Analysis Of Aerial Photographs Research Articles

Gullying and landscape evolution: Lavaka in Lac Alaotra, Madagascar shed light on rates of change and non-anthropogenic controls.

Gully evolution remains poorly understood, largely because multidecadal analysis is lacking. Large gullies (called lavaka) that pepper Madagascar's highlands are generally attributed to human impact; but longitudinal data are few, and anthropogenic causation is inferred not verified. We focus on Lac Alaotra, Madagascar's largest lake and wetland, its major rice-growing region, and an ecological hotspot surrounded by fault-controlled steep hills with abundant lavaka. Analysis of historical aerial photographs and recent orthoimagery reveals that the proportion of highly active lavaka has decreased since mid-20th century. At the same time, human population, farming intensity, and livestock density have increased exponentially. This suggests that background factors, including seismicity, are primary drivers of lavaka formation. Although human activities may contribute to erosion overall, land management policies that overemphasize human causation of gullying and neglect background forcing factors (in Madagascar and elsewhere) are unlikely to be effective in erosion mitigation.

Geomorphology of the Maladeta massif (Central Pyrenees): the traces of the last remaining glaciers

ABSTRACT We present a 1:15,000 geomorphological map of the Maladeta massif in the Central Pyrenees. Our methodology includes fieldwork, the analysis of aerial photographs from 1956 to 2015, and the use of drone flights from 2020 to 2023. The study area consists mainly of granodiorite but also has outcrops of limestone, shales, and quartzites at lower elevations. The landscape of the Maladeta massif is primarily shaped by glacial and periglacial processes, with fluvial, karstic, and hillslope dynamics manifesting in the lower regions. The assessment of moraine thickness has facilitated the determination of maximum glacier thickness during the Little Ice Age (LIA) and has shown that there is no correlation between ice thickness and glacier extent. After the LIA, the massif experienced a continuous glacier retreat. Currently, only 21.4% of the glacier area observed in 1956 remains.

The Sustainable Micro-Landscape Urban Building Gardens: Case of Factory 4376, Sama Beirut and Tamlis–Tarik Jdideh

This paper tackles the sustainable micro-landscape urban building gardens, and aims to explore innovative planning and green design approaches, thus finding solutions to the depletion of green spaces in Beirut. This study is conducted on three buildings located within Beirut city, each having a different architectural typology. The first is Factory 4376 located in Sin EL Fil, the second is Sama Beirut located in Achrafieh, and the third Al Tamlis – Tarik Jdideh. Each building is either residential, commercial or both; and each is surrounded by different socio-economic neighborhoods. This study adopts a comparative methodology; it relies on detailed analysis of maps and aerial photographs, obtained from one of the local municipalities, as well as interviews with residents in the investigated areas, surveys, pictures, and similar case studies. Three solutions were suggested for the locations stated above:  First solution: the implantation of a metallic structure on an old building that forms an extension to preexisting balconies.  Second solution: the integration of the green sliding balconies on buildings with glass façades.  Third solution: the integration of prefabricated modules to buildings with no balconies. The paper concludes that green technologies, if integrated in the context of sustainability, can make a great difference, even if space is limited; hence overcoming the risk of losing greenery.

Outbursts from an ice-marginal lake in Antarctica in 1969–1971 and 2017, revealed by aerial photographs and satellite data

The liquid water around the Antarctic Ice Sheet plays a key role in modulating both the vulnerability of ice shelves to hydrofracturing and ice discharge from outlet glaciers. Therefore, it needs to be adequately constrained for precise future projections of ice-mass loss and global sea-level rise. Although glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose one of the greatest risks in glacierized mountainous regions, any long-term monitoring of Antarctic ice-marginal lakes and their associated potential for GLOFs has been neglected until recently owing to the limited number of such events reported in Antarctica. Here we present direct evidence of repeated GLOFs from Lake Kaminotani-Ike, an ice-sheet-dammed lake in East Antarctica, via an analysis of historical aerial photographs and recent satellite data. Two GLOFs occurred in 1969–1971 and 2017, with discharge volumes of (8.6 ± 1.5) × 107 and (7.1 ± 0.4) × 107 m3, respectively, making them two of the largest GLOFs in Antarctica. A southerly oceanward pathway beneath the ice sheet is the most likely drainage route of these GLOF events based on the available surface- and bed-elevation datasets. Furthermore, the 2017 event occurred during the austral winter, thereby implying the possibility of year-round active subglacial networks in Antarctica. Our results highlight that studies on Antarctic ice-marginal lakes provide an opportunity to better understand Antarctic hydrological processes and emphasize the need for both detailed monitoring of ice-marginal lakes and detailed surveying of the subglacial environments of the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Atoll islets reshaping processes induced by extreme cyclonic waves and calm weather. Evidence from two centuries of megablocks emergences and coral rubble displacements in Anaa, Rangiroa and Tikehau atolls (western Tuamotu archipelago - French Polynesia)

Understanding the islets morphodynamics of polynesian atolls requires a study of their evolution over several decades. These low-lying islands are exposed to highly variable ocean/weather conditions, especially high energy events. This study is based on a diachronic analysis of aerial photographs, in the field measurements and the U/Th dating of megablocks in three atolls in the western part of the Tuamotu archipelago. It presents an investigation of these dynamics from the 19th century until now. This period makes it possible to record the movements of sediments accumulated during decades of calm weather but also to observe the impact of moderate cyclones such as that of 1983. This article also highlights that exceptional cyclones such as those of 1822 and 1906 can dislocate the coral reef and move up the famous Rangiroa megablock whose volume has been significantly refined by photogrammetry at 369 m3. In Rangiroa and Anaa, we have identified three blocks weighting >500 tons that were put in place by these cyclones.

In-situ ice strength distribution of anchor ice dams

Ice runs and ice jams can cause significant damage to infrastructure and other human interests. Accurate modelling and prediction of these events rely on data and assumptions about river ice properties. This paper seeks to address the lack of data on ice strength distributions and associated properties in small, steep rivers and to obtain a better understanding of those. To this end, an ice data collection campaign was carried out in the Sokna river in central Norway during the 2020–2021 winter field season. The following types of data were collected for anchor ice dams and level ice sections: Borehole Jack (BHJ) in-situ ice strength, ice thickness, ice density, thin section imagery and associated depth measurements. A total of 27 ice cores and 68 thin sections were successfully collected and processed. Furthermore, a survey was carried out recording GPS coordinates of anchor ice dams in the river. Meteorological and hydrological data was also collated, and large boulder location data was obtained through the analysis of aerial photography. Ice strength distributions and trends on how ice strength varies in small, steep rivers were obtained from these data. A binomial generalized linear model for predicting ice dam locations was developed using field measurements and aerial photography data. This model describes how river width, slope and to a lesser degree large boulder density affect ice dam location. Sinuosity was shown to have no effect on ice dam location. This work highlights the significant variation in microstructure and large-scale structure of ice in small, steep rivers.

Two-decade changes in habitat and abundance of Japanese macaques in primary and logged forests in Yakushima: Interim report

Continuous, rather than discrete, data on animal population are ideal for identifying the causal relationships driving population fluctuations. In this study, we reveal the effect of forest regeneration after logging on the habitat, food availability, and abundance of Japanese macaques over two decades, spanning the period from 2000 until 2019, based on a continuous population census conducted every year. Three vegetation types, covering an area of 7.5 km2, make up our study sites: primary forests, forests logged from 1984 until 1995 and then naturally regenerated (natural regeneration), and forests logged from 1975 until 1983 and then planted with cedars (plantation). In natural regeneration, both individual and total tree biomass increased, in particular naturally grown cedars. In plantation, the number of trees decreased and the total biomass did not change, mainly due to thinning (partial removal of planted cedars to harvest timber) in 2015. A state space model suggests that the relative fruit production in natural regeneration to that in the primary forest tended to be low after 2012, a condition brought about by cleaning cutting to remove non-cedar broad-leaved trees and shrubs in natural regeneration. An analysis of aerial photos detected an increase in naturally grown cedar patches in natural regeneration between 2009 and 2014. We also observed a population decrease of Japanese macaques in natural regeneration but not in primary and plantation forests. The state space model indicates that this decrease occurred in the first half of the study period, which was earlier than the replacement of cedar patches in natural regeneration. The high time resolution of our data refutes the simple scenario that macaques decreased their number in natural regeneration due to the reduced food availability there. The less frequent use of natural regeneration began as a stochastic event; i.e., the disappearance of multiple individuals from a group ranging there, and then the subsequent changes in the habitat reinforced this tendency.

Spatial, Functional, and Landscape Changes in a Medium-Sized Post-Industrial City Based on Aerial Photo Analysis: The Case of Gorlice (Poland)

The article presents the spatial-functional transformations of a medium-sized post-industrial city in the context of the decline in the industrial function which used to occupy a prominent position in the city. The research attempts to answer the following questions: (1) What has been reflected in the spatial and functional development of the city and its landscape by the dynamic transformations in the industrial sector that have taken place since the 1970s, playing out in the broad context of the specific political and socio-economic conditions? and (2) how is the city dealing with post-industrial sites—are we dealing with a ‘post-industrial scar’ or a process of their adaptation to the needs of the present? Analyses were initiated to identify differences in spatial and landscape structure from 1966 to the present. To this end, a land cover analysis was carried out based on available sets of aerial photographs taken in four selected years within the study period, as well as a calculation of the index of variation. Graphical and GIS software (QGIS 3.28.4 version) and methods of statistical data analysis were used. To come up with a full picture of transformations in the second half of the 20th century, an outline of the historical spatial development of Gorlice and the local oil and engineering industry was presented. The results of the research confirm the relationship between the functional and spatial development of the city and the transformation and condition of its industrial function.

Devonian-Mississippian faulting controlled by WNW-ESE-striking structural grain in Proterozoic basement rocks in Billefjorden, central Spitsbergen

In Billefjorden, central Spitsbergen, Devonian collapse and Carboniferous rift-related sedimentary strata were deposited unconformably over Proterozoic basement rocks displaying well developed N-S-trending Caledonian grain. Caledonian structures and fabrics are thought to have controlled the location and trend of subsequent Devonian and Carboniferous basin-bounding faults like the Billefjorden fault zone and Lemströmfjellet–Løvehovden fault. However, fieldwork and interpretation of aerial photographs in Proterozoic basement rocks reveal the existence of steep, abundant, WNW-ESE-striking brittle faults that are sub-orthogonal to known major Caledonian and post-Caledonian structures in Billefjorden, but that do not extend into adjacent-overlying, rift-related, Pennsylvanian rocks of the Gipsdalen Group. Structural analysis of field data and aerial photographs suggest that WNW-ESE-striking faults in basement rocks in Billefjorden formed as (sinistral) strike-slip and normal faults during Devonian-Mississippian extension in agreement with previously inferred models of sinistral transtension. The abundance of these faults suggest that their formation was controlled by analogously trending, preexisting structural grain (planar anisotropies) at depth, and their pronounced WNW-ESE strike suggest that the strike of preexisting anisotropies were comparable to recently identified, crustal-scale, WNW-ESE-striking Timanian thrust systems in Svalbard and the northern Barents Sea.

Tájalakulási folyamatok és a növényzet változása a Gödi-lápréten

The natural values of the fens and moorgrass meadows at Göd became known in the 1980s. The area of almost 70 hectares, previously used for centuries as pasture and meadow, has been isolated by urbanisation and land use has changed over the last three decades, with the ploughing up and conversion into a golf course and the designation of part of the valuable fen and Molinia meadows as nature reserves. These protected areas are well studied from a botanical point of view, even on a national scale, and the trends in vegetation change incet he 1990s are therefore well understood. The aim of this article is to provide a historical overview of the landscape change in the fen and to explore the changes in flora and habitats. The research involved the analysis of historical maps and archival aerial photographs, the evaluation of flora lists from three botanical surveys carried out at 15-year intervals and a comparative analysis of habitat maps using GIS. The results show that the water regime of the studied wetlands is changing, the vegetation is degraded and becoming poorer in fen specialists, while at the same time the increase in habitat diversity has led to an enrichment of the fauna of the studied area.

STUDY OF TIME DYNAMICS OF EROSION PROCESSES IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF GREATER CAUCASUS BY SATELLITE INFORMATION

This work is devoted to the results of comparative visual analysis and instrumental processing of space and aerial photographs of the Azerbaijani part of the Greater Caucasus Lateral Range to assess the relief conditions affecting the formation of high mountain landscapes. The development of exogenous processes in the mountain-meadow and subnivalnival belts in this area has a great impact on the transformation of high mountain landscapes, degradation of soil and vegetation. There is a certain territorial and time differentiation in the intensity of these processes.

Fire Cycles and the Spatial Pattern of the Scrub–Sedgeland Mosaic at Blakes Opening in Western Tasmania, Australia

The cause of large areas of treeless Sedgeland and Scrub communities in western Tasmania, one of the wettest regions of Australia, has long puzzled ecologists, given the climatic suitability for temperate Eucalyptus and rainforests. A pervasive theory, known as the ecological drift model, is that landscape fires have created a dynamic mosaic of fire-adapted and fire-sensitive vegetation. A contrary view, known as the fire cycle model, asserts that fire patterns are a consequence, not a cause, of the mosaics, which are edaphically determined. We leveraged the opportunity presented by a large wildfire that occurred in a Sedgeland tract surrounded by Eucalyptus forest in the Huon Valley in 2019 to help discriminate between these competing models. Specifically, we sought to determine whether there was any evidence that the Sedgeland was becoming infilled with Scrub prior to the 2019 fire, and whether the fire caused the Scrub community to convert to Sedgeland. A field survey was used to assess the mortality of shrubs and their regeneration following the 2019 fire, and we used dendrochronology to determine the age of the fire-killed shrubs. We also used historical aerial photography since the 1980s to map fire scars and the distribution of Sedgeland and Scrub. We found that fire killed most shrubs in the Sedgeland and Scrub communities and initiated a cohort of shrub regeneration. Dendrochronological analysis of the fire-killed shrubs revealed that most were established approximately 40 years ago, following a fire that is apparent from aerial photography and most likely occurred around 1983. An analysis of aerial photography revealed that since 1980, the distribution of the Scrub community has remained stable, although the density of shrubs declined following the 1983 fire. The recovery of the burned Scrub areas in 1983 and the rapid regeneration of the shrubs following the 2019 fire is more consistent with the fire cycle model than the ecological drift model. These findings concord with the demonstrated stability of the Eucalyptus forest boundary at this site revealed by a separate study. The slow growth of the shrubs cautions against frequently burning Sedgelands, because it could cause the collapse of shrub populations by killing the immature cohort initiated by fire.

Long-Term Evolution of an Urban Barrier Island: The Case of Venice Lido (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term changes in the coastal stretch of the Lido barrier island, a 12 km sandy coast bordering the Lagoon of Venice, and to assess the impacts of human interventions in the system. Coastal modifications were examined in a GIS environment through the analysis of aerial photographs covering the period 1955–2019. To achieve our goal, the study area was divided into three cells (i.e., from north to south, A, B, and C), and the rates of shoreline change were calculated over five subsequent periods (i.e., 1955–1978, 1978–1987, 1987–1996, 1996–2006, and 2006–2019). The results mainly showed a positive trend in the long-term (cell A avg. 2.0 m/year; cell C avg. 1.2 m/year) and moderate erosion (cell A and C avg. 0.9 m/year) in the periods 1996–2006 and 2006–2019, probably due to an increase in the frequency of storm surges. However, major effects on beach erosion and progradation were produced by human interventions. In particular, positive impacts were derived from the shore-normal engineering structures intercepting longshore currents, whereas negative effects were from works functional to the realisation of the MoSE system at the Lido and Malamocco inlets, which reduced the amount of available sediment, thus contributing to the worsening conditions of cells A and C. In view of the expected sea-level rise, this area merits higher consideration for correct spatial planning in the framework of integrated coastal zone management. We suggest that a monitoring program of shoreline evolution must be set up to better manage its future development.

Modern relief formation of the northern Aral region under the conditions of the sea regression

The article examines the modern processes of relief formation in the Northern Aral Sea during the period of sea regression and the factors of their formation. The study aims to determine the predominant types of relief formation processes under the conditions of sea regression and the impact of an arid climate. The research methodology combines field observations, interpretation of remote sensing data, digital photogrammetric analysis of aerial photographs, and data processing in GIS. As a result of the study, a map of the modern land cover of the studied area of the Northern Aral Sea region was created. 13 types of cover were identified: wastelands (unused lands), lands occupied by settlements, arable land, wetlands, grasses, steppe with sparse vegetation, water surface, drained bottom of the Aral Sea, fixed sands, shifting sands, saline, and takyrs. The absence of vegetation indicates active gravitational processes and wind erosion. Several villages have been identified that are subject to the adverse effects of mobile sands; these are Kosaman, Akespe, Akbasty, Bogen, etc. In the villages of Akespe and Akbasty, residential houses and household premises of residents are covered with mobile sands. The relative height between the base and the crest of the dune, on average, is 2 meters. The development area of shifting sands in Akespe village is 1.68 km2, and in the village of Akbasty is about 1.62 km2. The values of the load factor of conditional cattle on pastures in the study area, where a high coefficient is noted in the village of Akbasty, are calculated. The development and implementation of environmental management measures in the conditions of adaptation of the environment and human activity to the increasing processes of climate aridization and its consequences become relevant.

The Thermal Manifestation Monitoring Program at Muara Labuh Case Studies

The thermal manifestations at the Muara Labuh field are monitored regularly to see their behaviors in response to the field production. The monitoring results are then used to identify and mitigate any potential hazards associated with the thermal area changes. This paper presents the monitoring results on the main thermal features Idung Mancung (IM) fumaroles complex, located in the vicinity of the steam cap production zone in the Northeast (NE) Sector of the field. Due to its proximity to the main production area, this thermal complex is considered to be susceptible to any reservoir changes. The thermal manifestations characteristics monitored are areal extent, numbers of the thermal funnels, the activities, physical and chemical characteristics, and geophysical signatures. Baseline data were taken from previous remote sensing studies, geology maps, and thermal manifestation geochemistry surveys prior to production periods. Remote sensing studies using true color composite (TCC) and NDVI suggest that the IM fumarole area covers the wider area prior to stage-1 project development in 2017. After production, periodic aerial photo analysis suggests no changes in IM fumarole thermal area growth. The fact is supported by the periodic Thermal Infra-Red Image (TIR), which shows no sign of thermal anomaly still contained inside the IM fumarole baseline area. IM fumarole field checks show that lack of thermal area changes and no sign that the manifestations have become more aggressive. Temperature and flow rate observation on several manifestation funnels indicates that rainfall rate variation affects the manifestation activities and temperature. As for the fumarole gas chemistry, the IM main fumarole shows a decreasing trend in NCG and CO2 contents from 2016 to 2021 and increasing in H2S, which indicates the return of degassing fluid. After one year of field operation, the microgravity and leveling survey in the IM fumarole area show slight changes from -0.1 to -0.14 mGal. The changes correspond with the area subsidence rate of -10 to -15 mm/yr. These changes are still considered low compared to other operating geothermal fields and did not directly affect the thermal manifestation activity.

Anthropogenic channel network development in forested watersheds by recent stream channelization practices in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri Ozarks

Human modifications of stream systems often result in channel instability and sediment pulse- induced problems. While previous research explored the direct anthropogenic impacts of channelization on fluvial systems, the history of repeated channelization, their persistent impacts on headwater streams and subsequent evolution of a drainage system need further investigation. This study evaluates the spatial distribution of channel form and stability in Big Barren Creek watershed, which drains the karst dominated Ozark Highlands of southeast Missouri. The objectives of this research are threefold: (i) describe channel morphology and hydrology in undisturbed and disturbed segments based on field data, (ii) propose a conceptual model of channel modification and response to explain the patterns of channel adjustment and (iii) evaluate the history of channel disturbance using historical aerial photograph analysis. Results show that disturbed reaches have larger channel dimensions than undisturbed reaches because channelization increased stream power and shear stress, particularly for channels that are actively incising. Channelized reaches are primarily identified on private land where headcuts developed and migrated upstream to the national forestland. Sediment supply to the channel increases from both upstream incision and bank and levee collapse resulting in downstream aggradation, which forces landowners to repeat channelization for flood control. The proposed conceptual model suggests that while the disturbed segments evolve into wider and deeper channels following channelization, they exhibit the potential to become stable over time because of biogeomorphic resistance (e.g., in-channel vegetation, armored-cohesive soil) related to the ephemeral nature of the streams in this karst region. This idea is also supported by the slower average headcut migration rate of earlier channelization (2 m/yr) compared to recent channelization (6–8 m/yr). However, channel adjustment largely depends on repeated channelization that resets the evolutionary stages that preclude this fluvial system from attaining stability.

Aerial photo analysis of the cause of growth variability of Welsh onions field using drone

Aerial photo analysis of the cause of growth variability of Welsh onions field using drone

Geomorphological and hydro-oceanographic analysis related to the characteristics of marine debris on the south coast of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Bantul Regency in Yogyakarta has a shoreline of 16.85 km and is famous for its beach attractions, including Baru and Samas beaches. In Bantul, the Progo river is also recorded in the top 20 rivers globally, contributing to plastic waste pollution in coastal areas. Therefore, the problem of marine debris in Bantul is a serious matter because it can impact the environment and the tourism sector. However, marine debris characteristics in Bantul are still poorly understood. This research aims to determine the characteristics of meso- and macro-sized marine debris, its source and transportation, and the geomorphic and hydro-oceanographic processes that may affect it. A combination of geospatial analysis of high-resolution aerial photographs, field surveys with the transect method, and GIS approaches are used to achieve those objectives. Research shows that the marine debris found at Baru and Samas beaches in Yogyakarta is 149 pieces and 95 pieces, respectively. Macro-sized marine debris was dominantly found in Samas (80%), and meso-sized marine debris was dominantly found in Baru (67%). The total mass of marine debris in Baru and Samas beaches is 129 g and 1722 g, respectively. The vast amount of marine debris and smaller size in Baru is thought to have originated from land and was carried away by fluvial processes in the wider (2462.08 km2) and more elongated (Rb: 0.355) Progo watershed. Meanwhile, the larger mass of marine debris at Samas may be caused by the reflective beach typology (ε: 52.86), which can carry a higher abundance of marine debris.

開発年代からみた千葉県柏市の戸建て住宅地の庭木の動向

Using Kashiwa City in Chiba Prefecture as a case of a suburban residential community in the Tokyo Metropolitan Region, the present study identified the trends of garden trees in detached houses with a focus on the development decade. We conducted a field survey and a stereoscopic aerial photo analysis to determine tree species, height, and canopy area in the selected districts by different development decades. The result can be summarized as follows; 1) The highest values were confirmed in both canopy area and number of species in the 1980s-developed district, while the values became lower in the 90s and 2000s. 2) Rebuilding of houses may influence the lower values in canopy area and number of species in the 1970s. 3) Few differences were found in tree height in the selected districts. 4) While Japanese-style gardens consisting of native species were preferred in the 70s and 80s, Western-style gardens became mainstream in the 90s. In the 2000s, more introduced species were found, and specific popular species were preferred.

The Application Effect of Remote Sensing Technology in Hydrogeological Investigation under Big Data Environment

The hydrogeological investigation is a work carried out by comprehensive utilization of various exploration methods to identify hydrogeological conditions in the target area, and develop and utilize groundwater resources. There are great differences in hydrogeological conditions in different regions. Hence, it is necessary to take exploration technology according to local conditions to master hydrogeological information as much as possible. Among them, the remote sensing (RS) technology can reflect the ground surveying and mapping results with high efficiency and precision through the analysis of satellite or aerial photographs, which is a commonly used method in the current hydrogeological investigation. According to satellite RS data, this work evaluates the distribution of groundwater levels in the study area and explores the geological and hydrogeological conditions of the groundwater system in the affected area. Firstly, the human-computer interactive interpretation method is used to analyze the topography and geomorphology conditions. Secondly, the spectral characteristic curve analysis method is used to extract the spectral characteristics of regional stratum lithology, and analyze and determine the lithology composition and structure of the aquifer. Thirdly, the single-band and multiband models of soil moisture RS estimation of groundwater level are implemented. Finally, the measured data are employed to verify and analyze the estimated value of the model. The results are in line with the actual value, and good results have been achieved.