Characterization Of Landforms Research Articles

Glacial sculpting of a martian cratered landscape on the northeastern flank of the Hellas basin

The interiors and exteriors of the >25 km diameter Batson, Nako, Salkhad, and Jori craters (and McCauley crater to a lesser degree) on the northeastern rim of Hellas basin, Mars, were extensively modified by glacio-fluvial and glacio-lacustrine activity during the Middle and Late Amazonian, from some time before 1.4 Ga to the present as revealed by CTX, HiRISE, and CaSSIS observations. This work presents extensive descriptions and discussions of individual candidate glacial and glaciofluvial landforms associated with cratered landscapes, as well as their spatial association. We also present absolute age dates and a relative sequence of events, followed by a possible environmental reconstruction, involving a regional ice cover, subglacial meltwater, and ice-covered lakes. On crater interiors, inferred glacial modification included dissection of interior rims, emplacement of depositional aprons with basinward scarps, remnant glaciers and associated fresh shallow valleys, supraglacial debris, and candidate moraines. On crater exterior rims and on the plateaus surrounding Batson crater we describe moderate incision and sedimentation, subglacial meltwater runoff through Navua A Valles, candidate eskers, valleys discordant with topography but concordant with inferred ice flow direction, and hummocky material, among others. Wet-based glaciation and subglacial runoff may have been favored due to a locally enhanced geothermal heating or strain heating on steep crater slopes. This work presents a comprehensive and detailed characterization of landforms interpreted as glacial in origin, which could be used to guide identifications of glacial landforms in other cratered regions of Mars.

Morpho-Hydrological Analysis and Preliminary Flash Flood Hazard Mapping of Neom City, Northwestern Saudi Arabia, Using Geospatial Techniques

Neom city is a unique cross-border city connecting Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. Although Neom city is of great and critical importance for Saudi Arabia, few hydrological, natural hazard, and geomorphological studies have been undertaken on this region. This work aims to investigate the hydro-geomorphological characteristics and assess the flash flood hazards in Neom city by investigating several valuable morphometric parameters. The Shutter Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model and hydrological and geological data were analyzed in this study using ArcGIS software. Based on the morphometric parameter results, total stream lengths and stream orders were relatively high (17,956.03 km and 5, respectively), whereas the average bifurcation ratio was recorded to be low at 3.54. Basins 10, 12, 17, 30, 31, 32, and 34 were described as large basins, coarse-textured, elongated, with a medium drainage density, low infiltration values, long overland flows, and high values of constant maintenance. Additionally, the El-Shamy approach for flood hazard assessment was applied side by side with the morphometric analysis, which indicated that the possibility of an intense flood hazard is very low. In general, this study suggests that most of the studied basins cover similar and resistant rocks and soils. They have minimal conditions for flooding events and suitable conditions for underground and surface water resources. Therefore, they display high signals of susceptibility to erosion. The morphometric analysis and flash flood assessment techniques applied in this study were time- and cost-effective for the morphometric characterization of landforms. This text deals with the analysis of several environmental characteristics including hydro-morphological characteristics, drainage topography and lithology, soil erosion, groundwater recharge impact, and flash flood signals. Excellent sustainability plans should be reliant on extensive and varied information about the environment. Thus, integrated analyses incorporating environmental characteristics and flood hazard assessment play an important role in adjusting and adapting the suitable socioeconomic and scientific sustainability of the development of the study city. They build up the basic and essential information required to help decision-makers and sustainability managers design and adjust the most suitable sustainability plans for the study city over the long term.

Morphometric Analysis of Baltira Watershed Using QGIS Platform

In India due to rising in the population, resources like land and water goes on decreasing. So, it is absolutely necessary to conserve these natural resources and exertion of the resources in an effective way. From the administrative point of view, the watersheds act as the basic units for conservation of resources. For detail characterization of landforms and properties, the morphometric analysis of basins is of great help in understanding by interpreting the information available from dimensionless analysis which helps to find out the linear and aerial aspects. Morphometric analysis is the most acceptable method to be considered for reservoir basin. For developing the topographic and geomorphologic conditions, it is necessary to understand various parameters of diverse basins. In this study, a detailed morphometric assessment is done by QGIS for Baltira watershed which covers an area of 273 km2. Baltira is one of the tributaries of Man River. The result of morphometric analysis reveals that watershed of Baltira in which geology is reasonably homogeneous, having high relief and steep ground slope. For this study, ASTER-DEM is utilized for watershed delineation and drainage parameter calculation by the hydrological module of QGIS software.

Morphological characterization of landforms produced by springtime seasonal activity on Russell Crater megadune, Mars

Abstract We describe in detail an annual seasonal process that occurs on the surface of the Russell Crater megadune on Mars. We give these features the name ‘perennial rills’, because their surface topographical expression persists from year-to-year and they form a distinctive, downstream-branching network of small channels, or rills. We used time-series images, elevation data from stereophotogrammetry and spectral data to characterize the evolution of these features over 6 Mars years. Growth and modification of these networks occurs abruptly in spring (at a solar longitude of c. 200°) after most of the seasonal CO 2 ice has sublimated. We find that the peculiar morphology of perennial rills seems to be the only aspect that sets them apart from active linear dune gullies. By comparison to terrestrial analogues, we identified two conditions favouring the production of such a network: (a) the presence of an impermeable layer; and (b) the repeated formation of obstacles in front of propagating channels. We find that the most plausible formation mechanisms that can explain the formation of both the perennial rills and the active linear dune gullies are levitating CO 2 blocks or liquid debris flows of water/brine, but neither can completely satisfy all the observational evidence.

Geomorphic trajectory and landform analysis using graph theory: A panel data approach to quantitative geomorphology

Comparing successive datasets of GIS polygons derived from remote-sensing data is a common approach to quantify morphological change. GIS-derived datasets capture instantaneous observations or “snapshots” of the state of a system at a given time but do not explicitly capture the temporal sequences needed to characterize system processes. Comparisons between these “temporally-naive” datasets can be used to infer properties and trends of the landscape as a whole, but tracking changes in the characteristics of individual landforms (e.g. sandbars, dunes, or other surface features of interest) across snapshots is labor-intensive and infeasible for large or irregular datasets. Using traditional computer-based procedural methods to compare sequences of datasets without knowledge of temporal trajectories introduces several challenges and data artifacts that complicate analysis. We propose a graph-theory approach for processing sequential spatial data to automatically identify and track distinct groups of related landforms or “geomorphic units” across fully or partially overlapping snapshots. This approach allows tracking even in cases where landforms fragment, merge, migrate, or become temporarily obstructed from view. The method promotes new panel data analysis opportunities and overcomes three critical limitations of traditional procedural methods of assessing landscape change from spatial data: (1) it can generate landscape metrics based on geomorphic units, rather than the arbitrary geographic units of the underlying spatial datasets, (2) it distinguishes missing or obstructed observations from changes in the characterization of landforms due to environmental conditions, and (3) it automatically generates panel datasets and discriminates between within-landform change and across-landform variation. The panel datasets can be used to upscale feature-level information to system-level metrics and analysis. Furthermore, a graph-theory approach can yield insight on geomorphic change through analysis of the graph structure, and offers a promising approach for geomorphological analyses which retain information on the spatial configuration of geomorphic units. We demonstrate the method with examples from emergent sandbars on the Missouri River.

Ames stereo pipeline-derived digital terrain models of Mercury from MESSENGER stereo imaging

In this study, 96 digital terrain models (DTMs) of Mercury were created using the Ames Stereo Pipeline, using 1456 pairs of stereo images from the Mercury Dual Imaging System instrument on MESSENGER. Although these DTMs cover only ~1% of the surface of Mercury, they enable three-dimensional characterization of landforms at horizontal resolutions of ~50–250m/pixel and vertical accuracy of tens of meters. This is valuable in regions where the more precise measurements from the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) are sparse. MLA measurements nonetheless provide an important geodetic framework for the derived stereo products. These DTMs, which are publicly released in conjunction with this paper, reveal topography of features at relatively small scales, including craters, graben, hollows, pits, scarps, and wrinkle ridges. Measurements from these data indicate that: (1) hollows have a median depth of ~32m, in basic agreement with earlier shadow measurement, (2) some of the deep pits (up to ~4km deep) that are interpreted to form via volcanic processes on Mercury have surrounding rims or rises, but others do not, and (3) some pits have two or more distinct, low-lying interior minima that could represent multiple vents.

Terrain Characterization for Soil Resource Mapping Using IRS-P6 Data and GIS - A Case Study From Basaltic Terrain of Central India

In the present study, landforms and soils have been characterized in Borgaon Manju watershed of basaltic terrain located in Akola district, Maharashtra, Central India. Terrain characterization using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation data (90 m) and IRS-P6 LISS IV data in conjunction with adequate field surveys shows nine distinct landforms. Soil resource inventory shows fourteen soil series in the study area. Soils formed on gently sloping (3–8 %) subdued plateau are very shallow (23 cm), moderately well drained, moderate (15–40 %) surface stoniness, severely eroded, clayey and slightly alkaline in reaction, whereas, the soils formed on level to nearly level (0–1 %) slope in the main valley are very deep (>150 cm), well drained, very slight (<3 %) surface stoniness, moderately eroded with clayey surface and moderately alkaline in reaction. Soils in the watershed are grouped into Lithic Ustorthents, Vertic Haplustepts, Calcic Haplustepts, Typic Haplustepts, Typic Haplusterts and Sodic Calciusterts. The study demonstrates that the analysis of SRTM elevation data and IRS P6–IV data in Geographic Information System (GIS) with adequate field surveys helps in characterization of landforms and soils in analysis of landscape-soil relationship.

Characterization of Landforms and Soils in Complex Geological Formations—A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach

The present investigation has been designed to analyze the landform and soil relationship in a geologically complex terrain of Tirora tahsil of Gondia district, Maharashtra using remotely sensed data and GIS technique. The geomorphologic units of the study area were delineated through visual interpretation of IRS–ID LISS-III data based on the spatial variation of the image characteristics. Thirteen landform units have been identified in the tahsil. The slope varied from level to nearly level with an area of about 63.76% of the tahsil. Rest of the area ranged from very gentle to moderately steep slopes. During soil survey, soil profiles were studied for morphological features. Horizon-wise soil samples were collected from the representative soil profiles on each landform unit. The depth of soil varied from 25 to 160 cm and colour from dark brown to very dark grayish brown. The texture ranged from clay loam to clayey in accordance with higher and lower topographic positions respectively. Higher available water holding capacity (AWC 285 mm) is found in low-lying area and low to medium AWC (140 mm) is noticed in the soils developed at higher elevation. The soils reaction (pH) is strongly acidic in nature (pH 5.2) on dissected hills, linear ridge and moderately weathered pediments, whereas, the soils are moderately to slightly acidic in nature (pH 5.5 to 6.5) on hills, shallow weathered pediments, moderately weathered pediments, deeply weathered pediments, narrow valleys, and broad valley floors. Slightly alkaline condition (pH 7.6) was observed on foot slopes and aggraded valley fills. The electrical conductivity of the soils is found almost same in all landforms. The cation exchange capacity of the area varies from 10.5 to 51.5 cmol(p+)kg−1. The base saturation increases with decreasing elevation and slope. The four major soil orders viz, Entisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols and Vertisols are found in the study areas which are further classified into suborder and great group levels. The landform and soil relationship was analyzed to appraise the land resources in the tahsil. The study shows that the application of remotely sensed data and GIS are immensely helpful in land resources appraisal for their management on sustainable basis.

Landform characterization using geophysics—Recent advances, applications, and emerging tools

This paper presents an overview of the strengths and limitations of existing and emerging geophysical tools for landform studies. The objectives are to discuss recent technical developments and to provide a review of relevant recent literature, with a focus on propagating field methods with terrestrial applications. For various methods in this category, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity (ER), seismics, and electromagnetic (EM) induction, the technical backgrounds are introduced, followed by section on novel developments relevant to landform characterization. For several decades, GPR has been popular for characterization of the shallow subsurface and in particular sedimentary systems. Novel developments in GPR include the use of multi-offset systems to improve signal-to-noise ratios and data collection efficiency, amongst others, and the increased use of 3D data. Multi-electrode ER systems have become popular in recent years as they allow for relatively fast and detailed mapping. Novel developments include time-lapse monitoring of dynamic processes as well as the use of capacitively-coupled systems for fast, non-invasive surveys. EM induction methods are especially popular for fast mapping of spatial variation, but can also be used to obtain information on the vertical variation in subsurface electrical conductivity. In recent years several examples of the use of plane wave EM for characterization of landforms have been published. Seismic methods for landform characterization include seismic reflection and refraction techniques and the use of surface waves. A recent development is the use of passive sensing approaches. The use of multiple geophysical methods, which can benefit from the sensitivity to different subsurface parameters, is becoming more common. Strategies for coupled and joint inversion of complementary datasets will, once more widely available, benefit the geophysical study of landforms. Three cases studies are presented on the use of electrical and GPR methods for characterization of landforms in the range of meters to 100 s of meters in dimension. In a study of polygonal patterned ground in the Saginaw Lowlands, Michigan, USA, electrical resistivity tomography was used to characterize differences in subsurface texture and water content associated with polygon-swale topography. Also, a sand-filled thermokarst feature was identified using electrical resistivity data. The second example is on the use of constant spread traversing (CST) for characterization of large-scale glaciotectonic deformation in the Ludington Ridge, Michigan. Multiple CST surveys parallel to an ~ 60 m high cliff, where broad (~ 100 m) synclines and narrow clay-rich anticlines are visible, illustrated that at least one of the narrow structures extended inland. A third case study discusses internal structures of an eolian dune on a coastal spit in New Zealand. Both 35 and 200 MHz GPR data, which clearly identified a paleosol and internal sedimentary structures of the dune, were used to improve understanding of the development of the dune, which may shed light on paleo-wind directions.

A generic classification for the morphological and spatial complexity of volcanic (and other) landforms

Landform studies require that morphological identification, description and classification use an accurate and precise taxonomy. This communication offers taxonomic criteria useful for landform classification, as well as spatial statistical investigations of landform patterns. The spatial statistical modeling of landform patterns poses new challenges concerning the systematic characterization of landforms for study within a GIS (geographical information system). For example, the sundry descriptions and non-diagnostic descriptors for volcanoes are many, and appear to have promoted the adoption of somewhat imprecise and confusing classes. This communication presents a generic three-tiered classification as a basic description of the complexity of the landform regardless of scale, tectonic and petrologic setting, climatic regime, state of degradation, or local definition. Importantly, it offers a taxonomy that is useful to the geographical analysis of point pattern fields using spatial statistical techniques. The scheme offered here was used to characterize mostly monogenetic volcanoes; however the classification scheme may also be usable for other landscape features. For instance, such features may include; landslide scars, thermokarst, dolines, kettle and kame topography, drumlins, dome, crescentic and star dunes, pingos, rootless cones, lava domes and coulees, and impact craters.

Desert terrain characterization of landforms and surface materials within vehicle test courses at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, USA

The U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground is the Department of Defense desert environment test center within the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. The Yuma Proving Ground has ∼320 km of unpaved vehicle test courses that cross a variety of landforms of diverse geologic age and characteristics. The surface materials of the courses ranges from bedrock to silt and their topography varies from steep and rolling to flat. Research presented here aims to provide a systematic characterization of the terrain of eight vehicle endurance and three dust courses so that their comparability with other desert areas of the World may be assessed. Landform and surface cover (upper 1 m) characterization was accomplished by geomorphic mapping based on 1-m resolution IKONOS satellite imagery, 10-m digital elevation models, field verification, and by assimilating pre-existing soil surveys and geologic maps, as well as site-specific investigations. Results provide an assessment of each test course, including information on the landform, geology, surface materials, soil type, degree of desert pavement development, dust content, and percent slope. Data is presented both on individual terrain property maps for each course and in the form of tabulated data for each official milepost marker along the courses. The results for one course area and an example of how they may be used to assess comparability with another desert of interest are presented here with the objective to improve the fidelity of desert testing during material research, development, testing and evaluation prior to deployment in the field.

FOTOINTERPRETAÇÃO GEOLÓGICA DE IMAGENS MULTIFONTES E SUA APLICAÇÃO NO GREENSTONE BELT RIO DAS VELHAS, QUADRILÁTERO FERRÍFERO, MG

This paper presents the results based on state of art of geologic interpretation techniques applied to airbomegeophysical data, remotes ensing and digital elevation model (DEM) from the Rio das Velhas Project, Quadrilatero Ferrifero and their data integration products. The best products resulting from the digital image processing of multisource data are: chromostereoscopy and IRS Fusion of airborne geophysical images with the first principal component of ETM+/Landsat7 or radar image; or ETM+/Landsat7 panchromatic bandor shaded digital elevation model as intensity channel. The geologic interpretation of this integrated images allows the individualization of 57 lithogeophysical units that presents different characteristics according to the analysis of the stream drainage patterns, characterization of landforms, analysis of textural properties of depth estimates of magnetic sources by Euler deconvolution-3D, airbone geophysical channels intensity and radar texture elements of relief and magnetic relief texture. These products allow the delineation of linear relief features and linear magnetic relief features named as directional, indifferent lineaments, magnetic relief lineament and structures associated with the Sao Vicente shearzone.

Automated classification of landforms on Mars

We propose a numerical method for classification and characterization of landforms on Mars. The method provides an alternative to manual geomorphic mapping of the Martian surface. Digital elevation data is used to calculate several topographic attributes for each pixel in a landscape. Unsupervised classification, based on the self-organizing map technique, divides all pixels into mutually exclusive and exhaustive landform classes on the basis of similarity between attribute vectors. The results are displayed as a thematic map of landforms and statistics of attributes are used to assign semantic meaning to the classes. This method is used to produce a geomorphic map of the Terra Cimmeria region on Mars. We assess the quality of the automated classification and discuss differences between results of automated and manual mappings. Potential applications of our method, including crater counting, landscape feature search, and large scale quantitative comparisons of Martian surface morphology, are identified and evaluated.

A sorption vacuum pump: V V Bakastov, Soviet Patent, class F 04 b, 37/02, No 403877, claimed 24 December 1971, publ 27 March 1974 (in Russian)

In this study, 96 digital terrain models (DTMs) of Mercury were created using the Ames Stereo Pipeline, using 1456 pairs of stereo images from the Mercury Dual Imaging System instrument on MESSENGER. Although these DTMs cover only ~1% of the surface of Mercury, they enable three-dimensional characterization of landforms at horizontal resolutions of ~50–250 m/pixel and vertical accuracy of tens of meters. This is valuable in regions where the more precise measurements from the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) are sparse. MLA measurements nonetheless provide an important geodetic framework for the derived stereo products. These DTMs, which are publicly released in conjunction with this paper, reveal topography of features at relatively small scales, including craters, graben, hollows, pits, scarps, and wrinkle ridges. Measurements from these data indicate that: (1) hollows have a median depth of ~32 m, in basic agreement with earlier shadow measurement, (2) some of the deep pits (up to ~4 km deep) that are interpreted to form via volcanic processes on Mercury have surrounding rims or rises, but others do not, and (3) some pits have two or more distinct, low-lying interior minima that could represent multiple vents.