Physiographic Analysis Research Articles

Classification of Soil Distribution on the Island of Saparua Based on the Soil Classification System National and the Equivalent to Soil Taxonomy

This research aims to classify the distribution of soils on Saparua Island, Central Maluku Regency, based on the Subardja, D, et al, (2016) and soil taxonomy (SSS, 2022). The benefit of this research is to find out the distribution of soils on Saparua Island to support the regional development plan. The method used is the survey method, with a semi-detailed survey level of a 1:50,000 scale. The pattern of the approach used is a physiographic analysis approach to landscapes, in which the research area is divided into terrestrial units based on the similarity of the properties of the variables that influence soil formation. The base map used in this study is a land unit map with a scale of 1:50,000. The results showed that the factors and processes involved in soil formation in the study area were parent material and topography, leaching, and eluviation processes. The soils found consisted of seven types of soil with 11 subgroups, namely: Regosol Eutric (Typic Udipsamments and Lithic Udipsamments), Litosol (Lithic Udorthents), Kambisol Distrik (Typic Dystrudepts), Kambisol Litik (Lithic Eutrudepts), Gleisol Eutrik (Typic Endoaquents and Aquic Eutrudepts), Gleisol Distrik (Typic Haplaquepts), Podsolik Kandik (Typic Hapludults and Typic Kandik), and Organosol Hemik (Hydric Tropohemists) were also found.

Physiographic Analysis as a Conceptual Approach for the Integrated Study of the Landscape. A Case Study of the Usumacinta River watershed, Mexico

In order to conserve and make adequate use of the services provided by the natural system, it is necessary to know it as a whole, as well as each of its components. Physiographic analysis and classification is a conceptual and methodological approach that facilitates the study of the components of the natural environment in an integral manner. The objective of this study is to show the results of the application of this methodology, which consists of a multicategorical and hierarchical system that includes five categories, which in this case only the first three are represented, up to the level of large landscapes. In the discussion of the results, a brief analysis is presented in which the results of the methodology used are compared with the existing cartography of the area. One of the fundamental conclusions is that the physiographic analysis and classification provides and adjusts fundamental elements to the soil mapping and its correlation with the landscape units in geological, geomorphological and climatic terms.

Physiographic analysis of the Atibaia River Basin and flood susceptibility mapping in the municipality of Campinas-SP, Brazil

This study characterized and analyzed the physiographic factors of the Atibaia River Basin and their influence on flooding processes and evaluated the susceptibility to flooding in the municipality of Campinas during the years 1985 and 2019. At first, geoprocessing techniques and indices defined in the literature were used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Atibaia River Basin regarding its geometric, relief, and drainage attributes and its influence on flooding processes, to provide decision-making support regarding preventive and mitigating actions for the socioeconomic and environmental impacts in the region. The pedogeomorphological characteristics and land use and occupation of Campinas were applied to the Analytic Hierarchy Process using geoprocessing techniques to generate the specific mapping of the municipality’s susceptibility to flooding. The mapping allowed us to identify the critical sites of the municipality of Campinas, choosing priority areas for government action and programs regarding urban and environmental management. It can also guide new studies on the detail scale aiming to prevent and mitigate flooding events.
 Keywords: hydrographic basin, spatial multi-criteria analysis, water risk.

Regional Physiographic Study for the Hydrology of Kali Lamong Watershed Area

This study aims to determine the effect of physiography based on slope and land cover for water control in Kali Lamong watershed. The data used in this research are DEM data and Landsat 8 imagery data. The process of processing slope data is through conversion coordinates system, DEM clip, create slope, reclassify, dissolve shapefile, and slope classification analysis. Landsat 8 data processing goes through a process through conversion coordinates system, composite band, crop composite, extent shapefile, sharpen band, unsupervised classification, and land cover classification analysis. Slope classification maps and land cover classification maps are used for flow coefficient classification for physiographic analysis based on slope and land cover for water control in Kali Lamong watershed. On the land cover classification map, five land classifications were obtained, namely agriculture (158413000 m2), settlements (72701400 m2), industrial land (11571600 m2), plantations (46017800 m2), and waters (15268500 m2). On the slope classification map obtained 5 classifications, as flat with a slope of 0-8% (288469544 m2), as slope with a slope of 8-15% (7656738 m2), as rather steep with a slope of 15-25% (1905360 m2), as steep with a slope of 25-45 (526614 m2), and as very steep with a slope of more than 45% (32148 m2). From the combination of Landsat 8 image data and slope data, flow coefficient analysis was carried out. The flow coefficient is influenced by land cover and slope. From this research, the classification of low flow coefficient is less than 0.25, medium flow coefficient is 0.25-0.5, and high flow coefficient is more than 0.75. The average flow coefficient of Kali Lamong watershed is 0.49 with a moderate flow coefficient classification value. This shows that 49% of the runoff water is in Kali Lamong watershed. The higher the flow coefficient value, the water runs off the surface. So that it can be used as an initial study for the technical planning of Kali Lamong hydrology and the development, improvement, utilization, and control of water flow in Kali Lamong.

Physiographic Analysis of Tehri Dam Catchment and Development of GIUH Based Nash Model for Ungauged Rivers

Advanced information about incoming flows is required for operation of a variety of hydraulic structures including multipurpose storage hydropower projects. Inflow forecasts are used for optimum power generation during non -monsoon season and operation of gates and spillways during the flood season. In order to develop an inflow forecasting system for a reservoir, it has been observed that many a times number of ungauged rivers directly falling into the reservoirs are not accounted for. Such is the case for the Tehri Reservoir, where 16 small rivers/tributaries which are directly contributing to Tehri reservoir are ungauged. In the present study an attempt has been made to carry out physiographic objective Tehri catchment and to develop Geomorphological Instantaneous Unit Hydrograph (GIUH) for ungauged rivers/tributaries directly falling into the reservoir. GIUH developed for the ungauged rivers can be used to simulate the runoff from all the 16 ungauged rivers. Combining these GIUH models with a hydrological model of the other gauged rivers of the Tehri Catchment in the form of a network model provides a complete rainfall-runoff model. Thus, this study provides a useful input for the development of inflow forecasting model for the Tehri Dam as the network model can be used as flood forecasting model.

Шестимерная эпюрная номограмма в четырёхоктантовом измерении

A graphic construction of six-measured nomogram with its subsequent decomposition on four cell-like three-dimensional spatial axonometries with their physiographic analysis is offered in this work. Compact construction of the six-measured nomogram allows obtain fully a graphic illustration for the current experiment and explicitly characterize its physical entity by means of parametric link. A qualitatively new illustrative model graphically connects all experimental cycle of operating parameters by means of projective dependence for Cartesian coordinate system taking into account the materialization of spot measurements. In the course of receiving geometrical images in the form of straight lines’ segments, curves, planes and surfaces during construction of the six-measured nomogram a question about obtaining of each geometrical image’s physical characteristics is set. Regularity of parameters layout on the epure six-measured nomogram’s planes should define physical evolution or its absence in the experiment. In case of construction a graphic dependence between parameters the applicate axis, certainly, is resultant or functional one and all remaining axes are arguments or variables. Geometrical images, such as horizontal planes of level, are involved in the work, and each of these planes expresses the spot measurement of all projective parameters. Horizontally projecting surfaces have been presented by intersection of generatrixes with directing lines that are the transition link of conformance points between two-phase flow’s phases. The compliance axiom is given that is the graphic confirmation for what has been said.

Characterization and mapping of soil classes of the Lajeado Pessegueiro watershed in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Los estudios pedológicos y la caracterización fisiográfica de una cuenca son procedimientos fundamentales para planificar el uso del suelo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar y mapear las clases de suelos de la cuenca Lajeado Pessegueiro, ubicada en Guarujá do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Se delinearon y describieron los tipos de uso y ocupación de la tierra, las clases de pendiente y la fisiografía del área de estudio.Los datos se obtuvieron de 19 perfiles de suelo completos y 9 muestras adicionales. El análisis fisiográfico se realizó con información previa sobre la fotopedología de las características geomorfológicas del terreno, las condiciones climáticas, la vegetación, el uso de la tierra y las condiciones geológicas. La cuenca tiene un relieve predominantemente ondulado (406.51 ha). El uso predominante de la tierra es agrícola, con cultivos anuales temporales (50.09%). La fisiografía predominante es la pendiente erosiva coluvial (35.53%), seguida por la pendiente erosiva (27.13%), la pendiente de la meseta (21.55%), el fondo del valle coluvial aluvial (10.51%) y la pendiente coluvial erosiva (5.23%). Las clases de suelos encontradas fueron Nitosoles Rojos (37.54%), Nitosoles Hálpidos (8.22%), Cambisoles Hálpidos (35.20%), Cambisoles Fluviales (3.92%), Argisoles Rojos (10.09%) y Neosoles Lithólicos (5.04%). Los datos mostraron la importancia de utilizar el análisis fisiográfico del área con técnicas de geoprocesamiento, ayudando a las encuestas pedológicas con la presentación a través de mapas temáticos. Estos mapas sirven como material base en estudios que evalúan los usos del suelo y aquellos que apuntan a contribuir a una mejor planificación del uso del suelo.

GEOMATICS BASED SOIL MAPPING OF THE EASTERN DESERT PART OF SOHAG GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

The aim of this study is to apply the powerful capabilities of advanced remote sensing and GIS techniques to identify and characterize the main physiographic units of some soils of the Eastern Desert Part of Sohag Governorate. A physiographic analysis using visual interpretation of false colour composite (FCC) of Landsat ETM images was carried out to delineate the different physiographic units of the studied area which accurately defined by the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) which generated from the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM). Twelve soil profiles were collected and examined to represent the soils of the studied area. The soils of the studied area are slightly to highly saline (EC values ranged from 3.83 to 10.67 dS/m). Soil texture is mostly sandy to loamy sand. Soil pH values ranged from 7.83 to 8.45. Organic carbon content is very low with a maximum value of 0.35%. Regarding the CEC, it varied from 2.68 to 4.76 cmole+/kg and the CaCO3 ranged from 3.81 to 17.68 %. The soils were classified as Typic Haplocalcids, Typic Torripsamment and Typic Torriorthents. The major landforms of the studied area were described as Wadi Bottom (WB), Bajada (B), Alluvial Fans (AF), Tableland (T), Gently Undulating Sand Sheet (GUS) and Undulating Sand Sheet (US).The data revealed that current capability of soils is moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3) and temporary not suitable (N1). The major limiting factors were texture, topography and salinity. With the application of some scientific and technical improvements, the limiting factors could be mitigated to attain the potential capability of the soils of the study area.

Channel head locations in forested watersheds across the mid-Atlantic United States: A physiographic analysis

Channel heads are the beginning of river networks and thus knowing their location is important in assessing water resources and health threats to fluvial ecosystems. Despite their importance, most channel heads are unmapped. Remote sensing technologies have not yet proven effective under forested canopies, suggesting that predictive models of channel head locations are the best solution to the impracticality of field-mapping the millions of these features that exist in the U.S. alone. In this study, we compared the locations of 253 field-mapped channel heads in forested watersheds across five different physiographic provinces to a suite of landscape attributes to develop statistical relationships and explanations for the occurrence of channel heads. Topographic attributes were best correlated to catchment source areas of channel heads, with local slope being the primary explanatory variable in one physiographic province, local plan curvature in another, and average profile curvature in the other three. We also found an approximate 1:1 relationship between average plan curvature and average profile curvature for channel heads, suggesting that channel heads in the mid-Atlantic U.S. tend to occur at the outlet of bowl-shaped catchments. Although our results are region-specific, the insight gained by investigating site specific processes across a large physiographically diverse area will help promote more general and robust models that can be applied in a range of landscapes.

Geo-environmental mapping using physiographic analysis: constraints on the evaluation of land instability and groundwater pollution hazards in the Metropolitan District of Campinas, Brazil

Geo-environmental terrain assessments and territorial zoning are useful tools for the formulation and implementation of environmental management instruments (including policy-making, planning, and enforcement of statutory regulations). They usually involve a set of procedures and techniques for delimitation, characterisation and classification of terrain units. However, terrain assessments and zoning exercises are often costly and time-consuming, particularly when encompassing large areas, which in many cases prevent local agencies in developing countries from properly benefiting from such assessments. In the present paper, a low-cost technique based on the analysis of texture of satellite imagery was used for delimitation of terrain units. The delimited units were further analysed in two test areas situated in Southeast Brazil to provide estimates of land instability and the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution hazards. The implementation incorporated procedures for inferring the influences and potential implications of tectonic fractures and other discontinuities on ground behaviour and local groundwater flow. Terrain attributes such as degree of fracturing, bedrock lithology and weathered materials were explored as indicators of ground properties. The paper also discusses constraints on- and limitations of- the approaches taken.

Soil resource assessment and mapping using remote sensing and GIS

In this study digital image processing for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping of Solani watershed was carried out using satellite remote sensing data and GIS. Digital image processing of satellite data facilitated in accurately delineating and identifying various soil mapping units. The physiography of the study area is mainly influenced by denudational and colluvial processes in the upper part and by sedimentation processes in the lower part. Topography of the land and nature of parent material along with the time factor seemed to have played a vital role in the genesis of soils. Majority of the mapping units are Typic Haplustepts with Entisols and Inceptisols being the major soil orders. The soils of the Siwalik hills experiences severe erosion, which prevents the maturation of soil profile. The present study demonstrated that satellite remote sensing and GIS is a valuable tool for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping.

Geoinformatics as a tool for the assessment of the impact of ground water quality for irrigation on soil health

Secondary salinisation is the most harmful and extended phenomenon of the unfavourable effects of irrigation on the soil and environment. An attempt was made to study the impact of poor quality ground water on soils in terms of secondary salinisation and availability of soil nutrients in Faridkot district of Punjab of northern India. Based on physiographic analysis of IRS 1C LISS-III data and semi-detailed soil survey, the soil map was finalized on a 1:50,000 scale and digitized using Arc Info GIS. Georeferenced surface soil samples (0–0.15 m) from 231 sites were collected and analyzed for available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Interpolation by kriging produced digital spatial maps of available P and K. Ground water quality map was generated in GIS domain on the basis of EC (electrical conductivity) and RSC (residual sodium carbonate) of ground water samples collected from 374 georeferenced tube wells. Integration of soil and ground water quality maps enabled generating a map showing degree (high, moderate and low) and type (salinity, sodicity and both) of vulnerability to secondary salinization. Fine-textured soils have been found to be highly sensitive to secondary salinisation, whereas medium-textured soils as moderately sensitive to secondary salinisation. The resultant map was integrated with available P and K maps to show the combined influence of soil texture and ground water quality on available soil nutrients. The results show that available P and K in the soils of different physiographic units were found in the order of Ap1 22.5 kg / ha) and medium available K (135–335 kg ha−1) in most of the test sites when irrigated with saline, sodic or poor quality water.

Fisiografia da região do planalto de Poços de Caldas, MG/SP

The physiographic analysis statement is that the understanding of origin and evolution of the landscape can provide the soil's occurrence and characteristics, which are very important in geoenvironmental zoning programs. This paper presents a physiographic analysis based on remote sensing, morphogenetical aspects, altitude and dissecation to decide upon the phisiography of the land. The study was developed in Poços de Caldas's volcanic alkaline plateau between Minas Gerais and São Paulo states. In this area there are some plateaus associated with regolithic soils generated from allochthonous materials. These landscapes were formed by recurrent processes of erosion and neotectonic uplift. The alluvium plains present gleisoils and buried organic matter.

Fisiografia da região do planalto de Poços de Caldas, MG/SP

The physiographic analysis statement is that the understanding of origin and evolution of the landscape can provide the soil’s occurrence and characteristics, which are very important in geoenvironmental zoning programs. This paper presents a physiographic analysis based on remote sensing, morphogenetical aspects, altitude and dissecation to decide upon the phisiography of the land. The study was developed in Pocos de Caldas’s volcanic alkaline plateau between Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo states. In this area there are some plateaus associated with regolithic soils generated from allochthonous materials. These landscapes were formed by recurrent processes of erosion and neotectonic uplift. The alluvium plains present gleisoils and buried organic matter.

Assessing deforestation in the Argentine Chaco

The Argentine Chaco, a semi-arid region with a xerophytic deciduous forest, has been affected by extensive deforestation. A representative area (the Moreno Department in the province of Santiago del Estero covering more than a million hectares) was surveyed using LANDSAT MSS and TM satellite imagery from 1975 to 1999. In the 7 years from 1992 to 1999, more than 273,000 ha were found to have been deforested at an annual rate of 5%. A physiographic analysis of change identified the reduction of the area of native trees and the increase of agricultural land, the degraded areas of abandoned agricultural land and the unproductive shrub land. This study shows that there is an urgent need for rational management of the remaining forest for it to be able to survive beyond the next decades.

Analisis fisiográfico para el levantamiento pedológico semidetallado

Dentro de un levantamiento edafológico semidetallado, se realizó un análisis fisiográfico del área entre los municipios de La Unión, La Victoria, Toro y Obando (Departamento Valle del Cauca, Colombia). El objetivo del trabajo fue la evaluación de la utilización de la metodología del análisis fisiográfico y su clasificación por el sistema CIAF. En el sector se encuentran dos provincias fisiográficas: la Depresión Cauca-Patía y la Cordillera Occidental. En la primera dominan los procesos agradacionales, mientras en la segunda predominan los degradacionales. En la zona plana, los elementos que permitieron el reconocimiento de las unidades de paisaje son: canales de drenaje, uso de la tierra, condición de drenaje y procesos pedogenéticos, que en algunas unidades se manifestaron a partir de cambios de tonalidades observadas por fotointerpretación. En estos sectores el relieve tuvo muy poca importancia debido a que los desniveles en el terreno son de baja significación. En el sector de mayor relieve los elementos que permitieron diferenciar las distintas unidades de paisaje fueron: la configuración de la superficie (relieve y pendientes compuestas), vegetación natural, rocas, patrón de drenaje, material parental y denudación. Se concluye que la metodología aplicada y la clasificación fisiográfica adoptada contribuyeron a entender los procesos que originaron estos paisajes.

Reconnaissance mapping and management of salt-affected soils using satellite images

The Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain is subjected to large scale soil alkalization. In order to map and characterize salt-affected soils, with the aim of applying management techniques, Etah district in Uttar Pradesh, located between 26oo45' to 28o02' N and 78o15' to 79o20' E was selected. Multidate, high resolution, IRS-LISS II, geocoded FCC images on 1550 000 scale were used. Integrating visual image interpretation, physiographic analysis, ground data and laboratory analysis of soil samples, a legend for mapping salt-affected soils (SAS) was formulated. Based on variations in physicochemical properties: nature, intensity and depth wise distribution of salts, five categories of SAS requiring specific reclamation measures were identified. Soil categories S2, S3 and S4 have a gypsum requirement (GR) of 20, 12 and 4t/ha-1 respectively. Reclamation of medium to heavy textured highly alkali soils requires the addition of amendments and a rice-wheat rotation for the initial 3-4 years. Under resource constraints, pit planting of Prosopis juliflora can bring about slow but effective reclamation. The soil category S5 is slightly alkali in the substratum, needing only biological reclamation by growing salt tolerant varieties of rice and wheat crops. Soils of category S1 are saline and need management by hydrological treatments. Incorporation of village boundaries on a map showing SAS would facilitate decision taking in planning reclamation projects and accelarate management operations directly at village level.

Regional, holocene records of the human dimension of global change: sea-level and land-use change in prehistoric Mexico

Regional, Holocene records hold particular relevance for understanding the reciprocal nature of global environmental change and one of its major human dimensions: “sustainable agriculture”, i.e., food production strategies which entail fewer causes of and are less susceptible to environmental change. In an epoch of accelerating anthropogenic transformation, those records reveal the protracted regional causes and consequences of change (often agricultural) in the global system as well as informing models of prehistoric, intensive agriculture which, because of long tenures and high productivities, suggest strategies for sustainable agricultural in the present. This study employs physiographic analysis and the palynological, geochemical record from cores of basin fill to understand the reciprocal relation between environmental and land-use change in the Gulf of Mexico tropical lowland, focusing on a coastal basin sensitive to sea-level change and containing vestiges of prehistoric settlement and wetland agriculture. Fossil pollen reveals that the debut of maize cultivation in the Laguna Catarina watershed dates to ca. 4100 BC, predating the earliest evidence for that cultivar anywhere else in the lowlands of Middle America. Such an early date for a cultivar so central to Neotropical agroecology and environmental change, suggests the urgency of further research in the study region. Moreover, the longest period of continuous agriculture in the basin lasted nearly three millennia (ca. 2400 BC-AD 550) despite eustatic sea-level rise. Geochemical fluxes reveal the reciprocity between land-use and environmental change: slope destabilization, basin aggradation, and eutrophication. The consequent theoretical implications pertain to both applied and basic research. Redeploying ancient agroecologies in dynamic environments necessitates reconstructing the changing operational contexts of putative high productivity and sustainability. Adjusting land use in the face of global warming and eustatic sea-level rise necessitates understanding sediment influxes to coastal basins which, in turn, depend on vegetation, climate, and land use in watersheds.

Physiographic analysis of witness-tree distribution (1765–1798) and present forest cover through north central Pennsylvania

This study analyzed witness-tree data recorded from 1765 to 1798 with respect to landform in four major physiographic provinces represented through north central Pennsylvania. These data were also compared with present-day forest composition to evaluate broad changes that occurred 200 years after European settlement. In the Allegheny High Plateau, Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr. represented 40–47% of witness trees in mountain coves and stream valleys, but only 9% on plateau tops, which comprised 45% Fagusgrandifolia Ehrh. Pinusstrobus L. represented ≤4% frequency across all landforms. The original forests of the Allegheny Mountains were dominated by mixed Quercus, Acer, Castaneadentata (Marsh.) Borkh., and Pinus and had significant T. canadensis only in stream valleys. The presettlement forests of the Allegheny Front and the Ridge and Valley provinces had a similar mix of Quercus, Pinus, Castanea, and Carya, with increased P. strobus on the more mesic sites and Pinusrigida Mill, on the xeric ridges. Comparisons of presettlement with present-day forest composition indicate a dramatic reduction of T. canadensis (32% to 4%) and F. grandifolia (33% to 12%) in the High Plateau and increases in Acer (11% to 37%), Quercusrubra L. (0% to 10%), Prunusserotina Ehrh. (1% to 6%), and Betula (5% to 10%). Other units exhibited reductions in P. strobus, P. rigida, Quercusalba L., and Carya spp. and increases in Quercusprinus L., Q. rubra, Acerrubrum L., and P. serotina. Castaneadentata had its greatest abundance on higher elevation sites in each physiographic unit, and the elimination of this species this century apparently facilitated the increase in Q. prinus and Q. rubra on ridge sites. South of the Allegheny Plateau, increases in A. rubrum, P. serotina, and other mixed-mesophytic species may be in response to fire exclusion this century. The results of this study indicate the importance of landform and physiography on presettlement forest composition as well as the dramatic changes that have occurred as a result of altered disturbance regimes following European settlement.

Satellite remote sensing in soil resource inventory of Dibrugarh district (part), Assam

Remote sensing techniques have been employed to identify and delineate soils in a part of Dibrugarh district of Assam. Landsat-4 MSS data in the form of FCC (4, 5, 7) were interpreted visually for physiographic analysis in conjunction with Survey of India topographic maps. Ground data were translated in terms of soils using composite interpretation map as base. The abstraction level attained was Families of Soil Taxonomy. Four major physiographic units were delineated, viz. active flood plain, recent alluvial plain, gently undulating old alluvial plain and gently sloping to undulating piedmont plain. Dominant soils identified are: coarse loamy Aeric Fluvaquents and fine loamy Typic Udifluvents in active flood plain; fine Typic Haplaquepts and fine loamy Aquic Dystrochrepts in recent alluvial plain; fine loamy Umbric Dystrochrepts and fine Ultic Hapludalfs in old alluvial plain; coarse loamy Typic Udorthents and fine Mollic Hapludalfs in piedmont plain.