Geomorphological Research Articles

Geomorphologic mapping and analysis of fault activities along the northern margin of the Yanfan Basin, China

Geomorphologic mapping and analysis of fault activities along the northern margin of the Yanfan Basin, China

Seasonal morphological changes and grain size distribution mapping on the Massa beaches using a tachometer and GIS

Sandy beaches are complex, highly dynamic, fragile environments that are constantly evolving. Understanding the dynamics of these areas is crucial, both for fundamental science and for coastal zone management. This study presents the results of a seasonal morphological and sedimentological monitoring of the sandy beaches of Massa, located in the central-western region of Morocco. This monitoring was conducted using both an electronic total station and the spatialization of grain size indices (median, sorting index So, and skewness) through interpolation within a Geographic Information System (GIS). A total of 15 topographic profiles were surveyed perpendicular to the coastline during three field campaigns conducted between September 2019 and July 2020. The results indicate a morphodynamic equilibrium of the beaches, characterized by a normal morphological cycle with erosion during winter and accretion during summer. This balance is primarily attributed to the physical behavior of the beaches in response to wave energy, as well as the presence of a highly developed coastal dune capable of supplying sediment to the beaches during periods of shortage. Additionally, the spatialization of grain size indices from 90 samples clearly highlights the significance of hydrodynamic factors, such as waves, tides, currents, littoral drift, and winds, in the distribution of sandy sediments on the Massa beaches. Atlantic waves from the NNW sector, accompanied by a North-South littoral drift, govern the transport and deposition of sediments along beaches, while tides, currents, and local winds contribute to their redistribution across the different beach zones (foreshore, backshore, and coastal dune). Indeed, seasonal hydrodynamic conditions, as well as the proximity or distance of sediment source zones, play a critical role in sediment distribution along these beaches, providing valuable insights for coastal management strategies aimed at mitigating erosion, preserving beach morphology, and ensuring sustainable development in coastal zones.

Morphological map of the proximal ulna bare area: a computer-assisted anatomical study in relation to olecranon osteotomy.

The bare area is defined as a transverse region within the trochlear notch, serving as an optimal entry point for olecranon osteotomy due to the absence of articular cartilage coverage. However, there is limited research on the morphology and location of the bare area, and there is a lack of intuitive visual description. Thus, the purpose of this study is to delineate anatomical features of the bare area and visualize its morphology and refine the olecranon osteotomy approach. Thirty-six cadaveric elbow joints (comprising 18 pairs) were meticulously dissected. Measurements encompassed the lateral (radial side) and medial (ulnar side) widths, proximal and distal lengths, and the distance from the corresponding dorsal cortical point of the bare area to the triceps insertion. Post-dissection, the humeral ulnar joint was realigned, followed by randomized transverse or chevron osteotomy. Subsequent CT scans were conducted pre- and post-osteotomy to delineate the shape of the bare area and osteotomy fracture line, facilitating the generation of superimposed and heat maps for visualization. The bare area was present in all specimens, exhibiting a lateral (radial) width of 7.09 ± 4.86 mm, a medial (ulnar) width of 12.08 ± 3.66 mm, a proximal length of 15.70 ± 8.06 mm, and a distal length of 16.49 ± 7.06 mm. The distance from the triceps insertion to the corresponding dorsal cortical point of the bare area averaged 18.12 ± 3.21 mm. Notably, considerable variability was observed in both the position and shape of the bare area. Visualization through superimposed and heat maps revealed a bow-tie configuration, with the medial side wider than the lateral side, situated at the narrowest segment of the proximal ulna in the coronal plane, analogous to its waist. The superimposed map of fracture lines reveals that the fracture lines from transverse osteotomies are more concentrated than those from chevron osteotomies. The position and shape of the bare area demonstrates notable diversity, manifesting not as a strictly transverse shape nor a consistently contiguous region. Rather, the bare area generally assumes a bow-tie configuration, rendering the conventional definition of its width along the sagittal plane inadequate and potentially misleading. Based on the typical position of the bare area, we can propose that when the precise morphology and position of a patient's bare area are unknown, targeting this region via an osteotomy from the proximal ulna's narrowest segment provides an effective approach.

Prognostic values of intracellular cell-related genes in esophageal cancer and their regulatory mechanisms

Esophageal cancer is a grave malignant condition. While radiotherapy, often in conjunction with chemotherapy, serves as a cornerstone in the management of locally advanced or metastatic cases, patient tolerance and treatment resistance frequently hinder its efficacy. Cell-in-cell structures, prevalent in various tumors, have been linked to prognosis. Hence, investigating the prognostic significance and regulatory mechanisms of genes related to these intracellular structures in esophageal cancer is imperative. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Esophageal Cancer (ESCA) dataset served as the training set for the analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ESCA samples were identified, with those related to intercellular structures designated cell-in-cell-related differential expression genes (CIC-related DEGs). Cox regression analysis was employed to identify prognostic genes, categorizing samples into high- and low-risk groups based on median risk scores. Validation was conducted using the GSE53624 risk model. Established methodologies included morphological mapping, enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, prognostic gene expression validation, molecular docking, and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) validation. Thirty-eight intersecting genes were identified between the disease and normal groups in ESCA samples. Stepwise multivariate Cox analysis pinpointed three prognostic genes: androgen receptor (AR), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The risk model’s applicability was confirmed in the GSE53624 dataset, revealing eight significantly different immune-related gene sets. Prognostic gene expression validation demonstrated significant differences between the disease and normal groups in both datasets. The proteins corresponding to the three prognostic genes interacted with gefitinib and osimertinib. RT-PCR results corroborated the differential expression of prognostic genes in esophageal cancer tissues. This study identified AR, CXCL8, and EGFR as prognostic genes and demonstrated their molecular interactions with gefitinib and osimertinib, providing a foundation for ESCA diagnosis and treatment.

Tuning Fork Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy for Resolving Morphological and Redox Properties of Single Ag Nanowires.

We report a Tuning Fork Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (TF-SECCM) technique for providing morphological and electrochemical information on single redox-active entities. This new operation configuration of SECCM utilizes an electrolyte-filled nanopipette tip mounted onto a tuning fork force sensor to obtain a precise tip-sample distance control and surface morphological mapping capabilities. Redox activities of regions of interest (ROIs) can be investigated by scanning electrode potential by moving the nanopipette to any target regions while maintaining the constant force engagement of the tip with the sample. Using silver nanowires (Ag NWs) as a model system due to their extensive utilization in energy and sensing devices, TF-SECCM provides not only the topography of single Ag NWs but also their distinctive redox activities, catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities, and electrolyte anion adsorption/desorption features in contrast to NW bundles and a supporting substrate.

Paepalanthus roqueae: a new critically endangered Eriocaulaceae in campo rupestre of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Here we describe a new species of Paepalanthus (Eriocaulaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina, in the northern part of the Espinhaço range in Brazil. The study aims to contribute to the knowledge of Eriocaulaceae in this area, which has a significant knowledge gap, and to provide a comparison with other poorly understood species in the region. The new species, named Paepalanthus roqueae, is described in detail, including morphological measurements, illustrations, and distribution maps. Its conservation status is also evaluated using IUCN criteria. This paper emphasizes the importance of botanical research in the high biodiversity area of Chapada Diamantina, to increase the knowledge of poorly understood species and promote conservation efforts.

Contributions to the taxonomy of Dichotomius Hope, 1838 (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Dichotomiini): Description of a new subgenus and redefinition of Dichotomius sensu stricto species groups

ABSTRACT Dichotomius Hope, 1838 is one of the most diverse and abundant genera of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the New World. It congregates about 200 species distributed from the northeastern United States to central Argentina, and is arranged into four subgenera: Dichotomius s. str., Cephagonus Luederwaldt, 1929, Homocanthonides Luederwaldt, 1929 and Selenocopris Burmeister, 1846. The subgenus nominotypical has seen the least progress in its taxonomy, with only 15% of species with information in a recent revision. Therefore, in this paper, using a protocol for taxonomic revision and reviewing the type material and more than 12,000 specimens from 32 entomological collections, we have divided Dichotomius s. str. into two subgenera. We describe Dichotomius (Luederwaldtius) new subgenus to encompass, the smallest species (less than 20 mm), 13 species which previously belonged to D. sensu stricto, four species of Dichotomius (Selenocopris), and several undescribed species. Dichotomius triangulariceps (Blanchard, 1846) is transferred to the subgenus Selenocopris based on characters of the male genitalia. The subgenus Dichotomius s. str., in its new, more restricted sense, is delimited to include approximately 73 species arranged into, 12 species groups, plus two incertae sedis species. For each group, its definition is presented with species composition and geographic distribution. The incertae sedis species, D. agesilaus (Waterhouse, 1891) and D. compressicollis (Luederwaldt, 1929) (lectotype designated) are revised; the following information is presented for them: taxonomic history, species’ citation in published literature, redescription of males and females, list of material examined, photographs of the external morphology, male genitalia, and distribution map.

The glacial geomorphology of the Cordillera Darwin Icefield, Tierra del Fuego, southernmost South America

ABSTRACT The Cordillera Darwin Icefield (CDI) has experienced widespread retreat since the Little Ice Age (LIA, ∼1870 AD). Prior to this, information on outlet glacier dynamics is limited as there are few terrestrial observations and little mapped deglacial evidence, limiting our understanding of CDI dynamics on Holocene centennial to millennial timescales. Here we present a glacial geomorphological map of terrestrial landforms and features for the CDI and surrounding areas of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. We digitized more than 8,000 glacial landforms and features covering an area of ∼13,300 km2 from a combination of digital elevation models (DEMs) and high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery (<3 m), supported by multitemporal field mapping. This work provides a detailed geomorphological assessment for the area, summarized in a single map, that identifies three main glacial landsystem types of the Patagonian–Fuegian landscape: (i) upland glacier, (ii) lowland land-terminating, and (iii) glaciomarine fjord. The resulting map forms the basis for future chronological campaigns.

Geomorphology of the Caracota Valley, Western Altiplano, Northern Chile

ABSTRACT We present a detailed geomorphological characterisation of the Caracota Valley (18°49′S 69°11′W, 4200–4600 m) in the western Altiplano of Northern Chile. A complex pattern of Pleistocene and Early Holocene glacier activity is responsible for the today's landscape configuration. Wetlands and temporary lakes significantly characterise the Caracota Valley setting providing water sources and storage required for life in this semi-arid landscape. Non-glacial processes at low intensities through most of the Holocene evoked little changes to the glacial landscape configuration, even though alluvial, fluvial and aeolian processes locally caused some sediment redistribution. The geomorphological study is embedded into a geoarchaeological research project on early human occupation in the zone of the Salar de Surire, Northern Chile, at 18°50′S. The geomorphological map offers a base to frame future discussions on the links between cultural and geomorphological places formation, which is a necessary step to move beyond site scales and ethnographic assumptions in the region of interest.

Morphological and bone defect mapping analysis of true acetabulum in Crowe type IV hip dysplasia

BackgroundThe primary aim of this study was to quantitatively analysis the acetabular morphological feature and 2D/3D coverage of the Crowe IV DDH hip, dividing into subgroups by the false acetabulum. The secondary aim was to propose a 3D bone mapping to determine acetabular bone defect analysis from the perspective of the implanted simulation.MethodsA total of 53 Crowe IV hips (27 hips without the false acetabulum in IVa group and 26 hips in IVb group) and 40 normal hips met the inclusion criteria and were retrospectively evaluated. Firstly, the anatomical size and volume of the acetabulum were measured quantitatively. Secondly, through the simulated implantation, morphological assessments of the true acetabulum included Cup-CE, Cup-Sharp, acetabular anteversion angle, and thickness of the medial wall. Last, Acetabular sector angles (ASAs) and the component coverage ratio were measured to provide coverage indices. Further, 3D bone mapping visualization was applied to determine the uncovered component portion distribution.ResultsThe anatomic shape and volume of the acetabular triangle were significantly smaller in Crowe IV hips. At the level of the acetabular component center, IVb acetabula were found to be more anteverted and abductive, with smaller Cup-CE and larger Cup-Sharp angles. The coverage sector angles in Crowe IVa hips were larger in the anterosuperior and superior direction, while smaller in the posterosuperior and posterior direction, with no subgroup difference in total component coverage. Both 3D bone mapping and correlation analysis reveal that posterosuperior and posterior bone stock is highly associated with the component coverage.ConclusionWith the presence of the false acetabulum, there existed acetabular anteversion and segmental coverage distinctions between subgroups. During the acetabular reconstruction, management of posterosuperior and posterior bone stock was important for ideal component coverage.

Evaluating the impact of geomorphological determinants and Hazards on urban expansion in Rania.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of geomorphological phenomena that are considered natural barriers on the expansion of the city of Rania. The study area is located in the northeast of the Kurdistan region of Iraq and in the northwest of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. Rania is located astronomically between both latitudes (36°:17: 05 - 36°: 12 :30) north and both longitudes (45°:51: 05 -°45 :54 :30) east. The study area is the administrative center of the Rania district, located in the southeast of the district. In terms of administrative units, in the north of Sarkabakan, northeast of Pshdar district, in the south of Dokan Lake, and in the west of each of the chawarqorna, Hajiyawa, and Betwata, The purpose of the research is to create a morphological stage map, geomorphological units, topography, and slope degree that are considered natural obstacles and risks to the expansion of the city of Rania. Since 1977, the area of residential units has reached about 1.18 km2, and the city has continued to expand in stages, reaching 24.74 km2 in 2022. The Kewarsh and Hajila Mountains form a natural obstacle to the expansion of the city in the northeast, northwest, and southwest directions, so the city takes a longitudinal shape. 100% of the urban area is located at an altitude of 491–749 m, and at an altitude of 750–1430 m, there are no residential units. (63.8%) of the study area has a slope of less than 5 degrees. The area of residential units reaches 88.84%, and the degree of slope is higher (35 degrees), as there is no residential area there as a result of the natural geomorphological barriers that limit the expansion of the city of Rania.

Morphological mapping of mountains on a global scale: combining topographic representation with tectonic features

Morphological mapping of mountains on a global scale: combining topographic representation with tectonic features

Synergies Between Land Use/Land Cover Mapping and Urban Morphology: A Review of Advances and Methodologies

This study aims to bridge the fields of urban morphology and land use/land cover (LULC) mapping through a systematic analysis of their integration in recent research. The research employs systematic literature review (SLR) methodology combining quantitative and qualitative methods through four methodological steps: data search, data selection, data analysis, and data clustering. The analysis performed three distinct clustering patterns: (1) methods and tools, (2) data types, and (3) urban morphology aspects. The results reveal five distinct methodological approaches—Data-Driven Typological Decoding Approach, Quantitative Structural Metrics Approach, Predictive Spatiotemporal Transition Approach, Temporal Change Detection and Performance Approach, and Spatial Configuration and Density Analysis Approach—each contributing unique insights to urban form analysis. The findings demonstrate the multidimensional nature of urban form analysis, incorporating both social and temporal dimensions, while highlighting the essential role of change detection in understanding urban pattern evolution. This systematic review establishes a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between urban morphology and LULC mapping, providing valuable insights for future research integration.

Exploration of Landslide Geomorphology and Inventory Construction in Minhe County, Qinghai, China, Based on Google Earth Remote Sensing Imagery

ABSTRACTThe upper reaches of the Yellow River, located at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China, are characterized by intense tectonic activity and widespread landslide geomorphology. Creating a detailed and objective map of landslide geomorphology in this region is crucial for understanding the development of landslides. However, the availability of high‐quality landslide inventories in this area is limited, hindering a comprehensive understanding of landslide development and scientific landslide disaster prevention efforts. This study utilized multi‐temporal high‐resolution remote sensing imagery provided by the Google Earth platform to conduct a thorough landslide geomorphology survey and inventory construction in Minhe County, located in the upper Yellow River. The results show that within the study area of 1890.82 km2, at least 5517 landslide geomorphologies were identified, covering an area of 434.43 km2, with landslide‐affected areas accounting for approximately 22.98% of the total area. The largest single landslide area is 1.62 × 106 m2, while the smallest single landslide area is 880.22 m2, with an average landslide area of 78743.04 m2. The highest landslide point density reached 11.5 km−2. More than 80% of the landslides were distributed in the townships of Qianhe, Zhongchuan, Guanting, and Bazhou. Landslides were predominantly distributed along the tributaries of the Huangshui and Yellow Rivers, with denser occurrences at river bends. In addition, some landslide geomorphologies are located in densely populated village areas, posing significant safety risks. These results provide valuable data support for further analysis of landslide spatial distribution in Minhe County, landslide risk assessment, and other related research.

Megaflutes in the Menteith Hills, central Scotland

ABSTRACT ‘Flutings’ or ‘flutes’ are elongated, flow-parallel subglacial bedforms associated with relatively fast flowing glaciers. Analysis of recently acquired high-resolution (50 cm) LiDAR data has identified the presence of large, very low-relief flutings on the Menteith Hills in Central Scotland. These subtle landforms, up to 1 km in length and 10s of metres wide, are interpreted as ‘megaflutes’, falling in between the accepted definition of flutes and the much longer mega-scale glacial lineations. This new geomorphological mapping suggests that the palaeo Teith Glacier grew thick enough to breach the local watershed, forcing a branch of glacier ice to flow into the Forth Valley. The megaflutes are located near the accepted Loch Lomond Stadial (Younger Dryas Stadial) limits in the area, yet are currently undated. Flutes are difficult to identify in the field, on aerial imagery or digital elevation models with ≤ 5 m resolution due to their low-relief and often widespread vegetation cover. LiDAR is therefore a valuable tool for revealing these landforms where they would otherwise go unnoticed. This new research offers a fresh perspective for the glacier landform record in a key part of Central Scotland and highlights the importance of high-resolution LiDAR data for mapping glacial geomorphology.

Evolution of deep-seated gravitational slope deformation in a deep valley of the Czech Flysch Carpathians

In the Czech Outer Western Carpathians (OWC), the lower limit of deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) occur associated with moderate local relief and slope gradient, showing a limited degree of geomorphic development. Here, DSGSDs display a relatively high spatial frequency, despite the limited tectonic and seismic activity, often claimed as major preparatory and triggering factors. Nonetheless, favourable stratigraphic and structural features in flysch successions, together with fluvial downcutting, provide conditions prone to DSGSDs. The study area of Travný Mt. hosts the typical DSGSDs in the highest part of Czech OWC. With the aim of unravelling the controlling and triggering factors, the internal structure, and the timing and kinematics of mass-movement activity, a multidisciplinary investigation was performed. LiDAR-based and field geomorphological mapping allowed to constrain the extent of the of DSGSD, expressed by characteristic landforms such as antislope scarps and grabens. The structural analysis and geophysical surveys (ERT and GPR) provided insight into the internal structure of the DSGSD, reaching a depth of >100 m, and supported its mountain-scale spatial propagation. The instability is controlled by inherited faults, deep-penetrating joints and and the stratigraphic contact between brittle caprock overlying weaker rocks. Morphologically, the most prominent deformation is located in the upper part, which is dominated by toppling of flysch blocks with thick-bedded sandstone. The results of the trenching technique and geochronological analyses point to the episodic kinematics of this portion of the DSGSD, revealing a significant displacement event (ca. 9.9 ka) linked to a major climate change occurred after the Late Glacial/Holocene transition.

Chronology of Late Pleistocene glacial advances in a Mount Mercedario catchment, Subtropical Andes of Argentina (32° S)

ABSTRACTGlacial fluctuations leave distinct imprints on the landscapes of mountain environments, such as moraines and outwash terraces, that allow the reconstruction of past environmental changes. Unraveling the environmental history of the valleys of the Subtropical Andes of Argentina poses challenges due to the complex interplay of various surficial processes driven by both climatic and tectonic forces, which affects the preservation of glacial deposits. Consequently, there are few studies on past glaciations in this region compared to the rest of the Andes. This study focused on the lower section of the Blanco River Basin and the piedmont of the Frontal Cordillera in the south of San Juan Province, Argentina. A comprehensive geomorphological map of glacial landforms was created, along with sedimentological studies of outwash terraces. Additionally, numerical ages were obtained for both landforms using terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides for moraine boulders and luminescence dating for sandy layers in the outwash terraces. Our findings reveal at least two glacial advances since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), each associated with distinct outwash levels. The Río Blanco Advance occurred during the LGM, and the Laguna Advance is assigned to the late stages of the LGM, both with their corresponding outwash terraces. Additionally, the Amarillo Advance is believed to have occurred during the Holocene period and an older Marine Istope Stage 5 d named Guanaquito Advance. The provided data add valuable numerical information about glacial fluctuations since the LGM and also reveal the impact of glacial downwasting on piedmont landforms.

Flexible and lightweight metalized polyamide nonwoven for electromagnetic interference shielding, electrothermal, photothermal, and antibacterial applications

The adoption of multifunctional nonwovens (NWs), which have more than one primary use, is increasing worldwide. In this paper, metalized nylon 6 NWs are prepared using nickel–phosphor (Ni-P) plating for electromagnetic shielding, electrothermal, photothermal, and antibacterial applications. The sensitized and activated NWs are deposited in an electroless nickel plating for different durations. The deposition amount increased in the electroless plating process from 1 to 8 min. Afterward, the precipitation rate of Ni-P particles decreases, and the coated surface of the NWs also becomes non-uniform. Surface morphology and elemental analysis mapping showed that Ni-P particles are uniformly deposited on surfaces of Ni-P/NWs with 8 min electroless plating. As a result, it is shown that the sample with 8 min electroless plating is the optimal and best sample to use in the shielding effectiveness of 55.4 dB, and specific shielding of 490.27 dB.cm3.g−1. Also, the optimal specimen has the best electrothermal application with an average maximum temperature of 133.5 °C at 5 V with relative preservation of the necessary properties of the fabric, compared to other prepared samples. Also, this optimal fabric in the photothermal performance, reaches an average maximum temperature of 77.9 °C in 800 mW/cm2. The optimal sample shows significant antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and reaches 62.70 ± 0.20 and 88.30 ± 1.30 % under light irradiation, respectively. The results show that the optimal sample with great washing durability can perform very well in cold environments and exhibit excellent shielding, electrothermal, and photothermal performances which can be used as lightweight electro-heating and shielding fabrics.

Geomorphosites and geomorphological maps applied to public use, tourism and natural heritage management in the Rio Lobos Natural Park (Spain)

Geomorphosites and geomorphological maps applied to public use, tourism and natural heritage management in the Rio Lobos Natural Park (Spain)

Physically-based digital geomorphological mapping: Case study of glacial and karst topography

Digital geomorphological mapping is considered here as a semi-automated procedure of division the land surface into genetically meaningful objects. The basis is automatic segmentation into elementary forms, the smallest and indivisible elements of the land surface, should be geometrically clearly identifiable, with maximal internal homogeneity and clear discontinuities at their boundaries. These elements can then be combined into more complex genetically homogeneous composite forms. Given the crucial role of gravitational energy in landform formation, it should also be considered in elementary land surface segmentation . This research builds on the theoretical foundation of physical geomorphometry, which explores the relationship between gravitational energy and geomorphometric variables. Specifically, we apply the recently published algorithm for physically-based elementary land surface segmentation by Minár et al. (2024), which utilizes dynamic least squares (DLS) generalization within a GEOBIA framework. The algorithm was initially tested in structurally fluvial hilly terrain using nine physically interpretable gravity-specific point-based variables (elevation, slope aspect and gradient, three basic curvatures, and three changes in curvature). In this study, we extend the application of this algorithm to two different areas of the Western Carpathians: the glacial topography of its highest part and a karst plateau. By using a slightly simplified and specifically modified version of the physically-based algorithm, we achieved plausible and genetically interpretable results in both case studies, which confirms the value of physical geomorphometry in geomorphological mapping. Additionally, a novel concept of physical-geomorphometric signature was applied in both case studies as a support for the physical-geomorphometric analysis. The physical-geomorphometric signature is very helpful in the quantitative comparison between various genetic groups of landforms.