◽

Long Time ◽

Pixel Analysis ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Resolution Data

Reliable estimates of savanna vegetation constituents (i.e., woody and herbaceous vegetation) are essential as they are both responders and drivers of global change. The savanna is a highly heterogenous biome with high variability in land cover types while also being very dynamic at both temporal and spatial scales. To understand the spatial-temporal dynamics of savannas, using Earth Observation (EO) data for mixed-pixel analysis is crucial. Mixed pixel analysis provides detailed land cover data at a sub-pixel level which are essential for conservation purposes, understanding food supply for herbivores, quantifying environmental change, such as bush encroachment, and fuel availability essential for understanding fire dynamics, and for accurate estimation of savanna biomass. This review paper consulted 197 studies employing mixed-pixel analysis in savanna ecosystems. The review indicates that studies have so far attempted to resolve the savanna mixed-pixel issues by using mainly coarse resolution data, such as Terra-Aqua MODIS and AVHRR and medium resolution Landsat, to provide fractional cover data. Hence, there is a lack of spatio-temporal mixed-pixel analysis for savannas at high spatial resolutions. Methods used for mixed-pixel analysis include parametric and non-parametric methods which range from pixel-unmixing models, such as linear spectral mixture analysis (SMA), time series decomposition, empirical methods to link the green vegetation parameters with Vegetation Indices (VIs), and machine learning methods, such as regression trees (RT) and random forests (RF). Most studies were undertaken at local and regional scale, highlighting a research gap for savanna mixed pixel studies at national, continental, and global level. Parametric methods for modeling spatio-temporal mixed pixel analysis were preferred for coarse to medium resolution remote sensing data, while non-parametric methods were preferred for very high to high spatial resolution data. The review indicates a gap for long time series spatio-temporal mixed-pixel analysis of savannas using high resolution data at various scales. There is potential to harmonize the available low resolution EO data with new high-resolution sensors to provide long time series of the savanna mixed pixel, which, according to this review, is missing.

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