Relief Energy Research Articles

Quaternary morpho-stratigraphic evolution of the eastern Campo Imperatore basin (Gran Sasso range, central Italian Apennines) and tectonic implication

ABSTRACT Geological survey and geochronological analyses were conducted in the Campo Imperatore plain to understand its Quaternary morpho-sedimentary and tectonic evolution. In the Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene, low relief energy and steady and warm climatic conditions promoted a long phase of areal peneplanation, resulting in the formation of gently sloping landscape. With further regional uplift and changes in frequency/amplitude of the glacial-interglacial cycles (Early-Middle Pleistocene transition) and after establishment of the expansion-contraction cycles of the Apennine glaciers (Middle Pleistocene), the morpho-sedimentary processes become highly dynamic. In Middle Pleistocene, more than 100 meters of breccias deposited all along the slopes of the Gran Sasso range, followed by higher frequency processes of sedimentation, erosion and pedogenesis of Middle-Late Pleistocene to Holocene fluvio-glacial deposits. These have been progressively offset by synthetic and antithetic normal faults belonging to the Gran Sasso fault system, a 40-km-long seismogenic structure which released in the past earthquakes of Mw~7.

Morphometric Analysis and Prioritization of Sub-Watersheds Located in Heterogeneous Geographical Units—Case Study: The Buzău River Basin

The present study evaluates selected morphometric characteristics of 39 direct tributaries of the Buzău River (area of 4112 km2) to prioritize development actions in these sub-watersheds, which are distributed in three geographical regions within the full Buzău River watershed: the Carpathian, Subcarpathian, and plains regions. By combining a variable number of morphometric parameters, using various mathematical models, we can evaluate the state of balance or imbalance in a watershed and identify sub-watersheds vulnerable to natural processes. Prioritization was achieved using composite (Cp) values by comparing two scenarios. In the first scenario, 11 derived morphometric parameters were used, and in the second scenario, another 7 parameters were added. The obtained values were grouped into five classes (very high, high, medium, low, and very low). Due to the heterogeneity of relief units among geographical regions, there are classification differences for sub-watersheds among those regions. Watersheds classed as very high priority for intervention actions are located in the Carpathian (SW1, SW2, SW15, SW16) and Subcarpathian areas (SW24, SW30), which are characterized by high relief energy and pronounced slope instability, which leads to an increase in the risk of flooding and land degradation. For comparison, all sub-watersheds in the plains region, are classified as very low or low priority. Since the arithmetic mean is sensitive to extreme values, its use in the calculation of composite (Cp) values causes the values to be “eclipsed” and the sub-watersheds to be placed in different prioritization classes (SW18 and SW34), depending on the analyzed scenario, due to the large number of parameters and classified sub-watersheds.

Morphometric characteristics of the relief and assessment of erosional hazards of the Kalaus River basin, Russia, based on digital modelling

In this work, the main goal was to analyse the erosional hazards within the boundaries of the Kalaus River catchment area.The paper analyses the erosive state of the region's lands, for which industry and cadastral maps, a digital elevation model and satellite images were used. Official data of ministries and departments were used. Geographic information systems – QGIS and SAGA GIS – served as the basis for modelling. The article presents the results of GIS modeling of erosional hazards in the territory of the Kalaus River basin. Based on the (DEM) SRTM digital elevation model, the basic morphometric indicators of the relief were calculated: steepness of the slopes and vertical and horizontal dissection of the relief. Based on morphometric indicators, an integral calculation of the energy of relief and erosion hazard was carried out and a series of relevant thematic maps was created. The values of slope steepness obtained within the boundaries of the basin range from 0° to 51° with average values of 2.5°. The horizontal dissection varies in the range from 0 to 0.84 km/km2, and the erosion bases are characterized by a range of values from – 15.0 to 248.6 m, with an average value of 33.0 m. The formation of the erosional potential of the basin’s relief is facilitated by the location of a significant part of the region on the spurs of the Stavropol Upland, which have widely developed slopes. Based on the calculated raster of the integral energy index of the relief, 3 categories of erosional hazard are identified. Most of the basin of the Kalaus River (58.4 %) is characterised by a low erosion hazard, another 39.0 % of the territory presents an average erosion hazard, and the remaining 2.9 % belongs to territories with a strong erosion hazard. The classification of relief surface shapes based on the Iwahashi and Pike method, which was carried out on the basis of a DEM, shows a much greater prevalence of steep slopes with high convexity in the southern part of the Kalaus River basin.The identified features of the level of erosional hazard of the lands of the Kalaus River basin are recommended to be taken into account in preinvestment, pre‐design and urban project planning of the territories of administrative units located within the boundaries of the basin. Despite the fact that the results of GIS analysis cannot completely replace field erosion surveys, their value as a tool for planning rational land use is obvious. The results of the work can be used to carry out a similar assessment in other regions, primarily in the organisation of agricultural production.

Assessing Endokarst Potential in the Northern Sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal)

Karst is a peculiar natural landscape arising from high rock solubility and well-developed underground solutional channel porosity. It is unique for its surface relief (exokarst) and subsurface drainage, including cave systems (endokarst). In Portugal, karst areas mainly consist of marginal or low-density territories with great fragility and vulnerability and great geo-environmental richness that merits better policies and practices regarding their geo-conservation. Endokarst potential assessments can provide decision-makers and local authorities insight into present and future territorial management and planning. In this context, the main objective of this study was to produce a cartographic model to identify areas with a greater probability of containing karstic caves—i.e., a greater endokarst potential—in the northern sector of the Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal). Geological, topographic, hydrogeological, and land cover data were collected, processed, and integrated into a spatial database using a Geographic Information System. The locations of known cave entrances in the study area were also identified from local public institutions and speleological team records. Subsequently, four conditioning factors were extracted from the data: lithostratigraphic units, fracture density, relief energy, and land cover. Using a multi-criteria decision-making analysis, each previously chosen conditioning factor and its respective classes were weighted using an analytic hierarchy process. The locations of known cave entrances served to evaluate the cartographic model built, with results showing an agreement of 81.9%. This prototype of the endokarst potential map for the study area may be used for strategic and operational environmental planning (at least on a local scale) to assist decision-makers, competent authorities, and local speleological teams. Its application may promote a more accurate and thoughtful definition of areas to be investigated, substantially reducing the time and costs associated with field prospecting.

Морфометрические исследования средствами пространственного анализа на примере Днепрово-Донецкого авлакогена

The possibility of studying morphometric parameters of the Earth’s topographic surface using the ArcMap and digital elevation model SRTM3 with a resolution of 90 m to determine neotectonic structures, as well as associated ore clusters and deposits was considered using the method offered by V. P. Filosofov. The authors describe the technology of creating base and vertex surfaces for thalwegs and watersheds of different orders, with the subsequent subtraction of the former from the latter within one order to determine the amount of erosion cut (relief energy). As the object of the study, the Dnieper-Donets aulacogen was chosen, starting west of Kharkov and stretching to the Caspian Sea, wide from Rostov-on-Don to Millerovo. It was noted that the higher the potential relief energy is, the more powerful surface processes will be manifested in the form of active destruction of previously buried (hidden) geological structures with valuable components, which are later to be distributed throughout the territory. This study is proposed to be used to predict and search for latent mineralization; it enables identifying the root source of demolition, rational arranging geological work, and thereby reduces their cost.

Geodiversity assessment for geomorphosites management: Derborence and Illgraben, Swiss Alps

Abstract The paper reports on a geodiversity assessment method at the local scale based on spatial multi-criteria analysis (S-MCA). The study area consists of two geomorphosites: Derborence and Illgraben, located in the Swiss Alps and representative of different types of morphodynamics. Apart from glacial and fluvial landforms, the morphology of these two sites is largely due to extreme phenomena (rockslides, torrential processes). Both areas were incorporated in the list of Swiss geosites for their geomorphological interest. The geodiversity assessment criteria were selected and presented on five factor maps: the relief energy (relative height), the landform fragmentation, the landform preservation, the geological setting and the hydrological factor. The factor maps were aggregated using the weighted linear combination (WLC) technique. The accuracy of the final geodiversity maps of Derborence and Illgraben was verified during a field inspection. The final maps were qualitatively assessed in terms of the geodiversity value of specific areas within the selected geomorphosites. The proposed method allows assessing the intrinsic geodiversity differentiation of large geosites, in particular in protected and conserved areas (PCAs). The results can be used for purposes such as the designation of most valuable parts of the area for the preservation of certain abiotic features, spatial planning or tourism management, at least in the alpine fold mountains.

Controlling factors and mapping of linear erosive features in Santa Maria river watershed –RS

Water erosion is one of the main causes of soil degradation and linear erosion mapping is one of the essential tools for its monitoring. In light of this, the goal from this research is to map the linear erosive features (LEF) of the Santa Maria River Basin (BHRSM), southwest region of RS, and understand which environmental factors are controlling or triggering erosion. In western RS there is a considerable concern associated with erosive processes that occupy large extensions and cause changes in the dynamics of use and changes in the environment. Data on geology, soils, hypsometry, slope, land use, drainage channels and roads were analyzed in a GIS environment. The erosive processes in BHRSM are inherent to the less consolidated sandy substrate, configuring a natural process. The relief energy for the incision of water flows is meaningful, since the LEF are related to moderate slope in portions of medium altitudes. However, anthropogenic action accelerates erosive processes. It is noteworthy that the increase in the area occupied by crops, doubled in the period of 20 years, configuring a new landscape and dynamics for BHRSM, demanding special attention to this region that tends to intensify the erosivy processes

Present-day infralittoral prograding wedges (IPWs) in Central-Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea: Critical issues and challenges to their use as geomorphological indicators of sea level

A census of 83 Infralittoral Prograding Wedges (IPWs) was carried out in the Central-Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, to learn more about their morpho-bathymetric variability and test their reliability as environmental indicators of current sea level. With this aim, a database recording for each wedge the main morphometric indices, the effective fetch and the significant height of the storm waves– here used as proxies for sea state forcing to which they are exposed- and the ground elevation in the backshore - here used as a numerical descriptor of coastal morphology and energy of the relief- was realized (Campania Region IPWs Database).The statistical analysis on the entire IPWs dataset explored the relationship between the environmental and morphometric variables while the Principal Component Analysis grouped the variables into two clusters, governed by sea state forcing and energy of relief in the backshore, respectively. The multi-regression analysis highlighted a significant correlation of IPWs depth with effective fetch and extreme significant wave height and a moderate correlation with the ground elevation in the backshore. The outcomes that emerged from the observational law on present-day IPWs were then applied to relict IPWs, currently lying on the continental shelf and at the shelf margin, with the aim of establishing their original depth of formation. This procedure aims to solve the non-trivial issue, namely that concerning the reliability of paleo-IPWs as proxies for past sea levels. Thus, a simplified equation based only on the use of geographical variables is proposed here to roughly establish the original depth (with errors of few metres) of paleo-IPWs, whose geographical exposure is known and the effective fetch computable. Although the applicability of this method suffers from spatial and temporal restrictions, due to the girth of the original dataset, it provides a first analytical procedure for gauging the original depth of formation of paleo-IPWs which, over the last decade, have been increasingly used as environmental indicators of past sea levels. This study highlights the relationship between the depth of these sedimentary coastal bodies and sea storm wave climate at a regional scale and provides clues for the use of their past counterparts as morphological proxies of past sea level stands. Further developments of this study would use a wider dataset so as to extend the observational law on present-day IPWs to a Mediterranean scale and strengthen the applicability of the method to a spatially broader set of paleo-IPWs.

Preliminary analysis of a LiDAR-based landslide inventory in the area of Samobor, Croatia

The paper presents an analysis of the LiDAR-based landslide inventory for the area near Samobor, in northwestern Croatia with two main objectives: i) to define the geological units (obtained from Basic Geological Map of Croatia) most susceptible to landslides, and ii) to analyse the limitations of the Basic Geological Map and its applicability in landslide susceptibility map design. Within the study area of 63.8 km2, 874 landslide polygons were manually outlined, covering an area of 2.15 km2. The landslide outline confidence level, landslide index and the relief energy map were used to analyse the landslide susceptibility of a particular geological unit. By that, units in the same state of stress, i.e., in the same relief energy group were compared. This preliminary analysis has shown that the geological units Pl,Q, M3 1,2, and 1M3 1 are the most susceptible to landslides and that older geological units, Pc and K1,2, are also prone to landslides. Still, landslides within those older units can be considered as old and inactive. As for the limitations of the Basic Geological Map of Croatia, three things emerged, namely scale, the geological unit defining approach, and the neglect of regolith. Despite the limitations presented, the usability of the Basic Geological Map of Croatia in the development of small-scale landslide susceptibility maps is emphasized. However, instructions that should attribute engineering geological features to the geological units outlined in the Basic Geological Map should be prepared in the near future.

Reconstruction of Nineteenth-Century Channel Patterns of Polish Carpathians Rivers from the Galicia and Bucovina Map (1861–1864)

Historical maps are often the only source of information allowing for the regional reconstructions of river channel patterns in the past. In the Polish Carpathians, analyses of historical channel patterns were performed mostly in river reaches scale. In this paper, the Galicia and Bucovina map (1861–1864) (the Second military survey of the Habsburg Empire) was used to reconstruct and map the historical channel patterns of seven rivers from the Polish Carpathians. It was found that, in the nineteenth century, rivers in the western part of the study area (Soła, Skawa, Raba, Dunajec) supported a multi-thread channel pattern, whereas rivers in the eastern part (Wisłoka, San, Wisłok) present a mostly single-thread channel pattern. These differences probably result from the higher relief energy and precipitation, lower proportions of forests in the catchments, and more frequent floods favouring high sediment supply to the fluvial system, and thus the formation of multi-thread reaches in the western part of the study area. At the local scale, the most important factor supporting multi-thread channel pattern development was the availability of gravel sediments in the wide valley floor sections. The formation of anabranching reaches with a single mid-channel form was probably associated with the channel avulsion process. There is no clear evidence linking the change in the channel pattern type with an abrupt change in the river channel slope. This study confirms the usefulness of the second military survey map of the Habsburg Empire for the regional reconstruction of river channel pattern types.

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations in central Sardinia: insights into the geomorphological evolution

ABSTRACT In this study, we analyse deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) in central Sardinia. The area is characterised by plateaus with a prominent limestone scarp overlying metamorphites. A comprehensive mapping of structural, karst, fluvial, and slope morphologies in Pardu and Ulassai valleys is presented herein. The uplift linked to the Plio-Pleistocene tectonic activity leads to high-slope topography, which favours gravitational processes, such as DSGSDs and rock-avalanches. Although DSGSD is a common phenomenon in the relief of the central Mediterranean region, it has never been studied in Sardinia. We describe the kinematic models and geomorphological evolution of DSGSD in Sardinia for the first time. The application of light detection and ranging, high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry, and geological, structural, and geomorphological surveys enabled a depth morphometric analysis and the development of interpretative three-dimensional models. The geo-structural setting and high relief energy associated with recent upliftment are the major controlling factors of DSGSDs.

An Extraordinary OER Electrocatalyst Based on the Co−Mo Synergistic 2D Pure Inorganic Porous Framework

AbstractIn this paper, three Compounds have been synthesized via conventional solution method. Compound 1 is a pure 2D (two dimensional) inorganic {CoO6Mo8O28}n framework. In the structure, the rare {γ‐Mo8O28} units connect into 1D chains via vertex‐sharing mode, and further assemble into 2D frameworks by {CoO6} octahedral linkers. This Compound was proved to be a cost‐effective pre‐catalyst with excellent catalytic performances due to presence of cobalt for water oxidation with low overpotential of 293 mV at 10.0 mA cm−2 and small Tafel slope of 53 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic activity can be maintained for a quite long time with the retention rate of 94 % within 24 hours. Compared with 1D {γ‐Mo8O26}n (Compound 2) and 0D {α‐Mo8O26} (Compound 3), the Co−Mo complex catalyst based on compound 1, featured with Co‐doped 2D {Mo8O28}n porous framework and Co−Mo synergistic effect, which is supported by the high resolution XPS of Co 2p and Mo 3d, exhibits an extraordinary electrocatalytic reaction for water oxidation. The work shown here enriches inorganic polyoxometalate (POM) – based functional material applied to relief energy crisis.

Formation of the asymmetric pattern of a river lithological catchment basin in relation to specific features of the tectonic structure of the territory

A digital terrain model of the Izh River lithological catchment basin located within the Russian Plain was developed on the basis of the ESRI ArcGIS 10.4 technologies using the SRTM 30 data. The Hydrology tool of the Spatial Analyzer set was applied to vectorize the river network and boundaries of the individual catchments forming the Izh River basin. The basin area was evaluated by a complex of morphometric indicators, such as geometrical indices (the area, the basin length, and width, the length of erosion network, the roundness coefficient) and geomorphologic indices (mean absolute elevation of the basin and the altitudinal difference, the basin slope, gradient and density of the river network, the energy of relief). The analysis of morphometric indices proved that the right bank is structurally most pronounced in relief and differs from the relatively flattened left bank in a number of indicators, namely absolute elevation difference, surface slope, gradient of the river network, and ruggedness of relief. The highest asymmetry coefficient suggests the asymmetric configuration of the basin which is due to the left-hand shift of the catchment towards the right bank. The spatial analysis of geological-tectonic organization of the basin revealed heterogenic tectonic structures and showed the correlation of relief structure of the Izh River with the spatial pattern of tectonic structures. It is argued that the basin asymmetry is, on the one hand, due to the difference in tectonic structures of its right and left bank areas, and, on the other hand, owing to the intrusion of several right-bank tributaries of the Kama River, which is the main watercourse of the 1st order, into the left-bank part of the Izh River basin. Thus, it is shown that the asymmetry of the basin could be explained by the presence of tectonic contacts, which separate geological structures different in lithological composition, genesis and age, in which the rivers have channeled their ways.

Disentangling polygenetic relief of low mountains at the margin of inland glaciation – Upper Nysa Szalona drainage basin, Sudetes, Central Europe

The drainage basin of the upper Nysa Szalona river in the West and Middle Sudetes shows polygenetic topography considered representative for the low- to medium-altitude mountain belt of Central Europe. It consists of mountain ridges and massifs, uplands and intramontane basins, with total relief energy up to 400 m. Geology is diverse and includes pre-Variscan basement rocks, here represented mainly by greenschists and slates, and post-Variscan sedimentary cover of Permian age. Volcanic rocks of various ages occur subordinately. In the Middle Pleistocene the area was invaded by the Scandinavian ice sheet and only the highest elevations remained as nunataks. Mountain and upland morphology in detail is controlled by lithology and structure, manifested in distinctive structural grain and association of higher ground with more resistant greenschists. Relief on Permian rocks is more subdued, except for the volcanic ones, and two shallow basins are excavated in Permian sedimentary rocks, with their margins coinciding with the lithological boundaries. Rock strength variability accounts for up to ~200 m of relative relief, whereas higher elevation differences are due to non-uniform uplift in the late Cenozoic. However, the area lacks typical mountain fronts, which are replaced by broader belts of surface deformation. The impact of inland ice was modest and only a few short epigenetic gorges were eroded. The contemporary topography of the area integrates landforms resulting from rock-controlled denudation, non-uniform uplift and glacial imprint, which evolved over the protracted timescale of the late Cenozoic.

Análise da Energia do Relevo e do Uso e Cobertura da Terra na Bacia Hidrográfica do córrego Acôgo, MS

The Acôgo stream watershed is located in the Miranda Depression. Thus, the basin is located in the transition between the Pantanal Plain and the Maracajú-Campo Grande Plateau, presenting social, cultural, and environmental dynamics typical of the region marked by the existence of large rural properties that carry out extensive livestock. The native vegetation suppression of Brazilian Cerrado for implantation of exotic pastures is facilitated by the flattened relief. This paper aims to analyze the dynamics of land use and coverage correlating it with the geomorphometric dynamics (Relief Energy) of this watershed. The Relief Energy map expresses a mathematical measurement of the relief, and originates from the synthesis between the Letters of Interfluvial Amplitude, Altimetric Amplitude and Declivity. Although the basin presents geomorphometric potential for morphodynamic stability, it is unbalanced when climatic, pedological, geological, and anthropic factors are analyzed, and geomorphometric stability proved to be a facilitator of anthropic occupation for the use of pastures. Its implementation led to a sharp deforestation, with only 24.82% of forest remnants left in the basin to 73.76% of pastures. The analysis and environmental planning of the basin should be based on the observance of the various elements involved, seeking to address anthropic and natural issues, aiming to contribute to its dynamic balance. Thus, it is indicated the need to adoption conservation practices of vegetation and improvement of existing pastures, which can meet the needs of economic activity without the continuity of the removal of forest remnants.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МОРФОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ РЕЛЬЕФА НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ЛАНДШАФТОВ ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНОГО СКЛОНА БОЛЬШОГО КАВКАЗА

Purpose: To reveal the role of high energy of slope relief in the formation and differentiation of modern mountain geosystems of the Southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus by assessing the degree of horizontal dissection, slopes of slopes and landscape-morphometric tension of territories with various landscape complexes with subsequent mapping of the ecogeographic situation in order to ensure rational land use and environmental safety. Methodology and Approach: On the basis of field and office studies, data on the state of the soil and vegetation cover, the author analyzed the impact of morphometric indicators on the exodynamic conditions of landscape belts, identified individual landscape-morphological blocks according to the degree of morphometric tension, schematic maps reflecting the impact of horizontal dissection and slopes of slopes on the natural complexes of the territory. Results: The author, through a comparative analysis of quantitative morphometric indicators from different ranks of landscape complexes, showed that there is a close correlation between them, i.e. differentiation, fragmentation and small contour of mountain landscape geosystems, and each landscape unit is distinguished by its own morphometric indicators, which also determine their exogeodynamic stability. It was revealed that the highest intensity of 5 points is characteristic of the territory covering steep slopes within the heights, which are characterized by the development of subnival, alpine meadow and subalpine complexes. The results of field and office studies were reflected in the compiled cartographic materials, which made it possible to carry out a spatial analysis of the development of the exodynamic situation on the territory of the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus. Theoretical and Practical implications: Based on the generalization of the results of the research carried out, the territories most exposed to exogenous relief-forming processes can be identified, a more detailed study is carried out and the exodynamic situation is more objectively assessed. The results of the study will make it possible to carry out effective economic planning, to identify priority areas for the implementation of anti-erosion and phyto-reclamation measures in mountain areas.

Оценка эрозионной опасности рельефа на основе цифрового моделирования

On the basis of a digital elevation model (DEM) based on generalized data from USGS STRM DEM and ASTER GDEM with a resolution of 3″ with the help of GIS technologies, a morphometric analysis of the territory of the perm Territory at a scale of 1:2.5 million was carried out and a series of morphometric maps was created, as well as an assessment map of the erosion hazard of the relief. According to the results of morphometric analysis, the values of the index of vertical dissection of the relief in the region vary within the range of 0–623 m with an average value of 44 m. The steepness of slopes varies from 0 to 40° with average values of 3°. The horizontal dissection, determined on the basis of the thalweg network of permanent and temporary streams, varies in the range of 0.145–1.202 km/km2. Comparison of morphometric indicators in key areas with the data obtained by traditional methods of morphometric analysis revealed their coincidence at the level of gradations. The following geomorphological factions curtains: wide development of slope surfaces with elevation differences over 50 m and slopes exceeding 3°. According to the results of cartometric analysis, such conditions characterize 35 % of the region’s area. More than half of the region’s area (60 %) has an average density of erosional dissection of 0.5–0.8 km/km2, another 36 % of the area is characterized by moderate values of 0.2–0.5 km/km2. The calculated relief energy index has a value of 3–13 points; on its basis, 4 categories of relief erosion hazard were identified. In accordance with the results obtained, most of the perm Territory (63.0 %) is characterized by a low erosion hazardous relief, 36.6 % by a medium and highly erosion hazardous. The share of land, the relief of which is characterized by zero erosion potential, is 0.4 % of the region’s area.

A Probabilistic Assessment of Soil Erosion Susceptibility in a Head Catchment of the Jemma Basin, Ethiopian Highlands

Soil erosion represents one of the most important global issues with serious effects on agriculture and water quality, especially in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, where rapid population growth and climatic changes affect widely mountainous areas. The Meskay catchment is a head catchment of the Jemma Basin draining into the Blue Nile (Central Ethiopia) and is characterized by high relief energy. Thus, it is exposed to high degradation dynamics, especially in the lower parts of the catchment. In this study, we aim at the geomorphological assessment of soil erosion susceptibilities. First, a geomorphological map was generated based on remote sensing observations. In particular, we mapped three categories of landforms related to (i) sheet erosion, (ii) gully erosion, and (iii) badlands using a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). The map was validated by a detailed field survey. Subsequently, we used the three categories as dependent variables in a probabilistic modelling approach to derive the spatial distribution of the specific process susceptibilities. In this study we applied the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). The independent variables were derived from a set of spatial attributes describing the lithology, terrain, and land cover based on remote sensing data and DEMs. As a result, we produced three separate susceptibility maps for sheet and gully erosion as well as badlands. The resulting susceptibility maps showed good to excellent prediction performance. Moreover, to explore the mutual overlap of the three susceptibility maps, we generated a combined map as a color composite where each color represents one component of water erosion. The latter map yields useful information for land-use managers and planning purposes.

Análise morfométrica das bacias de captação das cachoeiras do município de Pelotas (Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil): subsídios para ações de geoconservação

O trabalho tem como objetivo identificar e analisar as características morfométricas das bacias de captação das cachoeiras do Arco-Íris, Imigrante e Paraíso, localizadas no município de Pelotas (Brasil), visando estratégias de geoconservação e promoção dessas feições geopatrimoniais com evidente valor intrínseco e reconhecido valor turístico. A metodologia proposta abrangeu: (a) a delimitação das bacias de captação das três cachoeiras, (b) a identificação e análise da energia do relevo e de outros parâmetros morfométricos elementares e, (c) trabalhos de campo para coleta dos pontos de localização das cachoeiras e verificação dos resultados. A análise dos parâmetros morfométricos possibilitou a identificação e compreensão de potencialidades e limitações das bacias de captação que drenam para as cachoeiras, indicando áreas e condições de atuação dos processos morfogenéticos que comprometem a integridade da bacia hidrográfica e, por consequência, podem atuar na estrutura e dinâmica das cachoeiras sob pesquisa. Neste sentido, a partir destes dados, é possível realizar propostas e estratégias de geoconservação das bacias de captação, uma vez que as cachoeiras estudadas são reconhecidas enquanto geopatrimônio do município de Pelotas e precisam ser preservadas em decorrência de seus valores intrínsecos, econômicos e turísticos.

Italian cooperation with Mozambique: explaining the emergence and consolidation of a normative power

AbstractItaly has developed a long-dated partnership with Mozambique, where it has emerged as an actor committed to norm promotion in the fields of conflict management, debt relief, and sustainable energy cooperation. This paper challenges the dominant interpretation of such a cooperative relationship that emphasizes ideational motivations and focuses, instead, on the role of Italian investors in the sectors of infrastructure and energy and of the Italian economic diplomacy. A favorable institutional and political climate in Italy has channeled investors' demands in the policy process since the independence of Mozambique. The late institutionalization of Italian development policy, the long gestation of the reform of development policy, and the lack of clear-cut borders between the competences of foreign and development cooperation institutions have empowered business groups that shape the investment strategy of the Italian foreign ministry as actors in development policy-making. Finally, convergence of interests between Italian investors and the NGO Sant'Egidio, which ultimately led to a partnership between these actors, has increased the legitimacy of Italian foreign and development policy toward Mozambique, contributing to consolidating Italy as a norm promoter in the country.