scholarly journals The 1513 Monte Crenone rock avalanche: numerical model and geomorphological analysis

2022 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-37
Author(s):  
Alessandro De Pedrini ◽  
Christian Ambrosi ◽  
Cristian Scapozza
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modelling ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
Historical Reconstruction ◽  
Field Mapping ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Lake Formation ◽  
Detachment Zone ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Geomorphological Analysis

Abstract. As a contribution to the knowledge of historical rockslides, this research focuses on the historical reconstruction, field mapping, and simulation of the expansion, through numerical modelling, of the 30 September 1513 Monte Crenone rock avalanche. Earth observation in 2-D and 3-D, as well as direct in situ field mapping, allowed the detachment zone and the perimeter and volume of the accumulation to be determined. Thanks to the reconstruction of the post-event digital elevation model based on historical topographic maps and the numerical modelling with the RAMMS::DEBRISFLOW software, the dynamics and runout of the rock avalanche were calibrated and reconstructed. The reconstruction of the runout model allowed confirmation of the historical data concerning this event, particularly the damming of the valley floor and the lake formation up to an elevation of 390 m a.s.l., which generated an enormous flood by dam breaching on 20 May 1515, known as the “Buzza di Biasca”.

scholarly journals A multi-level strategy for anticipating future glacier lake formation and associated hazard potentials

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Frey ◽  
W. Haeberli ◽  
A. Linsbauer ◽  
C. Huggel ◽  
F. Paul
Keyword(s):  
Swiss Alps ◽  
Bed Topography ◽  
Aster Gdem ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Lake Formation ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Elevation Model

Abstract. In the course of glacier retreat, new glacier lakes can develop. As such lakes can be a source of natural hazards, strategies for predicting future glacier lake formation are important for an early planning of safety measures. In this article, a multi-level strategy for the identification of overdeepened parts of the glacier beds and, hence, sites with potential future lake formation, is presented. At the first two of the four levels of this strategy, glacier bed overdeepenings are estimated qualitatively and over large regions based on a digital elevation model (DEM) and digital glacier outlines. On level 3, more detailed and laborious models are applied for modeling the glacier bed topography over smaller regions; and on level 4, special situations must be investigated in-situ with detailed measurements such as geophysical soundings. The approaches of the strategy are validated using historical data from Trift Glacier, where a lake formed over the past decade. Scenarios of future glacier lakes are shown for the two test regions Aletsch and Bernina in the Swiss Alps. In the Bernina region, potential future lake outbursts are modeled, using a GIS-based hydrological flow routing model. As shown by a corresponding test, the ASTER GDEM and the SRTM DEM are both suitable to be used within the proposed strategy. Application of this strategy in other mountain regions of the world is therefore possible as well.

25 years of movement monitoring on South Peak, Turtle Mountain: understanding the hazard

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey R. Froese ◽  
Francisco Moreno ◽  
Michel Jaboyedoff ◽  
David M. Cruden
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
Light Detection And Ranging ◽  
Short Term ◽  
The Past ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Government Project ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Movement Monitoring ◽  
Deep Fractures

In 1981, an Alberta Government project upgraded the monitoring of South Peak, Turtle Mountain, on the south margin of the 1903 Frank Slide. The monitoring program aimed at understanding the rates of deformation over large, deep fractures encompassing South Peak and predicting a second large rock avalanche on the mountain. The monitoring program consisted of a complement of static ground points and remotely monitored targets measured periodically, and climatic, microseismic, and deformation data collected automatically on daily intervals and archived. In the late 1980s, developmental funding for the monitoring program ceased and some of the installations fell into disrepair. Between May 2004 and September 2006, readings from the remaining functional monitoring points were compiled and interpreted. In addition, readings compiled previously were re-interpreted based on a more recent understanding of short-term movement patterns and climatic influences. These observations were compared with recent observations from an airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital elevation model and field photographs to give more precise estimates of the overall rates, extent, and patterns of motion for the past 25 years.

scholarly journals Soil Moisture Estimation Using Citizen Observatory Data, Microwave Satellite Imagery, and Environmental Covariates

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2160
Author(s):  
Daniel Kibirige ◽  
Endre Dobos
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Regression Kriging ◽  
Environmental Covariates ◽  
Observatory Data ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Elevation Model

Soil moisture (SM) is a key variable in the climate system and a key parameter in earth surface processes. This study aimed to test the citizen observatory (CO) data to develop a method to estimate surface SM distribution using Sentinel-1B C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Landsat 8 data; acquired between January 2019 and June 2019. An agricultural region of Tard in western Hungary was chosen as the study area. In situ soil moisture measurements in the uppermost 10 cm were carried out in 36 test fields simultaneously with SAR data acquisition. The effects of environmental covariates and the backscattering coefficient on SM were analyzed to perform SM estimation procedures. Three approaches were developed and compared for a continuous four-month period, using multiple regression analysis, regression-kriging and cokriging with the digital elevation model (DEM), and Sentinel-1B C-band and Landsat 8 images. CO data were evaluated over the landscape by expert knowledge and found to be representative of the major SM distribution processes but also presenting some indifferent short-range variability that was difficult to explain at this scale. The proposed models were evaluated using statistical metrics: The coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE). Multiple linear regression provides more realistic spatial patterns over the landscape, even in a data-poor environment. Regression kriging was found to be a potential tool to refine the results, while ordinary cokriging was found to be less effective. The obtained results showed that CO data complemented with Sentinel-1B SAR, Landsat 8, and terrain data has the potential to estimate and map soil moisture content.

scholarly journals Quaternary formations mapping in the region of Volta Grande do Rio Uruguai (Brazil)

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. e174174
Author(s):  
Sandra Cristina Deodoro ◽  
William Zanete Bertolini ◽  
Plinio da Costa Temba
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size Analysis ◽  
Size Analysis ◽  
Valley Bottom ◽  
Model Soil ◽  
Fluvial Dynamics ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Topographic Attributes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Elevation Model

Quaternary formations (detrital and weathered materials) are an important natural resource for different areas of scientific investigation, from understanding their relation to erosive processes and morphodynamic processes that create landforms or to understanding the history of the first human settlements (geoarcheology). Quaternary coverings can be formed in situ or be transported by external geologic agents. Regarding soils, Quaternary formations are related to landscape topography and are transformed according to the characteristics of this topography. Hence, classifying and mapping these soils is not always easy. The present article aims to map the Quaternary formations along a stretch of the Uruguay River basin  known as Volta Grande (SC/RS-Brazil), by using  topographic attributes derived from the SRTM GL1-Up Sampled digital elevation model, soil particle-size analysis, and a generated Multiresolution Index of Valley Bottom Flatness (MRVBF) index . The results of the analysis show that: (i) colluvium is the predominant Quaternary formation in the study area; (ii) there is a predominance of clay, corroborating previous studies of the region; (iii) the spatial distribution of the study area’s  Quaternary formations reflect local slope dynamics based on morphology and topographic position; and, (iv) the existence of colluvium-alluvium on the Uruguay River’s banks indicates that slope attributes contributed to the pedogeomorphological dynamics of the study area and not only fluvial dynamics. Based on the results, the methodology applied in this study might be useful for pedogeomorphological studies, notably in the analysis and mapping of Quaternary formations, despite some of its limitations.

A Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction of Elkwater Lake, Alberta

2004 ◽  
Vol 56 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 279-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dion J. Wiseman ◽  
Garry L. Running ◽  
Andrea Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Late Holocene ◽  
Alluvial Fan ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction ◽  
Lake Levels ◽  
Mass Wasting ◽  
The West ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Lake Formation ◽  
Elevation Model

AbstractCores retrieved from two slump blocks at the west end of Elkwater Lake, Alberta were used to determine which of two mass wasting events was responsible for impounding the lake and to establish a maximum age of lake formation. A high resolution Digital Elevation Model of the study area was used to estimate the volume of material involved in each mass wasting event, recreate pre-slump topographic conditions, determine the probable extent and elevation of the lake at different periods in time, and evaluate the viability of alternative outlets. Results suggest that the lake formed no more than 9440 BP as a result of impoundment by the eastern slump block. The lake rose to its highest mid-Holocene elevation prior to 7245 BP, establishing an outlet through Feleski Creek 3.5 km northeast of the present shoreline. Lake levels then dropped during the comparatively dry Altithermal, concurrent with a period of rapid sediment influx and the development of the alluvial fan on which the Stampede site is located. As water levels rose during the late Holocene, and with the former outlet cut off by progradation of the alluvial fan, Elkwater Lake established its present outlet though Ross Creek.

scholarly journals r.randomwalk v1.0, a multi-functional conceptual tool for mass movement routing

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 8193-8237 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mergili ◽  
J. Krenn ◽  
H.-J. Chu
Keyword(s):  
Programming Languages ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
R Software ◽  
Impact Indicator ◽  
Conceptual Tool ◽  
Outburst Floods ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Indicator Score

Abstract. We introduce r.randomwalk, a flexible and multi-functional open source tool for backward- and forward-analyses of mass movement propagation. r.randomwalk builds on GRASS GIS, the R software for statistical computing and the programming languages Python and C. Using constrained random walks, mass points are routed from defined release pixels of one to many mass movements through a digital elevation model until a defined break criterion is reached. Compared to existing tools, the major innovative features of r.randomwalk are: (i) multiple break criteria can be combined to compute an impact indicator score, (ii) the uncertainties of break criteria can be included by performing multiple parallel computations with randomized parameter settings, resulting in an impact indicator index in the range 0–1, (iii) built-in functions for validation and visualization of the results are provided, (iv) observed landslides can be back-analyzed to derive the density distribution of the observed angles of reach. This distribution can be employed to compute impact probabilities for each pixel. Further, impact indicator scores and probabilities can be combined with release indicator scores or probabilities, and with exposure indicator scores. We demonstrate the key functionalities of r.randomwalk (i) for a single event, the Acheron Rock Avalanche in New Zealand, (ii) for landslides in a 61.5 km2 study area in the Kao Ping Watershed, Taiwan; and (iii) for lake outburst floods in a 2106 km2 area in the Gunt Valley, Tajikistan.

Length‐Scale‐Dependent Relationships between VS30 and Topographic Slopes in Southern California

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 2614-2625
Author(s):  
Jessica Lin ◽  
Seulgi Moon ◽  
Alan Yong ◽  
Lingsen Meng ◽  
Paul Davis
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Southern California ◽  
Length Scales ◽  
Motion Models ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Seismic Site Effects ◽  
Topographic Attributes ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Ground Motion Models

Abstract In engineering seismology, the time‐averaged shear‐wave velocity (VS) of the upper 30 m of the crust (VS30) is the primary parameter used in ground‐motion models to predict seismic site effects. VS30 is typically derived from in situ recordings of VS, although proxy‐based approaches (using geologic and/or geomorphometric classifications) are provisionally adopted when measurement‐based VS30 are sparse or not readily available. Despite the acceptance of proxy approaches, there are limited studies that examine the empirical relationships between VS30 and topographic attributes measured from various length scales and different resolutions of the digital elevation model. In this study, we examine the relationships between compiled VS30 measurements from 218 sites in southern California and topographic metrics of slope and relief measured over various length scales. We find that the correlations between topographic metrics and VS30 are weak but statistically significant. The correlations are improved when topographic slopes and relief are measured over length scales longer than typical hillslopes and VS30 sites are separated by different geologic groups. This is likely because VS30, especially on the rock sites, is better reflected in topographic metrics that capture large‐scale topographic relief, as well as landscape positions such as hilltops and valley bottoms.

scholarly journals r.randomwalk v1, a multi-functional conceptual tool for mass movement routing

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 4027-4043 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mergili ◽  
J. Krenn ◽  
H.-J. Chu
Keyword(s):  
Programming Languages ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
R Software ◽  
Impact Indicator ◽  
Conceptual Tool ◽  
Outburst Floods ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Indicator Score

Abstract. We introduce r.randomwalk, a flexible and multi-functional open-source tool for backward and forward analyses of mass movement propagation. r.randomwalk builds on GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System – Geographic Information System), the R software for statistical computing and the programming languages Python and C. Using constrained random walks, mass points are routed from defined release pixels of one to many mass movements through a digital elevation model until a defined break criterion is reached. Compared to existing tools, the major innovative features of r.randomwalk are (i) multiple break criteria can be combined to compute an impact indicator score; (ii) the uncertainties of break criteria can be included by performing multiple parallel computations with randomized parameter sets, resulting in an impact indicator index in the range 0–1; (iii) built-in functions for validation and visualization of the results are provided; (iv) observed landslides can be back analysed to derive the density distribution of the observed angles of reach. This distribution can be employed to compute impact probabilities for each pixel. Further, impact indicator scores and probabilities can be combined with release indicator scores or probabilities, and with exposure indicator scores. We demonstrate the key functionalities of r.randomwalk for (i) a single event, the Acheron rock avalanche in New Zealand; (ii) landslides in a 61.5 km2 study area in the Kao Ping Watershed, Taiwan; and (iii) lake outburst floods in a 2106 km2 area in the Gunt Valley, Tajikistan.

Multi-site assessment of cultivation-induced soil change using revised landform segmentation procedures

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 565-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Pennock
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Formation ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Soil Thickness ◽  
Site Assessment ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Taxonomic Class ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Elevation Model

The range of soil properties associated with soil taxonomic class results from natural soil formation and soil-changing effects of human activity. My goal was to assess cultivation effects on soil formation and soil organic carbon (SOC) at four cultivated and two native hummocky till sites from the same climatic region of Saskatchewan. A revised landform segmentation procedure was used for comparisons across sites. Neither A horizon thickness nor SOC was related to topographical attributes at the native sites, but both had significant relationships (P = 0.001) with profile curvature (Pearson r= −0.53 and −0.57 for A horizon thickness and SOC, respectively), specific dispersal area (r = −0.40 and −0.54) and plan curvature (r = −0.24 and −0.34) at the cultivated sites. The greatest decreases in A horizon thickness (16 cm) and SOC (56 Mg ha-1) at the cultivated sites occurred in divergent shoulder elements, which have high rates of tillage-induced soil loss. Increases in soil thickness (including depth to calcium carbonate) occurred in concave footslope and depressional elements, but in situ losses of SOC outweighed the effects of SOC deposition. Soil thinning caused increases in the proportion of Orthic Regosols and decreases in the proportion of Calcareous Chernozems, but horizonation changes in the dominant Orthic Chernozems were minor. The self-terminating nature of the horizonation changes and improved conservation measures suggest that the future rate of soil change in these landscapes may be lower than in the past. Key words: organic carbon, topography, landscape-scale, erosion, tillage redistribution, digital elevation model, cesium

scholarly journals Estimation of the Water Balance of a Small Tropical Andean Catchment

La Granja ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-69
Author(s):  
Paola Jackeline Duque-Sarango ◽  
Ronald Cajamarca-Rivadeneira ◽  
Beverley C. Wemple ◽  
Manuel E. Delgado-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Water Balance ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Double Mass ◽  
Temperature Reference ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Precipitation And Temperature

The present study seeks to estimate the water balance that results as a product of the variation of precipitation and temperature over the Chaquilcay microcatchment, a natural system that intercepts with the surface of the Aguarongo Protected Forest in Gualaceo, Ecuador. Four meteorological stations of the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) were studied, which are divided into climatological and pluviometric, with time series of over 30 years, (1982-2015 period). In order to quantify the contributions and losses of water, statistical analyzes of the time series and surveys of in situ information were carried out. The methods used are linear regression, streak test and double mass curve. To fill and validate the series of precipitation and temperature, reference temperatures of the isothermal raster of Ecuador were included in the pluviometric stations. Additionally, a digital elevation model (MDE) was used to predict the amount of sunshine, and the Thornthwaite evapotranspiration method (1948) was applied from the obtained data. The results show acceptance of the meteorological records, while in the soil analysis we obtained the following data: Humidity, 62.38%; organic matter, 21.29%; field capacity, 18.71 mm and a flow of 1.89 m³ / s during the month of May. Finally, the water balance indicates 843.7 mm of annual precipitation, a storage difference of 18.71 mm representing 2.22% of total precipitation, an surplus of 144.5 mm, and actual evapotranspiration of 680.5 mm, with 17.13% and 80.65%, respectively.

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