Limestone Cliffs Research Articles

Adiantum membranifolium (Pteridaceae), a new record of maidenhair fern from Laos

Adiantum membranifolium S.Linds. & Suksathan is a species of maidenhair fern previously known only from a few shady limestone cliffs in Western, Northern, and North- Eastern Thailand. Recently, an exploratory survey in Khammouane Province, Laos led to the discovery of this species thriving on a limestone cliff with flowing water during the rainy season, a finding that extends its known geographical distribution. This species is characterised by having single or 1-pinnate fronds, pinnae that are deeply cleft up to or more than half of the length of pinnae, and terminal pinnae with basal angle usually ranging from 45–180° and larger than lateral pinnae. A key to Adiantum L. in Laos and a description with photographs and illustrations are also provided. Epidermal features of A. membranifolium are described here for the first time.

Deciphering the dynamics of a Younger Dryas rock avalanche in the Bernese Alps

Large rock avalanches play a key role in shaping alpine landscapes. However, the complex interplay between mass movement and other surface processes poses challenges in identifying these deposits and understanding the underlying process controls. Here, we focus on the rock avalanche deposit of the Lurnigalp valley in the Bernese Alps (Switzerland), originally mapped as till. The Lurnigalp valley is a U-shaped tributary valley located in the southwest of Adelboden, Canton Bern. To explore the timing and dynamics of the rock avalanche event, we employed detailed remote and field mapping, sedimentary petrology, surface exposure dating with cosmogenic 36Cl, and runout modelling with DAN3D®. For the reconstruction of the chronology, we analyzed cosmogenic 36Cl in surface samples from 15 boulders of the rock avalanche deposit. We developed three distinct scenarios to investigate the dynamics and contextual conditions of the rock avalanche event. In the first scenario, we consider a rock avalanche depositing 1 Mm3 of sediment in a valley devoid of ice. The second scenario uses the same deposit volume but introduces a hypothetical glacier occupying the uppermost part of the valley. Finally, the third scenario, similar to the first scenario with a glacier-free valley, assumes a substantially larger volume of collapsed rock mass. We consider the third scenario the most plausible, in which approximately 6 Mm3 of rock mass, composed of limestone and sandstone, was released from a limestone cliff around 12 ± 2 ka during the Younger Dryas. The collapsed rock mass fell into the ice-free valley floor, ran up the opposite valley side and was deflected towards the northeast following the valley orientation. The rock mass stopped after 2.2 km leaving approximately 6.4 Mm3 deposits spread across the entire valley floor. Subsequently, most of the rock avalanche deposit have been reworked by periglacial activity. We suggest that structural features, lithology and glacial erosion and debuttressing were involved in the weakening of the in-situ bedrock that finally led to the collapse. Our study not only enhances the understanding of rock avalanche mechanisms and their profound impact on Alpine landscape evolution but also elucidates the complex interplay of geological processes that led to the collapse and altered the rock avalanche deposit afterwards.

Rockfall Mapping and Monitoring Across the Kalymnos Sport Rock Climbing Sites, Based on Ultra-High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data and Integrated Simulations

This manuscript presents a multidisciplinary study that proposes a methodology for delineating and categorizing vulnerability at rockfall risk areas to avoid human injuries and infrastructure damage caused by rockfalls. The presented workflow includes (i) classical geological mapping, (ii) the interpretation of high-resolution satellite data for observing the spatial distribution of fallen boulders, (iii) analytical hierarchy processing of spatial information within a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform, (iv) close-range remote sensing campaigns with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), and (v) integrated simulation of rockfall events. This methodology was applied to Kalymnos Island, which belongs to the Dodecanese Islands complex of the southeastern Aegean Sea in Greece. It is characterized by unique geomorphological features, including extensive vertical limestone cliffs that span the island. These cliffs make it one of the world’s most densely concentrated areas for sport climbing. The results highlighted the areas that the local authorities need to focus on and suggested measures for increasing the safety of climbers and infrastructure.

Craspedia blepharia (Compositae/Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae), a new species from Garibaldi Ridge in Nelson/Tasman, South Island of New Zealand

ABSTRACT Craspedia G.Forst., a genus of tribe Gnaphalieae (Compositae/Asteraceae), is confined to Australia and New Zealand. Twelve species, including Craspedia blepharia Breitw. & Courtney, which we are describing here, are now recognised in New Zealand. Craspedia blepharia is known only from Garibaldi Ridge in Nelson/Tasman, South Island of New Zealand. It is a strong calcicole, confined to exposed, vertical surfaces of limestone cliffs and dolines and quartzose sandstone cliffs which receive calcium-rich seep-water. Its rosettes grow either individually or in dense clumps on cliff faces, thus allowing the plants to receive water from surface water flow. It is distinguished from other New Zealand Craspedia by its rosette leaves clad with a hispid adaxially very dense and abaxially sparse indumentum of very long (2.2–3 mm), usually curved, uniseriate, multiseptate, usually slightly brown or colourless, translucent trichomes that may have a very thin curly, flagellate tip, and leaf margins with a thin white rim formed by the flagellate tips of these long, curved trichomes. We are providing the formal taxonomic treatment together with illustrations and descriptions of its morphology, distribution, habitat, ecology, phenology, and etymology, as well as an assessment of its conservation status.

First records of a new Europe’s southernmost glacier found in Southern Albania

Several perennial snow and ice bodies have been recently studied and monitored in three mountain massifs across the Balkan Peninsula: Prokletije (Northern Albania), Durmitor (Montenegro) and Pirin (Bulgaria), the two glacierets in the Pirin Mountains until soon considered as southernmost of their kind in Europe. In September 2022 a relatively large snow field (about 1.5 ha) was discovered and described for a first time in the glacial cirque Gryka e Kazanit in the Nëmerçka Mountains of Southern Albania. The snow accumulation lies on 1550–1650 m a.s.l. below a vertical limestone cliff with a height of almost 1000 m. The site was visited again in November 2023, when the snow field diminished its size to less than 1 ha. At the same time, multi-annual firn layers were exposed under the last year snow, with depth at least several metres, and indications were observed of ice, buried in the debris cover below. Newest findings indicate that the studied snow-firn body is a glacieret similar to those found in the Pirin Mountains. On a longer-term, nine perennial snow/firm bodies on the Balkans resemble small glaciers rather than snow and ice patches at least under current climatic conditions. Situated on 40°08′ Northern latitude, the newly discovered Nemërçka Glacieret is nominated to be the southernmost glacier in Europe.

Thliphthisasapphus (Rubiaceae, Rubieae), a new species from Lefkada (Ionian Islands, Greece) and its ecological position.

The new species, Thliphthisasapphussp. nov. (Rubiaceae, Rubieae), a narrow endemic of the white cliffs of Lefkátas on the southwest coast of Lefkada (Greece) is described and illustrated and an IUCN assessment is presented. Vegetation relevés were performed at the single known locality, limestone cliffs facing the sea and revealed a new association, the Thliphthisasapphus-Lomelosietumdallaportae. The chromosome number of Thliphthisasapphus was determined as 2n = 4x = 44, being the single tetraploid species in the genus to date. The species also differs markedly morphologically from its morphologically closest relatives, two Greek steno-endemic oreophytes, Th.baenitzii and Th.muscosa by the following characters: densely setose mericarps and corolla, tetraploidy and by its distribution. An identification key for the Greek species of Thliphthisa is provided. Th.sapphus constitutes the westernmost outpost of a group of Greek steno-endemics, highlighting the importance of coastal habitats and their protection as refugia for poorly competitive chamaephytes.

New distribution and breeding record of Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from Meghalaya, India

Abstract The Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) is classified as Data Deficient under IUCN Red List due to inadequate information on its distribution, population, and ecology. The species was previously recorded from Belgaum district of Karnataka and from East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya and from Cambodia, represented by a single specimen. Through our study on Chiroptera taxa across 19 Community Reserves between October 2021 and January 2022 using physical search, mist netting and acoustic study we have identified a new colony of O. wroughtoni from the Mikadogre village in South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya, which extends the current distribution to 135 km from the nearest known distribution site. Interestingly, unlike other known roosts of O. wroughtoni which are in large caves with high roofs and deep crevices or cupolas, this roost was in the open limestone cliff located next to a stream. In addition to this, we have also documented the breeding colony of the species from a previously known site at Pynurkba. This new finding emphasises that there are more potential roosts across the Northeast region of India with similar habitats and altitudes waiting to be identified.

Phytosociological research into the Illyrian oak–hornbeam forest on the limestone cliffs of Kupa River canyon (Kamanje, West-Central Croatia)

In this paper, we present 14 relevés of oak-hornbeam forest from the limestone cliffs of Kupa River canyon in ­Kamanje, West-Central Croatia. The investigated forest is part of the Natura 2000 ecological network, and it represents one of the rare remnants of climax forest in the area that is not highly influenced by anthropogenic management. Plant ­community composition was recorded using the six-degree Braun-Blanquet scale, and its relation to similar forests studied by other authors was assessed using agglomerative hierarchical clustering. Because of the abundance of limestone rocks and consequently microhabitats, the forest is very species-rich, with a total of 164 vascular species ­recorded, ranging from 42 to 80 species per relevé. The Kamanje forest belongs to the association Epimedio-Carpinetum betuli, with regard to traditional classification to the subassociation staphyletosum, and is rich in species of the Illyrian-­ -­Balkan floral geoelement. However, compared to the forests of the same association from other areas, this forest has some distinct floristic features. Among the trees, Quercus petraea is replaced by Q. robur. The herb layer is abundant with ferns, and geophytes and hemicryptophytes are much more frequent. The most distinct feature of the forest is the high abundance of ferns from the class Asplenietea trichomanis, specifically Asplenium trichomanes and Polypodium vulgare. The cluster analyses separated the Kamanje forest as a unique group in relation to all other traditional ­subassociations. The Kamanje forest could be considered as a fern-rich subass. staphyletosum. However, only after the problems of traditional classification of Epimedio-Carpinetum betuli into subassociations are resolved will the exact floristic context of the studied forest be clearer. </p>

Complete chloroplast genome of Petrocosmea qinlingensis (Gesneriaceae), a protected wild plant in the Qinling mountains

Petrocosmea qinlingensis is a protected wild plant endemic in China, inhabiting low-light limestone cliffs but the complete chloroplast genome has not been reported. In this study, we first sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genome of P. qinlingensis. The total size of this genome was 153,865 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region (84,737 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,244 bp), and two inverted repeats (IRs) regions (25,442 bp). This genome encoded 111 uniquegenes, consisted of 77 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenomic analysis based on the chloroplast protein-coding genes and showed that the genus Petrocosmea was the closest relative to Raphiocarpus. Our results will support further phylogeographic, population genetic studies of this species.

Ritual Use of Ceratozamia totonacorum (Zamiaceae) Leaves in Santiago Ecatlán, Puebla, Mexico: Perspectives on Conservation

This study focused on the use and management of Ceratozamia totonacorum leaves during the Day of the Dead in Santiago Ecatlán, an Indigenous Totonaca community located in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, Mexico. Ethnographical, ethnobotanical, and ecological methods were utilized to document the ritual use and traditional management practices of C. totonacorum. Additionally, this information was used to evaluate the impact and effect of leaf extraction on a C. totonacorum population. C. totonacorum plants grow on limestone cliffs and in adjacent agricultural fields. Experienced harvesters remove the leaves without damaging the plants, and when C. totonacorum leaves become scarce they are substituted by Chamaedorea spp. Our results show that these practices do not have a negative impact on the studied population. We conclude that community management practices have contributed to maintaining a stable population of C. totonacorum. We therefore consider the need to study the relationship between the permanence of ritual ceremonies and associated sustainable plant practices and the importance of projects based on a better understanding of ritual plant uses, which could contribute to sustainable resource and ecosystem conservation. This research demonstrates the relevance of co-designing comprehensive conservation strategies that vindicate the value and promote local expressions of traditional knowledge.

Corydalis mianxianensis (Papaveraceae), a new species from limestone cliffs in central China, and notes on the Shaanxi record of C. saxicola G.S.Bunting

Corydalis mianxianensis, a new species of C. sect. Cheilanthifoliae Lidén (Papaveracae), is described from Qinling-Daba mountains and adjacent Minshan mountains, central China. It is similar to C. moupinensis Franch., but it differs from the latter in racemes with 30–50(–70) flowers, spur being much shorter than limb of upper petal, and arcuate to strongly contorted fruits. These two species are also much different in stigma and ecology as well. In addition, we confirmed that the record of C. saxicola G.S.Bunting in Shaanxi Province as documented in the Chinese floras was a misidentification of this new species.

A new lithophilous species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodonrubrostriatus, from the karst area of South Yunnan, China.

A new lithophytic species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodonrubrostriatus K.Tan, X.Q.Song & M.X.Ren, sp. nov. from Lvchun County, South Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. It closest resembles P.mollifolius (W.T.Wang) A.Weber & Mich.Möller, but the new species is differentiated from it by red to brownish-red stripes in the yellow corolla throat and 4.5 mm long bract lobes, a ca. 10 mm long style, and staminodes inserted at 2.5-3 mm from the corolla base. The species is preliminarily assessed as 'Critically Endangered' (CR) according to IUCN criteria, since currently only one single locality is known with a few subpopulations on a fragmented limestone cliff, with fewer than 300 individuals.

A multiscalar and multiproxy geoarchaeological approach to site formation processes at the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic site of La Roche-à-Pierrot, Saint-Césaire, France

The site of La Roche-à-Pierrot in Saint-Césaire (Charente-Maritime, France) produced a succession of Mousterian, Châtelperronian and Aurignacian occupations, and continues to play a central role in debates concerning the Middle-to-Upper Palaeolithic transition. The source of controversy surrounding the site relates to ambiguities concerning the overall archaeological sequence, the cultural association of the human remains found at the site and the limited number of robust absolute dates. Here, we present the results of a multiscalar, multiproxy geoarchaeological investigation of the site's sedimentary sequence. Our study integrates geomorphology, field lithostratigraphy, microstratigraphy, geochemistry and absolute dating methods (radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence) designed to characterize site formation processes. We propose a site formation model involving the evolution of a karstified limestone cliff from a semi-closed system to an exposed slope deposit, with sediments at the base of the cliff accumulating under periglacial conditions of MIS3, broadly between ca. 59.9 ± 3.9 ka and ca. 37.7 ka. The lowermost Mousterian occupations took place in a semi-closed, sheltered space in which sedimentary rates were low, involving mainly cryoclastic roof spall and episodic percolation of fine-grained sediment. This depositional environment generated a Mousterian archaeological palimpsest in the proximal area and translocated downslope. Subsequent Mousterian, Châtelperronian and Aurignacian remains embedded within diamictons were deposited in an open-air context, on a sloping surface at the apex of a palaeotalus, and possibly above the site, at the top of the cliff. The resulting diachronous surfaces and immature deposits were subject to solifluction and slopewash, with low sedimentary rates. Our geoarchaeological study sheds new light on previously noted spatial inconsistencies in the archaeological sequence and constitutes a rigorous framework for further archaeological research at the site, highlighting the potential of a multiscalar, multiproxy site formation research to improve stratigraphic investigation of Palaeolithic sites in similar geomorphological contexts.

Chemical, Antioxidant and Biological Studies of Brassica incana subsp. raimondoi (Brassicaceae) Leaf Extract.

Brassica incana subsp. raimondoi is an endemic taxon present in a restricted area located on steep limestone cliffs at an altitude of about 500 m a.s.l. in eastern Sicily. In this research, for the first time, studies on the phytochemical profile, the antioxidant properties in cell-free and cell-based systems, the cytotoxicity on normal and cancer cells by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, and on Artemia salina Leach, were performed. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents of the leaf hydroalcoholic extract were spectrophotometrically determined. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis highlighted the presence of several phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids, while High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) identified various kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives. The extract exhibited different antioxidant properties according to the five in vitro methods used. Cytotoxicity by MTT assay evidenced no impact on normal human fibroblasts (HFF-1) and prostate cancer cells (DU145), and cytotoxicity accompanied by necrotic cell death for colon cancer cells (CaCo-2) and hepatoma cells (HepG2), starting from 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. No cytotoxic effects were detected by the A. salina lethality bioassay. In the H2O2-induced oxidative stress cell model, the extract counteracted cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserved non-protein thiol groups (RSH) affected by H2O2 exposure in HepG2 cells. Results suggest the potential of B. incana subsp. raimondoi as a source of bioactive molecules.

Static and Dynamic Stability of Rock Boulders on Slopes

The authors have been involved with the risk assessment of cliff failures as well as mobilization of rock boulders on slopes nearby settlements and roadways in Miyagi Island in Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the de-stabilization of rock boulders with regular and irregular shape due to forces resulting from earthquakes as well as groundwater. A shaking table was used to investigate the motions to cause the destabilization of rock boulders made of Ryukyu limestone on flat and sloping base made of weathered sandstone beneath limestone cliffs in Miyagijima Island. Furthermore, some analytical and numerical computations were carried out to simulate the experimental results. The outcomes of these investigations are presented and discussed in this paper.

Alpiscorpius liburnicus sp. n. with a note on the “Alpiscorpius croaticus group” (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) in Croatia

Alpiscorpius liburnicus sp. n. is described from Krk Island, Croatia, as the first cave dwelling scorpion species in the genus. Clear differences from the genetically closest epigean species were found in metasomal morphometry. Its delineation is supported phylogenetically based on mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (ITS1) markers. In the barcode fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI), the uncorrected pairwise genetic distances to other known taxa in “Alpiscorpius croaticus group” range between 4.2 and 4.8 %. The first molecular evidence of the species’ presence on the coastal part of Mt. Velebit implies its potential distribution in the whole of the eastern Adriatic coastal area, roughly from Rijeka City area to the source of the Zrmanja River. The new species is sympatric with common epigean taxa of the “Euscorpius tergestinus group” and with the synanthropic E. italicus in Mediterranean habitats. The phylogenetic relationships within the “A. croaticus group” are estimated. Localities of epigean A. croaticus are restricted to the continental side of southern and southeastern parts of Mt. Velebit. There it is sympatric and syntopic with the smaller A. omega in karst beech forests, with an extrazonal enclave in the Velika Paklenica canyon area on the southern slopes of the mountain. The third taxon in the group is known at the moment from a single locality in the middle part of Mt. Velebit, where it is also syntopic with A. omega in a beech forest near limestone cliffs.

Plant Diversity of Mts. Oligirtos and Farmakas (NE Peloponnisos, Greece) with Emphasis on Their Endemic Flora.

Greece is known to be a biodiversity hotspot. Though the plant diversity of Peloponnisos, the southernmost part of the Greek mainland, has been well-studied during the past 200 years, there are still gaps in our knowledge. To this end, the flora of the neighboring mountains Oligirtos and Farmakas was investigated, with a total of 740 and 762 taxa (species and subspecies) recorded, respectively, of which 635 and 756 for the first time. Ten species or subspecies were previously not known from Peloponnisos. Endemics correspond to 10.2% and 8.9% of the total flora and are predominately hemicryptophytes and entomogamous. Almost half of them produce capsules. The number of endemics per 2 × 2 km grid cell reveals that their highest number is found in areas of high elevation, and corresponds to habitats above the tree line, or to the limestone cliffs vegetation. No less than 62 endemic plant taxa of Mt. Oligirtos and 58 of Mt. Farmakas are threatened. A comparison of Mts. Oligirtos and Farmakas with five neighboring mountains shows that elevation correlates positively with the number of regional or bi-regional endemics but not with local or narrow endemics. The importance of mountainous regions for plant conservation is stressed.

Transport and Weathering of Large Limestone Blocks on Hillslopes in Heterolithic Sedimentary Landscapes

AbstractGeomorphic transport laws that describe the movement of material across landscapes generally hide the role of lithological and climatic boundary conditions behind proportionality terms. The geomorphic community aims to characterize the role of these boundary conditions and include them in mechanistic transport laws. A more detailed mechanistic understanding is needed for hillslopes formed in heterolithic rock that weathers into weak regolith and hard blocks, such as in hogbacks. The properties of such blocks may determine both the process and rate of their transport downslope. We focused on soil mantled hillslopes in the Flint Hills of Kansas in the United States, where we studied the role of block shape and size under a limestone cliff that breaks up approximately into equal amounts of cubic and tile‐shaped clasts. Based on previous studies on the transport of rock clasts, we hypothesized that cubic and tile‐shaped blocks should be transported differently, leading to different distributions of size and orientation with increasing distance from the cliff. Block shape does have significant influence over how soil collects and is stored on the hillslope near blocks. Yet, few cubic blocks appear to be transported through tumbling in contrast with assumptions in recent modeling work. We found complex relationships between block size and distance from the cliff face and we propose that this is due to weathering via fragmentation. This process produces discrete smaller fragments from a larger parent block. We suggest that at least in Kansas both cubic and tile‐shaped blocks are transported primarily by creep processes.

Geotechnical Study of Raspadalica Cliff Rockfall, Croatia

The Raspadalica Cliff is an almost vertical 100 m high limestone cliff with a railway line at its foot and is known for numerous rockfall occurrences in the past. This article presents the results of the geotechnical study of the cliff based on a traditional geological and geotechnical field survey and remote sensing analysis. Both the traditional geological and geotechnical field survey and remote sensing surveys and analyses enabled the establishment of the structural model of the Raspadalica Cliff and the determination of the discontinuity sets and discontinuity features, such as orientation, spacing, persistence, roughness, discontinuity wall strength, aperture, degree of weathering of discontinuity wall, seepage conditions, and the presence and hardness of discontinuity filling. Kinematic analyses were performed on five cliff zones with slightly different structural features, indicating a relatively low probability of typical failures in the cliff rock mass that precede the rockfall occurrences. Although rockfall phenomena from the cliff face are relatively frequent, the kinematic analyses did not indicate a high probability of their occurrence. The aim of this manuscript is to make scientists and practitioners aware that investigation of rock mass cliffs and possible rockfall failures must not be based on usual methods without critical review of the obtained results and consequences. The combined use of traditional geological and geotechnical methods and more commonly used advanced remote sensing methods leads to better modelling, while the analysis of more associated failure modes can explain the triggering of rockfall.

Non-Ferrous Metal Products of the Monument Serny Klyuch in the Mountains of the Middle Urals

The paper presents the results of the study of non-ferrous metal products that were found at the hillfort Serny Klyuch with an area of about 1000 m2, located on the top of a high (20–25 m) limestone cliff near Nyazepetrovsk town in the upper reaches of the Ufa River. The hillfort contains materials from the last five millennia. In 1989–1993 archaeologists of the Ural State University uncovered half of the monument with the remains of fortifications, metallurgical furnaces, production sites, industrial and residential premises. Items made from non-ferrous metal were found here as well as wastes of its production (55 specimens). These findings relate to a small camp of metallurgists of the late 3 – early 2 millennium BC of the South Ural Abashevo culture, a non-fortified settlement and a powerful fortified metallurgical center of the 6th/5th – 3rd centuries BC of the aboriginal Itkul’ culture and the ancient fortified settlement of the 8–12 centuries, which belonged to the bearers of the local Petrogrom culture. Spectral analysis of the metal of 34 items, carried out in the laboratory of the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, showed that tools, weapons and jewelry were cast from “metallurgically” pure and “contaminated” copper (29 pieces) and bronze (5 pieces).