Landscape Sensitivity Research Articles

An object-based region-growing phase unwrapping method for mapping vertical displacement in permafrost landscapes

Terrain displacement due to the seasonal thaw of the active layer above permafrost can be sensitive to climate change; however, its accurate characterization remains a challenge. This study aimed to improve the measurement of the subsidence or vertical ground surface displacement using differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR). Existing methods for reliable phase unwrapping are hindered by the decorrelation between time-series of SAR acquisitions that can result due to the heterogeneity and structural sensitivity of permafrost landscapes to external conditions. In this study, an advanced phase unwrapping method was proposed, in which three types of regions, namely non-residue, sparse residue, and dense residue objects, were obtained from wrapped interferogram and residue map using a segmentation method. Two variants of Polynomial-Based Region Growing Phase Unwrapping (PBRGPU) were developed, which are sparse-residue Object-based PBRGPU(SOP) and dense-residue Object-based PBRGPU(DOP). The results demonstrated that the proposed method outperformed the existing phase unwrapping methods by partially suppressing the decorrelation phase and enhancing robustness for complex terrain deformation in the absence of measured field data. Both the PBRGPU variants and segmentation strategies compose the object-based unwrapping method for permafrost, and also provide a new framework by combining the segmentations and scenarios for phase unwrapping for permafrost regions.

Impacts of land use/land cover and climate change on landscape sensitivity in Tunca River sub-basin: Use in spatial planning and sectoral decision processes

Managing landscape change is increasingly challenging due to rapid anthropogenic shifts. A delicate balance must be struck between the environment and change to ensure landscapes can withstand these impacts. This study conducted in the Tunca River sub-basin of Edirne province, aims to assess landscape sensitivity by examining the influence of land use/land cover (LULC) and climate change on landscape function processes. For this purpose, a methodology was developed based on ecosystem services to determine landscape sensitivity. The results revealed a LULC transformation that could lead to a 60% reduction in forest areas and a 5% and 20% increase in urban and irrigated agricultural areas, respectively. Water and erosion emerged as the most affected landscape function processes. Future scenarios from 2050 to 2070 indicate noteworthy changes in landscape sensitivity, showing an increase in sensitivity in the upper regions of the basin. The study identified high sensitivity in forested areas, moderate sensitivity in agricultural zones, and low sensitivity in micro-basins near residential areas. Protection and improvement strategies are recommended for areas with high and moderate sensitivity, while use-oriented strategies are suggested for those with low sensitivity. This study also establishes a scientific foundation for guiding the protection and management of ecologically sensitive basin areas, offering insights into the effects of landscape change processes at the micro-basin level in connection with climate change models.

Changes in soil erosion caused by wildfire: A conceptual biogeographic model

Soil erosion rates after wildfire are strongly controlled by intrinsic properties such as topography, weather, climate, soil, and vegetation. These landscape and hydroclimatic properties are important in determining post-fire erosion rates; however, their influence on post-fire erosion and their interaction with the intensity of a wildfire remains uncertain. A key limitation in resolving this uncertainty is the lack of conceptual models and frameworks for organising data related to the geomorphic sensitivity of landscapes to wildfire. Our aim is to develop a framework for consolidating understanding of post-fire erosion in the context of hydroclimatic conditions which contribute to system states, for example soil and vegetation properties, and wildfire regime. The framework is developed around a simple conceptual model where the change in erosion due to wildfire is a product of change in runoff generation and sediment supply, which is strongly related to landscape net primary productivity (NPP). We hypothesised that geomorphic sensitivity to wildfire should vary as a unimodal humped relationship across a gradient of NPP, peaking at an intermediate level. To develop this framework and to test the hypothesis, we first review intrinsic soil and vegetation properties related to the supply and transport of sediment from burned and unburned hillslopes. Net primary productivity is systematically related to these intrinsic properties because it integrates many processes involved in soil and vegetation development. Empirical data indicate a trend in the change in surface runoff generation with NPP after wildfire, peaking at an NPP of approximately 15 Mg C ha−1 y−1. A simple model of fuel availability and soil heating are correlated with a similar “humped” trend in sediment supply. These results are consistent with our conceptual model, which indicates that sediment supply and runoff contribute towards a distinct peak in wildfire effects on erosion at an intermediate level of NPP. We propose that landscapes of intermediate NPP typically have the highest quantity of fuel available to burn, which cause large changes to the soil surface properties. Landscapes at intermediate NPP also tend to produce intrinsic soil and vegetation properties that promote erosion after wildfire. The interplay between these short and long-term landscape characteristics is strongest at intermediate levels of NPP. Our proposed biogeographic model of geomorphic sensitivity to wildfire was supported by erosion data from burned hillslope and zero-order catchments studies from a range fire-prone landscapes in Australia and North America. Our proposed conceptual model will help identify areas most vulnerable to post-fire erosion changes.

Integrating landscape and urban development in a comprehensive landscape sensitivity index: A case study of the Appalachian Trail region

The wildland-urban interface (WUI) represents landscapes where human settlements coexist with natural features. Trails within the WUI areas, valued for their ecological, recreational, and educational values, lack comprehensive research on landscape sensitivity influenced by both landscape and urban development. This paper addresses the gap by proposing a comprehensive landscape sensitivity index (CLSI) using multiple regression, cluster analysis, and correlation analysis. The Appalachian Trail (AT) serves as a case study to explore the characteristics of high sensitivity areas, considering various attributes and their connection with federal reserved land. Results show that eliminating covariance in landscape indices refines the landscape aggregation pattern, with Moran's I decreasing from 0.776 to 0.449, aligning with the observed fragmented landscape. In comparison to modified landscape indices (MLSI), the CLSI reveals that 85.6% of the area experiences changes in landscape sensitivity, with 42.5% of the AT region displaying significant landscape sensitivity, including 4.9% as having high landscape sensitivity (HLS), influenced by rock formations, wetlands, and biodiversity. A spatial mismatch is identified between HLS and current federal preservation efforts, with a correlation of only 0.011. The paper proposes tailored conservation strategies for HLS areas in urban, wilderness, and protected regions. Considering the combined impact of ecological and urbanization forces, this study assists in prioritizing land conservation objectives and finding a balance between wilderness protection and urban development.

OUTLINE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF EUROPEAN FORTIFICATIONS IN THE 15th-19th CENTURIES

The study of the evolution of the development of defensive European forts as a monument of military architecture is relevant nowadays. Wars caused the construction of fortifications to protect the territories of cities. The evolution of medieval fortresses was accompanied by technical progress in construction tools and techniques and the technical skills of military engineers. Fortification complexes in Europe over the centuries, with the development of firearms, were modernized and improved in accordance with the requirements of the time. The reason for the evolution of fortifications was the introduction of new methods, tactics and military strategies. In the process of research, the principles of defense art, fortification technologies in the development of the construction of European forts were studied. Experimenting with new fortification systems, military engineers and architects created defensive complexes that impress with the wisdom of construction, aesthetic and landscape sensitivity. The article traces the evolution of the development of defensive forts in Europe during the 15th - 19th centuries, which characterize the cultural landscape and form the cultural defense heritage.

Landscape sensitivity assessment within spatial development scenarios. Latvia case study

European countries have different experience in landscape characterisation and assessment. Comparing the different approaches used in different European countries, it is proposed to use the method developed and validated in the United Kingdom - Landscape Character Assessment, adapted and modified for the Latvian situation. This approach has also been used in most other European countries, which have chosen to use the UK approach to landscape characterisation, adapting it to their specific national situation. The need for a landscape assessment in Latvia is highlighted in the Latvian Landscape Policy Guidelines 2013-2019 and Latvian Landscape Policy Implementation Plan 2024-2027, taking into account the actions set out in the European Landscape Convention to be taken by all Parties to the Convention. The purpose of the research was to carry out the analysis of Latvian landscape sensitivity within spatial planning scenarios important for local municipalities. It is of high importance to assess landscape sensitivity for changes of build and natural environment influencing pace and scale of development of the rural areas of Latvia. As local municipalities set different goals for their spatial development, common spatial development scenarios were chosen to make analysis of landscape sensitivity in Latvian landscapes. Results from the analysis of landscape sensitivity show variation of suitable actions to be implemented if different places in Latvia. The results also can be used for defining landscape quality goals to harmonise scope of activities to be implemented by local municipalities of Latvia.

Landscape Sensitivity Assessment of Historic Districts Using a GIS-Based Method: A Case Study of Beishan Street in Hangzhou, China

Historic districts may be damaged during urban renewal. Landscape sensitivity can be used as a method to judge the ability of a landscape to resist change. This study proposes an improved method for assessing landscape sensitivity based on a geographic information system (GIS) according to the characteristics of historic districts. Based on a previous method, this study adds POI big data for comprehensive evaluation and uses objective criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) statistics instead of subjective methods to determine the weights. The assessment framework uses ecological, visual, and cultural sensitivity as primary criteria, which are further defined by several sub-criteria. The Beishan Street Historic District in Hangzhou, China, is used as a case study, and the results of the assessment are shown in the form of sensitivity maps. The results show that the maps can identify buildings in areas of high sensitivity and provide objective indicators for future conservation. Based on the sensitivity maps, this study innovatively used correlation analysis to reveal important interrelationships between ecological, visual, and cultural sensitivity. Assessment factors such as land use type need to be prioritized because they are more closely linked to other factors.

Data Analysis of Linguistic Landscape in the Context of “Internationalization +” Urban Construction

Abstract With the rapid development of internationalization and urban construction, the urban linguistic landscape has become an area of great interest. The purpose of this paper is to explore the data analysis method of urban visual linguistic landscape based on line-of-sight orientation and to optimize the design of urban linguistic landscape based on an improved genetic algorithm. The basic visual analysis unit and the viewable area analysis unit of the linguistic landscape are proposed to quantify the visual characteristic indexes and the optimal view distance of the linguistic landscape. At the same time, the viewable spatial point set analysis unit is used to obtain the view accessibility of the language landscape. Finally, the linguistic landscape optimization model was evaluated and analyzed for application effects. The results show that through the optimized design of 10 linguistic spots in H City National Forest Park, the average score of each spot evaluation is 3.48, and the full score ratio is 63.18%. The urban language landscape optimization model proposed in this paper can effectively improve the aesthetics and visual sensitivity of the urban language landscape.

Harnessing machine learning for landscape character management in a shallow relief region of China

Due to China’s rapid human activity expansion, landscapes have lost their distinctive and typical characteristics. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a landscape character management framework for the Beijing shallow relief area. The framework utilises machine learning techniques to assess and enhance landscape integrity. The process involves landscape character identification through Principal Component Analysis, Gaussian Mixture Model clustering, and Canny Edge Detection. Additionally, a comprehensive landscape sensitivity evaluation considers both landscape character and visual sensitivity. The study develops five landscape management strategies based on field surveys and employs a Transformer Matrix Process and a multi-expert decision-making mechanism. Extensive validation confirms the framework’s effectiveness in improving the recognition accuracy of Landscape Character Types. The findings reveal that over 30% of the landscape characters in the study area require improvement. Importantly, the machine learning techniques employed in this study can be transferred to other regions, facilitating landscape characterisation, evaluation, and management.

Climate aridity delays morphological response of Andean river valleys to tectonic uplift

In the south Central Andes, a complex relationship between climate, tectonics, erosion and topography is well documented. Building on recent advances in the mechanical modelling of subduction zones, we isolate the contribution of fault motion to topography and observe how rock uplift has been recorded in river valley morphology. Rivers on the wetter, western Chilean-side of the Andean cordillera have steep and narrow valleys, in stark contrast to those draining east across the arid Argentinian cordillera, whose valleys are variably wider and less steep. The Chilean rivers have responded to fault slip along the western mountain front by incising vertically and propagating a steepening zone upstream. In Argentina, there is little evidence of channel steepening despite predictions for higher vertical rock uplift rates. We hypothesise that the aridity of the Argentinian region has limited the transport capacity of the rivers to export their sediment fill and as a result, vertical incision has been inhibited and lateral incision and valley widening favoured. The long-term climate gradient appears to have been important in modulating the morphological response of these rivers to fault slip. These factors precondition future landscape sensitivity to both tectonic and climatic change.

Quantitative constraints on flood variability in the rock record

Floods determine river behaviour in time and space. Yet quantitative measures of discharge variability from geological stratigraphy are sparse, even though they are critical to understand landscape sensitivity to past and future environmental change. Here we show how storm-driven river floods in the geologic past can be quantified, using Carboniferous stratigraphy as an exemplar. The geometries of dune cross-sets demonstrate that discharge-driven disequilibrium dynamics dominated fluvial deposition in the Pennant Formation of South Wales. Based on bedform preservation theory, we quantify dune turnover timescales and hence the magnitude and duration of flow variability, showing that rivers were perennial but prone to flashy floods lasting 4–16 h. This disequilibrium bedform preservation is consistent across 4 Ma of stratigraphy, and coincides with facies-based markers of flooding, such as mass-preservation of woody debris. We suggest that it is now possible to quantify climate-driven sedimentation events in the geologic past, and reconstruct discharge variability from the rock record on a uniquely short (daily) timescale, revealing a formation dominated by flashy floods in perennial rivers.

Recent Intensification (2004–2020) of Permafrost Mass‐Wasting in the Central Mackenzie Valley Foothills Is a Legacy of Past Forest Fire Disturbances

AbstractThe effects of recent climate change are accelerating permafrost thaw, including ice‐rich landscapes of the western Canadian Arctic. However, regional drivers of permafrost slope failure in hillslopes with warm, thin permafrost remain poorly understood. Repeat satellite imagery (1984–2020) indicates rapid increases in retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) and deep‐seated permafrost landslides (DSPLs) since 2004, indicating a change in slope stability thresholds in an area that otherwise appeared thaw stable. The widespread occurrence of DSPL represents a contrasting geomorphic response to the RTS‐dominated ice‐rich permafrost landscapes. In this study area, RTS and DSPL occur predominantly in areas that were burned by forest fires in the 1990s, indicating a legacy thermal disturbance that preconditioned permafrost hillslopes for failure. The relations between historic fires and the later development of widespread permafrost slope failures represent an outstanding example of the complex interactions between inherited landscape sensitivity in ice‐rich terrain and ongoing climate change.

Landscape Visual Impact Evaluation for Onshore Wind Farm: A Case Study

Wind energy is an effective solution for achieving the carbon-neutrality target and mitigating climate change. The expansion of onshore wind energy evokes extensive attention to environmental impact in the locality. The landscape visual impact has become the critical reason for the local protest. This paper proposed a landscape visual impact evaluation (LVIE) model that combines the theoretical framework and practical solutions and optimizes the onshore wind farm planning procedures. Based on the theoretical research on landscape connotation, the evaluation principles, criteria, and a quantitative indicator set is constructed for LVIE model with three dimensions: landscape sensitivity, the visual impact of WTs, and viewer exposure. The practicality of this evaluation model is conducted through multi-criteria GIS analysis by the case study of Friedrich-Wilhelm Raiffeisen Wind Farm in Germany. The evaluation results illustrate detailed, visualized outcomes of landscape visual impact that are deeply combined with planning procedures. The innovation of this paper is to refine the form of evaluation results, optimize the procedures of wind farm planning, and enable cooperation between different planning departments and stakeholders with definite, visible, user-friendly evaluation results. This research provides precise comparison opportunities for different projects or the same project at different periods to obtain quantitative conclusions and feedback information. This paper enhances the accurate processing of multiple information and standardization process in wind energy visual impact evaluation.

ASSESSMENT OF MODERN LANDSCAPE POTENTIAL IN THE CASPIAN COASTAL PLAINS

The main purpose of the research is to assess the natural landscape reserve potential and to propose measures that reflect the character of the landscape and its regional-ecological importance. The research area is the Caspian coastal plains from the Pirsaat River to the Astara River in Azerbaijan. For the assessment, the landscape potential of the study area was divided into weak, medium, and strong categories according to the criteria. During the assessment, it was revealed that landscapes with a low natural resource potential cover 42% of the area, landscapes with an average natural resource potential - 23%, and landscapes with a strong natural resource potential - 11%. Protected landscapes cover 24% of the study area. Evaluation of the sensitivity of landscapes to technogenic impacts showed that most of the territory (41%) is at a severe ecological level.
 Keywords: natural landscape, ecological potential, coastal zone, ecological stress, optimization.

What makes soil landscape robust? Landscape sensitivity towards land use changes in a Swiss southern Alpine valley

Landscape sensitivity is a concept referring to the likelihood that changes in land use may affect in an irreversible way physical and chemical soil properties of the concerned landscape. The objective of this study is to quantitatively assess the sensitivity of the southern Alpine soil landscape regarding land use change-induced perturbations. Alpine soil landscapes can be considered as particularly sensitive to land use changes because their effects tend to be enhanced by frequent extreme climatic and topographic conditions as well as intense geomorphologic activity. In detail, the following soil key properties for soil vulnerability were analysed: (i) soil texture, (ii) bulk density, (iii) soil organic carbon (SOC), (iv) saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), (v) aggregate stability and (vi) soil water repellency (SWR). The study area is characterized by a steep, east-west oriented valley, strongly anthropized in the last centuries followed by a progressive abandonment. This area is particularly suitable due to constant lithological conditions, extreme topographic and climatic conditions as well as historic land use changes. The analysis of land use change effects on soil properties were performed through a linear mixed model approach due to the nested structure of the data. Our results show a generally high stability of the assessed soils in terms of aggregate stability and noteworthy thick soils. The former is remarkable, since aggregate stability, which is commonly used for detecting land use-induced changes in soil erosion susceptibility, was always comparably high irrespective of land use. The stability of the soils is mainly related to a high amount of soil organic matter favouring the formation of stable soil aggregates, decreasing soil erodibility and hence, reducing soil loss by erosion. However, the most sensitive soil property to land use change was SWR that is partly influenced by the amount of soil organic carbon and probably by the quality and composition of SOM.

Road impacts to sheetflow-dependent ecosystems in the Sonoran Desert

Roads affect ecological functioning at local to landscape scales, but little is known about the indirect effects on hydrology and vegetation outside road corridors. These impacts are of particular concern in arid landscapes such as the southwestern US, where road networks have rapidly expanded in recent decades. This study quantified impacts to vegetation where roads eliminated downslope sheetflow runon and identified how road and landscape characteristics affect the probability of sheetflow disruptions at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, USA.The abundance of perennial grasses, drought-deciduous subshrubs, and trees were significantly reduced in downslope plant communities where entrenched graded roads and above-grade paved roads diverted or impounded sheetflow. The remaining vegetation was dominated by annual herbaceous plants and the drought-resistant evergreen shrub creosotebush (Larrea tridentata [de Candolle] Coville), resulting in lower species and functional group richness. Sheetflow runon reductions also significantly decreased the growth, vigor, and survival of woody plants, particularly for the winter-deciduous tree velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina Wooten).Hydrologic alterations affected the density and extent of nearby vegetation at 25% of 484 locations where roadways intersected sheetflow paths. Primitive roads such as off-highway vehicle routes produced the smallest topographic changes and were the least likely to disrupt runon, while graded roads had a 48% cumulative probability of ecohydrological impacts due to their tendency to become entrenched below ground. Paved roads were most likely to alter hydrologic connectivity due to embankments and roadside ditches and berms. Geologic substrate and soil type affected the probability of sheetflow impacts, which were most frequent on Quaternary alluvium and young soils lacking restrictive horizons. These results were used to map landscape sensitivity to sheetflow path disruption by roadways throughout Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and to provide recommendations for sustainable management of existing and future roads.

Integrasi Analisis Preferensi Visual dan Bahaya Lanskap dalam Perencanaan Wisata di Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Djuanda, Bandung

Ir. H. Djuanda Forest Park, is a natural tourism destination located in Bandung, West Java and in low land parts of Gunung Pulosari, passed by Cikapundung river stream. This research aimed to recommend the appropriate tourism planning to be implemented in the Ir. H. Djuanda Forest Park. Through landscape hazard analysis within slope gradient and soil element contained, we developed landscape sensitivity map. The result shows that 65,508% from the total area is a high sensitivity land. Beside that, only 4,335% from the total area is a low sensitivity lands and can be explored for active tourism attraction. The visual preference analysis was held to identify the potential attractiveness of many tourisms object in this area. The high potential object is dominanated with natural landscape objects and man-made object is the less potential. Almost all of the potential objects are located in high sensitivity land. Unfortunately, the uninterested object with unclear function is located in low sensitivity land which it is suitable for intensive recreation activities. The planner of this area should consider the role of limited activities and facilities development in low caring capacity land. For conservation purpose, planting endemic vegetation in sensitive landslide land should be carried out in order to maintain forest sustainability.

Bibliometric Analysis of Soil and Landscape Stability, Sensitivity and Resistivity

In times of global change, it is of fundamental importance to understand the sensitivity, stability and resistivity of a landscape or ecosystem to human disturbance. Landscapes and ecosystems have internal thresholds, giving them the ability to resist such disturbance. When these thresholds are quantified, the development of countermeasures can help prevent irreversible changes and support adaptations to the negative effects of global change. The main objective of this analysis is to address the lack of recent studies defining terms like sensitivity, resistivity and stability in reference to landscapes and ecosystems through a Bibliometric analysis based on Scopus and Web of Science peer-reviewed articles. The present research also aims to quantify landscape statuses in terms of their sensitivity, stability and resistivity. The term “landscape stability” is mainly related to quantitatively measurable properties indicating a certain degree of stability. In contrast, the term “landscape sensitivity” is often related to resilience; however, this definition has not substantially changed over time. Even though a large number of quantification methods related to soil and landscape stability and sensitivity were found, these methods are rather ad hoc. This study stresses the importance of interdisciplinary studies and work groups.

Park Tasarımında Peyzaj Temelli Ziyaretçi Taşıma Kapasitesi Analizi

The Visitor Carrying Capacity (VCC) can be defined as the socially acceptable maximum visitor number in an area without causing ecological degradation. In this study, a three-stage method of VCC analysis based on landscape character is proposed in the case of the Kırşehir Kocabey Poplar Plantation Site. In the first phase, park design is carried out, guided by Landscape Character Analysis and Assessment (PKAD) based on key ecological processes. In the second stage, VCC is calculated considering limiting factors. The third stage covers the economic evaluations. According to PKAD, 47% of the site presents a high level of landscape sensitivity and 27% facilitates limited use. The annual VCC is a min. of 64,050 and a max. of 101,220 people. These correspond to 33% of the VCC without the limiting factors. Landscape sensitivity is taken as the main limiter. The evaluation of factors of sensitivity and limiting factors can lead to establishing a protection-use balance. Thus, the continuity of both the landscape and recreational opportunities can be ensured.

Green City Landscape Design and Planning Based on GIS and Analytic Hierarchy Process Model

The spiritual connotation of contemporary cities has gradually become rich and colorful, and the concept of a green city has also been accepted by the public. People living in cities have higher and higher requirements for landscape, but traditional landscape design cannot achieve efficient and accurate planning. Therefore, the old design method, which cannot meet the complex and changeable urban needs and cannot keep up with the development and changes of the times, is doomed to be eliminated and replaced. This study introduces a GIS system and uses an AHP method to assist landscape design. Through rational resource utilization of topography, vegetation growth, population density, and other conditions, the city can be green and environmentally friendly, reduce energy consumption, and meet people's concept of healthy life. The experimental results show that: (1) through the GIS system, a multidecision model is constructed to choose a reasonable location for the garden. Based on the opinions and scores of all parties, the B place with a score as high as 8.97 was selected. (2) Using comprehensive landscape sensitivity to divide four levels of landscape land-use value and looking for the best landscape vision, it is divided into five scenic functional areas and 12 scenic spots. SPEI and NDVI were used to select cultivated plants and landscapes. (3) Route multifactor comprehensive model is designed to plan garden route. The coincidence degree between the model and the actual road condition is about 87.62%. Citizen satisfaction is between 7 and 9 points, and the comprehensive evaluation is high. (4) The evaluation system of landscape architecture, in which both B-level index and C-level index are higher than 7 points is constructed, which is in line with the expectations of the public and experts and convenient for feedback correction. The method based on this study is feasible and can be further optimized.