Geological Landscape Research Articles

Mining, farming, and diplomacy. Understanding the human landscape of Bronze Age Sardinia (Italy) through geospatial analysis

Human agency on landscape modification and land use is often seen in terms of socio-economic opportunities vs. natural constraints. In the study of prehistoric cultures this is both a strong source of information about sustenance strategies and community behaviours, and a subject potentially easy to analyse within a limited set of physical and social parameters. The recent advancements in the use of spatial analysis tools in landscape archaeology allow to obtain ever more precise models. However, studies that compare at the same time the geological landscape and social elements are very scarce. We used Point Pattern Analysis and Modelling to investigate megalithic structures (nuraghes) in Bronze Age southwestern Sardinia (Italy) and identify correlations between their spatial patterns and a set of covariates encompassing both environmental (i.e. topography and geological resources) and cultural factors. The models which best represent pattern distribution come from the combination of covariates from both groups.The models highlight a close distance from known ore deposits and show a clear dependence of Nuragic populations to ore extraction and metallurgy. The availability of fertile soils with moderate permeability and moderately low pH is also significant, as well as a preference to prominent locations with a positive correlation with the Topographic Position Index and the Convexity Index. From a cultural standpoint, we observed a consistent aggregation of simple nuraghes around complex nuraghes at mid-short distances. The occurrence of polycentric patterns can be explained either by the former emerging from the presence of the latter or vice versa, and is typically associated with a loosely stratified social structure devoid of strong hierarchies. These results underscore the efficacy of spatial analysis in disentangling and juxtaposing the physical and social factors influencing the distribution of past culture, and offer new insight on the development of Bronze Age societies in their geographical context.

Integrated high-precision real scene 3D modeling of karst cave landscape based on laser scanning and photogrammetry

In recent years, the application of real scene 3D technology has become widespread in urban planning and cultural heritage protection. However, there has been relatively little attention paid to the construction of real scene 3D models for special natural landscapes such as caves. Given the global distribution of karst topography and the large number of naturally developed caves with diverse types, unique landscape styles, and significant scientific value, this paper enriches the research in this field. By combining ground-based and aerial remote sensing techniques, and based on 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, we have successfully constructed a real scene 3D model of the internal structure of a karst cave with a precision better than 4 cm. Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) oblique photography, we established a real scene 3D model of the external karst landform with a precision better than 2 cm. We also integrated the internal and external 3D models of the cave, developing a new, complete, and high-precision method for constructing real scene 3D models of karst cave landscapes. Furthermore, we proposed a method for texture reproduction in the dark environment inside the caves, enhancing the reproduction and visual appeal of the real interior. The establishment of high-precision real scene 3D models can not only serve as an effective tool for scientific research on caves but also, as replicas of the real world, play a crucial role in public dissemination and education, thereby enhancing public understanding of cave geological landscapes.

Landslide susceptibility zonation mapping using geospatial technologies and multi criteria evaluation techniques in the upper Didessa sub-basin, Southwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Landslides have a profound impact on landscape geology, resulting in extensive devastation and loss of human lives. Mapping landslide susceptibility is crucial for effective land use planning in mountainous country like Ethiopia. This study was conducted in the upper Didessa sub-basin, southwestern parts of Ethiopia using Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi criteria evaluation (MCE) technique. This study employed a blend of primary data, encompassing field surveys and interviews with experts, as well as secondary data derived from diverse source, such as remote sensing data, digital soil maps, and geological maps. A total of eleven critical factors were employed to assess the triggers of landslides. These factors include slope, aspect, drainage density, topographic wetness index (TWI), stream power index (SPI), topographic ruggedness index (TRI), hypsometric integral, lithology, land use land cover (LULC), soil texture, and distance from roads. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to determine the significance of each indicator through pairwise comparison matrix. The study area was categorized into different zones based on the susceptibility to landslides, namely very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. Results revealed that cultivated land had the highest likelihood of experiencing landslides, with a total of nine incidents out of 25, followed by built-up areas with seven landslides. Conversely, dense forests, sparse forests, and grazing land experienced a lower likelihood of landslides. Out of the 11 factors contributing to landslides, 24% of the surveyed region was deemed to have a moderate susceptibility, with 12% and 6% falling into the categories of high and very high susceptibility to landslides, respectively. The findings of this research provide important information for policymakers to develop efficient measures for preventing and reducing the risks of landslides.

Probing our planet's rocky logicTurning to Stone: Discovering the Subtle Wisdom of Rocks Marcia Bjornerud Flatiron Books, 2024. 320 pp.

A lyrical ode to Earth's geologic landscapes invites readers to ponder our place in the cosmos.

Exploring the Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Determinants of Construction Land in Mianning County on the Eastern Edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Studying the spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces behind construction land amidst the intricate ecological and geological setting on the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau offers invaluable insights for local sustainable development in a landscape transition zone and ecologically fragile area. Using construction land data from four phases, spanning 1990 to 2020, in Mianning County, this study employs methodologies like the Landscape Expansion Index (LEI) and land use transfer matrix to delineate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of construction land. A comprehensive set of 12 influencing factors across five categories—geomorphology, geological activity, climate, river and vegetation environment, and social economy—were examined. The Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model was then employed to decipher the spatial distribution pattern of construction land in 1990 and 2020, shedding light on the driving mechanisms behind its changes over the three decades. The research reveals distinct patterns of construction land distribution and evolution in Mianning County, shaped by the ecological and geological landscape. Notably, the Anning River wide valley exhibits a concentrated and contiguous development mode, while the Yalong River deep valley showcases a decentralized development pattern, and the Dadu River basin manifests an aggregation development mode centered around high mountain lakes. Over the study period, all three river basins witnessed varying degrees of construction land expansion, transitioning from quantitative expansion to qualitative enhancement. Edge expansion predominantly characterizes the expansion mode, complemented by leapfrog and infilling modes, accompanied by conversions from cropland and forest land to construction land. An analysis of the spatial pattern and drivers of construction land change highlights human-induced factors dominating the Anning River Basin, contrasting with natural factors prevailing in the Yalong River Basin and the Dadu River Basin. Future efforts should prioritize climate change considerations and environmental capacity, aiming for an ecologically resilient spatial pattern of construction land.

Urgency of disaster resilient village-geosite program: unveiling the critical need for strengthening connections between geosites and village communities

The Disaster Resilient Village Program (Destana) is a program that held by National and Regency Disaster Management Agency. However, the connection of Destana to the holistical aspect such as geologic landscape aspect is a discoursive material that appeals to many disaster management practitioners, scholars, international donors or governments. This study aims to explore the urgency of Disaster Resilient Geosites-Village Program from the risk condition, regulation, and community perception. Geopark Jogja and Geopark Gunung Sewu with their 20 geosites was purposively selected as the site of investigation. A qualitative research method involving focus group interviews (FGI), interviews, risk analysis using InaRisk, and regulatory analysis was used to explore and capture urgency of Disaster Resilient Village Program in geosites context, that called as Disaster Resilient Geosites-Village Program. Based on the results, several essential urgency were underlined for all approaches as follows: (1) all village with geosites have high to medium risks of disasters (2) geosites facing decline in the physical and environmental carrying capacity, which consequently leads to increased disasters risks for the community villages (3) local wisdom that develops in geosite areas is beneficial for disaster risk reduction efforts, and (4) well-conserved geosites support the local economic resiliency through tourism and geoproducts. These urgencies are expected to improve the community resiliency through a program aimed at reducing disaster risk through the mainstreaming of geosite functions into village-level policies and actions to enhance community resilience. This urgency study can stimulate community-level pilot projects that can be replicated in other areas or even elevated to government-level policies

Comprehensive Study on Limestone Weathering Grade and Risk Potential in Batu Cave, Malaysia.

The limestone formations within Batu Cave, situated in the Selangor region represent a significant geological phenomenon in Malaysia, capturing the attention of engineers due to their distinctive karst features. The assessment entails a comprehensive review of geological characteristics, currently employed categorization frameworks, assessment approaches, and the possible ramifications for the construction industry, infrastructure advancement, and the natural surroundings. This study aims to enhance the collective comprehension of limestone weathering and its impact on risk assessment due to weathered processes. The insights gained from the distinctive circumstances surrounding Batu Cave possess the capacity to guide optimal approaches and tactics for addressing the consequences of limestone weathering. The Batu Caves attract a substantial number of tourists annually. Consequently, it is subject to significant levels of human activity and encounters high traffic volumes. Moreover, Batu Cave encompasses an assemblage of Hindu temples and shrines, so setting it apart from numerous other limestone formations due to its cultural and religious significance. The impact of urban environments on weathering processes differs significantly from that observed in limestone formations found in other geographical areas. based on the geological landscape of Batu cave effects reveal moderate stability in sections 1, 3, and 8, while sections 6 and 7 pose an elevated risk of limestone collapse, emphasizing the need for efficient risk mitigation measures for the cave's preservation. The parts that have been assessed as risk areas need risk reduction techniques such as taking nets and giving strong foundations and installing danger signs so that people who come to the area are safe. This analysis provides a deeper understanding of limestone weathering in Batu Cave, emphasizing the need for efficient risk mitigation techniques to address weathering issues. This could lead to the preservation of Batu Cave's geological significance and potentially global applications for limestone-rich places. The study contributes to engineering, construction, and environmental conservation by providing valuable resources for decision-making.

Landscape planning-addressed regional-scale mapping of geolithological units: an example from Southern Italy

ABSTRACT A 1:100,000-scale geolithological map has been prepared for the Basilicata region (Southern Italy) through an extensive review of official geological maps integrated by photogeological analyzes and field surveys. A double-key legend allows discriminating both lithological and technical properties of the rock bodies. This map together with the main relief-scale morpho-structural features, permitted us a subsequent recognition of the different landscape domains of the region, which have been summarized in a derived map. The two products represent an effective basis for landscape planning purposes and a key tool to highlight the spatial distribution of the ‘geological landscape’ in a sector characterized by a high degree of geodiversity.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GEOPARK MANAGEMENT SYATEM IN SOUTHWEST CHINA BASED ON GIS

Abstract. Geoparks contain various geological relics and peculiar geological landscapes, which have good ornamental value and are non-renewable precious wealth. Today, with the deterioration of the natural environment and the impact of human activities, the geopark has been destroyed to a certain extent, but the current research methods on the geopark are still mostly traditional propaganda methods with a single method. This study takes the geoparks in Southwest China as the research object, establishes a geopark management system, realizes the display, query, statistical rendering, distribution analysis and impact factor analysis of geoparks in the region, not only intuitively reflects the distribution of geoparks, The GIS analysis method is also introduced to explore the regularity of their distribution and the factors affecting the distribution, so as to provide reference for the protection, planning and construction of subsequent geoparks.

Apprehending Land Value Through Tourism in Indonesia: Commodification of Rural Landscapes Through Geoparks

AbstractThis article will examine rent gap production and negotiations through the establishment of two UNESCO Geoparks for tourism in Indonesia. The commodification of different geological landscapes was analysed through processes of rural gentrification as ‘build‐to‐let’ homestays and villas emerged under the auspices of local‐regional governance brokering private sector interests under the aegis of post‐reformation Indonesian decentralization politics. The consequent rent‐gap brings about negotiated displacements that varies between actors, but form a crucial component in unravelling the process of rent‐gap creation. Based on 32 interviews with a range of stakeholders in Gunungsewu and Ciletuh UNESCO Geoparks, we show how finances and local‐regional governance power mesh in the production of these tourism destinations against state power. This production of tourism destinations signifies locally specific governance as the determining factors in rent gap production. This paper unmasks the powers at play opening rent gaps in commodifying landscape intertwining with national political regime.

INTEGRATION OF QR-CODE AND WEB-BASED APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING DIGITAL TOURISM IN IBOIH VILLAGE, INDONESIA AS A LESSON LEARNED MEDIA ON THE VOLCANIC ISLAND

The Great Sumatran Fault activity on Sumatra Island has presented a series of volcanoes and geological landscapes that can be developed as geo-tourism potential, such as in Iboih. The Weh Island has many natural tourism potentials that can be used to improve the community's income directly and as lessons learned for the dangers of living in a volcanic environment. The conventional method of delivering information is through a guide to visitors. This is very limited to the guide's ability to explain the phenomenon of tourist sites and the relation to lessons learned. In this study, we use the integration of QR-Code and web-based technology to develop a digital tourism system that can provide unlimited information to visitors and can be managed efficiently by the public. The data analysis shows that a QR code information board integrated with a web-based programming system can be used to monitor the number of monthly visitors at each tourism site. In addition, the java-script integration on the QR code board can present information that can be changed through links, images or videos without reprinting the QR-code model. Furthermore, we also present important locations from Iboih Village in the form of Web-GIS, such as tourist locations, road access, public infrastructure and food locations that tourists can easily access. Based on the research, we conclude that integrating QR-code and web-based programming can be an effective tool in tourism development as a medium for lessons learned by the community.

Landscape planning and design and visual evaluation for landscape protection of geological environment

As an important carrier of science education, ecological landscape development and regional ecological civilization construction, the quality of geological landscape resources has a direct impact on its landscape charm, and the protection of landscape resources is directly related to its sustainable development ability and regional ecological civilization construction. To avoid or reduce the negative impact of architecture on the environment, the development of architectural landscape based on the perspective of geology and ecology is the top priority of healthy and sustainable development. In this paper, the visual sensitivity of the landscape was assessed by GIS (Geographic Information System, GIS) software technology, by calculating and analyzing the relative slope of the terrain, and visualizing the results through visual sensitivity classification. Based on summarizing and analyzing the previous research results, this paper expounds the geological landscape system and resource system, and introduces the architectural landscape features of environmental landscape protection. Combined with the geological environment planning architectural landscape, the concept of architectural planning and landscape design is integrated, the architectural landscape based on geological environment protection is constructed, and the spatial organization and layout of buildings in the environmental landscape is planned. Finally, landscape visual sensitivity was evaluated based on GIS. The research results show that the architectural landscape and geological environment protected by geological environment landscape can be organically combined, and the landscape has strong visual attraction. The research results of this paper solve the conflict between architecture and geological ecology and provide scientific basis for environmental landscape protection of geological ecology. The composite score of visual sensitivity was obtained by GIS calculation. The most visually sensitive place ranked 25th, while the most visually sensitive place ranked 13th.

Geological landscape prerequisites for urban development in Southern Siberia

Purpose: Settlements in Southern Siberia, identification of nodal points of urban development with respect to geological landscape conditions; identification of the relationship between the geological landscape structure and the settlement system in Southern Siberia, the location of town-forming centers; ways of the urban transformation.Methodology: River basin planning, which offers urban zoning of the territory in accordance with the river basins as well as the landscape-ecological approach to the spatial planning, which offers urban transformations in accordance with landscape areas. The method of nodal points is based on the ecological, economic, transport and communication significance on different territories affecting adjacent vast territories.Research findings: Geological landscape conditions, which determine the structure of natural and urban planning system of territories are significant for territories of Southern Siberia. Urban transformation in one of these nodes affects the development of the entire vast territory. The settlement potential in South of Siberia is determined and the urban planning algorithm is proposed for these territories.

La geología en la ambientación y paisajística de la obra cinematográfica

Cinematography, as the seventh art, uses the unique geological landscape in the setting of its creations. Geology, like everything that is related to its essence, is perceived by the human being through all its senses, reflected in its translation to the cinematographic work in terms of the setting of different scenarios, natural or artificial, where the filmic action unfolds. The various lithologies and their natural weathering form picturesque places, used in cinematography to represent the narrated stories and convey sensations to the viewer. These landscapes and morphologies are associated with the erosion of detrital materials, soft materials, deserts, dry lakes, volcanic rocks, and intrusive rocks or associated with karst modelling and within this landscape in exokarstic and endokarstic forms (caves and pits). All these landscapes, used wisely, provide the films with personality.

GEOLOGICAL, GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF LENGGONG GEOPARK DEVELOPMENT

The Lenggong Valley is uniquely significant in national and international geological heritage and was declared a UNESCO Archaeological Heritage Site in 2012. The Lenggong Valley was formed 550 million years ago. It is one of the oldest in Peninsular Malaysia, equivalent to the rock formations in Langkawi and Jerai. The geological evolution in the Lenggong Valley also produced biodiversity and the history of early human prehistoric to the present time. Due to this privilege, the Lenggong Geopark nomination development effort started in 2020 by forming the Geopark Promotion and Development Committee. Lenggong Geopark covers an area of 2,068 km2 (enclosed by the boundaries of the Lenggong Parliament). A total of 27 geosites have been identified, depicting four important geological and historical tectonic evolutions and special geomorphic features in the Lenggong Valley. Eight biosites are still preserved, involving granite mountain, limestone, and lowland ecosystems covered by different forest types. It is the limestone hills that contain a large number of rare and endemic flora species. In addition, eight geoarchaeological sites were also identified that depicts the interaction between early humans and the geological landscape. The unique and preserved traditions of life, art and culture have added value to the geopark. Therefore, active efforts continue to be carried out in the development of geosites and programs with the local community to foster a high sense of pride and belonging to a place, in addition to an understanding of the preservation and conservation of natural and cultural heritage in Lenggong Geopark. Various activities based on tourism activities are also planned to stimulate the economy and introduce Lenggong as the second national geopark area in the State of Perak.

Geosites and geological landscapes of Liguria (Italy)

ABSTRACT Liguria is a small region in Northwestern Italy which is characterized by significant and valuable geoheritage. The 1:250,000 map presented in this paper displays the 120 geosites of Liguria, officially approved by regional and national authorities, framed in the context of the geological landscapes of the region. The geological landscapes were obtained by categorizing and thematizing geological, lithological and geomorphological data in macro-units with similar characteristics. Protected areas (National parks, regional parks and natural reserves) and caves are also highlighted in the map. This work aims to give a better understanding of the Ligurian geoheritage, its relationship with the geological and geomorphological context, and the framework of protected areas. Thus, the present map can be a useful tool for developing effective geoheritage management and enhancement strategies.

Cytotaxonomy of the endemic Karst and Danxia ferns in Adiantum (Pteridaceae)

Chromosome traits may differ between closely related ferns growing in different geological landscapes. Adiantum series Gravesiana (Pteridaceae) includes six species, of which, five species are exclusively distributed in Karst landforms, and one, Adiantum juxtapositum, grows on Danxia landform. Additionally, there are some populations or individuals whose morphology are between different species, which may be the results of polyploidization or hybridization. Here we studied chromosome numbers of species in series Gravesiana primarily using crosiers. Results are: A. longzhouensis and A. juxtapositum were diploids with 2n = 60 and 2n = 64, respectively; A. dentatum was deduced to be diploids with 2n = ca. 60; A. mariesii had two cytotypes, 2n = 60 (diploid) and 2n = ca. 120 (tetraploid), respectively; A. gravesii had four cytotypes including 2n = ca. 60 (diploid), ca. 120 (tetraploid), ca. 150 (pentaploid), and ca. 180 (hexaploid). All these different cytotypes suggest polyploidization and hybridization have occurred in A. gravesii and A. mariesii, so we treated these two species as two “complex group”. All chromosome numbers in this study are the first record.

Possibilities of mapping neotectonic elements based on the interpretation of space images: A study of Fergana Depression

For the current geological mapping of individual territories, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies are widely used. Taking the Fergana depression as an example, this paper aims to determine the possibilities of using remote sensing materials for mapping structural and geomorphological elements. Landsat-8 satellite imagery obtained on 11 spectral channels was used to highlight the decoding features. Fault zones, lineament zones, various uplifts, depressions, and structural material complexes of different ages were identified. Based on the in-depth analysis of geological and geophysical data, a geological schematic map of the Fergana depression was developed. Using geological landscape and automated methods for deciphering space images, the main neotectonic elements of the Fergana depression were identified: the southern step, northern marginal slope, central graben-syncline, flexure-fault zones, local anticlinal zones, individual uplifts/depressions, and local shear zones. The results show a neotectonic map of the study area, which can be used as a tectonic basis for prospecting, seismic zoning mapping, and geological engineering development.

Polygonal boundary gaps in multiple diffusion source precipitation systems in gel media.

We investigate multiple reaction-diffusion processes that engender the formation of distinct precipitation zones. In this paper, we carry out various original precipitation reactions in a gel medium, wherein the interdiffusion of the co-precipitates occurs from various sources arranged in a symmetric framework in 2D Petri dishes. The distinct precipitation zones are separated by clear polygonal boundaries, in congruence with the spatial distribution of the diffusion holes hosting the outer electrolyte. We use scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray diffraction spectrometry, and notably powder x-ray diffraction for the characterization of the differentiated precipitate patterning zones for each system studied. The obtained patterns find their application niche in the chemical analogs of Voronoi diagrams and the rift scenery in geological landscapes.

Spatial Pattern Analysis of Xinjiang Tourism Resources Based on Electronic Map Points of Interest.

This study considers the Point of Interest data of tourism resources in Xinjiang and studies their spatial distribution by combining geospatial analysis methods, such as the average nearest neighbor index, standard deviation ellipse, kernel density analysis, and hotspot analysis, to explore their spatial distribution characteristics. Based on the analysis results, the following conclusions are made. Different categories of tourism resource sites have different spatial distributions, and all categories of tourism resources in Xinjiang are clustered in Urumqi city. The geological landscape resource sites are widely distributed and have a ring-shaped distribution in the desert area of southern Xinjiang. The biological landscape resources are distributed in a strip along the Tianshan Mountains. The water landscape resources are concentrated in the northern Xinjiang area. The site ruins are mostly distributed in the western region of Xinjiang. The distributions of the architectural landscape and entertainment and shopping resources are highly coupled with the distribution of cities. The distributions of the six categories of tourism resource points are in the northeast-southwest direction. The centripetal force and directional nature of the resource points of the water landscape are not obvious. The remaining five categories of resource points have their own characteristics. The distribution of resources in the site ruins is relatively even, and there are many hotspot areas in the geomantic and architectural landscapes, which are mainly concentrated in Bazhou and other places. The biological landscape has many cold-spot areas, distributed in areas such as Altai in northern Xinjiang and Hotan in southern Xinjiang. The remaining four categories have cold-spot and hotspot areas with different distributions. Tourism is an important thrust for economic development. The study of the distribution of tourism resources on the spatial distribution of tourism resources has clear guidance for later tourism development, can help the tourism industry optimize the layout of resources, and can promote tourism resources to achieve maximum benefits. The government can implement effective control and governance.