scholarly journals Erosion processes in black marl soils at the millimetre scale: preliminary insights from an analogous model

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 1849-1855 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bechet ◽  
J. Duc ◽  
M. Jaboyedoff ◽  
A. Loye ◽  
N. Mathys
Keyword(s):  
Slope Angle ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Surface Processes ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Natural Rainfall ◽  
Undisturbed Sample ◽  
Analogous Model ◽  
Micro Topography ◽  
Scale Surface

Abstract. To investigate the millimetre-scale surface processes caused by natural rainfall, an undisturbed sample of badlands soil (1 m long, 0.5 m wide and 0.15 m thick) was carefully extracted. The sample is composed of black marl soil from a badlands area of the Draix Observatory (SE France). After extraction, the undisturbed sample was placed at the same slope angle (45°) as its original orientation and was then monitored for several processes via a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) with millimetre-scale accuracy and resolution. This experiment identified several surface processes interpreted as micro-landslides, swelling of the black marl material and lateral expansion that closed desiccation cracks. These micro-processes illustrate the complexity of the surface micro-topography changes that control erosion and infiltration rates over time.

scholarly journals Detection of seasonal cycles of erosion processes in a black marl gully from a time series of high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs)

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 781-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Bechet ◽  
Julien Duc ◽  
Alexandre Loye ◽  
Michel Jaboyedoff ◽  
Nicolle Mathys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Digital Elevation Models ◽  
Slope Angle ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Antecedent Precipitation ◽  
Digital Elevation

Abstract. The Roubine catchment located in the experimental research station of Draix-Bléone (south French Alps) is situated in Callovo-Oxfordian black marls, a lithology particularly prone to erosion and weathering processes. For 30 years, this small watershed (0.13 ha) has been monitored for analysing hillslope processes on the scale of elementary gullies. Since 2007, surface changes have been monitored by comparing high-resolution digital elevation models (HRDEMs) produced from terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The objectives are (1) to detect and (2) to quantify the sediment production and the evolution of the gully morphology in terms of sediment availability/transport capacity vs. rainfall and runoff generation. Time series of TLS observations have been acquired periodically based on the seasonal runoff activity with a very high point cloud density ensuring a resolution of the digital elevation model (DEM) on the centimetre scale. The topographic changes over a time span of 2 years are analysed. Quantitative analyses of the seasonal erosion activity and of the sediment fluxes show and confirm that during winter, loose regolith is created by mechanical weathering, and it is eroded and accumulates in the rills and gullies. Because of limited rainfall intensity in spring, part of the material is transported in the main gullies, which are assumed to be a transport-limited erosion system. In the late spring and summer the rainfall intensities increase, allowing the regolith, weathered and accumulated in the gullies and rills during the earlier seasons, to be washed out. Later in the year the catchment acts as a sediment-limited system because no more loose regolith is available. One interesting result is the fact that in the gullies the erosion–deposition processes are more active around the slope angle value of 35°, which probably indicates a behaviour close to dry granular material. It is also observed that there exist thresholds for the rainfall events that are able to trigger significant erosion; they are above 9 mm rainfall or of an intensity of more than 1 mm min−1, values which can vary if antecedent precipitation is significant within the last 5 days.This study improves knowledge of the spatial distribution of erosion seasonality in badlands and demonstrates the potential of careful 3-D high-resolution topography using TLS to improve the understanding of erosive processes.

scholarly journals Technical Note: Erosion processes in black-marls at the millimetre scale, the input of an analogical model

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 2263-2275 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bechet ◽  
J. Duc ◽  
M. Jaboyedoff ◽  
A. Loye ◽  
N. Mathys
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Terrestrial Laser Scanner ◽  
Erosion Process ◽  
Analogical Model ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Natural Rainfall ◽  
Metal Case

Abstract. An analogical model of badland soil has been created in the aim to study the erosion process at the millimetric scale when exposed to rainfall. The analogical model is composed of a sample of black-marls soil, coming from a badlands area of southern of France. It is holding in a 0.5 m2 metal case. For the experiment the model has been exposed to a natural rainfall with an angle of 45°. It was monitored by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). This experiment allowed identifying several processes as micro-landslides, swelling of the clay content in the black-marls, the compression and creeping of the ground. All these processes have been studied and identified at the millimetre scale.

Factors controlling the interaction between tectonics and surface processes in convergent orogens: insight from analogue and numerical models

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Reitano ◽  
Claudio Faccenna ◽  
Francesca Funiciello ◽  
Fabio Corbi ◽  
Sean Willett
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Evolution ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Sprinkler System ◽  
Surface Processes ◽  
Oblique View ◽  
Surface Uplift ◽  
Geomorphic Features ◽  
Set Up

<p>Convergent orogens are the best places on Earth for studying the interaction between surface processes and tectonics. They display the highest surface uplift rates and in turn are more likely affected by erosion. The balance between tectonics and erosion is responsible for many aspects in the evolution of a mountain belt. Despite the growth of analysis techniques, our understanding is still limited by the impossibility to observe these processes through their entire evolution. In particular, understanding how single parameters affect the system is necessary to unravel the nature of these multiple-interrelated processes.</p><p>Here we propose a new series of analogue models reproducing a simplified and scaled natural convergent orogenic system, to investigate the evolution of landscapes in which both tectonics and erosion/sedimentation are present. The growth of the orogenic wedge is driven by a rigid plate pushing the rear of the model. Deformed brittle granular material is a mixture of silica powder, glass microbeads and PVC powder. This mixture allows for the observation of both deforming structures and geomorphic features. Erosion is simulated by a water sprinkler system, providing a fine mist as precipitation which collects into simulated rivers, shaping the landscape. The model therefore allows observing the interaction between tectonics and surface processes. We analyze the model evolution monitoring oblique-view with cameras and top-view with a laser scanner. The latter is useful for measuring the mass balance between input fluxes (tectonics) and output fluxes (erosion) and in fulfilling a proper parametric study on the cause-effect relationship. The effect of different parameters on landscape evolution (e.g., precipitation rate, convergence velocity) is investigated systematically.</p><p>Our preliminary results analyze the relationship between single parameters and their effect on the models, allowing a proper definition of the role played in the landscape evolution. We also set up a benchmark with numerical models using DACI3ELVIS code in the same tectonic setting.</p>

scholarly journals Modeling micro-topographic controls on boreal peatland hydrology and methane fluxes

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 5689-5704 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Cresto Aleina ◽  
B. R. K. Runkle ◽  
T. Kleinen ◽  
L. Kutzbach ◽  
J. Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Poor Performance ◽  
Methane Flux ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Energy Budgets ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Model Version ◽  
Methane Fluxes ◽  
Micro Topography ◽  
Scale Surface

Abstract. Small-scale surface heterogeneities can influence land-atmosphere fluxes and therefore carbon, water and energy budgets on a larger scale. This effect is of particular relevance for high-latitude ecosystems, because of the great amount of carbon stored in their soils. We introduce a novel micro-topographic model, the Hummock-Hollow (HH) model, which explicitly represents small-scale surface elevation changes. By computing the water table at the small scale, and by coupling the model with a process-based model for soil methane processes, we are able to model the effects of micro-topography on hydrology and methane emissions in a typical boreal peatland. In order to assess the effect of micro-topography on water the balance and methane emissions of the peatland we compare two versions of the model, one with a representation of micro-topography and a classical single-bucket model version, and show that the temporal variability in the model version with micro-topography performs better if compared with local data. Accounting for micro-topography almost triples the cumulative methane flux over the simulated time-slice. We found that the single-bucket model underestimates methane emissions because of its poor performance in representing hydrological dynamics. The HH model with micro-topography captures the spatial dynamics of water and methane fluxes, being able to identify the hotspots for methane emissions. The model also identifies a critical scale (0.01 km2) which marks the minimal resolution for the explicit representation of micro-topography in larger-scale models.

scholarly journals Monitoring marginal erosion in hydroelectric reservoirs with terrestrial mobile laser scanner

2014 ◽  
Vol XL-5 ◽  
pp. 589-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. G. Tommaselli ◽  
M. V. A. Moraes ◽  
L. S. L. Silva ◽  
M. F. Rubio ◽  
G. J. Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Marginal Erosions

Marginal erosions in reservoirs of hydroelectric plants have caused economic and environmental problems concerning hydroelectric power generation, reduction of productive areas and devaluing land parcels. The real extension and dynamics of these erosion processes are not well known for Brazilian reservoirs. To objectively assess these problems Unesp (Univ Estadual Paulista) and Duke Energy are developing a joint project which aims at the monitoring the progression of some erosive processes and understanding the causes and the dynamics of this phenomenon. Mobile LASER scanning was considered the most suitable alternative for the challenges established in the project requirements. A MDL DynaScan Mobile LASER M150 scanner was selected which uses RTK for real time positioning integrated to an IMU, enabling instantaneous generation of georeferenced point clouds. Two different reservoirs were choose for monitoring: Chavantes (storage plant) and Rosana (run-of-river plant), both in the Paranapanema River, border of São Paulo and Paraná States, Brazil. The monitoring areas are scanned quarterly and analysed with base on the point cloud, meshes, contours and cross sections. Cross sections are used to visualize and compute the rate and the dynamics of erosion. Some examples and quantitative results are presented along with an analysis of the proposed technique. Some recommendations to improve the field work and latter data processing are also introduced.

scholarly journals Rainfall Erosivity in Soil Erosion Processes

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 722
Author(s):  
Gianni Bellocchi ◽  
Nazzareno Diodato
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Rainfall Erosivity ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Natural Rainfall ◽  
Raindrop Energy

Regional studies on the erosive power of rainfall patterns are still limited and the actual impacts that may follow on erosional and sedimentation processes are poorly understood. Given the several interrelated challenges of environmental management, it is also not always unclear what is relevant for the development of adaptive and integrated approaches facilitating sustainable water resource management. This editorial introduces the Special Issue entitled “Rainfall Erosivity in Soil Erosion Processes”, which offers options to fill some of these gaps. Three studies performed in China and Central Asia (by Duulatov et al., Water 2019, 11, 897, Xu et al., 2019, 11, 2429, Gu et al. 2020, 12, 200) show that the erosion potential of rainfall is increasing in this region, driving social, economic, and environmental consequences. In the same region (the Weibei Plateau in China), Fu et al. (Water 2019, 11, 1514) assessed the effect of raindrop energy on the splash distance and particle size distribution of aggregate splash erosion. In the Mediterranean, updated estimates of current and future rainfall erosivity for Greece are provided by Vantas et al. (Water 2020, 12, 687), while Diodato and Bellocchi (Water 2019, 11, 2306) reconstructed and investigated seasonal net erosion in an Italian catchment using parsimonious modelling. Then, this Special Issue includes two technologically oriented articles by Ricks at al. The first (Water 2019, 11, 2386) evaluated a large-scale rainfall simulator design to simulate rainfall with characteristics similar to natural rainfall. The data provided contribute to the information that may be useful for the government’s decision making when considering landscape changes caused by variations in the intensity of a rainfall event. The second article (Water 2020, 12, 515) illustrated a laboratory-scale test of mulching methods to protect against the discharge of sediment-laden stormwater from active construction sites (e.g., highway construction projects).

scholarly journals Effects of Tractor Passes on Hydrological and Soil Erosion Processes in Tilled and Grassed Vineyards

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Capello ◽  
Marcella Biddoccu ◽  
Stefano Ferraris ◽  
Eugenio Cavallo
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Penetration Resistance ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Infiltration Rates ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Soil Penetration Resistance ◽  
Nw Italy

Soil erosion is affected by rainfall temporal patterns and intensity variability. In vineyards, machine traffic is implemented with particular intensity from late spring to harvest, and it is responsible for soil compaction, which likely affects soil hydraulic properties, runoff, and soil erosion. Additionally, the hydraulic and physical properties of soil are highly influenced by vineyards’ inter-rows soil management. The effects on soil compaction and both hydrological and erosional processes of machine traffic were investigated on a sloping vineyard with different inter-row soil managements (tillage and permanent grass cover) in the Alto Monferrato area (Piedmont, NW Italy). During the investigation (November 2016–October 2018), soil water content, rainfall, runoff, and soil erosion were continuously monitored. Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil penetration resistance, and bulk density were recorded periodically in portions of inter-rows affected and not affected by the machine traffic. Very different yearly precipitation characterized the observed period, leading to higher bulk density and lower infiltration rates in the wetter year, especially in the tilled vineyard, whereas soil penetration resistance was generally higher in the grassed plot and in drier conditions. In the wet year, management with grass cover considerably reduced runoff (−76%) and soil loss (−83%) compared to tillage and in the dry season. Those results highlight the need to limit the tractor traffic, in order to reduce negative effects due to soil compaction, especially in tilled inter-rows.

scholarly journals A multifractal approach to characterize cumulative rainfall and tillage effects on soil surface micro-topography and to predict depression storage

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 2989-3004 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Vidal Vázquez ◽  
J. G. V. Miranda ◽  
J. Paz-Ferreiro
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Multifractal Analysis ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Vertical Component ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Natural Rainfall ◽  
Cumulative Rainfall ◽  
Disc Level ◽  
Micro Topography

Abstract. Most of the indices currently employed for assessing soil surface micro-topography, such as random roughness (RR), are merely descriptors of its vertical component. Recently, multifractal analysis provided a new insight for describing the spatial configuration of soil surface roughness. The main objective of this study was to test the ability of multifractal parameters to assess in field conditions the decay of initial surface roughness induced by natural rainfall under different soil tillage systems. In addition, we evaluated the potential of the joint use of multifractal indices plus RR to improve predictions of water storage in depressions of the soil surface (MDS). Field experiments were performed on an Oxisol at Campinas, São Paulo State (Brazil). Six tillage treatments, namely, disc harrow, disc plough, chisel plough, disc harrow + disc level, disc plough + disc level and chisel plough + disc level were tested. In each treatment soil surface micro-topography was measured four times, with increasing amounts of natural rainfall, using a pin meter. The sampling scheme was a square grid with 25 × 25 mm point spacing and the plot size was 1350 × 1350 mm (≈1.8 m2), so that each data set consisted of 3025 individual elevation points. Duplicated measurements were taken per treatment and date, yielding a total of 48 experimental data sets. MDS was estimated from grid elevation data with a depression-filling algorithm. Multifractal analysis was performed for experimental data sets as well as for oriented and random surface conditions obtained from the former by removing slope and slope plus tillage marks, respectively. All the investigated microplots exhibited multifractal behaviour, irrespective of surface condition, but the degree of multifractality showed wide differences between them. Multifractal parameters provided valuable information for characterizing the spatial features of soil micro-topography as they were able to discriminate data sets with similar values for the vertical component of roughness. Conversely, both, rough and smooth soil surfaces, with high and low roughness values, respectively, can display similar levels of spectral complexity. Although in most of the studied cases trend removal produces increasing homogeneity in the spatial configuration of height readings, spectral complexity of individual data sets may increase or decrease, when slope or slope plus tillage tool marks are filtered. Increased cumulative rainfall had significant effects on various parameters from the generalized dimension, Dq, and singularity spectrum, f(α). Overall, micro-topography decay by rainfall was reflected on a shift of the singularity spectra, f(α) from the left side (q>>0) to the right side (q>0) to the left side (q

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