Complex Mountain Research Articles

Characteristics of Coastal Low‐Level Jets Over Beibu Gulf, China, During the Early Warm Season

AbstractWe investigated coastal low‐level jets (CLLJs) over Beibu Gulf, China, during the warm season (May to July) using hourly model simulations from a mesoscale weather research and forecasting model with a 9‐km horizontal resolution. Two high‐incidence CLLJ areas were identified over Beibu Gulf: one located on the leeward side of the Annamite Range that prevailed after sunset and the second off the northwestern coast of Hainan Island that reached its maximum intensity at midnight. The upstream wind of the Annamite Range was too weak to pass over the range during the daytime due to strong turbulent mixing near the land surface of Indochina; however, due to the suppression of the turbulent mixing after sunset, the flow intensified and crossed over the Annamite Range and further formed a hydraulic jump jet downstream. In addition to advection effect from upstream, topographic blocking effect of Hainan Island contributed to the CLLJ off the northwestern coast of Hainan Island, which persisted during the day but became more prevalent at midnight. Further momentum budget analysis and sensitivity experiments indicated that the upstream inertial oscillation due to the diurnal variation in turbulence over land was the primary source of the CLLJ over the ocean. These findings reveal the primary mechanism of CLLJs over Beibu Gulf, providing insight into CLLJ formation in other coastal regions with complex mountain ranges.

Discussion on position of China’s north-south transitional zone by comparative analysis of mountain altitudinal belts

The Qinling Mountains has always been regarded as an essential dividing line between the warm temperate zone and the subtropical zone in eastern China and plays a vital role in the geoecological pattern of China. However, there is controversy about the specific location of this geographical boundary in the academic community. As a product of the combined effects of zonal and non-zonal factors, the mountain altitudinal belts (MABs) can reflect both the horizontal zonality and the vertical zonality of vegetation distribution. Using the MAB information, we can not only profoundly understand the complex mountain system of Qinling-Daba Mountains but can also judge its nature as a geographical boundary more scientifically. Therefore, based on the comparative analysis of basal belt, dominant belt characteristics and belt structure characteristics of the MABs in Qinling-Daba Mountains, subtropical and temperate mountains, this paper analyzed the MAB differences and similarities among Qinling-Daba Mountains, subtropical and temperate typical mountains, to reveal the vegetation distribution characteristics in the north-south transitional zone. The results show that: (1) The MABs of the southern part of Qinling-Daba Mountains (southern slope of the Daba Mountains) are the same or similar to those of the Subtropical Mountains, and the MABs of the northern part of Qinling-Daba Mountains (northern slope of the Qinling Mountains) are similar to those of the temperate mountains. While it shows obvious transitional characteristics in the vast area between the northern slope of the Daba Mountains and the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains: the basal belts gradually transit from the evergreen broad-leaved forest belt (basal belt in subtropical mountains) to the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest belt, and the dominant belts also transit from the evergreen broad-leaved forest belt to the evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest belt or the deciduous broad-leaved forest belt. (2) The transitional zone between the subtropical zone and the warm temperate zone is located between the northern slope of the Daba Mountains and the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains. The southern boundary of the transitional zone is along the northern slope of Shennongjia Mountain-the northern slope of Micang Mountain-Baishuijiang Nature Reserve, and the northern boundary is along the southern slope of Funiu Mountain-the southern slope of Taibai Mountain-Lianhua Mountain. Additionally, in the transitional zone, the average temperature in January is between -5°C and 1°C, the annual average temperature is between 10°C and 13°C except Hanzhong Basin and Hanshui Valley, and the accumulated temperature above 10°C ranges from 2000°C to 4000°C, the annual rainfall is about 800–1000 mm. The results provide a scientific basis for revealing the characteristics of China’s north-south transitional zone and scientific division of the boundary between the subtropical zone and warm temperate zone in China.

Variations in organic carbon sourcing along a trans-Himalayan river determined by a Bayesian mixing approach

Rivers transfer particulate organic carbon (POC) from eroding mountains into geological sinks. Organic carbon source composition and selective mobilization have been shown to affect the type and quantity of POC export, but their combined effects across complex mountain ranges remain underexplored. Here, we examine the variation in organic carbon sourcing and transport in the trans-Himalayan Kali Gandaki River catchment, along strong gradients in precipitation, rock type and vegetation. Combining bulk stable nitrogen, and stable and radioactive organic carbon isotopic composition of bedrock, litter, soil and river sediment samples with a Bayesian end-member mixing approach, we differentiate POC sources along the river and quantify their export. Our analysis shows that POC export from the Tibetan segment of the catchment, where carbon bearing shales are partially covered by aged and modern soils, is dominated by petrogenic POC. Based on our data we re-assess the presence of aged biospheric OC in this part of the catchment, and its contribution to the river load. In the High Himalayan segment, we observed low inputs of petrogenic and biospheric POC, likely due to very low organic carbon concentrations in the metamorphic bedrock, combined with erosion dominated by deep-seated landslides. Our findings show that along the Kali Gandaki River, the sourcing of sediment and organic carbon are decoupled, due to differences in rock organic carbon content, soil and above ground carbon stocks, and geomorphic process activity. While the fast eroding High Himalayas are the principal source of river sediment, the Tibetan headwaters, where erosion rates are lower, are the principal source of organic carbon. To robustly estimate organic carbon export from the Himalayas, the mountain range should be divided into tectono-physiographic zones with distinct organic carbon yields due to differences in substrate and erosion processes and rates.

New records of <i>Bokermannohyla ibitipoca</i> (Anura, Hylidae)

Bokermannohyla ibitipoca is a small-sized frog restricted to the Mantiqueira Mountain Complex, Brazil, and is currently categorized as Data Deficient in the Red List of Threateed Species of the IUCN. Here we report new records of B. ibitipoca throughout Minas Gerais state, Brazil and provide a distribution map of the species.

Elevation Effects on Air Temperature in a Topographically Complex Mountain Valley in the Spanish Pyrenees

Air temperature changes as a function of elevation were analyzed in a valley of the Spanish Pyrenees. We analyzed insolation, topography and meteorological conditions in order to understand how complex topoclimatic environments develop. Clustering techniques were used to define vertical patterns of air temperature covering more than 1000 m of vertical elevation change. Ten locations from the bottom of the valley to the summits were monitored from September 2016 to June 2019. The results show that (i) night-time lapse rates were between −4 and −2 °C km−1, while in the daytime they were from −6 to −4 °C km−1, due to temperature inversions and topography. Daily maximum temperature lapse rates were steeper from March to July, and daily minimum temperatures were weaker from June to August, and in December. (ii) Different insolation exposure within and between the two analyzed slopes strongly influenced diurnal air temperatures, creating deviations from the general lapse rates. (iii) Usually, two cluster patterns were found (i.e., weak and steep), which were associated with stable and unstable weather conditions, respectively, in addition to high-low atmospheric pressure and low-high relative humidity. The results will have direct applications in disciplines that depend on air temperature estimations (e.g., snow studies, water resources and sky tourism, among others).

Wind characteristics in the high-altitude difference at bridge site by wind tunnel tests

With the development of economy and construction technology, more and more bridges are built in complex mountainous areas. Accurate assessment of wind parameters is important in bridge construction at complex terrain. In order to investigate the wind characteristics in the high-altitude difference area, a complex mountain terrain model with the scale of 1:2000 was built. By using the method of wind tunnel tests, the study of wind characteristics including mean wind characteristics and turbulence characteristics was carried out. The results show: The wind direction is affected significant by the topography, the dominant wind direction is usually parallel to the river. Due to the sheltering effect of the mountain near the bridge, the wind speed and wind attack angle along the bridge are both uneven which is different from that at flat terrain. In addition, different from flat terrain, the wind attack angle is mostly negative. The wind profiles obey exponential law and logarithmic law. And the fitting coefficient is consistent with the code which means that it is feasible to use the method of wind tunnel test to simulate complex terrain. As for turbulence characteristics, the turbulence intensity is also related to the topography. Increases sheltering effect of mountain increases the degree of breaking up the large-scale vortices, thereby increasing the turbulence intensity. Also, the value of turbulence intensity ratio is different from the recommended values in the code. The conclusions of this study can provide basis for further wind resistance design of the bridge.

Creating New Near-Surface Air Temperature Datasets to Understand Elevation-Dependent Warming in the Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau has been undergoing accelerated warming over recent decades, and is considered an indicator for broader global warming phenomena. However, our understanding of warming rates with elevation in complex mountain regions is incomplete. The most serious concern is the lack of high-quality near-surface air temperature (Tair) datasets in these areas. To address this knowledge gap, we developed an automated mapping framework for the estimation of seamless daily minimum and maximum Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) for the Tibetan Plateau from the existing MODIS LST products for a long period of time (i.e., 2002–present). Specific machine learning methods were developed and linked with target-oriented validation and then applied to convert LST to Tair. Spatial variables in retrieving Tair, such as solar radiation and vegetation indices, were used in estimation of Tair, whereas MODIS LST products were mainly focused on temporal variation in surface air temperature. We validated our process using independent Tair products, revealing more reliable estimates on Tair; the R2 and RMSE at monthly scales generally fell in the range of 0.9–0.95 and 1–2 °C. Using these continuous and consistent Tair datasets, we found temperature increases in the elevation range between 2000–3000 m and 4000–5000 m, whereas the elevation interval at 6000–7000 m exhibits a cooling trend. The developed datasets, findings and methodology contribute to global studies on accelerated warming.

Field measurements and wind tunnel investigation of wind characteristics at a bridge site in a Y-shaped valley

It is essential in a bridge design to study the wind parameters at the bridge site, particularly in a complex mountain area where the wind characteristics vary from location to location. The aim of this paper is to study the wind characteristics in a Y-shaped valley in mountainous terrain, the site of a proposed long-span bridge. Data recorded continuously for almost two years by a Doppler Sodar observation system installed at the bridge site was analysed. The results show that the terrain-induced effect plays a significant role in the wind direction variation and there are regular changes in characteristics depending on the direction. To supplement the full-scale measurements, wind tunnel tests were also carried out using a high-precision terrain model at a scale of 1:1500. Vertical profiles of velocity and turbulence at key points along the bridge, and the lateral profile along the bridge axis were studied. The results from the different test directions showed the influence of the incoming flow field particularly shielding and channelling effects which contribute to wind deceleration and acceleration at the bridge location respectively. Furthermore, the speed-up of the valley and mountaintop is evident and there is greater acceleration at the mountaintop.

Novelties from the Northern Mountains Complex of Madagascar V: A new threatened Pandanus (Pandanaceae) from the Kalobinono massif

Callmander, M.W., R. Razakamalala, I. Luino, R.L. Andriamarisoa & S. BUERKI (2020). Novelties from the Northern Mountains Complex of Madagascar V: A new threatened Pandanus (Pandanaceae) from the Kalobinono massif. Candollea 75: 99–105. In English, English and French abstracts.A new species of Pandanus Parkinson (Pandanaceae) endemic to Madagascar is described as Pandanus kalobinonensis Callm., Razakamal. & Luino and illustrations are provided. The new species is restricted to the north-western lowland moist evergreen forests of the Kalobinono massif. Pandanus kalobinonensis can easily be morphologically distinguished from other members of the genus by its small solitary globose syncarp borne on a short peduncle, monocarpellate drupes, and single spiniform stigma with an adaxial stigmatic groove. Despite the occurrence of both collections within limits of the newly designated Galoko-Kalobonino Protected Area, the new species is preliminary assessed as “Endangered” [EN] using the IUCN Red List Criteria.

Impacts of Topography on the Land Cover Classification in the Qilian Mountains, Northwest China

There are many disagreements and uncertainties among global land use/land cover (LULC) products, which make it unsuitable to apply these products directly to a specific region. In this study, Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time-series data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) with 250 m spatial resolution, combining with geographic features, were used for LULC classification in the Qilian Mountains, northwest China. The authors tested the Random Forest (RF), the Classification and Regression Tree (CART), and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Their final classification product was also compared with 3 global LULC maps. The results showed that (1) topographic information could improve the classification results to some extent when they were integrated with spectral information in complex mountain regions; (2) the classification results using an RF classifier reached the highest overall accuracy (88.84%); (3) there was consistency with homogenous classes between our classification result and the 3 LULC products, but inconsistency with heterogeneous classes; and (4) the overall accuracy of this study was improved about 10% compared with the 3 LULC products. Therefore, this classification product is more suitable than global LULC products when considering complex terrain factors in mountain regions.

Fenites of the Miaskite–Carbonatite Complex in the Vishnevye Mountains, Southern Urals, Russia: Origin of the Metasomatic Zoning and Thermodynamic Simulations of the Processes

Mineral zoning in fenites around miaskite intrusions of the Vishnevye Mountains complex can be interpreted as a magmatic-replacement zonal metasomatic aureole (in D.S. Korzhinskii’s understanding): the metasomatic transformations of the fenitized gneisses under the effect of deep alkaline fluid eventually resulted in the derivation of nepheline syenite eutectic melt. Based on the P–T–fO2 parameters calculated from the composition of minerals coexisting in the successive zones, isobaric–isothermal fO2–aSiO2 and µNa2O–µAl2O3 sections were constructed with the Perplex program package to model how the fenites interacted with H2O–CO2 fluid (in the Na–K–Al–Si–Ca–Ti–Fe–Mg–O–H–C system). The results indicate that the fluid–rock interaction mechanisms are different in the outer (fenite) and inner (migmatite) parts of the zonal aureole. Its outer portion was dominated by desilication of rocks, which led, first, to quartz disappearance from these rocks and then to an increase in the Al# of the coexisting minerals (biotite and clinopyroxene). In the inner part of the aureole, fenite transformations into biotite–feldspathic metasomatic rocks and nepheline migmatite were triggered by an increase in the Na and Al activities in the system alkaline H2O–CO2 fluid–rock. As a consequence, the metasomatites were progressively enriched in Al2O3 and alkalis, and these transformations led to the development of biotite in equilibrium with K–Na feldspar and calcite at the sacrifice of pyroxene. The further introduction of alkalis led to the melting of the biotite–feldspathic metasomatites and the origin of nepheline migmatites. The simulated model sequence of metasomatic zones that developed when the gneiss was fenitized and geochemical features of the successive zones (differences in the LILE and REE concentrations in the rocks and minerals of the fenitization aureole and the Sm–Nd isotope systematics of the rocks of the alkaline complex) indicate that the source of the fluid responsible for the origin of zonal fenite–miaskite complexes may have been carbonatite, a derivative of mantle magmas, whereas the miaskites were produced by metasomatic transformations of gneisses and subsequent melting under the effect of fluid derived from carbonatite magmas.

Seismogenic Source Model of the 2019, Mw 5.9, East-Azerbaijan Earthquake (NW Iran) through the Inversion of Sentinel-1 DInSAR Measurements

In this work, we investigate the Mw 5.9 earthquake occurred on 7 November 2019 in the East-Azerbaijan region, in northwestern Iran, which is inserted in the tectonic framework of the East-Azerbaijan Plateau, a complex mountain belt that contains internal major fold-and-thrust belts. We first analyze the Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) measurements obtained by processing the data collected by the Sentinel-1 constellation along ascending and descending orbits; then, we invert the achieved results through analytical modelling, in order to better constrain the geometry and characteristics of the seismogenic source. The retrieved fault model shows a rather shallow seismic structure, with a center depth at about 3 km, approximately NE–SW-striking and southeast-dipping, characterized by a left-lateral strike-slip fault mechanism (strike = 29.17°, dip = 79.29°, rake = −4.94°) and by a maximum slip of 0.80 m. By comparing the inferred fault with the already published geological structures, the retrieved solution reveals a minor fault not reported in the geological maps available in the open literature, whose kinematics is compatible with that of the surrounding structures, with the local and regional stress states and with the performed field observations. Moreover, by taking into account the surrounding geological structures reported in literature, we also use the retrieved fault model to calculate the Coulomb Failure Function at the nearby receiver faults. We show that this event may have encouraged, with a positive loading, the activation of the considered receiver faults. This is also confirmed by the distribution of the aftershocks that occurred near the considered surrounding structures. The analysis of the seismic events nucleated along the left-lateral strike-slip minor faults of the East-Azerbaijan Plateau, such as the one analyzed in this work, is essential to improve our knowledge on the seismic hazard estimation in northwestern Iran.

Multi-Scale Evaluation of the TSEB Model over a Complex Agricultural Landscape in Morocco

An accurate assessment of evapotranspiration (ET) is crucially needed at the basin scale for studying the hydrological processes and water balance especially from upstream to downstream. In the mountains, this term is poorly understood because of various challenges, including the vegetation complexity, plant diversity, lack of available data and because the in situ direct measurement of ET is difficult in complex terrain. The main objective of this work was to investigate the potential of a Two-Source-Energy-Balance model (TSEB) driven by the Landsat and MODIS data for estimating ET over a complex mountain region. The complexity is associated with the type of the vegetation canopy as well as the changes in topography. For validating purposes, a large-aperture scintillometer (LAS) was set up over a heterogeneous transect of about 1.4 km to measure sensible (H) and latent heat (LE) fluxes. Additionally, two towers of eddy covariance (EC) systems were installed along the LAS transect. First, the model was tested at the local scale against the EC measurements using multi-scale remote sensing (MODIS and Landsat) inputs at the satellite overpasses. The obtained averaged values of the root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) were about 72.4 Wm−2 and 0.79 and 82.0 Wm−2 and 0.52 for Landsat and MODIS data, respectively. Secondly, the potential of the TSEB model for evaluating the latent heat fluxes at large scale was investigated by aggregating the derived parameters from both satellites based on the LAS footprint. As for the local scale, the comparison of the latent heat fluxes simulated by TSEB driven by Landsat data performed well against those measured by the LAS (R = 0.69, RMSE = 68.0 Wm−2), while slightly more scattering was observed when MODIS products were used (R = 0.38, RMSE = 99.8 Wm−2). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that (1) the TSEB model can be fairly used to estimate the evapotranspiration over the mountain regions; and (2) medium- to high-resolution inputs are a better option than coarse-resolution products for describing this kind of complex terrain.

Wind Waves in the Strait of Georgia

ABSTRACT The Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada, is an important ocean region in which wave and weather conditions can vary rapidly in time and space because of the complex mountain topography that surrounds it. Here we analyze existing observational data and a newly developed near real-time numerical wave model, forced by modelled local winds and ocean currents, to characterize the surface wave conditions of the Strait under a variety of wind and weather conditions. Wave heights are generally largest in the northern Strait. However, we find that there are some deficiencies in the existing observational data, with buoy measurements in the northern Strait overestimating wave heights by as much as 0.4 m. The wave modelling also shows that strong tidal flows near Discovery Passage and Boundary Pass lead to increased wave heights, but current-related increases are not predicted near Sand Heads because of deficiencies in the numerical ocean current model. Outflow wind conditions in the Fraser Valley result in large waves south of Point Roberts but Howe Sound outflows do not noticeably affect significant wave heights offshore of Howe Sound. Stokes drift associated with surface waves can cause surface drifts as large as 20% of the directly wind-driven surface currents but is minimal for winds less than about , which characterize the Strait most of the time. Whitecap fractions throughout the Strait are similar to open-ocean conditions (i.e., 1–2% at moderate wind speeds) but about twice as high in the southern region of the Strait during strong outflow conditions.

Interplay between topography, fog and vegetation in the central South Arabian mountains revealed using a novel Landsat fog detection technique

AbstractIn the central South Arabian mountains of Yemen and Oman, monsoon fog interception by the endemic cloud forest is essential for ecosystem functions and services. Yet, we know little about the local factors affecting fog distributions and their cumulative effects on vegetation. To examine these relationships, we developed a novel method of high‐resolution fog detection using Landsat data, and validated the results using occurrence records of eight moisture‐sensitive plant species. Regression tree analysis was then used to examine the topographic factors influencing fog distributions and the topoclimatic factors influencing satellite‐derived vegetation greenness. We find that the interplay between the complex mountain topography and the incoming fog results in heterogeneous fog densities. Specifically, fog accumulates against steep windward slopes and landforms, resulting in hotspots of fog interception, while lower fog densities occur in leeward locations. We also find that fog distributions correlate with patterns of vegetation greenness, and overall, that greenness increases with fog density. The layer of fog density describes patterns of vegetation greenness more accurately than topographic variables alone, and thus, we propose that regional vegetation patterns more closely follow a fog gradient, than an altitudinal gradient as previously supposed. The layer of fog density will enable an improved understanding of how species and communities, many of which are endemic, range‐restricted and in decline, respond to local variability in topoclimatic conditions.

Farmer Attitudes and Regional Risk Modelling of Human–Wildlife Conflict on Farmlands Bordering the Boland Mountain Complex, South Africa

Human–wildlife conflict in unprotected areas, especially those bordering reserves, has resulted in the global home range and population size reduction of naturally occurring wildlife. Simultaneously, rural communities and commercial farmlands at the interface of human development and natural habitat face severe threats to their livelihoods and agricultural security, often resulting in the vast eradication of real or perceived damage-causing animals (DCAs). The knowledge of local people was relied on to elucidate the dynamic and interwoven social, economic and ecological factors giving rise to the largely undocumented conflict between landowners and wildlife adjacent to the Boland Mountain Complex, South Africa. Subsequently, the spatial location of observed and expected zones of species-specific risk on a regional level was anticipated and mapped using a maximum entropy algorithm. The highest level of tolerance by farmers was shown for primates and ungulates, while tolerance for carnivores, avifauna and invasive or feral species were comparatively lower. The results presented in this manuscript will enable the prioritization of locations and species to create improved mitigation and management plans. It will furthermore provide for more accurate allocation of conservation resources to minimize conflicts, optimize agricultural yield, reduce wildlife off-take, and ultimately ameliorate human–wildlife conflict.

Analysis of the ASTER Image Topographic Correction Method in Complex Mountain Areas

The phenomenon of “anisotropic reflection” caused by gradient and aspect changes in complex mountain areas has large disturbance on the spectral information of ground feature in remote sensing images, which will further affect the inversion of surface information based on the spectral characteristics of ground feature. Topographic correction is an effective means to weaken the topographical effect and improve the inversion accuracy of spectral reflectance of remote sensing images. Ten topographic correction methods, such as Teillet regression, VECA, Cosine, Cosine-B, Cosine-C, Cosine-T, C, SCS, SCS+C and Minnaert, were used to conduct topographic correction of ASTER remote sensing images in the complex mountain areas of Qulong, and visual effects, statistical results and spectral changes of ground features were used to quantitatively evaluate the correction results. The results show that the topographic effect in the study area is weakened to different degrees. Teillet-regression correction model has the best correction effect and the topographic effect is weakened to the maximum extent. VECA, cosine-c, and Minnaert calibration models followed. Teillet-regression model can be used as topographic correction model in complex mountain areas.

Power Tower extraction method under complex terrain in mountainous area based on Laser Point Cloud data

The accurate extraction and location of pole tower point cloud in massive laser point cloud data of transmission line is the basis of airborne laser LiDAR line inspection application. In view of the current complex mountain terrain pole tower point cloud extraction depends on manual intervention, low accuracy, low efficiency and so on. An automatic extraction method of line tower point cloud based on three-dimensional grid spatial distribution feature is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the three-dimensional grid of the original point cloud of the preprocessed transmission line is divided, and the spatial distribution characteristics of the point cloud in the statistical line corridor are analyzed (point cloud density, elevation histogram, terrain elevation distribution, ground object elevation distribution). In this way, the tower point cloud is extracted, and the least square space line fitting method is used to accurately locate the tower position, so as to realize the automatic extraction and accurate location of the tower point cloud. The extraction algorithm is verified by the transmission line laser point cloud data obtained from the actual inspection of a power grid company, and the integrity of the extracted tower point cloud data is 95%, and the average positioning error of the tower position is 9cm. The experimental results show that the method has good rapidity and accuracy.

Can inpainting improve digital terrain analysis? Comparing techniques for void filling, surface reconstruction and geomorphometric analyses

AbstractThe investigation of form and processes in geomorphology and ecology is highly dependent on topographic data: a reliable digital terrain representation is in fact a key issue across environmental and earth sciences. In many cases, the processing of high‐resolution topographic data (e.g., light detection and ranging (LiDAR), structure from motion) has to face issues such as void filling, vegetation/feature removal and interpolation accuracy that are usually related to (i) intrinsic limitations of the adopted technology, (ii) local conditions affecting the survey or (iii) specific design scenario. In this paper, we develop a methodology to test the accuracy of an image inpainting algorithm to fill data voids in complex mountain areas. The devised experiment exploits the availability of a high‐resolution, LiDAR‐derived digital terrain model and the inpainting approach accuracy is checked against some widely used interpolation techniques (natural neighbor, spline, inverse distance weighting, kriging). In order to better mimic the actual surface texture, a methodology to introduce local topographic variability to the interpolated surface is also presented. The results show a better performance of the inpainting algorithm especially in the case of complex and rugged topography. Two examples showing an effective usage and accuracy of the proposed technique are reported, highlighting the drawbacks that a poor surface representation can introduce. The whole procedure is made freely available within a Matlab® script with the addition of sample files. ©2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ©2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DS-InSAR技术在复杂艰险山区滑坡形变监测中的应用前景研究

DS-InSAR技术在复杂艰险山区滑坡形变监测中的应用前景研究