Application of spatial- and diachronic-process analysis of landscape development in Central Lika, Croatia from 1980 to 2012

The paper presents structural features and the process and intensity of landscape changes in the Central Lika Region of Croatia, in the transitional, post-socialist and post-war periods (1980–2012). The aim of this paper is to analyse regularities and interrelations between the changes in structural features and the intensity of the processes that cause change. By using GIS spatial analysis methods, the shape, position, and condition of landscape patches were defined for each year. The diachronic process analysis, with the application of a specially-developed index — the Landscape Development Index (di) — made it possible to determine the intensity of development of individual landscape elements. The landscape was observed using the concept of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and, for this purpose, data from the CORINE Land Cover database were used for 1980 and 2012. The results showed fragmentation and an increase in the number and complexity of patches, as well as a decrease of the core patch area. Consequently, the increase of the share of edge areas has increased vulnerability to external influences and changes. Applying the Landscape Development Index (di) showed advantages compared to a standard comparison of the two conditions or synthetic indices, enabling the intensity of each observed phenomenon/process to be determined, and allowing for deeper spatial and temporal analysis as well as better understanding of landscape development.

Drainage Basin Morphometry Analysis in Parts of South Shillong Plateau, Meghalaya: Implications for Landscape Development

The Shillong Plateau is characterized by multiple phases of deformation and number of prominent sets joints/fracture system. The Southern Shillong Plateau unlike the northern part is highly dissected by the scarp faces which are mostly erosional. The area is characterized by deep incising river networks which cuts across many lithological units. To understand the factors influencing the drainage characteristic of the area and landscape development, the present study has been done in context of morphometry, geomorphology and geology of the drainage basin. Fifteen sub basins of 4th order have been selected from the Um Sohrynkew River basin. Drainage morphometry, indices of active tectonism, geology and tectonics and landform features have been worked out for better evaluation of drainage characteristics. The study area forms part of the Meghalaya Precambrian province of upper Proterozoic age. The southern border of the Shillong Plateau is demarcated by Dauki (Also known as Dawki) fault which is a prominent structural lineament. It consists of at least four E-W trending normal faults with occasional reversal. The segment of the Dauki fault in the study area is believed to be active. The present study focuses on the drainage network and the landscape development of the study area where a very strong relationship has been observed between the lithology and structure together with the tectonic activity influencing the drainage pattern in the area.

Plate Tectonics and Macrogeomorphology

The plate tectonics revolution was the most significant advance in our understanding of the Earth in the 20th century, but initially it had little impact on the discipline of geomorphology. Topography and landscape development were not considered to be important phenomena that deserved attention from the broader earth-science community in the context of the new model of global tectonics. This situation began to change from the 1980s as various technical innovations enabled landscape evolution to be modelled numerically at the regional to sub-continental scales relevant to plate tectonics, and rates of denudation to be quantified over geological time scales. These developments prompted interest amongst earth scientists from fields such as geophysics, geochemistry and geochronology in understanding the evolution of topography, the role of denudation in influencing patterns of crustal deformation, and the interactions between tectonics and surface processes. This trend was well established by the end of the century, and has become even more significant up to the present. In this chapter I review these developments and illustrate how plate tectonics has been related to landscape development, especially in the context of collisional orogens and passive continental margins. I also demonstrate how technical innovations have been pivotal to the expanding interest in macroscale landscape development in the era of plate tectonics, and to the significant enhancement of the status of the discipline of geomorphology in the earth sciences over recent decades.

Cambios en el paisaje de menorca desde 1975 hasta 2010 mediante teledetección

La isla de Menorca, Reserva de la Biosfera, ha originado una fuerte atracción turística a consecuencia de su gran riqueza paisajística. En este estudio, se analizaron 265 imágenes Landsat procedentes del United States Geological Service para el periodo 1975-2010, todas examinadas y clasificadas en un determinado lapso de tiempo con el fin de poder caracterizar correctamente el desarrollo territorial espacial y temporalmente. Los resultados muestran como entre 1975 y 1990 no existe desarrollo del paisaje. Entre 1990 y 2000, hay un gran aumento de la vegetación a consecuencia de la protección recibida por la Unesco. En el periodo 2000-2010, es evidente el efecto del clima en el desarrollo del paisaje. The island of Menorca, Reserve of the Biosphere, has created a strong tourist attraction due to its rich landscape. In this research, 265 Landsat satellite images from the United States Geological Service were analyzed or the 1975 to 2010 eriod, each of which was examined and classified in a certain period of time in order to characterize right way the territorial development both spatially and temporally. The results show how between 1975 and 1990 there is virtually no landscape development. Between 1990 and 2000, there is a strong increase of vegetation as a result of the protection received by UNESCO. In the period 2000-2010, it was evident the effect of climatic factors in the landscape development.

How development affects evolution

How development affects evolution. A mathematical framework that explicitly integrates development into evolution has recently been derived. Here we use this framework to analyse how development affects evolution. We show that, whilst selection pushes genetic and phenotypic evolution uphill on the fitness landscape, development determines the admissible evolutionary pathway, such that evolutionary outcomes occur at path peaks, which need not be peaks of the fitness landscape. Development can generate path peaks, triggering adaptive radiations, even on constant, single-peak landscapes. Phenotypic plasticity, niche construction, extra-genetic inheritance, and developmental bias variously alter the evolutionary path and hence the outcome. Selective development, whereby phenotype construction may point in the adaptive direction, may induce evolution either towards or away landscape peaks depending on the developmental constraints. Additionally, developmental propagation of phenotypic effects over age allows for the evolution of negative senescence. These results help explain empirical observations including punctuated equilibria, the paradox of stasis, the rarity of stabilizing selection, and negative senescence, and show that development has a major role in evolution.

Towards a history of Holocene P dynamics for the Northern Hemisphere using lake sediment geochemical records

Present-day lake water phosphorus (P) enrichment and accelerated P cycling are changes superimposed on a dynamic Holocene history of landscape development following glaciation, changes in climate, and long-term low-intensity human activity. Knowledge of the history of long-term P dynamics is essential for understanding present-day landscape P export and for managing both terrestrial and aquatic environments. This study is the first attempt to constrain the timing and magnitude of terrestrial changes in Holocene P dynamics across the Northern Hemisphere using lake sediment records. Here we reconstruct trajectories in terrestrial Holocene P dynamics for the Northern Hemisphere. We apply a simple process model to published lake sediment geochemical P records from 24 sites, producing records of landscape P yield and reconstructing lake water total phosphorus (TP) concentrations. Individual site trajectories of landscape P yield and lake water TP vary systematically, with differences attributable to local landscape development history. Three distinct traits are apparent. Mountain sites with minimal direct human impact show falling P supply and conform to conceptual models of natural soil development (Trait 1). Lowland sites where substantial (pre-)historic agriculture was present show progressively increasing P supply (Trait 2). Lowland sites may also show a rapid acceleration in P supply over the last few centuries, where high-intensity land use, including settlements and farming, is present (Trait 3). Where data availability permitted comparison, our reconstructed TP records agree well with monitored lake water TP data, and our sediment-inferred P yields are comparable to reported catchment export coefficients. Comparison with diatom-inferred TP reveals good agreement for recent records. Our reconstructions form the first systematic assessment of average terrestrial P export for the Northern Hemisphere over the Holocene and provide the empirical data needed for constraining long-term landscape P cycling models and values for terrestrial P export that could be used for ocean P cycling models. The long-term perspective provided by our sediment-inferred TP can be used to identify pre-disturbance baselines for lake water quality, information essential to target-driven lake management. We find the first detectable anthropogenic impacts on P cycling ca. 6000 BP, with more substantial impacts as early as 3000 BP. Consequently, to characterize pre-disturbance lake P conditions at Trait 2 and Trait 3 sites, it is necessary to consider time periods before the arrival of early farmers. Our use of trait classifications has a predictive power for sites without sediment records, allowing prediction of TP baselines and P trajectories based on regional landscape development history.

Ligtas Agtas: a sustainable and disaster-ready resettlement area for the Agta Community in Sitio Pulang Lupa

Most indigenous peoples experience homelessness in the Philippines. This is the case for Mount Kalbo’s indigenous tribe, the Agta Community. They face the challenges of dealing with mass wasting disasters potentially devastating their houses and compromising the lives of their families. It is with high hopes that they will be resettled to Sitio Pulang Lupa to rebuild a community, in which this research aims to propose and develop. The proposed resettlement’s goal is to improve and sustain the Agtas’ living conditions in Sitio Pulang Lupa by addressing the unstable slopes and preparing the community to cope with mass wasting disasters. Sitio Pulang Lupa is analyzed compared to Mount Kalbo regarding its advantages of keeping the resettlement sustainable and safe from mass wasting. The resettlement merges the Agtas’ necessities to achieve the research’s objectives, which are improved living conditions, cultural representation, and disaster preparedness into one landscape development in Sitio Pulang Lupa. The resettlement comprises of spaces and facilities that reflect their cultural practices and their needs. Disaster management protocols were also formulated by mapping safe routes, and refuge landscapes to equip the Agtas with preparedness in case disaster occurs. To sustain the vision for the Agtas, soil conditions are firstly addressed by using contour planting. It was used as slope protection and to over-all enhance the environmental quality of the Agtas’ resettlement area. The resettlement as a whole shall be able to meet the research’s goal of proposing a landscape development that mitigates the mass wasting threats experienced by the Agtas, and improves their living conditions. Having said that, Agtas shall finally feel safe and secured in their own homes.

Preface

The 5th International Symposium of Sustainable Landscape Development (The 5th ISSLD) is a continuation of the previous symposium, The 4th ISSLD, which was conducted in 2019 in Bogor city. The main theme of the 5th ISSLD is “Landscape Transformation,” which aims to address the various aspects of landscape transformation considering sustainable landscape development. The landscape is a dynamic system that evolves. Landscape transformation can occur as a result of natural phenomena and human-made processes as well. The pandemic of Covid-19 is one example of how a catastrophic transform the lives of humans and the landscape. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, humans are known as rulers on earth with all their habits, having such limited movements that other landscape elements are also affected. The new normal habits make humans more disciplined in maintaining sanitation, thus impacting the cleanliness of the landscape. Restrictions on human movement have reduced human intervention in animal life, vegetation, and landscapes, thus providing opportunities for nature to heal. These things are happening around us, where the landscape is transforming during the COVID-19 pandemic. List of Invited Spakers, Editorial Committees, Scientific Committees, Steering Committees, Organizing Committees, Assistant Editors, Host are available in the pdf.

Root density drives aggregate stability of soils of different moraine ages in the Swiss Alps

Aims The stability of hillslopes is an essential ecosystem service, especially in alpine regions with soils prone to erosion. One key variable controlling hillslope stability is soil aggregate stability. We aimed at identifying dominant controls of vegetation parameters on aggregate stability and analysed their importance for soil aggregate stability during landscape development. Methods We quantified the aggregate stability coefficient (ASC) and measured plant cover, diversity, root mass and root length, density (RMD, RLD) along two chronosequences with contrasting bedrocks (siliceous, calcareous) in the Swiss Alps. Results We found that ASC developed slower along the calcareous chronosequence. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive effect of vegetation cover and diversity on ASC that was mediated via root density. These relationships developed in a time-depended manner: At young terrain ages, vegetation parameters had a strong effect on aggregate stability compared to older stages. Moreover, RLD was the most powerful predictor of ASC on young terrain, whereas on older moraines RMD became more important. Conclusions We highlight that root density plays a major role in governing ASC for soils differing in moraine ages. The changing importances of RLD and RMD for ASC development suggest different mechanistic linkages between vegetation and hillsope stability during landscape development.