scholarly journals Paraglacial Rock Slope Adjustment Beneath a High Mountain Infrastructure—The Pilatte Hut Case Study (Écrins Mountain Range, France)

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Allain Duvillard ◽  
Ludovic Ravanel ◽  
Philip Deline ◽  
Laurent Dubois
Keyword(s):  
Rock Slope ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Slope Adjustment

The Pretare-Piedilama rock block deposit: evidence of a further case of quaternary rock avalanche in Central Apennines, Italy 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Putignano ◽  
Emiliano Di Luzio ◽  
Luca Schilirò ◽  
Andrea Pietrosante ◽  
Salvatore Ivo Giano
Keyword(s):  
Slope Failure ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
Rock Block ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Central Apennines ◽  
Massive Rock ◽  
Rock Avalanches

<p>In the last two decades large clastic deposits in Central Apennines with specific morphological and sedimentological features have been interpreted as the result of Quaternary rock avalanche events (e.g., Di Luzio et al., 2004; Bianchi Fasani et al., 2014; Schilirò et al., 2019; Antonielli et al., 2020). The analysis of such deposits, that are located within intermontane basins and narrow valleys bounded by high mountain ridges, have improved the knowledge about this kind of massive rock slope failures, also clarifying their relationship with Deep-seated Gravitational Slope Deformations.</p><p>The present study then describes a multidisciplinary analysis carried out on a huge rock block deposit which crops out within the Pretare-Piedilama Valley, in the piedmont junction area of the Sibillini Mountain range (Central Italy), where Mesozoic basinal carbonates overthrust Miocene foredeep deposits.</p><p>Specifically, we performed sedimentological, stratigraphical and morphometric analyses on the clastic deposit; results support the interpretation of the event as a rock avalanche body. The accumulation area shows a T-like shape with a wide, E-W-oriented, proximal part and a N-S channelization in the central and lower sectors. The evidence suggests erosional events and tectonics as controlling factors on rock flow deposition. In this respect, the area was involved in the 2016 central Italy seismic sequence and was tectonically active during Quaternary times<strong> </strong>(Tortorici et al., 2009).</p><p>As regards on the deposit genesis, considering the geometric characteristics of a sub-rectangular detachment area located on the southern edge of the Sibillini Range, an original mechanism of rockslide failure involving about 8·10<sup>6</sup>m<sup>3</sup> of Early Jurassic limestone was inferred. Here, the post-failure geomorphic features behind the main scarp are considered for the evaluation of hazard conditions.</p><p>Finally, well-log analysis of the clastic sequence filling the Pretare-Piedilama Valley evidenced additional Quaternary landslide events occurred before the rock avalanche, thus testifying to a long history of large slope instabilities in the area controlling the landscape development.</p><p> </p><p><strong>REFERENCES</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Antonielli B., Della Seta M., Esposito C., Scarascia-Mugnozza G., Schilirò L., Spadi M., Tallini M. (2020). Quaternary rock avalanches in the Apennines: New data and interpretation of the huge clastic deposit of the L'Aquila Basin (central Italy). Geomorphology, 361, 107-194. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107194.</li> <li>Bianchi Fasani G., Di Luzio E., Esposito C., Evans S.G., Scarascia-Mugnozza G. (2014). Quaternary, catastrophic rock avalanches in the Central Apennines (Italy): relationships with inherited tectonic features, gravity-driven deformations and the geodynamic frame. Geomorphology, 21, 22–42. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2013.12.027.</li> <li>Di Luzio E., Bianchi-Fasani G., Saroli M., Esposito C., Cavinato G.P., Scarascia-Mugnozza G. (2004). Massive rock slope failure in the central Apennines (Italy): the case of the Campo di Giove rock avalanche. Bullettin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 63, 1-12. doi:10.1007/s10064-003-0212-7.</li> <li>Schilirò L., Esposito C., De Blasio F.V., Scarascia-Mugnozza G. (2019). <strong>Sediment texture in rock avalanche deposits: insights from field and experimental observations. </strong>Landslides, 16, 1629-1643. doi: 10.1007/s10346-019-01210-x.</li> <li>Tortorici G., Romagnoli G., Grassi S. et al. (2019). Quaternary negative tectonic inversion along the Sibillini Mts. thrust zone: the Arquata del Tronto case history (Central Italy). Environ Earth Sci 78:<strong> </strong>37. doi:10.1007/s12665-018-8021-2.</li> </ul>

An adapted method to assess soil organic carbon stocks in a high mountain region: A LDN case study from Kirgistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarete Korintenberg ◽  
Judith Walter ◽  
Katja Märten ◽  
Jutta Zeitz
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Land Degradation ◽  
Carbon Stocks ◽  
Mountain Region ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Fine Soil ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon Stocks ◽  
Global Data ◽  
Soc Stocks

<p>The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopetd by the United Nations in 2016 include the SDG 15.3 „Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)“, which aims to reduce land degradation by national efforts of the member states. Three indicators for land degradation were gloablly identified: landcover, land productivity and soil organic carbon stocks (SOC). In particular, the assessment of SOC is challenging in countries where (a) spatial digital data is largely missing and (b) SOC mapping is difficult due to remotness typical for high mountain regions . Global data provided by the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) may be used for reporting, but experience from various countries indicates inaccuracies due to generalisation. This is especially the case for SOC. Moreover, to report on changes in SOC stocks, a comprehensive baseline is mandatory. In order to approach these challenges, Kirgistan, which has signed the SDG’s but still lacks a baseline for SOC, has been chosen for a case study.</p><p>In a multinational project we developed a scientifically based method to map and assess SOC stocks enabling a nationwide upscaling of SOC data (baseline). Using globally available data on landcover, elevation, climate and national soil data, „representative SOC units“ were identified prior to sampling. We assume that mainly these factors determine the spatial variability of SOC and that similar SOC stocks can be expected at comparable site conditions. More than 90% of the surface area, that potentially store SOC, is coverd by only 20 representative units, which were sampled 3-fold in the field. Sampling location within a single unit was determined using a drone to identify a representative location. Using the drone was especially helpful as sampling sites in a high mountain region were often extremely remote. During sampling small-scale variability of SOC was considered in the field. To determine SOC stocks, bulk density of the fine soil, coarse fragments and amount of roots were measured in the laboratory. Furthermore, pH, clay, silt and sand content were analysed to identify further drivers for SOC distribution.</p><p>Results show that spatial distribution of SOC in such a high mountain region is mainly controlled by landcover (cropland, grassland, forest), elevation, bulk density and clay content. Within single landcover classes topographic indices, such as aspect, further determine SOC distribution. This is especially the case for grassland, which is the dominant landcover in Kirgistan (53%). For the assessment of SOC stocks different approaches were compared. For instance, precise assessment of stocks using the bulk density of the fine soil corrected for coarse fragments leads to significantly lower SOC stocks when compared to the global data provided by the UNCCD.</p>

Crustal Structure across Central Scandinavian Peninsula along Silver Road refraction profile

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Metin Kahraman ◽  
Hans Thybo ◽  
Irina Artemieva ◽  
Alexey Shulgin ◽  
Alireza Malehmir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Baltic Shield ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Seismic Profile ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Air Gun ◽  
The Baltic

<p>The Baltic Shield is located in the northern part of Europe, which formed by amalgamation of a series of terranes and microcontinents during the Archean to the Paleoproterozoic, followed by significant modification in Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic time. The Baltic Shield includes an up-to 2500 m high mountain range, the Scandes , along the western North Atlantic coast, despite being a stable craton located far from any active plate boundary.</p><p>We study a crustal scale seismic profile experiment in northern Scandinavia between 63<sup>o</sup>N and 71<sup>o</sup>N. Our Silverroad seismic profile extends perpendicular to the coastline around Lofoten and extends ~300km in a northwest direction across the shelf into the Atlantic Ocean and ~300km in a southeastern direction across the Baltic Shield. The seismic data were acquired with 5 explosive sources and 270 receivers onshore; 16 ocean bottom seismometers and air gun shooting from the vessel Hakon Mosby were used to collect both offshore and onshore.</p><p>We present the results from raytracing modelling of the seismic velocity structure along the profile. The outputs of this experiment will help to solve high onshore topography and anomalous and heterogeneous bathymetry of the continental lithosphere around the North Atlantic Ocean. The results show crustal thinning from the shield onto the continental shelf and further into the oceanic part. Of particular interest is the velocity below the high topography of the Scandes, which will be discussed in relation to isostatic equilibrium along the profile.</p>

scholarly journals ROCK SLOPE SURFACE STABILITY ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY ON HON LON ISLAND, KIEN HAI DISTRICT, KIEN GIANG PROVINCE, VIETNAM

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 340-350
Author(s):  
Ngoc Binh Vu ◽  
Truong Thanh Phi ◽  
Thanh Cong Nguyen ◽  
Hong Thinh Phi ◽  
Quy Nhan Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Slope Failure ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Slope Surface ◽  
Plane Failure ◽  
Surface Stability ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
The Road ◽  
Wedge Failure ◽  
Analytical Results

The research aimed to study 24 rock slope surfaces along the road around Hon Lon Island, Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province, Vietnam. The analytical results have determined slope failure, wedge failure, and toppling, which occurred on almost slope surface and the average percentage of plane failure is the largest. The average percent of plane failure is 19.23%, the wedge failure is 15.35%, and the toppling fault is 6.73%. Besides, the analytical results have also identified the slope surfaces which can be the key blocks: ND-13, 18, 23, 25, 34, 37, 45, 51, 62, 63. The other analytical results show that the existence of key blocks at the rock slope surfaces in the N-S direction, dip to E at the survey locations: ND-13, 23, 63 and dip to W at the survey locations: ND-37, 45; in the NE-SW direction, dip to SE at the survey locations: ND-15, 62 and dip to NW at the survey locations: ND-18, 34; in the NW-SE direction, dip to SW at the survey location ND-51. These results have important significance to support for protecting slope surface safety.

Mining off the Map: Fulongchang and Silver Mines in the Qing Empire’s Far Southwest

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-301
Author(s):  
Nanny Kim ◽  
Yang Yuda
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Social Self ◽  
Mining Town ◽  
Late Imperial ◽  
Qing Government

Abstract A donation stele discovered in the 1980 records that the community of the Fulong silver mines raised some 4500 liang of silver to build a temple dedicated to the God of Wealth in 1814. The site in a remote mountain range in northern Yunnan evidently was a prosperous and populous mining town. Yet it appears in no government record. Centered on the case study, this paper provides insights into social self-organization of communities and the structures within the Qing government that allowed the operation of mines that were registered with the local governments and submitted taxes yet kept out of the communications with the central government. The analysis contributes a specific example of communal governance structures and explains the two layers in late imperial administration, one which was official and documented in gazetteers and central records, and another which was customary and usually undocumented.

Control of low frequency noise from an environmental test facility

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (3) ◽  
pp. 3488-3497
Author(s):  
Malcolm Smith ◽  
Erika Quaranta
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Far Field ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Environmental Test

Environmental test chambers are used in the automotive industry to verify the resilience of vehicles. In just a few hours it is possible to take a car from mid-winter in the artic, via a high mountain range, to mid-summer in a desert. Powerful ventilation systems are used to change the temperature, pressure and humidity of the air in the chamber, and the variable speed blowers are a major source of low frequency noise, which can cause significant disturbance at neighbouring properties if there are gaps in silencer performance. This paper details a study to assess the attenuation requirements for a system to meet a standard criterion for low frequency far-field noise levels, and to select a reactive silencer system to achieve that specification under all circumstances. The system used standard silencer components where possible, but needed to take account of long pipe runs through the facility, with tailpipe resonances being a particular issue, and was further constrained by space and loading limits for the building. Design layouts were verified using the Actran FE code, taking account of interactions with existing silencers and transfer functions to the far-field, in order to have very high confidence of a successful outcome.

‘Stepping on the heads of our Gods'

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-56
Author(s):  
Yangji Doma Sherpa ◽  
A. John Sinclair ◽  
Thomas Henley
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Court Cases ◽  
The Public ◽  
Mountain Environments ◽  
Hydroelectric Dam ◽  
Decision Making Processes

The Himalayan region of India is experiencing rapid development in tourism, agriculture, highway construction and hydroelectric dam construction. This research considered the role of the public both within and outside of development decision-making processes in these high mountain environments using the proposed Himalayan Ski Village (HSV) in Manali as a case study. The qualitative data revealed that there has been an extensive array of public participation activity related to the HSV project over approximately 10 years. Very little of this activity has evolved, however, through the formal decision-making process. Rather, most participation activities, such as general house meetings, objection letters, public rallies, court cases against the proposed project, and a religious congregation were instigated by the public to protest the proposed development. The findings also show that involvement in the participatory activities undertaken by the public and project proponent fostered instrumental and communicative learning outcomes.

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