The potential of fragipans in sustaining pearl millet during drought periods in north-central Namibia

Sandy soils with fragipans are usually considered poorly suited for agriculture. However, these soils are cultivated in Namibia as they can secure a minimum harvest during droughts. In order to understand the hydrological influence of fragipans in these soils, Ehenge, their soil moisture content was measured for 4 months. These data were then compared to a deep soil without fragipan, Omutunda, which is more productive during normal years but less productive during droughts. The results illustrate that the combination of sandy topsoil and shallow fragipan has beneficial effects on plant-available water during dry periods. Three reasons can be determined: (i) high infiltration rate in the sandy topsoil, (ii) prevention of deep drainage by the fragipan, and (iii) limitation of evaporation losses through the sand. Consequently, transferring these findings to other dry, sandy areas with fragipans, with respective consequences on farming practices, crop productivity, and food security, should be possible.

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

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”.

Evolution of fluvial environments and history of human settlements on the Ticino river alluvial plain

The present contribution aims to provide better knowledge on the evolution of the fluvial environments of the Ticino river alluvial plain, highlighting the complex interaction of the Ticino river and its lateral tributaries with the human communities since the Neolithic. The study considers information derived from historical sources, from previous research on three sites based in the Ticino river floodplain and from data of six archaeological sites located on four alluvial fans. For the investigated sites the analyses of the lithostratigraphy and the archaeological evidence were constrained with radiocarbon dating, providing the interpretation of the depositional context of the studied sequences and their correlation with the cultural periods and epochs defined for the southern Swiss Alps. The combined approach allowed for the definition of 13 phases of enhanced hydro-sedimentary activity from the Neolithic to the contemporary period. The possible palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic causes, as well as the impacts of these phases on the human settlements, are discussed.

Territorial justice and equity criteria – spatial planning in Ticino

This paper analyses from a philosophical and interdisciplinary point of view two master plans of the canton Ticino – the first one from 1990, Keynesian, and the second one from 2009, neoliberal. The differences between the former and the latter are highlighted on a conceptual level. While the former stresses the importance of rebalancing and maintaining internal solidarity between the regions of the canton, the latter aims to make the canton more competitive and specialised. The discussion highlights how this type of analysis, by showing the political and moral concepts and criteria underlying a master plan, favours their political discussion and thus, ultimately, the implementation of a more inclusive planning process.

Zusammenhalts-Regionen – zur Theorie der Weltgesellschaft in der Sozialgeographie

The essay combines the concept of social cohesion with Rudolf Stichweh's system-theoretical concept of world society. These two approaches are joint hereafter with questions of spatial differentiation. The aim is to embed empirical micro-studies in macro-theoretical terms and to make them useful for empirical research in social geography. The construct of “cohesive region” demonstrates this by using the example of neighbourhoods.

Anerkennung und ontologische (Un-)Sicherheit von migrantischen Care-Arbeiterinnen in Singapur: Zur Bedeutung von Sichtbarkeit und Zugehörigkeit

Migrant domestic workers in Singapore are situated in a highly hierarchical environment, requiring them to live and work in the same place. This spatial situation leads to a lack of space and time for the female workers which challenges their psychosocial well-being. We ask how the women, nevertheless, develop psychosocial well-being, based on their recognition and subjective embodied positioning, analytically grasped through the concept of ontological (in)security. Based on qualitative interviews, we show how the workers perceive and produce ontological (in)security through spatial dimensions of visibility and belonging. These dimensions are subjectively embodied in multiple places and networks. On behalf of multiple visibilities and belongings outside the domestic realm, domestic care workers in Singapore are able to actively produce ontological security and strengthen their psychosocial well-being. The results show the relevance of implementing regulations for the women to have more possibilities in choosing their whereabouts.

Detention Centers als vernetzte Räume des Einschlusses? Eine gouvernementalitätstheoretische Perspektiverweiterung am Beispiel Lesvos

The article examines the strategic role of detention in the Reception and Identification Center on Lesvos, Greece. Basing on works on detention in carceral geography, I will additionally use the theoretical framework of governmentality. It becomes clear that the detention center on Lesvos serves as a spatial configuration of localization and circulation of asylum seekers framed as belonging to countries with low recognition rate. This is mainly enhanced through confinement, forced or controlled mobilisation as well as the control of flows of assistance and information through containment. In conclusion, certain modes of circulation and mobilization through enclosure can be identified through combination and mutual fertilisation of carceral geography and governmentality.