Landscape Evolution Research Articles

The Evolution of Agrarian Landscapes in the Tropical Andes.

Changes in land-use practices have been a central element of human adaptation to Holocene climate change. Many practices that result in the short-term stabilization of socio-natural systems, however, have longer-term, unanticipated consequences that present cascading challenges for human subsistence strategies and opportunities for subsequent adaptations. Investigating complex sequences of interaction between climate change and human land-use in the past-rather than short-term causes and effects-is therefore essential for understanding processes of adaptation and change, but this approach has been stymied by a lack of suitably-scaled paleoecological data. Through a high-resolution paleoecological analysis, we provide a 7000-year history of changing climate and land management around Lake Acopia in the Andes of southern Peru. We identify evidence of the onset of pastoralism, maize cultivation, and possibly cultivation of quinoa and potatoes to form a complex agrarian landscape by c. 4300 years ago. Cumulative interactive climate-cultivation effects resulting in erosion ended abruptly c. 2300 years ago. After this time, reduced sedimentation rates are attributed to the construction and use of agricultural terraces within the catchment of the lake. These results provide new insights into the role of humans in the manufacture of Andean landscapes and the incremental, adaptive processes through which land-use practices take shape.

Agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus and household income diversification: Experiences from selected villages of West Bengal, India

CONTEXTThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the livelihoods of rural households, especially in developing countries. The reverse migrated workers faced the most economic crisis. They have created additional pressure on local resources and opportunities to maintain their livelihood. In this connection the agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus plays a significant role by providing them livelihood opportunities. OBJECTIVESThis paper attempts to understand the resource use patterns during the post-COVID period, and analyse the impact of agriculture-livestock-forest nexus on household income diversification and poverty reduction. METHODSThe present study uses a novel approach to fulfil the objectives of the study. A well-designed survey was conducted to collect the necessary primary data from sixteen sample villages of West Bengal, India. The scientific design of the survey and data collection procedure is maintained. Moreover, geospatial techniques are used to examine the land use and land cover patterns of the study areas. The econometric models are estimated to inspect the role of agriculture-livestock-forest nexus and household characteristics on household level income diversification and the reduction of poverty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur analysis reveals that a significant number of the sample households depend on agriculture, livestock and forestry to maintain their livelihoods. The reverse migration of workforce has created additional pressure on these activities. This is mainly due to non-availability of other non-farm employment opportunities locally. The analysis of econometric models shows that while engagement in different activities of the primary sector makes income diversified, it is more so when the households possess necessary technologies, skills and financial supports. All of these are crucial given that income diversification helps households to overcome of poverty. SIGNIFICANCEThe intricate web of the agriculture-livestock-forestry nexus serves as a critical source of livelihood for a substantial number of households, yet the challenges and opportunities it presents necessitate targeted policy interventions. Enabling technology transfer, fostering skill development, and extending financial support emerge as key measures to diversify rural livelihoods, thereby fostering sustainable rural development and poverty reduction in the post-pandemic landscape. The integration of socioeconomic data and geospatial satellite information offers an invaluable basis for formulating effective policy strategies in this evolving era.

Topography‐Based Particle Image Velocimetry of Braided Channel Initiation

AbstractRiver channels shape landscapes through gradual migration and abrupt avulsion. Measuring the motion of braided rivers, which have multiple channel threads, is particularly challenging, limiting predictions for landscape evolution and fluvial architecture. To address this challenge, we extended the capabilities of image‐based particle image velocimetry (PIV)—a technique for tracking channel threads in images of the surface—by adapting it to analyze topographic change. We applied this method in a laboratory experiment where a straight channel set in non‐cohesive sediment evolved into a braided channel under constant water and sediment fluxes. Topography‐based PIV successfully tracked the motion of channel threads if displacements between observations were less than the channel‐thread width, consistent with earlier results from image‐based PIV. We filtered spurious migration vectors with magnitudes less than the elevation grid spacing, or with high uncertainties in magnitude and/or direction. During braided channel initiation, migration rates varied with the channel planform development, showing an increase as incipient meanders developed, a decrease during the transitional braiding phase, and consistently low values during the established braiding phase. In this experimental setup, migration rates varied quasi‐periodically along stream at the half scale of initial meander bends. Lateral migration with respect to the mean flow direction was much more pronounced than streamwise migration, accounting for approximately 80% of all detected motion. Results demonstrate that topography‐based PIV has the potential to advance predictions for bank erosion and landscape evolution in natural braided rivers as well as bar preservation and stratigraphic architecture in geological records.

The Lake Effect: Lake Michigan, Landscape Evolution, and the Archaeological Record of the Chicago Region

Abstract Lake Michigan continues to have a major impact on the environment in the Chicago region, and changes in lake levels were a major driver of landscape evolution throughout the late Pleistocene and Holocene. Fluctuating lake levels reduced or increased the extent and character of terrestrial resources. The landscape has also been altered by erosional and aggradational processes from near-shore currents and wave action. Interpretation of archaeological site and settlement patterns in this region requires an understanding of the factors that have shaped and continue to shape this landscape. In the PaleoIndigenous and Archaic periods, foraging groups adapted to rapidly changing vegetation patterns and episodes of lake transgression and recession that opened or closed new habitats. In the Woodland and Upper Mississippian periods, lake levels stabilized, but the landscape continued to evolve, with erosion and deposition of sediments along Lake Michigan shorelines. Evidence for lake-level fluctuations over the last 12,000 years is available from a variety of data sets, including those for deep lacustrine sediments, ostracods, abandoned shorelines, and sand dunes. By synthesizing these data and utilizing GIS to reconstruct past lakeshores, we seek to better understand how people interacted with and adjusted to this dynamic landscape.

Dormant dune fields and ameliorative moisture conditions in the West Gobi Desert in East Asia during the Last Interglacial

Arid and semiarid regions are environmentally vulnerable to global warming. Thus, studying their environmental history during warm periods (e.g., the Last Interglacial, LIG) is crucial for understanding their future changes too. The West Gobi Desert is a transitional zone influenced by the westerlies and the East Asian monsoon system. Therefore, the variation in atmospheric circulation profoundly affects its water vapor transport and landscape evolution. Due to the scarcity of continuous records, the moisture transport process remains ambiguous, which limits further research on paleolake evolution and aeolian activity. Here, we combine paleoclimate simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6)-Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project 4 (PMIP4) and geological records to clarify the water vapor transport pathways and aeolian activity in the West Gobi Desert during the LIG, compared to the reference period (the piControl). Our results show that increased rainfall and meltwater were possible supplies for surface water during the LIG and were associated with enhanced East Asian summer monsoon and higher surface air temperatures. Concomitantly, weakening aeolian activity and dormant dune fields occurred in the West Gobi Desert, resulting from higher surface moisture content and weaker surface wind regimes associated with the weakening westerlies and East Asian winter monsoon. Notably, the limited weakening of aeolian activity that occurred in the LIG winter and spring was caused by weaker surface wind and deteriorating surface moisture conditions, while the significant dormancy of dune fields in the LIG summer and autumn was initiated by the combined effects of ameliorative surface moisture conditions and lower surface wind speed.

Unlocking SEO testing insights: Leveraging quasi-experimental designs for effective experiments

With the development of marketing's digital landscape, experimentation has become crucial for companies' business planning. Testing can now be set and delivered within seconds, making optimisations faster than ever. However, traditional models, such as A/B testing and multi-variate testing, face challenges as marketing professionals seek to expand experimentation to areas where controlled conditions cannot be met. Among these is the case of search engine optimisation (SEO) experimentation, an area that is steadily becoming a crucial element in modern marketing strategies. This paper explores the use of quasi-experimental designs to overcome these challenges, allowing for the collection of insights when traditional experimental setups are unfeasible. Examples are provided to show how quasi-experiments can be effectively applied in multiple SEO scenarios, assessing the performance of the treated pages and using correlation to generate comparable control groups. It advocates for a shift in the mindset of digital marketing professionals, stressing the importance of adaptability in experimental approaches, underscoring the necessity to embrace quasi-experimental designs in modern marketing strategies by highlighting their pivotal role in achieving data-driven insights in an increasingly complex digital world.

Urban Landscape Perception Research Based on the ERP Method: A Case Study of Jingdezhen, China

Within the rapidly growing urban tourism industry, the development of urban landscapes plays a crucial role in shaping a city’s image and competitiveness; however, standardized and mismatched landscapes often have a negative impact, highlighting the importance of assessing urban landscape perceptions. Although existing studies have discussed this through subjective questionnaires and physiological methods, the underlying neural mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored. The research focuses on Jingdezhen, a renowned historical and cultural city in China, as its case study. Utilized the event-related potential (ERP) method to explore individuals’ perceptual consistency and neural activity toward different types of urban landscapes. We adopted a 2 (landscape type: historical, modern) X 2 (perceptual match: consistent, inconsistent) within-subject design while recording behavioral data and electrophysiological responses. The results showed that, under any condition, there were no significant differences in people’s behavioral data. Neurophysiological results indicate that consistent perceptions of modern landscapes elicited greater P200 responses, suggesting increased attention driven by visual aesthetics and emotional activation. Under conditions of perceptual inconsistency, historical landscapes elicited higher N400 amplitudes than modern landscapes, revealing cognitive conflict and effort. This study demonstrates that P200 and N400 components are effective indicators for assessing urban perception, proving the viability of the event-related potential method in urban landscape research. Additionally, the research reveals the neural mechanisms of urban environmental perception from the early stages of attention and emotional distribution to the later stages of cognitive decision-making, which involve cognitive processes from “bottom-up” to “top-down”. This study not only provides a reference for efficient design planning for those involved in urban science but also inspires the coordination between the developmental needs of historical and modern urban landscapes. Moreover, it offers a new perspective for an interdisciplinary approach to urban perception assessment.

Monitoring dynamic mangrove landscape patterns in China: Effects of natural and anthropogenic forcings during 1985–2020

Many mangrove forests located along estuaries and deltas worldwide are currently facing irreparable losses caused by natural factors and intensive anthropogenic disturbances. The limited capabilities of traditional remote sensing processing platforms tend to lead to poor image processing consistency in medium- and large-scale areas, resulting in lower ground object classification accuracy. Consequently, little information is available regarding the extent and causes of variation in large-scale mangrove forests. In this study, we used Google Earth Engine mangrove forest data from eight periods between 1985 and 2020, with total accuracy rates of 82.95–90.15%, and combined landscape metrics with a centroid transfer model to quantitatively analyze the landscape evolution of mangrove forests in China. Finally, we employed a geodetector based on optimized parameters to quantitatively determine the potential mechanisms driving mangrove landscape evolution. Overall, a slight increase followed by a sharp decrease in mangrove forest area in China during the past 40 years, with a turning point around 2000 and substantial shifts in mangrove spatial patterns in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, particularly in the Pearl River Estuary and Beibu Gulf. The landscape pattern of Chinese mangrove forests has become fragmented and isolated through rapid urbanization in recent decades. Mangrove forests shifted significantly (> 31 km) early in the study period, followed by smaller shifts later in the study period. The optimal spatial scale of mangrove landscape driver detection was 270 m × 270 m. The variation in mangrove forest area was caused by the interactions of multiple factors, particularly between mean annual precipitation and other potential influencing factors. Government policies guided the conservation and management of mangrove forests in China to varying degrees throughout the study period. Our findings on the dynamics of mangrove forests provide a reference for integrated coastal management, which will contribute to the ecological utilization and high-quality development of coasts during extensive urbanization along the southeastern coast of China and similar large estuary deltas worldwide.

Paleo-valley infills record landscape response to late-Quaternary glacial/interglacial climate oscillations in the French western Alps

Reconstructing mountainous landscape evolution throughout the Quaternary is challenging because of the poor long-term preservation of geomorphic records in a context of rapid surface dynamics and topographic rejuvenation. The Quaternary geomorphic evolution of the western European Alps has been strongly controlled by climatic oscillations between glacial and interglacial periods. Significant erosion and sediment remobilization during these glacial/interglacial cycles have left very few sedimentary archives to quantify the surface dynamics and paleo-environmental conditions within the mountain belt over the last hundreds of thousands of years. Alpine valleys within the periglacial zone are potential candidates to target long-term geological archives, since they may contain alluvial deposits that have been preserved from subsequent glaciations. In the Drac valley (French western Alps), three generations of paleo-valleys are preserved, each of which was filled with alluvial and lacustrine sediments in response to glacial damming downstream. The valleys were incised during subsequent times of glacial retreat, leading to the formation of epigenetic valleys. Detailed 3D mapping of the paleo-valleys was carried out using photogrammetric models to constrain their geometry. Mapping was combined with luminescence dating of alluvial deposits to reconstruct the temporal evolution of the Drac valley. This chronological framework, together with additional data from the literature, allowed us to quantitatively constrain the complex alluvial dynamics along the Drac river during the last ca. 230 ka. Poly-phased alluvial deposition occurred in the most recent paleo-valley between ca. 90 and 20 ka (i.e., from late MIS 5 to MIS 2) in a context of global climate cooling and major Alpine glaciation. Sediment infilling of the intermediate paleo-valley is dated at around 130 ka; i.e., during the late-glacial phase of the penultimate glaciation, at the abrupt warming transition between MIS 6 and MIS 5. Finally, the oldest paleo-valley was filled around 230 ka (during a sub-stage of MIS 7) probably in a cooling and glacial context. The overall alluviation pattern and chronology of the study area highlight the asynchronous and partially contrasting glacial dynamics between the different glacier systems (i.e., Drac, Bonne and Romanche/Isère glaciers) within the Ecrins-Pelvoux massif of the French western Alps.

Interaction of natural and architectural landscapes using the example of a city Kharkiv

The article traces the development of the architectural landscape of the city of Kharkov from the moment of the foundation of the Kharkov Fort to the present day. The research shows the main stages: the rise of the fortress of Kharkov (since 1654), the status of a province (since 1787), the development of Kharkov as a cultural and educational center (since 1804), the first World War and revolution (since 1917), second World War and military renewal (from 1941), the creation of Ukraine's Independence (since 1991), a daily war (since 2022). At the skin stage, the infusion of the natural landscape and relief features into the creation and development of the place can be observed. We drew a parallel with the historical concepts and developments of the city, considered the interaction of the architectural landscape with natural transitions, observed connections between compositional dominants and relief differences, so it was search of the spacious accents of the city. According to the research, a spatial model of the city of Kharkov was formulated. The historical center which is the compositional core of the spatial framework is strengthened by dominants. It has a radial ring system of streets perpendicular to the riverbeds. The center of Kharkov is connected with the periphery by compositional and functional axes - the main highways. Active peripheral development enhances the elevations of the relief; buildings in the lowlands is predominantly featureless. Relief features of the landscape, such as embankments and parks, are points of attraction for people what playing an important role in shaping the architectural landscape of the city. So, we formulate opinion about the geological and geographical aspect of the architectural landscape of the Kharkov, determine the look at the further development of the architectural landscape of the apparently natural, and emphasize respect of the importance of using relief features in the city.

Landscape evolution of the NW Himalayan rivers during the late Quaternary and their non-contemporaneity to the Harappan Civilization

A large perennial river system, the Ghaggar-Hakra, fed by the palaeo-Sutlej and palaeo-Yamuna Rivers from the west and east respectively, has been argued to have sustained the Bronze Age Harappan urban settlements (∼4.6–3.9 ka BP) in NW Himalayan foreland in India and Pakistan. However, it has been demonstrated by previous workers that palaeo-Sutlej was already defunct in this region by ∼8 ka, much before the peak of urbanism. In contrast, the evolutionary history of palaeo-Yamuna, a major feeder to the Ghaggar-Hakra River system, remains weakly documented and enigmatic. This knowledge gap limits our understanding of the influence of regional-scale hydrological conditions on the growth and eventual demise of the Harappan Civilization. Here, we present the high-resolution chronostratigraphic records based on 47 optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from 6 cores (∼50 m deep) retrieved across the palaeochannels of the Yamuna. We document multi-storied sand bodies deposited by a mobile channel belt in a large alluvial fan system characterized by four possible stages of drainage reorganization and landscape evolution during the late Quaternary. It has also been inferred that a major eastward shift of the palaeo-Yamuna River occurred at ∼18 ka, predating both the westward shift of the Sutlej at ∼8 ka and the decline of the Harappan Civilization at ∼3.9 ka BP. Our chronostratigraphic data helps to understand the drainage reorganization of the Himalayan river systems during the late Quaternary in the NW Himalayan foreland and reaffirms the non-contemporaneity of the Harappan Civilization with a large river system.

Unraveling trends in temple ethnomathematics research and the evolution of the mathematical landscape

Ethnomathematics has experienced rapid development recently and has become a trend in mathematics. This research uses a systematic literature review method to analyze the relationship between mathematics and culture, trends in mathematical findings, and conformity with ethnomathematics theory. The articles from Sinta's accredited journals over the last five years. The research results show that there is no practical connection between mathematical and cultural concepts in temple ethnomathematics research. Second, mathematical findings tend to be convergent, with most studies referring to the same material without uniqueness or novelty across cultures. Third, Indonesia's natural diversity is not always relevant in ethnomathematics, which focuses more on cultural aspects. In conclusion, there is a gap in ethnomathematics research, and it is suggested that further studies utilize Mathematical Landscape in addressing mathematics in various broader aspects of life that are not directly related to ethnomathematics. This research can serve as a foundation and be further developed to benefit society and education worldwide.

Ideas and perspectives: Sensing energy and matter fluxes in a biota-dominated Patagonian landscape through environmental seismology – introducing the Pumalín Critical Zone Observatory

Abstract. The coastal temperate rainforests (CTRs) of Chilean Patagonia are a valuable forest biome on Earth given their prominent role in biogeochemical cycling and the ecological value and dynamics of surface processes. The Patagonian CTRs are amongst the most carbon-rich biomes on Earth. Together with frequent landscape disturbances, these forests potentially allow for episodic and massive release or sequestration of carbon into and from the atmosphere. We argue that, despite their particular biogeographic, geochemical, and ecological roles, the Patagonian CTRs in particular and the global CTRs in general are not adequately represented in the current catalog listing critical zone observatories (CZOs). Here, we present the Pumalín CZO as the first of its kind, located in Pumalín National Park in northern Chilean Patagonia. We consider our CZO a representative end-member of undisturbed ecosystem functioning of the Patagonian CTRs. We have identified four core research themes for the Pumalín CZO around which our activities circle in an integrative, quantitative, and generic approach using a range of emerging techniques. Our methodological blend includes an environmental seismology that also fills a critical spatiotemporal scale in terms of monitoring critical zone and surface processes with a minimum intervention in those pristine forests. We aim to gain quantitative understanding of these topics: (1) carbon sink functioning; (2) biota-driven landscape evolution; (3) water, biogeological, and energy fluxes; and (4) disturbance regime understanding. Our findings highlight the multitude of active functions that trees in particular and forests in general may have on the entire cascade of surface processes and the concomitant carbon cycling. This highlights the importance of an integrated approach, i.e., “one physical system”, as proposed by Richter and Billings (2015), and accounts for the recent advances in pushing nature conservation along the Chilean coast.

Interactions between Cenozoic tectonics and landscape dynamics in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

The Londrina City, located in southern Brazil, is situated on the basalt of the Paraná Igneous Province (PIP), near tectonic structures such as the Guaxupé faults and the São Jerônimo-Curiúva and São Sebastião lineaments, with a history of reactivation in the Cenozoic. Between 2015 and 2018, low-magnitude earthquakes hit the municipality, suggesting a possible connection with these structures. This study investigates the relationship between Cenozoic tectonics and geomorphological dynamics, combining quantitative geomorphological analysis with field analysis of faults. The results reveal signs of tectonic control on the landscape, with two pulses of regional uplift/base level drop affecting the drainage network. Reactivated segments, especially at intersections of NE and NW structures, influence dynamics, with variations in uplift rates between basins and block rotation under a transtensive regime. Recent earthquakes are related to the reactivation of an N50-60E fault scarp, possibly the Guaxupé Fault, indicating recurrent tectonic movement. Paleostress analyses identify three deformation pulses, highlighting the complexity of landscape evolution in intraplate regions. These findings enhance understanding of regional tectonics, emphasizing the need to comprehend landscape evolution in interior plate areas, such as the South American Plate.

Bedrock rivers are steep but not narrow: Hydrological and lithological controls on river geometry across the USA

Bedrock rivers are commonly expected to have steeper and narrower channels than alluvial rivers. However, understanding of bedrock river characteristics has largely been based on small samples of sites in specific climates and upland locations. We provide the first systematic assessment of bedrock and alluvial river channel characteristics for 1274 sites across a broad climatic gradient. We assess whether the width, width-to-depth ratio, and slope of bedrock channels differ from those of alluvial channels and the extent to which these differences are correlated with drainage area, mean annual flow (QMAF), grain size, and lithology. We find that bedrock channels occur at all drainage areas. For the same drainage area, bedrock channels are wider and steeper than alluvial channels. They also have a higher mean annual precipitation and hence QMAF, which likely causes the increased width. After accounting for differences in QMAF, both bedrock and alluvial channels have similar hydraulic scaling. Lithology affects both types of channels in a similar way, with channels on sedimentary lithologies being wider and less steep compared to those on igneous-metamorphic lithologies. Overall, our findings raise new questions about the evolution of bedrock river channels and pave the way for more accurate landscape evolution modeling.

Effect of Digital Banking Technology on Loan Uptake in Hotels Industry in Kenya

Digital banking technology is having a profound impact on businesses and corporate borrowing behavior. Integrating digital banking technology and its impact on hotel borrowing is a critical challenge. Limited digital literacy, uneven technology adoption and inadequate regulatory support prevent hotels from reaping the benefits. This study is based on three theories: the technology acceptance model, Institutional theory and the resource-based verification theory. This study uses literature review methodology to draw analysis and conclusions. Studies suggest that these technologies have democratized access to credit, empowered previously underserved populations, and improved financial inclusion. However, alongside these benefits, criticism of the literature also reveals ongoing concerns. These include questions of digital literacy, data security and the possible exclusion of marginalized groups. Additionally, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of digital lending platforms in accurately assessing creditworthiness and managing associated risks that may impact credit quality and overall financial stability. Although digital banking technology offers opportunities to expand access to credit, it is important to address these challenges to ensure equitable and sustainable financial inclusion outcomes. The study concludes that by leveraging the potential of mobile banking, digital payment systems and online lending platforms, hotels can more effectively address financial challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development and success in the dynamic business landscape.

Fraud Detection and Prevention in Accounting Emerging Technologies and Best Practices in Delhi NCR

This report investigates the integration of emerging technologies and best practices to enhance fraud detection and prevention in the accounting systems of Delhi NCR, India. With accounting fraud posing significant challenges globally, effective measures are essential for mitigating financial losses and reputational damage. The study reviews existing fraud detection technologies, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and continuous auditing, highlighting their potential to address evolving fraud schemes. Additionally, it examines robust accounting practices such as segregation of duties, internal controls, and whistleblower hotlines as fundamental to fraud prevention. Emerging trends like blockchain technology, cloud-based solutions, and behavioural analytics are also explored for their potential in bolstering fraud detection efforts. The unique context of Delhi NCR, characterized by regulatory landscape, cultural factors, and infrastructure development, is considered in tailoring fraud prevention strategies. The research employs quantitative and qualitative methods, including regression analysis, to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and awareness campaigns on fraud prevention and assess the correlation between training frequency and fraud occurrence. Findings suggest a significant positive relationship between perceived effectiveness of fraud detection technologies and overall effectiveness of fraud prevention measures. However, limitations such as sample size constraints and reliance on self-reported data are acknowledged, highlighting the need for further research in understanding the multifaceted dynamics of fraud detection and prevention in Delhi NCR's accounting landscape.

Quantitative assessment of the erosion and deposition effects of landslide-dam outburst flood, Eastern Himalaya

Both regular flow and infrequent outburst floods shape the mountain landscape, but their relative contributions have been widely debated, in part due to the paucity of quantitative data on historical outburst floods. In June 2000, an outburst flood was triggered by a landslide-dam failure in a rapidly exhumed region of the Eastern Himalaya. To investigate the role of this kind outburst flood on landscape evolution, we employ topographic differencing, satellite imagery, and 2D hydraulic simulations to quantify the equivalent erosion and deposition within ~ 80 km flood route downstream of the breach. The flood lasted for ~ 10 h, with a peak discharge of 105 m3/s, leading to average erosion of 10 m, and contributed ~ 1–2 × 103 times more sediment than over long-term mean fluvial processes. The flood produced extensive lateral erosion, which triggered a threefold widening of the valley floor and abundant subsequent landslides. The ubiquitous boulder bars deposited in the channel inhibited incision, and facilitated lateral erosion after the flood. The resulting channel configuration and extensive bank erosion continue to affect fluvial dynamics until the next catastrophic flood that remobilizes the boulders. Our quantitative findings highlight the profound importance of recurrent outburst floods for gorge development and landscape evolution in Eastern Himalaya.

Spatial modeling of air pollution in Kharkiv city


 
 
 One of the most pressing problems facing cities, which negatively affects public health. There is a global practice of online monitoring of the content of pollutants in the air of settlements and informing the population about dangerous periods of increased pollution concentrations for certain categories of diseases and the population as a whole. It is also likely that one of the factors of pollution spread is the landscape differentiation of the city’s territory. The purpose of the study presented in this article is to develop statistical and cartographic models of the spatial distribution of air pollutants within the city of Kharkiv and to establish the relationship between the degree of air pollution and types of urban landscapes. Methods. Based on the analysis of the main methodological approaches and tasks of cartographic modeling of the spatial distribution of air pollution, the study substantiates the choice of the modeling method in this study; the features of a large city as an object of cartographic modeling of air pollution are assessed. Results. Based on the results of long-term monitoring by the Kharkiv Regional Center for Hydrometeorology, a statistical analysis of the results of the maximum and average content of pollutants in the atmosphere of Kharkiv was made and the spatial distribution of air pollution in Kharkiv (including (dust, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde) was modeled, and patterns of pollution distribution were identified according to landscape types. Conclusions. In general, the spatial analysis of pollutant concentrations in the territories of Kharkiv showed that, in terms of maximum concentrations, the southeastern part of Kharkiv is most affected by carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. The reason for this is the large area of industrial facilities. The northwestern part of the city has the highest concentrations of dust and sulfur dioxide. There is a lowering of the relief in the floodplain type of landscape and dense development. Intensive traffic and lowered relief (floodplain landscape) cause high average concentrations of dust, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide in the southern part of the city. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations exceed the TLK in the northwest. The reason is the lowering of the relief on the outskirts of the city (floodplain landscape). The central part of the city has a high average concentration of formaldehyde. In general, a pattern of high concentrations of pollutants was found on the floodplains of the Lopan and Kharkiv rivers, with the lowest concentrations confined to watershed types of terrain between the Kharkiv and Lopan rivers and the Udy and Lopan rivers.
 
 

The depositional record of the French Flemish Coastal plain since antiquity: Impacts of land reclamation in a tide‐dominated estuary

AbstractThe French Flemish Coastal Plain, which extends from Denmark to France, is characterised by a topography close to sea level and protected by a system of coastal dunes. Quaternary sediments, comprised of marine, estuarine and continental deposits, accumulated by infilling and then prograding above a network of incised valleys. This study focusses on the Holocene infill of the Denna palaeoestuary, south‐west to Dunkerque. Surface geophysics (electrical conductivity and ground‐penetrating radar) and vibrocore data are used to reconstruct the landscape evolution during the last stages of sedimentation. The conductivity map highlights the last network of tidal channels, ditches and dikes of the eastern side of the palaeoestuary. Over the upper 4 m of the infill, the ground‐penetrating radar profiles show two superimposed units. The bottom unit is composed of meandering channel bars and the top unit of flat strata intersected by sparse channels, mostly infilled in place. The sediment analysis of the vibrocores shows a predominantly sandy filling of marine to estuarine origin, evidenced by sponge spicules and a fauna of bivalves and foraminifera adapted to brackish settings. The uppermost deposit exhibits an oxidation profile which marks the groundwater zone transition. Clayey sediments are also present, infilling the uppermost channels and ditches dug during reclamation, in increasing proportions towards the axis of the estuarine palaeovalley. The tidal signature of sedimentary dynamics is evidenced by heterolithic facies in some channel fills and tidal rhythmites infilling scour depressions linked to dike breaching. The abrupt decrease in channel dynamics across the unit boundary, although sedimentation remained sandy in the upper unit, coincides with the development of embankment of the estuarine border and is tentatively interpreted as a result of reclamation.