Morphostructural Analysis Research Articles

Neotectonic Vertical Movements in the South Sikhote-Alin and Characteristics of Self-Similarity of the Stream Network in the Region

A morphostructural analysis of the relief and fractal analysis of the stream network of the South Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt were carried out. The formation of the relief at the neotectonic period occurred in several stages, which was reflected in the stream network pattern: (1) during pre-Oligocene time there was a general uplift of Sikhote-Alin; (2) activation of vertical neotectonic movements occurred in the Pliocene, which were most intense to the East of the Central Sikhote-Alin Fault and were synchronous with basaltic volcanism; (3) in the Pleistocene, vertical movements of significant amplitude did not occur; at this time, the modern erosion–denudation relief typical of the studied region was formed; and (4) at the end of the Pleistocene and in the Holocene a slight activation of vertical neotectonic movements to the East of the Central Sikhote-Alin Fault occurred, which was reflected in the residual relief peculiarities. Comparison of the morphostructural and fractal analyses showed that the maxima of the PRNS complex parameter of self-similarity are consistent with the areas of greatest increments in elevation and the minima are consistent with the areas of the smallest increment of relief or with the areas of most significant erosion. In the regions with a stage character of neotectonic evolution, the fractal analysis of the stream network should involve additional factors controlled by the peculiarities of the stream network evolution at each stage of the evolution, as well as by the conservative nature of its pattern, which reflect the features of the evolution of the relief at different stages.

New ideas about the Balkan peninsula East Part morphotectonics

Abstract The article introduces the results of the author’s new investigations about the origin, Quaternary morphotectonic evolution and the modern morphostructure of the Bulgarian Continental Microplate in the eastern part of Balkan Peninsula. The research was realized on a base of the contemporary Plate tectonic study principia by means of the morphostructural analysis apply. It was provided the principal relief building role of the regional mosaic pattern and the listric faulting in the Balkan Peninsula East Part.

Relationship between landslide and morpho-structural analysis: a case study in Northeast of Morocco

The study of landslides in the Inaouene watershed (northeastern Morocco) provides information on the relationships between landslides and morpho-structural analysis. Landslides affect part of the slopes and slopes of the valley. The configuration of this relationship is controlled by the combination of several predisposing factors. Two localities were studied, located in similar morpho-structural contexts, but characterized by a different lithology. The first determining factor was lithology, in particular the dominance of friable geological formations, especially marls in the locality of Chebabate and limestone soft formations in the locality of Tahla. The second factor was the tectonics, which is well individualized in the limestone of Tahla; in spite of friable lithology of the marls of Chebabate, one manages to disturb traces of the tectonics notably with the level of intercalation of the sandstone benches. Another factor that controls the dissection and the evolution of the landslides is the precipitation by the effect of abundance of the water of impregnation in the formations. The fieldwork is devoted to the measurement of the different faults encountered in the two localities to make the stereographic projection in order to elaborate canvas. The principal objective of this study is to find the relation between the evolution of the risks of erosion and landslide as well as the various factors, who control their spatiotemporal evolution. The results obtained will help managers and decision-makers in the development of watersheds in order to take the necessary steps to reduce the negative impact of this natural hazard on the environment, the population and their property.

ESTRUTURAÇÃO REGIONAL PRÉ-CRETÁCICA DA IBIAPABA, NOROESTE DO ESTADO DO CEARÁ

A Ibiapaba apresenta lacunas em sua história natural e, por conseguinte, há a necessidade de um maior conhecimento sobre sua geomorfologia. Uma etapa importante para o preenchimento dessa lacuna passa pelo conhecimento da estruturação dos substratos geológicos dos relevos que a compõem, na região noroeste do estado do Ceará. Mais do que influenciar, os aspectos litológicos, tectônicos e cronoestratigráficos, mesmo antigos, influenciam e, por vezes, até condicionam o arranjo geomorfológico em escala regional, o que ocorre na Ibiapaba. Sendo assim, o objetivo principal desse trabalho é analisar os condicionamentos geológicos da estruturação regional de idade pré-cretácica na geomorfologia da Ibiapaba em sua porção setentrional, região noroeste do estado do Ceará. Metodologicamente foram utilizados os pressupostos teóricos da ciência geomorfológica, com ênfase na análise morfoestrutural. Tecnicamente, o contingente metodológico se apoiou nas etapas de gabinete, com detalhados e criteriosos levantamentos bibliográfico e cartográfico, na realização de levantamentos de campo e na análise integrada de todos os dados na etapa de laboratório, com ênfase nos mapeamentos temáticos da Ibiapaba e região. Os resultados alcançados permitem fazer uma análise dos condicionantes geológicos de idade pré-cretácica para o quadro geomorfológico da Ibiapaba, condição básica para o conhecimento do relevo e seus aspectos evolutivos.

Neotectonic vertical movements of the South Sikhote-Alin and characteristics of self-similarity of the stream network

Morphostructural analysis of the relief and fractal analysis of the stream network of the South of the Sikhote-Alin orogenic belt were carried out. The formation of the relief at the neotectonic stage occurred in several stages, which was reflected in the stream network pattern: 1) during pre-Oligocene time there was a general uplift of Sikhote-Alin; 2) in the Pliocene there was an activation of vertical neotectonic movements, most intense to the East of the Central Sikhote-Alin fault and synchronous whith basalt volcanism; 3) in the Pleistocene vertical movements of significant amplitude did not occur, at this time the modern erosion-denudation relief of the region was formed; 4) at the end of the Pleistocene and in Holocene there was a slight activation of vertical movements to the East of the Central Sikhote-Alin fault, which was reflected in the peculiarities of residual relief. Comparison of morphological and fractal analysis results showed, that the maximum of complex parameter of self-similarity PRNS coincide with the areas of greatest increments in elevation and the minima is the smallest increment of relief or whith the areas whith most significant erosion. In regions with the stage character of neotectonic development during fractal analysis of stream network it is necessary to consider additional factors due to the peculiarities of development of the stream network at each stage of development, and conservative of its pattern, reflecting features of the development of the relief in different stages.

Holocene climate pulses and structural controls on the geomorphological estuarine evolution of the Iguape River, São Paulo, Brazil

The Iguape River estuary – located on the southern coast of São Paulo state (Brazil) – presents geomorphological records of the complex processes operating during the Late Holocene. Dating the top deposits of coastal (fluvial, transition and marine deposits) low terraces, contributes to the understanding of the erosive-depositional events resulting from autogenic and allogenic processes. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, grain-size and morphostructural analysis were used to investigate the Late Holocene geomorphological evolution of the Iguape estuary. The results suggest that formation of the Iguape estuary is consistent with a marine incursion triggered by climate pulses by around 2.7 ka. However, the coastline displacement was controlled by base-level adjustments and fluvial incision phases probably induced by fault activity associated with the Guapiara Lineament. Finally, the results show that the estuarine systems in humid tropical regions are significantly sensitive to short time-scale climate events during the Holocene.

Morphostructural Analysis of Lithuanian National and Regional Parks in the Aspect of the Landscape Geography: 1. Methodology

The article deals with Lithuanian efforts in the field of protected areas landscape cognition and contributing to the planning system optimization. The summarizing of the state of the problem is presented with special accent to the experience the Estonia, Slovenia and Catalonia as potentially most similar and perspective for Lithuania. The methodology and the algorithm of the morphological study of landscape structure morphological research of Lithuanian National and Regional Parks in 2018-2019 are presented. Distinct landscape units have been designated as landscape environs and landscape sites and have been designated the highest local levels of its cognition. Special attention is paid for territorial differentiation of the landscape morphological structure, main visual aspects of landscape perception, enhancing the awareness of national and regional parks landscape and contributing to the optimization of spatial planning processes.

Digital cartographic support of geodynamic safety of subsoil use based on UAV technologies

It is established that the problem of digital cartographic support for geodynamic safety based on UAV technologies is the following: on the one hand, a significant increase in accuracy and efficiency of survey work and on the other hand – the lack of new models for approximating the crustal blocks, taking into account the adequacy of their configuration, hierarchy, structure, interaction and geodynamic activity. Traditional technologies are focused on the use of flat models of crustal blocks, which are not adequate and give ambiguous state parameters. The aim of the research is to develop a theory of digital cartographic support for the geodynamic safety of subsurface use, which provides not only the creation of new models of blocks of the earth’s crust based on their selection and identification, taking into account the accuracy of cartographic materials, but also provides an information basis for gaining new knowledge about their stress-strain state according to the structure hierarchy which is necessary to solve this problem. Based on the performed research, it was found that the morphostructural analysis of the cartographic materials of the territory in the area of the mining enterprise, obtained on the basis of UAV technologies, is more informative and automated, covers the latest period up to one million years and takes into account the dependence of their errors on the duration and relaxation of geodynamic processes . The practical use of this theory is safe subsoil use.

Nonlinear dynamics of crustal blocks and faults and earthquake occurrences in the Transcaucasian region

The Caucasus is a part of ongoing collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates, where moderate to strong earthquakes caused significant losses of lives and livelihood in the past. To better understand seismic hazard in the region, we develop a model of block-and-fault dynamics for Transcaucasia, the largest part of the Caucasus to the south of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, to simulate regional earthquakes. The model structure is developed by employing the results of the morphostructural analysis to delineate crustal blocks and the geodetic observations on crustal movements in the region. The model incorporates a nonlinear rate-dependent slip of the faults separating the blocks. A set of numerical experiments has been performed to address the following questions: (i) where strong earthquakes occur and what their reoccurrence time is; (ii) how rigid crustal blocks react to the Arabian plate push and to movements of the ductile part of the crust in Transcaucasia; and (iii) whether the fault slip rates and the block displacements in the model correlate with observed GPS-velocities. The model results confirm that the contemporary crustal dynamics and seismicity pattern in Transcaucasia are determined by the north-northeastern motion of the Arabian plate relative to Eurasia and by the movement of the ductile crust underlying the rigid crustal blocks. Variations in the rheological properties of the fault zones and/or of the ductile crust influence the pattern of seismicity. The number and maximum magnitude of synthetic earthquakes change with the variations in the movements of the crustal blocks and in the rheological properties of the lower crust and the fault zones. The model results can be used in comprehensive seismic hazard assessment of the Caucasus region based on instrumentally observed, historical and synthetic seismicity.

Current Geo-Ecological Problems Within the Lake Khanka Drainage Basin

A brief geographical description is provided for Lake Khanka and its drainage basin where the Russian part accounts for more than 90% of the area. Sixteen rivers on the Russian territory and eight rivers on the Chinese territory flow into the lake. Only one river, Sungacha, flows out of the lake; it is a border river and connects Lake Khanka with the Ussuri river. A historical analysis of the water level dynamics in Lake Khanka for the last 10 thousand years showed that rises of the lake water level, shore erosion, an increase in flood frequency and duration, and an increase of the degree of waterlogging of the valleys corresponded to warm climatic phases. The cold phases showed a decrease in hydraulicity of the rivers and in the lake level, and an enhancement in aeolian processes in the coastal zone of the lake and its river valleys. Seismic processes and changes in groundwater flow can also be responsible for changes in the lake water level. Morphostructural analysis indicates a potentially high seismic activity of this territory and risks of magnitude 8 earthquakes. In the 20th century, the natural processes of water level fluctuations in the lake began to be influenced by anthropogenic factors, such as the water withdrawal for irrigation of paddy fields and streamflow control. The territory of China within the Lake Malaya Khanka drainage basin is the home for extensive paddy systems which are supplied with water from the Muling river basin. The water is then directed to Lake Malaya Khanka, and through the drain facilities it enters Lake Khanka. In fact, an inter-basin transboundary water transfer is carried out, which can affect significantly the water level in the lake. Characteristics of the existing nature management practices in the Russian portion of the lake drainage basin, and also lake pollution assessments are given. The main geo-ecological problems in the Lake Khanka transboundary drainage basin associated with water level fluctuations, geodynamic processes and environmental pollution are identified. Geo-ecological problems are considered to mean changes in natural processes accompanied by the transformation of separate natural components and landscapes in general, and causing, as a rule, negative consequences for humans and for various forms of nature management. The primary and related components of the geo-ecological problems highlighted. The main directions of comprehensive research within the framework of cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in order to work out the plan for governance of sustainable nature management in the transboundary drainage basin of Lake Khanka are suggested.

Polymeric Biomaterials with Complimentary Role in Joint Endoprosthesis. II. Compositional and morpho-structural analysis

Successfully used in bone surgery for more than 65 years, self-hardening organic cements (CCOs), in particular acrylic cements, are today, the most advanced complementary biomaterials used in articular endoprosthesis. One of the strategies for obtaining of performing anchorage of artificial implants is to develop new acrylic cements with improved physical, chemical and biomechanical characteristics. The aim of this paper was to identify the compositional and morpho-structural changes of acrylic cements induced by the composition of the liquid phase of the material. Such changes influence the potential to generate the physical bonds responsible for fixation and stabilization of endoprosthesis. The samples studied had different compositions due to the mixture of acrylic monomers, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BuA) in the liquid component of cement. The MMA / BuA ratio varied between 1/0 v / v and 1/4 v / v. Changes in the composition and morphology of cement samples have been highlighted by ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis), EDX (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), IR spectroscopy and SEM images. The obtained data show that minor changes in cement composition can significantly influence morpho-structural characteristics such as pore size and their distribution in the mass of fixing material.

Análise morfoestrutural na região da bacia de Pelotas a partir do emprego de mapas de anomalia Bouguer e perfis gravimétricos

Dados gravimétricos, inclusive aqueles advindos de missões satelitais, são uma grande ferramenta nos estudos regionais para áreas que envolvam aplicações geológicas e mesmo oceanográficas, pois auxiliam em estudos sobre a caracterização, evolução e o comportamento da crosta terrestre, tanto para áreas continentais como oceânicas. Dados de gravimetria foram usados como subsídio à análise morfoestrutural na região da Bacia de Pelotas-RS. Foi adotado o modelo geopotencial EGM2008 através das anomalias Bouguer, que possibilitou a elaboração de mapas e perfis gravimétricos. Através da análise dos mapas de anomalias Bouguer e perfis gravimétricos gerados, verificou-se que as anomalias Bouguer aumentam positivamente da costa em direção às maiores profundidades oceânicas, o que caracteriza um progressivo afinamento crustal associado à deriva continental. O comportamento das anomalias Bouguer evidenciou a presença de uma ruptura conhecida como Charneira Albo-aptiana ou Falha de Rio Grande na plataforma continental. A incidência de valores de anomalias significativamente positivas na região do Baixo de Mostardas sugere a presença de uma massa de maior densidade nesta região. A resolução dos dados gravimétricos utilizados neste estudo não permitiu evidenciar a presença de paleocanais na região, sendo necessária uma maior resolução espacial, associada a outros métodos de investigação.

Neotectonics and active tectonics of the Dahra- Lower Cheliff Basin (Tell Atlas, Algeria): Seismotectonic implication

Neotectonics and active tectonics in the Dahra region (northern Algeria) are investigated using morpho-structural analysis and field study. This work allowed us to identify several geological structures that exhibit characteristics of typical NE-SW active folds; dissymmetric folds underlined by reverse faults with extrados normal faults. Five “en–echelon” structures were identified, namely, the Djebel Benzekri, the Djebel Semouda, the Abreuvoir, the Bouassas and the Belhacel folds. The determined stress axis from field measurements is comparable to that derived from focal mechanisms solutions of recent earthquakes. The surveyed faults and folds are comparable to that known as seismogenic structures such as the Abou El Hassan and Oued Fodda fault-related folds reactivated during the 1922 (Mw = 6.0) and in 1980 (Ms = 7.3) destructive earthquakes, respectively. As results the offset and the slope determined for these structures could indicate an important rate of deformation. Using the obtained faults parameters the seismic potential is indicated by the capability of these structures to produce Mw > 6.0 earthquakes.

Caractérisation Des Structures Géologiques Par Analyse Morphostructurale d’Image d’Ombrage (ASAR ENVISAT Et MNT SRTM) Et Géostatistique Du Sud De La Côte d’Ivoire

This paper focuses on characterizing the structural lineaments of the South of Côte d’Ivoire by using the morphostructural analysis of shading images technique (ENVISAT/ASAR and SRTM/DTM) and the geostatistical method for a better understanding of the fractured environment. This study is carried out on the basis of techniques of backscattered radar signal and the geomorphological analysis. This technical implementation significantly improves the mapping of the fractures of the study area. The number of fractures is estimated at 778. Direction N100-110° fractures are the longest and most representative. The fracture spacing fits better into the power law. The geostatistical analysis shows that the global fracturing variogram is spatially well structured. The fracture density in cumulative lengths is therefore identified with a regionalized variable. The fracturing map that is obtained represents a basic document in the fields of hydrogeology. This paper can be used for prospecting and production drilling campaigns and can be used also in geotechnics and mining prospecting.

Earthquake hazard and risk assessment based on unified scaling law for earthquakes: Altai–Sayan Region

We apply the general concept of seismic risk analysis based on morphostructural analysis of the territory, pattern recognition of earthquake-prone nodes, and the Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes, USLE, in another seismic region of Russia to the west from Lake Baikal, i.e., Altai–Sayan Region. The USLE generalizes the empirical Gutenberg–Richter relationship making use of apparently fractal distribution of earthquake sources of different size: $$ \log_{10} N\left( {M,L} \right)\, = \,A\, + \,B \cdot \left( {5\, - \,M} \right)\, + \,C \cdot \log_{10} L, $$ where N (M, L) is the expected annual number of earthquakes of a certain magnitude M within an seismically prone area of linear dimension L. The local estimates of A, B, and C allow determination of the expected maximum credible magnitude in a given time interval and the associated spread around ground shaking parameters (e.g., peak ground acceleration, PGA, or macroseismic intensity, I0). Compilation of the corresponding seismic hazard map of Altai–Sayan Region and its rigorous testing against the available seismic evidences in the past is used to model regional maps of specific earthquake risks for population, cities, and infrastructures.

Earthquake hazard and risk assessment based on Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes: Greater Caucasus and Crimea

We continue applying the general concept of seismic risk analysis in a number of seismic regions worldwide by constructing regional seismic hazard maps based on morphostructural analysis, pattern recognition, and the Unified Scaling Law for Earthquakes (USLE), which generalizes the Gutenberg-Richter relationship making use of naturally fractal distribution of earthquake sources of different size in a seismic region. The USLE stands for an empirical relationship log10N(M, L) = A + B·(5 – M) + C·log10L, where N(M, L) is the expected annual number of earthquakes of a certain magnitude M within a seismically prone area of linear dimension L. We use parameters A, B, and C of USLE to estimate, first, the expected maximum magnitude in a time interval at seismically prone nodes of the morphostructural scheme of the region under study, then map the corresponding expected ground shaking parameters (e.g., peak ground acceleration, PGA, or macro-seismic intensity). After a rigorous verification against the available seismic evidences in the past (usually, the observed instrumental PGA or the historically reported macro-seismic intensity), such a seismic hazard map is used to generate maps of specific earthquake risks for population, cities, and infrastructures (e.g., those based on census of population, buildings inventory). The methodology of seismic hazard and risk assessment is illustrated by application to the territory of Greater Caucasus and Crimea.

METHODS OF SEARCHING FOR DIAMOND DEPOSITS ON THE EXAMPLE OF NOVOHRAD-VOLYNSKYI AREA OF UKRAINIAN SHIELD

The article gives an analysis and an assessment of the effectiveness of the methods of studying availability of diamonds of the territory of the Novohrad-Volynskyі block of the Ukrainian Shield. The geological-geophysical and petrographic conditions of the perspective Novohrad-Volynskyi area are described in detail and the search criteria of diamond content are determined. An analysis of the application of modern materials of space surveys in the study of the thermal field of the earth’s surface, structural deciphering and morphostructural analysis is presented in order to predict the manifestations of kimberlite magmatism.

Perovskite type lanthanum manganite: Morpho-structural analysis and electrical investigations

Perovskite-type oxides of LaMnO3 were synthesized by means of the sol–gel method, in the presence of citric acid as gelling agent. The precursors used were Mn(NO3)2·H2O, La2O3, and NaOH, mixed in the stoichiometric ratio to obtain perovskite materials. The obtained gel was heat-treated at 400, 600 and 800 °C respectively, for 6 h. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to analyze the phase transformation as a function of temperature, and the Rietveld refinement was used in order to characterize the materials obtained structurally. The average crystallite size of the products was calculated from XRD data and the average particle size was measured from the TEM micrographs. At 600 °C, the synthesized compound is well-crystallized, showcases a perovskite structure (Pm-3m space group), and exhibits uniform and homogeneous hexagonally-shaped particles, with sizes in the 20–50 nm range. Complex impedance measurements in the 20–2 × 106 Hz frequency range were carried out at different temperatures (26–115 °C), and the electrical conduction mechanism is discussed.

МОРФОСТРУКТУРА ЗОНЫ СОЧЛЕНЕНИЯ СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНОГО КАВКАЗА И КЕРЧЕНСКО-ТАМАНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ, "Геоморфология"

Морфоструктурный анализ, основанный на интерпретации цифровых моделей рельефа и полевых исследованиях, а также новейшие геолого-геофизические данные подтвердили, что складчато-разрывные морфоструктуры Северо-Западного Кавказа продолжаются структурами Керченско-Таманской области и развиваются в единой обстановке сжатия. Направление сжатия при этом меняет вектор с северо-восточного на меридиональное, что выражается в переориентировке осей складчатых морфоструктур и геофизических аномалий с северо-западного на широтное. Уточнены положение и кинематические характеристики разрывных структур, играющих роль западного ограничения орогена Северо-Западного Кавказа. Широко описанная в литературе поперечная Анапско-Джигинская зона сбросового типа имеет диффузный характер и слабо выражена в рельефе. В свете новых данных роль границы горного сооружения приобретает расположенная к востоку от нее Абрауская поперечная зона сбросо-раздвиговой кинематики с вертикальной амплитудой деформаций минимум в 600 м за четвертичный этап. Она выделяется нами в качестве разрывного нарушения регионального значения с функцией ограничения орогена.

EVOLUÇÃO MORFOESTRUTURAL CRETÁCICA DA IBIAPABA SETENTRIONAL, REGIÃO NOROESTE DO ESTADO DO CEARÁ / CRETACEOUS MORPHOSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF NORTHERN IBIAPABA, NORTHWESTERN REGION OF THE STATE OF CEARÁ

doi: 10.12957/geouerj.2017.28327 The Ibiapaba has gaps in its natural history and, therefore, there is a need for greater knowledge about its geomorphological evolution. An important step to fill this gap is the knowledge of the geological-tectonic structuring of the region and the morphostructural processes recorded during the Cretaceous, which are fundamental to the current geomorphological context. Thus, the main objective of this work is to analyze the processes associated with the pre-Cretaceous regional morphostructural evolution in the Ibiapaba geomorphology in its northern portion of the state of Ceara. Methodologically, the theoretical assumptions of geomorphological science were used, with emphasis on morphostructural analysis. Technically, the methodological contingent relied on the cabinet stages, with detailed and careful bibliographical and cartographic surveys, in the field surveys and in the integrated analysis of all the data in the laboratory stage, with emphasis on the thematic mappings of Ibiapaba and region.