Surficial Features Research Articles

Insight into the defluoridation efficiency of lateritic soil

The need to explicate the mechanisms that underlies the defluoridation of potable water using lateritic soil necessitated this study. Raw laterite sample was thermally treated at varying temperatures that ranged between 100 °C and 1000 °C to determine the effects of thermal treatment on the surficial features and the defluoridation efficiency. The influence of hydrochemistry (i.e., pH, ionic strength, and anionic interference) on the defluoridation efficiency of the lateritic soil was studied. The determination of the effects of thermal treatment on the performance efficiency of the laterites sample showed that the presence of surface hydroxyl group enhanced the defluoridation efficiency. The kinetic analysis of the process showed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation gave the best description of the process. The evaluation of the influence of ionic strength on the defluoridation efficiency showed that the interaction between the LT0 and the aqua phase F− occurred via inner sphere complex formation. The assessment of the impact of the initial F− solution pH value on the process showed that the possible mode of interaction between the LT0 and the aqua phase F− include electrostatic attraction, ligand exchange, and H‐ bonding. The evaluation of anionic (NO3−, Cl− PO43−, CO32−, and SO42−) interference on the process showed that the mode of interaction between the LT0 and the F− occurred via specific adsorption. Laterite can be effectively used in aqua defluoridation, except where the presence of specific interfering ionic species are abundant. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13107, 2019

Characterization of strain-burst rock fragments under a scanning electron microscope – An illustrative study

Fractures around excavations in hard, fine-grained, brittle rock sometimes display unique patterns from which an interpretation of the manner of failure/fracture propagation can be made. Igneous rock fragments from a strain-burst event at a site in Western Australia have been studied under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in order to characterize their surficial features. SEM image analysis indicates that anisotropy, a contrast in geomechanical properties, geometry and contact patterns present at the micro-scale as they do at the large mine/drive scale. It is proposed that these micro-scale features can lead to anisotropic material behaviour and stress concentrations that manifest as strain-burst events.

3D 360° surface morphometric analysis of pounding stone tools used by Hadza foragers of Tanzania: A new methodological approach for studying percussive stone artefacts

Surface morphometry comprises a relevant set of techniques that provide objective tools to identify, map, and understand use wear patterns in stone tools. Thus far, these techniques have been applied mainly to 2D or 2.5D data, but their application to 3D 360° data is promising and still underdeveloped. Here, we apply new 3D techniques to calculate morphometric variables and to analyse surficial features and changes in pounding stone tools used for baobab processing among Hadza foragers of Tanzania. Baobab pounding stones were collected after use by Hadza foragers for processing the plant food and then 3D point clouds were acquired from laser scanners and SfM photogrammetry. Morphometry was conducted directly on 3D point clouds to avoid time-consuming and surface modifications related to more complex 3D data, such as meshing. Several morphometric variables were computed for the complete pieces (360° sphere) providing fast and accurate data to identify the detailed morphometric features of the artefacts. Additionally, stone surface changes due to baobab processing were measured by comparing the stone surface before and after use, thus enabling calculation of spatial abrasion patterns. Data were interpreted using multivariate exploratory statistical analysis. Differences in the effect of processing on surface morphology are likely explained by variations in raw source material and use. Results suggest that the traces produced by baobab processing on stone tools should be detectable in the archaeological record.

Evaluation of Fibroblasts Cells Viability and Adhesion on Six Different Titanium Surfaces: An in vitro Experimental Study.

The topographical surficial characteristics and properties of materials can induce different cell reactions regarding the viability and adhesion according to the recent patents. The aim of this in vitro experimental study was to evaluate the viability and adhesion of fibroblastic cells seeded on titanium disks with different surface topography. In addition, we revised all patents related to surface treatment of dental implants. Fibroblast cells were cultured on 6 surface models: mA disks corresponding to titanium surfaces without additional treatment (machined surface) were compared with mB disks, where surfaces were sandblasting etching using aluminum oxide; mC disks where titanium oxide was used for sandblasting etching; mD disks where triple acid conditioning was used; mE disks with laser treated surface; and mF disks which were made of titanium powder by a sintering process. Different surfaces were analyzed using an optical laser profilometer and SEM analysis. To evaluate cell viability on different disc surfaces, a fibroblast cell line derived from monkey kidney (VERO) was in vitro cultured on treated disks surface and cell viability assays were performed to compare growth of fibroblastic cells. Then, the adhesion of the cells was tested by washing procedure. The disks mA, mB, mC and mD less pronounced rugosities were observed and, disc in the mE and mF disks displayed a deeper pronounced surface. The cell viability and adhesion analysis showed significant higher levels on titanium disks surface obtained by the mF method. Our analysis showed that the surface morphology of titanium disc, independent of the roughness parameters, affects cell viability and adhesion differentially, since a higher percentage of viable and attached cells were observed on the mF disks in comparison with the other evaluated surfaces.

Mapping and Analyzing Stream Network Changes in Watonwan River Watershed, Minnesota, USA

Much of the Watonwan River tributary system to the upper Mississippi River basin (UMR), and the fluvial systems to which it drains, are listed as impaired under the United States Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act303(d) and/or by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. In addition, eutrophic conditions and excessive sedimentation rates exist in Lake Pepin, a riverine lake to which the UMR drains. Thus, understanding the hydrogeomorphic change throughout the UMR is vital in order to establish appropriate efforts to mitigate environmental hazards downstream. This study attempts to evaluate hydrogeomorphic change at the watershed scale in the Watonwan River watershed between 1855 and the near present. Historical plat maps, digital elevation models (DEMs), aerial images, soil/topographic characteristics, land-use change, and field surveys are analyzed. Surficial hydrologic features digitized from historical plat maps are compared with contemporary stream networks extracted from high-resolution DEMs. Scale effects are investigated using multi-resolution (1 m, 3 m, 8.5 m, and 30 m) DEMs, with 8.5 m DEMs being ideal for watershed scale analysis, and 1–3 m DEMs being ideal for subwatershed analysis. There has been a substantial hydrogeomorphic change in the watershed since 1855, but most significantly, we interpret that the highest rates of erosion occur in the eastern watershed, where knickzone propagation has produced substantial relief.

Dependency of acidic and surficial characteristics of steamed Y zeolite on potentially effective synthesis parameters: Screening, prioritizing and model development

There is still no known extensive study prioritizing potentially effective parameters governing NaY zeolite thermochemical treatment process. To fill this knowledge gap, comprehensive investigation of potentially effective parameters of this process affecting the resulting USY zeolite acidic and surficial properties was performed. In this regard, Plackett Burman screening method was used to set up an experimental design. Synthesized NH4+Y zeolite were thermo chemically treated and characterized using XRD, FESEM, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and NH3–TPD techniques. The effects of steaming temperature and duration, steam flow rate and partial pressure, steaming repetition and washing EDTA molarity were studied; accordingly, most of them are of great importance. The effective parameters of thermochemical treatment process were prioritized regarding their impact on acidic properties and surficial characteristics of the synthesized USY zeolite as steaming repetition, temperature, washing EDTA molarity, steam partial pressure, duration and steam flow, respectively. Five models were developed, all including six synthesized parameters and the interactions between them. Using the developed prediction expressions, the maximum values for Si to Al molar ratio, acidity, BET surface area, average pore size and pore volume were found to be 11.75 ± 1.19, 4.17 ± 0.47 mmol NH3/g, 739 ± 17 m2/g, 20.7 ± 0.9 Å and 0.351 ± 0.008 cm3/g, respectively.

Interpretation of dynamic response of a very complex landslide (Latian-Tehran) based on ambient noise investigation

Single station ambient noise measurements were performed in 122 points on a complex landslide at the left bank of Latian Dam reservoir in the north-east of Tehran (Iran), to investigate the seismic site response of a landslide, especially the nature and causative factor of directional site amplification. Recorded data were analyzed through the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio technique to obtain the resonance frequencies (f0), spectral ratio amplitude (A) and orientation and intensity of directional response over sliding and surrounding area. The results have a great coherence to geotechnical and geological investigation result and are tightly related to the landslide structure in such a way that outside the sliding area there is no or negligible sign of directional response. In general the result revealed two range of frequencies with high amplitude and directivity over the landslide mass; the first one around 1.2Hz, ubiquitous, that seems to be related to normal mode vibration of the entire unstable mass, named as underlying layer in this paper. The second one at higher frequencies that is spatially variable over the landslide, which seems to be related to the effect of local surficial features (such as local sharp curvatures and ridges or blocks detached by tension fractures). Directional response pattern of both the underlying layer and surficial features is controlled by 2D or 3D features causing higher amplitude in the most kinematically free direction. It seems that the seismic response of the underlying layer at the surface is modified by directional filtering of the overlying superficial layer. This modification effects tightly related to the transfer function of surficial features especially their cross-coupling terms. Based on this study, a general rule is proposed to declare conditions which are essential to induce severe directional response at a specific site.

Graphene–CNT composite as catalyst support for microwave-assisted hydrogen releasing from liquid organic hydride

A series of composites comprised of graphene (rGO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) with various weight ratios of them have been synthesized. The catalytic performance of the Pt catalysts supported on the rGO–CNT composites has been evaluated in the dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydride (decalin) for hydrogen releasing and compared with that of Pt/rGO and Pt/CNT catalysts. Both microwave irradiation and conventional heating methods have been adopted for the reaction. The structural and surficial features of the composites and rGO as well as CNT have been characterized by means of several techniques. The thermal behaviour of different carbon materials under microwave irradiation has been measured. The results show that there is an optimal CNT weight content in the composites leading the Pt/rGO–CNT0.17 catalyst to the best performance that cannot be achieved by the other catalysts including Pt/rGO and Pt/CNT as well. This has been ascribed to the most plentiful interface formed between rGO and CNT of a proper content, which is beneficial to the deposition of the Pt nanoparticles having the highest catalytic activity. Additionally, the strong coupling effect of carbon materials with microwave irradiation gives rise to better catalytic performance in comparison to conventional heating due to its capability to induce higher reaction temperatures. Nevertheless, the intrinsic catalytic properties of the Pt catalysts supported on different carbon materials are independent on the heating modes.

Microtextural Inheritance on Quartz Sand Grains from Pleistocene Periglacial Environments of the Mazovian Lowland, Central Poland

AbstractSand grains from Quaternary glacial, aeolian and fluvial deposits in the Mazovian Lowland, central Poland, were examined to characterize the effects of different Quaternary processes on sand‐grain surfaces that experienced repeated cycles of intense polar‐desert‐like conditions during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. A cold, dry and windy periglacial environment prevailed here at least twice between the Saalian (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6) and Holocene (MIS 1) stages. Because the surface characteristics of quartz sand grains can provide important palaeoenvironmental information, we examined grains extracted from sediment samples in different landforms to determine their surficial features from scanning electron microscope images. The grain surfaces were dominated by microtextures characteristic of aeolian‐induced grain transformation, indicated by a high percentage of well‐rounded, low‐relief‐worn grains with dish‐shaped depressions, bulbous edges and upturned plates. Although remnants of previous sedimentary cycles were occasionally observed, aeolian effects were dominant even in glacial and fluvial settings. Quartz microtextures indicated that none of the examined grains represented their original setting, but rather suggested remobilisation under periglacial conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A study on behavioral influence of glutamic acid and histidine on morphology and fluorescence activity of cadmium-doped fluorapatite

A vivid and viable study was conducted on cadmium-doped fluorapatite (Cd-FAp) with sequential change in the proportion of surface modifiers, glutamic acid and histidine amino acids on its crystal growth. The cadmium-doped fluorapatites were prepared by co-precipitation method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM micrographs revealed that with higher amount of glutamic acid, the surficial features of Cd-FAp particles were in rose petal-like morphology, while with higher histidine, particles displayed sporadic boulder-like shapes. The fluorescence spectra revealed that the Cd-FAp exhibits blue emission in solid state at room temperature and their fluorescence intensity enhanced with increase in the proportion of the amino acids used.

Pilot Study Using the Augmented Reality Sandbox to Teach Topographic Maps and Surficial Processes in Introductory Geology Labs

ABSTRACTSpatial thinking is often challenging for introductory geology students. A pilot study using the Augmented Reality sandbox (AR sandbox) suggests it can be a powerful tool for bridging the gap between two-dimensional (2D) representations and real landscapes, as well as enhancing the spatial thinking and modeling abilities of students. The AR sandbox involves a real box of sand with virtual contour lines and a water flow model created using a three-dimensional (3D) scanning camera, visualization software, and a projector. It was used in undergraduate, physical geology courses to teach topographic maps and surficial features and processes. The instructor demonstrated topographic concepts (contour lines, topographic profiles, etc.), and students engaged in model building of coastal and fluvial environments (drainage basins, cutoffs, longshore transport, sea-level rise, spits, flooding, etc.). The virtual water flow model was used to illustrate water flow dynamics on surface features. With the AR sandbox connected to a computer monitor, students could simultaneously see 3D landscapes in the sandbox and their corresponding 2D images on the monitor. Students used camera phones to capture landscape models they built and submitted them via e-mail for grading. Exit surveys indicated students were overwhelmingly positive (97%) in their perception of how the AR sandbox improved their understanding of learning objectives. They also preferred AR sandbox activities when compared to traditional laboratories that used only topographic maps. Effective classroom use of the AR sandbox required developing student-modeling exercises that took advantage of real-time feedback, virtual water, and physical modeling activities. While data are limited and more research is needed, real-time feedback on student models by both the students and the instructor suggests sandbox models are particularly useful for dispelling student misconceptions.

Modelling Complex Terrain of Reef Geomorphological Structures in Harapan-kelapa Island, Kepulauan Seribu

Detail and accurate information on reef geomorphology structure feature as one significant factor for ecosystem based management of coastal and small islands resources. Most applications of remote sensing and GIS in coral reef studies were directed to map reef substratum and coverage of benthic habitats. The objective of this study was to analyze bathymetric dataset in order to classify reef geomorphology structure in Harapan-Kelapa Island, Kepulauan Seribu. Bathymetric data-set applied were, collated from WorldView-2 satellite and single-beam acoustic remote sensing using Mapsounder 585, examined using ArcGIS®, Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) to classify seabed environment into several geomorphology classes. Stepwise calculations of broad and fine Bathymetric Position Index (BPI) were applied into each grid, surficial characteristics of the seabed were analyzed according to several sets of scale-factor, and finally structures of the seabed were classified into 13 geomorphic classes.

Variations of Microwave Scattering Properties by Seasonal Freeze/Thaw Transition in the Permafrost Active Layer Observed by ALOS PALSAR Polarimetric Data

Radar backscattering properties can be extremely sensitive to the freeze/thaw states of the ground surface. This study aims to evaluate the changes of L-band microwave scattering characteristics between thawed and frozen conditions by using polarimetric scattering mechanism indicators. ALOS PALSAR polarimetric mode data acquired in winter and spring seasons over Eastern Siberia are used in this study. Experimental results show that the actual scattering mechanisms and their seasonal variations over various forested and non-forested permafrost ecosystems can be successfully characterized by the polarimetric target decomposition parameters and the polarimetric coherences. In addition, fully polarimetric radar observations exhibit great potential for mapping land cover types and surficial features in the permafrost active layer. Particularly, the co-polarization coherences on the HV-polarization basis and circular-polarization basis were found to be very useful for discriminating different surficial geocryological characteristics in recently burnt forests and thermokarst regions.

Application of multisine nanoscale impedance microscopy to heterogeneous alloy surface investigations

In the recent years atomic force microscopy is recognized as valuable tool for investigation of surficial features of construction materials. It concerns, among other things, studies of changes caused by such phenomena as galvanic corrosion, passivation associated with the growth of oxide layers, or sensitization of austenitic steels with the formation of carbide phases. In addition, atomic force microscopy allows easy coupling with impedance technique which is especially promising because of its versatility in investigations of both conductive and dielectric materials. The authors discuss the possibility of application of such type of measurement, known as impedance microscopy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Azimuthal anisotropy beneath north central Africa from shear wave splitting analyses

AbstractThis study represents the first multistation investigation of azimuthal anisotropy beneath the interior of north central Africa, including Libya and adjacent regions, using shear wave splitting (SWS) analysis. Data used in the study include recently available broadband seismic data obtained from 15 stations managed by the Libyan Center for Remote Sensing and Space Science, and those from five other stations at which data are publicly accessible. A total of 583 pairs of high‐quality SWS measurements utilizing the PKS, SKKS, and SKS phases demonstrate primarily N‐S fast orientations with an average splitting delay time of approximately 1.2 s. An absence of periodic azimuthal variation of the observed splitting parameters indicates the presence of simple anisotropy, and lack of correlation between surficial features and the splitting parameters suggests that the origin of the observed anisotropy is primarily asthenospheric. This conclusion is enhanced by nonperiodic azimuthal variation of the splitting parameters observed at one of the stations located near the boundary of areas with different anisotropic properties. We interpret the observed anisotropy to be the consequence of northward movement of the African plate relative to the asthenosphere toward the Hellenic and Calabrian subduction zones. Local variance in fast orientations may be attributable to flow deflection by the northern edge of the African continental root. The observations provide critical and previously lacking constraints on mantle dynamic models in the vicinity of the convergent boundary between the African and Eurasian plates.

Application of geographical information system for mapping/monitoring seismological hazards in Pakistan

This study attempts to use the geographic information system (GIS) technique to map and understand the tectonics and crustal structures of Pakistan. Maps of surficial tectonic features and seismological parameters including Moho depth, Pn velocity and Pg velocity are complied. Based on the seismological data-set of the country the earthquake hazard map of Pakistan is also presented by applying regression technique on seismological, geological and topographical parameters. A case study of 8 October 2005 earthquake is used to validate the hazard map. It is envisaged that the developed GIS database would help policy-makers and scientists in natural hazard evaluation, seismic risk assessment and understanding of earthquake occurrences in Pakistan.

Improving the focal quality of the time reversal acoustic noncontact source using a deconvolution operation

The time reversal acoustic noncontact source (TRANS) utilizes time reversal (TR) from several transducers arranged in a cavity to focus energy onto a solid surface to allow inspection of that surface. The advantage of TRANS is that multiple transducers may be used to increase the amplitude of the focused energy onto the surface and potentially allow interrogation of nonlinear surficial features such as cracks and delaminations. TR is known to be a matched signal process and therefore is limited in the temporal fidelity and spatial compression of the focused energy. Fortunately, using a deconvolution operation in conjunction with TR [or inverse filter similar to Tanter et al. (J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 108, (2000), 223–234)] can greatly improve the quality of the spatial focusing as well as increasing the temporal fidelity. Visualizations of the impact of the deconvolution operation will be presented to provide insight into the increased quality of the spatial focusing along with results from using the deconvolution operation in conjunction with TRANS. [Work supported by Institutional Support (LDRD) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.]

Seismic imaging of the Alpine Fault near Inchbonnie, New Zealand

[1] The transpressive Alpine Fault is the boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates across the South Island of New Zealand. Earthquakes on the Alpine Fault and related structures pose a serious risk to many urban centers, including the city of Christchurch. Although it is a major feature on satellite images, the Alpine Fault is a difficult target for surface studies along much of its length; it mostly traverses densely forested and mountainous terrain and where it occurs in the lowlands it is usually covered by recent sediments. To investigate the Alpine Fault at a rare accessible location (Inchbonnie), we have acquired high-resolution seismic reflection data along five 380–1200 m long lines. Images produced from these data reveal a glacially overdeepened valley containing a thick sequence of diverse glacigenic sediments that have been disrupted by three en echelon strands of the principal Alpine Fault and several secondary fault strands. Based on their seismic facies, the sedimentary sequence is interpreted to comprise basal lacustrine beds overlain successively by alluvial-colluvial deposits that possibly include the remnants of large landslides, deltaic-fan units, and braided river gravels. Whereas the principal Alpine Fault strands disrupt the entire post-glacial sedimentary section and likely offset basement at depths up to 400 m, most of the secondary faults either merge with the principal fault strands at shallow depths or are surficial features limited to the sedimentary section.

포화 용액 개념 학습에서 비유 표현 방식과 언어적 학습 양식에 따른 비유 사용 수업의 효과

이 연구에서는 포화 용액 개념 학습에서 비유 표현방식과 언어적 학습 양식에 따른 비유 사용 수업의 효과를 대응 관계 이해도, 대응 오류, 수업에 대한 인식 측면에서 조사했다. 1개 초등학교 5학년 학생 123명을 선정하여 VA 집단(n=63)과 VPA 집단(n=60)으로 배치했다. 사전 검사로 언어적 학습 양식 검사를 실시했다. VA 집단의 학생들은 글로만 표현된 비유로 목표 개념을 학습했고, VPA 집단의 학생들은 글과 그림으로 표현된 비유로 목표 개념을 학습했다. 목표 개념 학습 후, 대응 관계 이해도 검사를 실시했다. VPA 집단 학생들에게는 수업에 대한 인식 검사도 실시했으며, 일부 학생들을 대상으로 심층 면담도 실시했다. 연구 결과, 언어적 학습 선호 학생들의 경우 VPA 집단의 점수가 VA 집단의 점수보다 낮았으며, 그 차이가 통계적으로 유의미했다. 반면, 언어적 학습 비선호 학생들의 경우에는 두 집단 간 점수 차이가 통계적으로 유의미하지 않았다. 대응 불이행, 부적절한 대응, 무분별한 대응, 불가능한 대응, 표면적 속성 대응의 다섯 가지 대응 오류 유형이 나타났다. 언어적 학습양식에 따라 두 집단의 대응 오류 유형별 발생 빈도가 다른 양상을 보였다. 언어적 학습 양식에 관계없이 VPA 집단의 많은 학생들이 글과 그림으로 표현된 비유를 통해 학습하는 것에 대해 다양한 인지적 동기적 측면에서 긍정적으로 인식했으나, 일부 학생들은 몇 가지 어려움을 지적하기도 했다. 이에 대한 교육학적 함의를 논의했다. This study investigated the effects of the instructions using analogies in learning the concept of saturated solution by the analogy presentation types and the verbal learning styles upon the mapping understanding, the mapping errors, and the perceptions of the instruction. Fifth graders (N=123) at an elementary school were selected and assigned to VA (n=63) and VPA (n=60) groups. As a pretest, a test on the verbal learning style was administered. The students in the VA group learned the target concept with a verbal analogy, while those in the VPA group learned it with a verbal/pictorial analogy. After the students learned it, a mapping understanding test was administered. The students in the VPA group also administered the test on the perceptions of the instruction and some of them were interviewed in depth. The results revealed that the scores of the students with strong verbal learning preference in the VPA group were significantly lower than those in the VA group in the mapping understanding test. However, the scores of the students with weak verbal learning preference were not significantly different between the two groups. Five types of mapping errors were identified: failure to map, mismapping, rash mapping, impossible mapping, and mapping of a surficial feature. According to students' verbal learning styles, there were some differences in the frequencies of mapping errors in the two groups. Many students in the VPA group, regardless of their verbal learning styles, had positive perceptions of the instruction in various cognitive and motivational aspects. However, some of them also pointed out a few difficulties of the instruction. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.

The zoogeomorphic characteristics of burrows and burrowing by nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Burrowing animals act like a geomorphic disturbance, changing the environment through soil excavation, landform creation and bioturbation. The potential zoogeomorphic effects of these actions include modification of surficial features, increased soil erosion, changes in the growth and distribution of vegetation, and modifications to soil fertility. The burrowing ninebanded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) migrated to North America prior to the 1850s and has since continued to expand its habitat to the American Southeast and parts of the Midwest. Little data are available on the zoogeomorphic impact of the burrowing nature of this species, making it difficult to predict future implications of this animal as it continues to migrate into new regions. On the University of South Alabama campus, in Mobile, Alabama, armadillos are present on a 35-hectare unprotected forested preserve used by the university community for outdoor activities and research. To understand the potential zoogeomorphic impact of armadillo burrows on the local environment, morphometric measurements were recorded on 187 burrows located in the study area. Using dimensions of burrow entrances and minimum lengths of tunnels in calculations, armadillos excavated approximately 0.029m3 to 0.04m3 of soil from each burrow. The entrances to burrows averaged 33.5° in slope and tended to be located in a microhabitat of a fallen tree, exposed tree roots, or a sideslope. Persistent fall of forest litter and anthropogenic modifications makes positive identification of spoil mounds possible in approximately half of the burrow sites. Surface modification by armadillos is ongoing in the study area with over half of the burrows classified as active during the four-month project. We concluded that, for southern Alabama, armadillos prefer to excavate burrows into sideslopes, and that given the lack of ground cover, sandy soil, and humid climate, armadillos are an important zoogeomorphic agent in the region.