Geomorphological Research Articles

Synergistic effects of Co-Mn co-doping on the structural and optical properties of TiO2 nanospheres: Dual functions for DSSC photoanodes and degradation photocatalyst

Synthesizing direct solar irradiance-responsive nanomaterial capable of serving as an efficient photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and active photocatalysts for organic pollutant elimination poses a formidable challenge. This study focused on the synthesis of cobalt and manganese co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles via sol-gel technique, enhancing their efficacy in both the DSSCs and methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis confirm the existence of a tetragonal crystal structure with the anatase phase of TiO2, while XPS analysis verifies the successful integration of cobalt and manganese ions into the host lattices. BET analysis has confirmed that Co, Mn co-doped TiO2 exhibits a higher pore volume and specific surface area compared to the undoped TiO2 material. FESEM and HR-TEM reveals spherical shape morphology and EDS mapping confirms the purity of synthesized nanoparticles. Moreover, Co-Mn co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles exhibits a shift in the optical absorption edge towards the visible spectrum in UV-DRS analysis. PL analysis suggests a diminished electron-hole recombination within the doped and co-doped sample. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates improved charge transfer properties. DSSCs employing the co-doped TiO2 exhibit significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency (4.99 %) compared to bare TiO2 (2.03 %), cobalt-doped (2.61 %), and manganese-doped TiO2 (3.97 %). Additionally, it demonstrates exceptional photocatalytic activity, with 87.83 % (Co-Mn co-doped TiO2) degradation efficiency with a lesser time extent for the methylene blue dye degradation. These findings underscore the potential of Co-Mn co-doped TiO2 for addressing dual challenges in renewable energy (DSSC) and environmental remediation (Pollutant removal).

Geomorphological mapping for liquefaction likelihood: the Piniada Valley case study (central Greece)

Assessment of liquefaction susceptibility of sediments in alluvial plains is considered one of the first step for infrastructure planning, hazard mitigation, and land use management in seismically active regions. Subtle geomorphological features resulting from depositional processes could greatly contribute to estimating the liquefaction likelihood since they also dictate the type and distribution of sediments. Our case study is from the Piniada Valley (Greece), where widespread liquefaction phenomena were triggered by the 2021 Mw 6.3, Damasi earthquake. As we compiled a detailed geological map for the purposes of this investigation and correlated it to the spatial distribution of the earthquake-induced liquefaction phenomena, we observed that most of liquefaction surface evidence are related to point bars and abandoned river channels formed the last century. In particular, the areal liquefaction density was estimated at 60.7 and 67.1 manifestations per km2, for the point bars and abandoned channels, respectively. Following this outcome, we propose a refinement of the existing liquefaction susceptibility classifications by including point bar bodies as a distinct category, characterized by a very high susceptibility to liquefaction. In addition, we discuss the correlation between the observed liquefaction manifestations and the shallow lithofacies, sand or mud prone areas, within point bars. The outcome arisen by this research is that most of liquefaction phenomena (> 70%) occurred on the area covered by coarser materials deposited on the upstream part of high sinuosity meanders.

Evaluation of the Articular Disc Using the Magnetic Resonance Cartigram in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract Objectives The study is aimed to perform magnetic resonance (MR) cartigram of the articular disc in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods Thirty-nine volunteers were divided into three groups: 16 symptomatic TMD, 16 asymptomatic TMD, and 7 controls. The articular disc was divided into three segments (anterior, middle, and posterior) and analyzed using morphological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T2 mapping sequences. T2 relaxation values were measured and assessed by an experienced radiologist and two observers. The T2 values in the discs were compared between the control, asymptomatic, and symptomatic groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The right and left discs were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Inter-examiner reliability among different examiners was evaluated. Results The controls had the highest T2 values compared with the other groups. The comparison among the right and left sides of all the groups revealed statistically significant results in the anterior portion in the asymptomatic group and the middle portion in the symptomatic group (p < 0.05). The inter-examiner reliability coefficients among the three examiners were consistently high, with values of 0.921, 0.920, and 0.930. Conclusion Our study found the T2 relaxation time span was shorter than that reported in previous studies, which could be attributed to the early stage of cartilage deterioration in the individuals with TMD inferring treatment at this phase may be eventually effective with a good prognosis.

Prediction of Oil Source Fault-Associated Traps Favorable for Hydrocarbon Migration and Accumulation: A Case Study of the Dazhangtuo Fault in the Northern Qikou Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin

In order to study the distribution pattern of oil and gas near the lower-source, upper-storage type of oil source faults in the hydrocarbon-bearing basins, a set of prediction methods favourable to oil and gas migration and accumulation were established by superimposing the parts of the oil source fault-associated traps, the contiguously distributed sand bodies and the lateral sealing position of faults. The trap associated with a fault can be determined by the fault’s convex part on the fault plane’s morphology map, the fault throw displacement curve and the intersection of faults on the structure map. The set of sand bodies can be determined by the sand-to-shale ration of the formation. The lateral sealing position of faults can be investigated by the shale content of the fault. This study is based on our case study of the Dazhangtuo Fault in the lower sub-member of the 1st member (Es1L) of the Shahejie formation in the northern Qikou Sag of Bohai Bay Basin. The results illustrate 4 fault nose traps formed by fault line deflection in the Es1L formation of the Dazhangtuo Fault, 2 each in the middle and eastern end. The Dazhangtuo Fault is favorable for oil and gas migration except at the eastern and western ends and the middle part of the fault. The fault-associated traps in the Es1L formation that are highly favorable for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation (overlapping site of associated traps and favorable location for oil and gas migration) are distributed in the eastern and central parts of the Dazhangtuo Fault. In contrast, those moderately favorable for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation (associated trap at a certain distance from the favorable location for oil and gas migration in the Dazhangtuo Fracture) are locally distributed in the east. Both traps are conducive to accumulating hydrocarbons from the underlying source rock in the Es3 formation. Such observations are consistent with the current confirmed hydrocarbon distribution, thus validating the feasibility and accuracy of predicting the distribution of traps related to oil source faults favorable for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation, it can be used to guide the exploration of the lower-source, upper-storage type of hydrocarbon accumulations in the hydrocarbon-bearing basins.

Detailed chemical composition analysis of the Soi crater region on Titan

The Soi crater region (0° to 60°N, 180°W to −110°W), which includes the well-preserved Soi crater in its center, spans a region from Titan's aeolian-dominated equatorial regions to fluvially-dominated high northern latitudes. This provides a rich diversity of landscapes, one that is also representative of the diversity encountered across Titan. Schoenfeld et al. (2023) mapped this region at 1:800,000 scale and produced a geomorphological map showing that the area consists of 22 types of geomorphological units. The Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) coverage of the region enabled the detailed analysis of spectra of 261 different locations using a radiative transfer technique and a mixing model, yielding compositional constraints on Titan's optical surface layer. Additional constraints on composition on the near-surface substrate were obtained from microwave emissivity. We have derived combinations of top surface materials between dark materials, tholins, water-ice, and methane suggesting that dark mobile organic material at equatorial and high latitudes indicates “young” terrains and compositions, while tholin/water-ice mixtures that dominate areas around latitude 35°N show a material that is older plains deposits that we interpret to be the end stage of aeolian and fluvial transport and deposition. We found no spectral evidence of CO2, HC3N, and NH3 ice. We use the stratigraphic relations between the various mapping units and the relation between the geomorphology and the composition of the surface layers to build hypotheses on the origin and evolution of the regional geology. We suggest that sedimentary deposits, likely aeolian, are dominant in the region with fluvial activity and leaching changing the nature of the top surfaces of the midlatitude areas of the Soi crater region.

Geomorphology, morphodynamic, and surficial material of the Orosi Valley, Costa Rica

The Orosi Valley in Costa Rica holds significant geomorphological importance due to its diverse landscapes shaped by tectonic activity, river systems, erosion processes, and rich biodiversity. Moreover, this valley is important for agriculture, tourism, water reservoirs, and hydroelectricity production. This study presents a comprehensive geomorphological mapping of the Orosi Valley in Costa Rica. Six distinct geomorphological units have been identified and classified through a combination of field surveys, topographic data analysis, and remote sensing techniques. These units include hillslopes, alluvial fans, terraces at the valley margins, volcanic landforms, colluvial deposits, landslide scars, and fluvial landforms. The results provide valuable insights into the geomorphological processes and landform evolution within the Orosi Valley, contributing to scientific knowledge, land use planning, natural hazard assessment, and environmental management in the region. This study holds global importance by deepening the understanding of how geomorphology, disaster risk, and socio-economic development are interconnected. It informs worldwide initiatives to create resilient communities in response to evolving environmental hazards.

Digital Geomorphological Mapping of Sabkhas in the Western Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Digital Geomorphological Mapping of Sabkhas in the Western Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Electron Microscopic Mapping of Mitochondrial Morphology in the Cochlear Nerve Fibers.

To enable nervous system function, neurons are powered in a use-dependent manner by mitochondria undergoing morphological-functional adaptation. In a well-studied model system-the mammalian cochlea, auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) display distinct electrophysiological properties, which is essential for collectively sampling acoustic information of a large dynamic range. How exactly the associated mitochondrial networks are deployed in functionally differentiated ANFs remains scarcely interrogated. Here, we leverage volume electron microscopy and machine-learning-assisted image analysis to phenotype mitochondrial morphology and distribution along ANFs of full-length in the mouse cochlea inner spiral bundle. This reveals greater variance in mitochondrial size with increased ANF habenula to terminal path length. Particularly, we analyzed the ANF terminal-residing mitochondria, which are critical for local calcium uptake during sustained afferent activities. Our results suggest that terminal-specific enrichment of mitochondria, in addition to terminal size and overall mitochondrial abundance of the ANF, correlates with heterogenous mitochondrial contents of the terminal.

Terrestrial glacial geomorphology of surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers on Svalbard

ABSTRACT This paper presents a map of terrestrial glacial geomorphology of eleven surge-type and non-surge-type glacier forefields in southwest and west Spitsbergen, Svalbard. Glacier forefields were mapped using a combination of field surveys and the use of an uncrewed airborne vehicle in September 2022 and satellite imagery captured in 2020, with mapping performed in ArcGIS Pro at a 1:5000 scale. Maps were constructed for glaciers in Van Kuelenfjorden and Van Mijenfjorden (southwest Spitsbergen), and in Isfjorden, Billefjorden a fjord branch of Isfjorden and St. Jonsfjorden (west Spitsbergen), to obtain a breadth of glacier types and features representative of glacial landsystems on Svalbard. The detailed landform inventory was divided into: (i) ice marginal, (ii) subglacial, (iii) glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine, (iv) supraglacial and (v) other non-glacial and contemporary features. These detailed maps provide a geomorphological insight into the past and present characteristics of glaciers on Svalbard.

History of the Antarctic Ice Sheet in the McMurdo Sound region at and since the Last Glacial Maximum: Evidence from Miers Valley

Reconstructions of past Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) behavior can afford key information about likely ice-sheet response to future climate change. Here, we examine the history of a marine-based ice mass grounded in McMurdo Sound of the western Ross Embayment during the Last Glacial Maximum and termination. Geomorphological mapping and interpretation of stratigraphic sections, as well as 67 radiocarbon dates of algal mats and 16 234U/230Th ages of carbonate and gypsum in glaciolacustrine sediments, indicate that ice from the broader Ross Embayment entered McMurdo Sound by approximately 24,000 yr BP and blocked the seaward mouth of Miers Valley. Maximum thickness of the McMurdo Sound ice was maintained from ∼19,000 yr BP, with fluctuations, until ∼12,600 yr BP. A lake-ice conveyor operated on a large ice-dammed lake that accompanied this advance until dessication at 10,000–7900 yr BP concurrent with ice recession. In contrast to the expansion of grounded marine-based ice in McMurdo Sound, alpine glaciers at the valley head did not advance at the Last Glacial Maximum. This out-of-phase behavior of the marine-based ice sheet vs. independent terrestrial glaciers is consistent with previous studies suggesting that local glaciers respond primarily to accumulation, which rises during warm periods. The long and late maximum of the McMurdo Sound ice (corresponding largely to Termination I) and delayed recession until after the Antarctic Cold Reversal (∼14,700–12,900 yr BP) lends support to the hypothesis that the AIS in the Ross Sea sector is controlled by the competing effects of marine (sea level, ocean temperatures) and accumulation forcing.

Automatic geomorphological mapping using ground truth data with coverage sampling and random forest algorithms

Automatic geomorphological mapping using ground truth data with coverage sampling and random forest algorithms

Clinopodium eplingianum (Lamiaceae), a new species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Recent botanical exploration in grasslands in northwestern Oaxaca have revealed a Clinopodium (Lamiaceae) taxon that cannot be referred to any of the current described species. This plant is most similar to C. hintoniorum from northeastern Mexico, in Nuevo Léon, in general habit and architecture; however, it can be easily distinguished by leaf blade shape and width, calyx teeth shape and length, lack of tufts of hairs between them and a distinction in the relative proportion between calyx and corolla tube. This new species represents an addition to the flora of Oaxaca and to the biogeographic province of Sierra Madre del Sur, being endemic to these two areas. The taxon is here presented as C. eplingianum in honor to Carl Epling, the most prominent scholar in the study of American Lamiaceae. Morphological description, distribution map and illustration of the species are provided.

Clinical evaluation of 3D high-resolution isotropic knee MRI using Multi-Interleaved X-prepared TSE with inTUitive RElaxometry (MIXTURE) for simultaneous morphology and T2 mapping

PurposeQuantitative MRI techniques such as T2 mapping are useful in comprehensive evaluation of various pathologies of the knee joint yet require separate scans to conventional morphological measurements and long acquisition times. The recently introduced 3D MIXTURE (Multi-Interleaved X-prepared Turbo-Spin Echo with Intuitive Relaxometry) technique can obtain simultaneous morphologic and quantitative information of the knee joint. To compare MIXTURE with conventional methods and to identify differences in morphological and quantitative information. MethodsPhantom studies were conducted, and in vivo human scans were performed (20 patients) presented with knee arthralgia. MIXTURE is based on 3D TSE without and with T2 preparation modules in an interleaved manner for both morphology with PDW and fat suppressed T2W imaging as well as quantitative T2 mapping within one single scan. Image quality and lesion depiction were visually assessed and compared between MIXTURE and conventional 2D TSE by two experienced radiologists. Contrast-to-noise ratio was used to assess the adjacent tissue contrast in a quantitative way for both obtained PDW and fat suppressed T2W images. Quantitative T2 values were measured in phantom and from in vivo knee cartilage. ResultsThe overall diagnostic confidence and contrast-to-noise ratio were deemed comparable between MIXTURE and 2D TSE. While the chosen T2 preparation modules for MIXTURE rendered consistent T2 values comparing to the current standard, measured cartilage T2 values ranged from 26.1 to 50.7 ms, with significant difference between the lesion and normal areas (p < 0.05). ConclusionsMIXTURE can help to provide high-resolution information for both anatomical and pathological assessment.

Holocene alluvial dynamics, soil erosion and settlement in the uplands of Macedonia (Greece): New geoarchaeological insights from Xerolakkos in Grevena

This paper addresses the interplay between Holocene landscape evolution and human settlement dynamics, drawing new evidence from the alluvial history of Xerolakkos, a continental stream in Grevena (Western Macedonia, Greece). We developed an integrated geoarchaeological survey combining remote sensing geomorphological mapping, litho-stratigraphic analysis and radiocarbon dating with the site evidence of a new archaeological survey. Results revealed four major alluviation phases, corresponding to 1) the beginning of the Holocene until the Early Neolithic (∼6300/6200 BCE), 2) the end of the Early and the Middle Neolithic (∼6000–5400 BCE), 3) from the Middle Bronze Age to the Late Roman period (∼1800 BCE – 500 CE), and 4) during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras (∼500–1800 CE), all separated by phases of floodplain incision. Furthermore, the effects of several Holocene Rapid Climatic Changes (RCC) are traced and discussed together with potential human responses; we also provide the first alluvial sequence recording the ∼6200 BCE (8.2 kyr BP) event in the Balkans. While the climate and the local geomorphological setting are considered the primary drivers behind instability and erosion during the Early and Middle Holocene, a landscape change starting in the Middle Bronze Age (after ∼1800 BCE) followed by a re-organisation of the rural economy in the Roman period suggests the increasing involvement of anthropogenic forcing which, by the Ottoman period, evolved into a dynamic situation between climatic variability and adaptive land management. Finally, we demonstrate how soil erosion in the upper catchment constitutes a serious taphonomic bias when studying the regional archaeological record.

Sediment source analysis in the korabelny stream catchment, King George Island, maritime Antarctica: Geomorphological survey, fingerprinting and delivery rate assessment

Research into sediment provenance identification in Antarctica is emerging as a relevant field of study, providing a unique insight into understanding geomorphological processes in extreme climatic environments. This study focusses on the mechanisms of sediment redistribution in the catchment of the Korabelny Stream, located at the western end of the Bellingshausen Ice Dome on King George Island (Shetland Islands). The catchment area of the stream covers 2.83 km2, with 1.17 km2 under the glacier. Two main sediment sources have been identified: a) the glacierized part, extending along the glacier edge and represented by a complex of moraine deposits lacking protective vegetation cover, along with part of the catchment under the glacier; b) the periglacial part, occupying territory with permafrost and a thin loose cover unevenly protected by early successional vegetation. We combine a tracer-based fingerprinting technique, sediment delivery estimates based on sediment flow connectivity index and geomorphological mapping to quantify the sources contribution to sediment yield. The proportional contribution of the glacierized part was 60–66 % of the total sediment yield based on two independent methods, suggesting the reliability of the results. It is noteworthy that sediment transport from the glacierized part exceeds that from the periglacial part. However, a significant portion of the sediment is redeposited in temporary reservoirs formed along the glacier edge and Lake Mesyats, located in the central part of the Korabelny Stream catchment. The main factor determining sediment yield in the catchment is the water reserves in snow at the beginning of the ablation season. In years when water reserves in snow significantly exceed long-term average values, such as observed in the austral summer of 2014–2015 when study was conducted, sediment yield was low. This is attributed to the faster melting of ice on the glacier compared to snow, due to differences in albedo.

Palaeolake Jeinimeni and ice-marginal geomorphology of the central Patagonian Lago General Carrera/Buenos Aires ice-lobe (46.5°S)

Robust geomorphological interpretations of ice-marginal glacial, meltwater and palaeolake landforms are needed to constrain models of landform evolution that can be used to underpin high-resolution geochronologies of deglaciation. The Lago General Carrera/Bueno Aires (LGCBA) ice lobe of the former Patagonian Ice Sheet is one of the most researched in Patagonia, yet there remain contrasting landform evolution models partly because the spatiotemporal relationships between landforms in the LGCBA basin and tributary valleys have not been fully investigated. To this end we present a detailed, high-resolution glacial geomorphological map of the Los Antiguos sector of the LGCBA basin, and the tributary Río Jeinimeni valley, alongside sediment-landform assemblages from a broad suite of ice-marginal, subglacial, glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial and paraglacial landforms. We introduce evidence for a previously unmapped ice-dammed lake within the Jeinimeni valley, which may have existed during the Last Glacial Maximum. Multiple isolated, ice-marginal proglacial lakes, which formed during the recession of the LGCBA ice lobe, were also mapped. The landform evidence is synthesised into a refined landscape evolution model for the LGCBA basin and Jeinimeni valley during the Last Glacial Interglacial Transition. The data presented demonstrate that previously reconstructed high LGCBA lake-level stands above 500 m asl were likely glaciolacustrine landforms created by ice-marginal lakes dammed by the LGCBA ice lobe. The mapping in the Jeinimeni valley highlights the potential for renewed dating investigations of landforms in tributary valleys to provide maximum limiting ages for the retreat of their associated glaciers. Furthermore, the identification of glaciolacustrine varved sediments associated with palaeolake Jeinimeni and the Los Antiguos sector of the LGCBA palaeolake, highlights the potential of these annually-resolved archives to infer spatiotemporal dynamics of main ice-lobe/tributary glaciers to improve palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions in the region.

Reconstructing the Holocene glacial history of northern Troms and western Finnmark, Arctic Norway

Here we present the first Lateglacial and Holocene glacial history from Rotsunddalen, northern Troms and western Finnmark county, northern Norway, based on both relative and numerical moraine dating using Schmidt hammer, soil chronosequencing and terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating. We combine these chronological data with a regional map of the glacial geomorphology to hypothesize key events in the glacial history from around 14 ka to present. Our reconstruction shows that, following deglaciation of the main ice sheet across central Troms and Finnmark, mountain glaciers were terminating on land, close to the coast, between around 12.1 and 10.6 ka. Continued recession of the main Fennoscandian Ice Sheet margin towards the SE led to the isolation of several large plateau icefields and outlet glaciers that generated moraines at around 10.2–9.2 ka, which we ascribe to the Erdalen Event, and 8.4–8.2 ka, which is broadly contemporaneous with the 8.2 ka cold event. Although the latter corresponds with the Scandinavian Finse Event, very few moraines have been dated to this time and we therefore view it as a tentative hypothesis for future work to test. During the Holocene Thermal Maximum (~6.6 to 6.3 ka) most (if not all) glaciers in the region disappeared, but then regrew during the Neoglaciation and produced large moraines dated to around 4.7 ka that lie a few hundred metres distal to the prominent Little Ice Age moraines (previously dated to AD 1810s–1870s). Given the limitations of our dating approach, the preservation of moraines dated to this period in northern Norway also warrants further investigation. We also highlight that terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating of the moraines is not consistent with other dating approaches and the widely established deglaciation history of the region, probably owing to cosmogenic inheritance and insufficient glacial erosion.

RESPAN: an accurate, unbiased and automated pipeline for analysis of dendritic morphology and dendritic spine mapping.

Accurate and unbiased reconstructions of neuronal morphology, including quantification of dendritic spine morphology and distribution, are widely used in neuroscience but remain a major roadblock for large-scale analysis. Traditionally, spine analysis has required labor-intensive manual annotation, which is prone to human error and impractical for large 3D datasets. Previous automated tools for reconstructing neuronal morphology and quantitative dendritic spine analysis face challenges in generating accurate results and, following close inspection, often require extensive manual correction. While recent tools leveraging deep learning approaches have substantially increased accuracy, they lack functionality and useful outputs, necessitating additional tools to perform a complete analysis and limiting their utility. In this paper, we describe Restoration Enhanced SPine And Neuron (RESPAN) analysis, a new comprehensive pipeline developed as an open-source, easily deployable solution that harnesses recent advances in deep learning and GPU processing. Our approach demonstrates high accuracy and robustness, validated extensively across a range of imaging modalities for automated dendrite and spine mapping. It also offers extensive visual and tabulated data outputs, including detailed morphological and spatial metrics, dendritic spine classification, and 3D renderings. Additionally, RESPAN includes tools for validating results, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.

Rockfall susceptibility analysis of the “San Michele Arcangelo” historic trail (Central Italy) based on virtual outcrops and multiple propagation models

The “San Michele Arcangelo” historic trail (Aurunci Regional Park, central Italy), located along the southern slope of Mt. Altino, which is highly prone to rockfalls, is hiked every year by thousands of faithful on pilgrimage who are exposed to such kinds of instabilities. To contribute to a better understanding of the condition and evolution of such phenomena, providing a susceptibility scenario able to support the adoption of mitigation measures, a specific analysis was completed based on field and literature data. Three-dimensional virtual outcrop models were obtained through both photogrammetric and iPad Pro LiDAR surveys to derive geomechanical features of outcropping rocks and estimate potential detaching block volume. Possible mechanisms of detachment were then analyzed using the Markland test method. Susceptibility to rockfall propagation and block deposition was analyzed using GIS processing and rockfall propagation simulations based on deterministic/stochastic models. Such models consist of a combination of a deterministic algorithm able to simulate the physics of rockfall movement during propagation and a stochastic treatment of input parameters based on random sampling within defined interval. Two different rockfall simulations were compared in this study using the Rockyfor3D™ (ecorisQ Association) software and the newly developed RocFall3© (RocScience) code. The use of iPad Pro LiDAR survey provides accurate and high-resolution point clouds, with high speed of acquisition and real-time processing of data. Discontinuity sets identified from 3D models have represented the input for kinematic analyses of slopes, allowing to identify potential failure mechanisms among wedge and planar sliding or toppling. Rockfall simulations indicate the potential for rock blocks propagation and deposition over the whole study area. Comparing the results of rockfall simulations with the geomorphological map of the area it is evident the control exerted by the hydrographic network on rockfall propagation as demonstrated by the presence of screes and slope deposits along the main channels. Understanding the potential susceptibility to both propagation and deposition of rock blocks along the trail provides useful indication for the assessment of appropriate mitigation measures to realize for the safer touristic fruition of the site.

Geologic History of the Amundsen Crater Region Near the Lunar South Pole: Basis for Future Exploration

We provide the first detailed 1:100,000 scale geomorphologic map of the ∼100 km Amundsen crater region, which is of high scientific relevance for future exploration, e.g., NASA’s VIPER mission, the Artemis program, and the Chinese International Lunar Research Station. We investigated the complex geological history of the region before and after the formation of Amundsen crater on the rims of the South Pole–Aitken (SPA) and Amundsen–Ganswindt basins. We present a new Amundsen crater formation age of ∼4.04 Ga, which, in contrast to previously derived ages, is based on non-light-plains terrain. The estimated maximum excavation depth for Amundsen crater is ∼8 km, and elevated concentrations of FeO near the crater suggest that Amundsen may have redistributed SPA-derived materials. Plains materials of various kinds were observed both inside and outside Amundsen crater and are estimated to be up to 350 m thick and ∼3.8 Ga old. A less cratered, tens of meters thick mantling unit indicates a resurfacing event ∼3.7 Ga ago. We highlight five potential exploration sites that satisfy technical constraints (such as shallow slopes, solar illumination, and Earth visibility), provide materials that can be sampled, and are capable of addressing multiple science objectives. Due to its accessibility and traversability, combined with its geologic diversity, proximity of permanently shadowed regions for studying volatile processes, and ability to address multiple science objectives, we confirm and reinforce the Amundsen crater region as a high-priority landing and exploration site.