Scree Research Articles

Psychometric Properties and Factor Analysis of Hindi Version of the Meta-Emotion Scale

This study was carried out to establish the construct, convergent and predictive validity of Hindi translation of Meta-emotions Scale in Hindi speaking Indian cultural context. For the purpose 16 to 78 years old 1324 men and women participants with High School education from Chowk and adjoining areas of Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh, India, completed the Hindi version of 28-items Metaemotions Scale (MES). Factor analysis (principal components) on Hindi version of MES (MES-H) by applying Varimex rotation method with the loading equal to or more than 0.400, Eigen value equal to 1.00, and Scree plot suggested two to three factors, and finally, confirmatory factor analysis by AMO Sindicated a two factor model with an acceptable goodness of model fit on 19 items. The content of 10 items of the first factor and 9 items of second factor yielded two behavioral components, i.e., Positive Meta-emotions and Negative Meta-emotions. The psychometric properties of the MES-H demonstrated good internal consistency with acceptable reliability, construct and convergent validity. The gender and age differences analyses also indicated that women manifested significantly higher positive meta-emotions and negative meta-emotions in comparison to men, and older as compared to younger participants demonstrated significantly high levels of positive meta-emotions indicating good predictive validity. These findings indicated that the MES-Hindi may be considered as a reliable and valid measurement of meta-emotions in Hindi speaking Indian cultural context.

Analysis of the Suitability of High-Resolution DEM Obtained Using ALS and UAS (SfM) for the Identification of Changes and Monitoring the Development of Selected Geohazards in the Alpine Environment—A Case Study in High Tatras, Slovakia

The current trend in the use of remote sensing technologies is their use as a tool for monitoring hard-to-reach areas, objects or phenomena in the alpine environment. Remote sensing technology is also effectively used to monitor geohazards and the development of human-made changes in the country. Research presented in this study demonstrates the results for the usability of the publicly available national digital elevation model DEM 5.0 obtained by utilizing the airborne laser scanning (ALS) survey to monitor the development of erosion, morphological changes of talus cones, or the dynamics of movement of rock blocks between stages of measurement in the alpine environment of the High Tatras mountains. The reference methods for this study are the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetric approach using unmanned aerial systems (UASs). By comparing the created DEMs, the ALS point cloud’s accuracy on mostly rocky areas of different sizes was verified. The results show that the standard deviation of the ALS point cloud ranges from 19 to 46 mm depending on the area’s size and characteristics. The maximum difference ranges from 100 to 741 mm. The value of systematic displacement of data obtained by different technologies ranges from 1 to 29 mm. This research confirms the suitability of the ALS method with its advantages and limits for the detection of movement of rock blocks or change of position of any natural or anthropogenic objects with a size from approximately 1 m2.

Cave finds indicate elk (<i>Alces alces</i>) hunting during the Late Iron Age in the Bavarian Alps

Abstract. The finding of a partially preserved elk skeleton from the Bavarian Alps is reported. Remnants of an adult male were found, together with skeletal elements of juvenile moose calves, at the base of a talus cone in the pit cave Stiefelschacht, next to Lenggries (southern Germany). The adult's bones exhibited anthropogenic traces like cut marks and were radiocarbon-dated to the Late Iron Age. A projectile hole in the left shoulder blade and cut marks on the bones are indicative of hunting and meat usage. The elk remains were associated with several wild and domestic species such as ungulates and hare but were not, however, accompanied by archaeological artefacts. Other archaeological sites of the Late Iron Age are so far not known within a distance of less than 30 km to the Stiefelschacht. While the presence of elk during prehistoric times in the Alps has already been known before, the finds and the location are unique in that they are the first evidence of elk hunting during the Late Iron Age in the northern Alps.

Interpreting rockfall activity on an outcrop–talus slope system in the southern Japanese Alps using an integrated survey approach

Understanding relationships between meteorological conditions and rockfall activity is important for the management of rockfall risks as well as for the estimation of future rockfall activity under climate change. Seasonal activity of rockfall on talus slopes depends on the actual triggers of rockfall, which in turn may vary as well between outcrops because of different rockfall sources and the influence of topography. In this study, we interpret spatial and temporal variations in rockfall activity and related sediment transfer processes in an outcrop-talus slope system in central Japan through monitoring using rock temperature and moisture sensors, sediment traps, and time lapse cameras. In addition, tree-ring analysis has been added to understand possible changes of rockfall activity over longer time periods. Results suggest that the frequency of grouped gravel transport (i.e., soil creep) was higher than that of individual transport (i.e., rockfall and dry ravel) on the talus slope, whereas rockfall likely is the predominant process from the outcrops. Observations from sediment traps showed that coarse gravel is characterized by higher bounce heights and that it travelled longer distances than fine gravel. Rockfall from the outcrops was most active during dormancy of trees (which locally lasts from autumn to early spring) and can be related to freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast, rockfall and other sediment transfer processes were monitored on the talus slope all year round. Secondary movement of gravels on the talus slope, such as soil creep during rainfall events, likely triggers rockfall during times when the outcrops are not producing rockfall (i.e. from late spring to summer). Consequently, our results suggest that the spatio-temporal rockfall activity varies substantially between outcrops and talus slopes and that differences in process behavior should be taken into account in future disaster mitigation measures.

Proceso de adaptación cultural del “Questionnaire for Assesing the Childbirth Experience (QACE)”

Introducción: Las experiencias negativas durante el parto se han asociado con desempoderamiento de la mujer, depresión postparto, trastorno por estrés postraumático y bajas tasas de lactancia maternal, entre otros. El Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) es una herramienta de 23 ítems útil para identificar mujeres que han tenido una mala experiencia en su proceso de parto y evitar así futuras complicaciones en embarazos posteriores o en la relación de pareja.Objetivo: El objetivo general consiste en adaptar el Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) a la población española y obtener sus características psicométricas.Metodología: El proceso de adaptación cultural ha consistido en la traducción y retro traducción al español, evaluación de la equivalencia conceptual por un comité de jueces, evaluación de la comprensibilidad y una entrevista cognitiva a un grupo de mujeres puérperas. Las características psicométricas se han obtenido mediante el análisis factorial, los test de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) y Bartlett y el alfa de Cronbach.Resultados: Tras el proceso de adaptación transcultural, el grupo de expertos realizó las modificaciones necesarias para conseguir una mayor compresión del cuestionario en la población española, evitar malentendidos y palabras ofensivas en la lengua de destino. Se necesitaron 138 participantes para obtener el análisis factorial. El KMO (0,838) y el test de Bartlett (p < 0,001) confirmaron la adecuación del análisis factorial y el grafico de sedimentación mostró 6 factores con un poder predictivo del 73,75% del total de la varianza. La consistencia interna se obtuvo mediante un alfa de Cronbach de 0,896.Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos en este estudio demuestran que la versión española del QACE es una herramienta válida y fiable para medir la experiencia en el nacimiento en la población española. Background: Negative experiences during delivery are associated with women disempowerment, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low breastfeeding rates. The Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) is a 23-item screening tool useful for discovering women with a negative experience in their birth process and avoids future complications in following pregnancies or couple's relationships. Objective: The general objective is to adapt the Questionnaire for Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QACE) to the Spanish population and to obtain its psychometric characteristics.Methodology: The cultural adaptation process consisted of forwarding translation and back translation into Spanish, conceptual equivalence evaluation by a committee of judges, comprehensibility evaluation and cognitive interview to a postpartum group. Psychometric characteristics were obtained throughout the factorial analysis, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity and Cronbach alpha level.Results: After complete the adaptation process, the committee of judges made several adjustments to achieve a better comprehension in the Spanish population, avoid misunderstandings or offensive words in the target language. 138 participants were needed to calculate factor analysis. The KMO (0.838) and Bartlett test (p < 0.001) confirmed the adequacy of factor analysis and the Scree plot showed 6 factors with the predictive power of 73.75% supported total variance. Internal consistency was assured using a Cronbach α of 0.896.Conclusions: Data from this study demonstrate that the Spanish version of QACE is a valid and reliable measure of childbirth experience in the Spanish population.

Talus slope geomorphology investigated at multiple time scales from high‐resolution topographic surveys and historical aerial photographs (Sanetsch Pass, Switzerland)

AbstractTalus slopes are common places for debris storage in high‐mountain environments and form an important step in the alpine sediment cascade. To understand slope instabilities and sediment transfers, detailed investigations of talus slope geomorphology are needed. Therefore, this study presents a detailed analysis of a talus slope on Col du Sanetsch (Swiss Alps), which is investigated at multiple time scales using high‐resolution topographic (HRT) surveys and historical aerial photographs. HRT surveys were collected during three consecutive summers (2017–2019), using uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) measurements. To date, very few studies exist that use HRT methods on talus slopes, especially to the extent of our study area (2 km2). Data acquisition from ground control and in situ field observations is challenging on a talus slope due to the steep terrain (30–37°) and high surface roughness. This results in a poor spatial distribution of ground control points (GCPs), causing unwanted deformation of up to 2 m in the gathered UAV‐derived HRT data. The co‐alignment of UAV imagery from different survey dates improved this deformation significantly, as validated by the TLS data. Sediment transfer is dominated by small‐scale but widespread snow push processes. Pre‐existing debris flow channels are prone to erosion and redeposition of material within the channel. A debris flow event of high magnitude occurred in the summer of 2019, as a result of several convective thunderstorms. While low‐magnitude (<5,000 m3) debris flow events are frequent throughout the historical record with a return period of 10–20 years, this 2019 event exceeded all historical debris flow events since 1946 in both extent and volume. Future climate predictions show an increase of such intense precipitation events in the region, potentially altering the frequency of debris flows in the study area and changing the dominant geomorphic process which are active on such talus slopes. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Centipede assemblages (Chilopoda) in high-altitude landforms of the Central-Eastern Italian Alps: diversity and abundance

Centipedes (Chilopoda) are widespread and abundant predators in several kind of habitats, from forests to caves. Very few quantitative data are currently available for alpine habitats, specifically those located at high-altitudes. In this paper, we analysed data on centipedes collected by pitfall traps on different high-altitude landforms of the Central-Eastern Italian Alps, specifically on rock glaciers, debris-covered glaciers, glacier forelands, stable slopes, and scree slopes. We investigated the species richness and abundance (activity density) of individuals in each landform and the relationships between species occurrence and environmental variables in the investigated landforms. The obtained results highlighted non-significant differences in species richness between the landforms, but significant differences in individual abundance and species distribution. Soil organic matter, soil gravel percentage and altitude resulted the main variables affecting the species distribution; a clear preference for landforms located near the treeline was highlighted. Lithobius lucifugus resulted the dominant and most common species as well as the only species able to colonise debris-covered glaciers.

Changes in thermal quality of the environment along an elevational gradient affect investment in thermoregulation by Yarrow’s spiny lizards

AbstractBody temperature affects physiological processes and, consequently, is assumed to have a large impact on fitness. Lizards need to thermoregulate behaviourally to maintain their body temperature within a range that maximizes performance, but there are costs associated with thermoregulation. The thermal quality of an environment directly affects the amount of time and energy that must be invested by an individual to maintain an optimal body temperature for performance; time and energy are major costs of thermoregulation. According to Huey and Slatkin’s (Q. Rev. Biol. 1976, 363) cost–benefit model of thermoregulation, lizards should only thermoregulate when the benefits outweigh the costs. Thus, in habitats of poor thermal quality, lizards should invest less into thermoregulation. We tested the hypothesis that the thermal quality of an environment dictates investment in thermoregulation across an elevational gradient. Increases in elevation are accompanied by decreases in temperature and therefore thermal quality. We recorded body temperatures of Yarrow’s spiny lizards (Sceloporus jarrovii) at ten talus slopes along an elevational gradient of over 1000 m. We found a significant positive relationship between elevation and effectiveness of thermoregulation, opposite to the prediction of the cost–benefit model of thermoregulation. This suggests that the disadvantages of thermoconformity may be greater than the costs of thermoregulating as habitats become more thermally challenging.

Processes controlling the development of talus slopes in SW Spitsbergen: The role of deglaciation and periglacial conditions

AbstractThe location of Svalbard at the interface between the warm Atlantic and cold Arctic oceans causes the terrestrial environment to be highly sensitive to contemporary climate warming. Talus slopes provide a component of glaciated areas that has been registering these changes on a scale of several thousand years. However, knowledge about their development during glacial recession is still limited. This paper fills this gap by providing unique data obtained by geophysical methods: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), regarding the talus slopes in Revdalen (SW Spitsbergen), which was last glaciated in the Neoglacial period. The results indicate that the thickness of talus slopes depends first of all on the size of the sediment supply area and only secondarily on the stage of development. The initial content of buried glacial ice in the talus deposits is differential and depends on both the rate of deglaciation and the local intensity of rock wall denudation. Over time, as a result of creep, the presence of massive ice is limited to ever lower parts of the slope. Above, there is aggradation of pore ice in delivered debris material. At the end of this stage, the buried glacial ice can form, or co‐create together with pore ice, the core of subslope rock glaciers. The relatively long period since the beginning of the Revdalen deglaciation allowed a general model of the development of talus slopes in the polar environment to be prepared.

Microclimate and Summer Surface Activity in the American Pika (Ochotona princeps)

As regional climates continue to warm, climate-sensitive species might increasingly depend on microclimates to maintain normal activities. The American pika (Ochotona princeps) has been suggested as a sentinel of montane climate change, largely due to its sensitivity to warm temperatures and high exposure to changing climatic conditions. Pikas use talus to thermoregulate and have been shown to persist more often in talus slopes that create stable microclimates. However, many studies of pika behavior and persistence use metrics of climate measured above the talus surface, outside of the proposed microclimates that pikas can access. We paired fine-scale microclimate measurements with behavioral observations of uniquely tagged pikas in the Colorado Rocky Mountains to model how pikas might use talus subsurface habitat as a microrefuge. Our findings suggest that pikas spend more time on the surface of the talus when there is a stronger gradient in temperatures between “shallow” (0.1 m below the surface) and “deep” (1 m below the surface) regions of the talus, especially during the middle of the day when shallow temperatures are warmer. These results underscore the importance of pairing fine-scale data on microclimate with behavioral observations of tagged individuals to more accurately evaluate how animals might use climate refugia to persist in changing conditions.

Interpretation, age and significance of a relict paraglacial and periglacial boulder-dominated landform assemblage in Alnesdalen, Romsdalsalpane, southern Norway

A boulder-dominated landform assemblage in an alpine setting in Norway is described, interpreted and dated using a combination of Schmidt-hammer exposure-age dating (SHD) and cosmogenic 10Be surface-exposure dating. The origin and formation of these features is determined from their morphology, topographic setting and age. Three main components of the assemblage are recognized. First a ~300 m long and ~160 m wide, tongue-shaped rock-slope failure with a SHD age of 11.49 ± 0.82–12.96 ± 0.86 ka is identified on the basis of its planform, thickness, ‘runout distance’ and association with a fractured backing scarp. This is interpreted as a relict paraglacial landform triggered by deglaciation. Second, a 400-m long unequivocal pronival (protalus) rampart with an SHD age of 6.95 ± 0.97–8.35 ± 1.21 ka is identified on the basis of its narrow ridge form aligned close to the foot of an extensive talus slope. Although formation of the rampart probably commenced with deglaciation, the younger SHD ages indicate formation at a diminishing rate through the Holocene. Third, a ~550 m by ~150 m lobate component with transverse ridges, longitudinal and transverse depressions and enclosed pits, previously identified as a rock glacier, is dated to 11.33 ± 0.83–13.33 ± 0.90 ka with the Schmidt hammer and between 13.3 ± 2.0–14.7 ± 2.0 ka with 10Be. This third component may also be a product of rock-slope failure but attribution to rock-glacier creep associated with either interstitial ice (permafrost) or buried glacier ice during the Allerød Interstadial – Younger Dryas Stadial, and to which one or more rock-slope failures contributed debris, cannot be rejected. The advantages and limitations of compiling such evidence for identifying, differentiating and classifying apparently similar boulder-dominated colluvial landforms are exemplified.

The First Finding of the Lichen Solorina saccata at an Algific Talus Slope in Korea

An algific talus slope is composed of broken rocks with vents connected to an ice cave, releasing cool air in summer and relatively warmer air in winter to maintain a more stable microclimate all year round. Such geological features create a very unusual and delicate ecosystem. Although there are around 25 major algific talus slopes in Korea, lichen ecology of these areas had not been investigated to date. In this study, we report the first exploration of lichen diversity and ecology at an algific talus slope, Jangyeol-ri, in Korea. A total of 37 specimens were collected over 2017–2018. Morphological and sequencing analysis revealed 27 species belonging to 18 genera present in the area. Of particular interest among these species was Solorina saccata, as it has previously not been reported in Korea and most members of genus Solorina are known to inhabit alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. We provide here a taxonomic key for S. saccata alongside molecular phylogenetic analyses and prediction of potential habitats in South Korea. Furthermore, regions in South Korea potentially suitable for Solorina spp. were predicted based on climatic features of known habitats around the globe. Our results showed that the suitable areas are mostly at high altitudes in mountainous areas where the annual temperature range does not exceed 26.6 °C. Further survey of other environmental conditions determining the suitability of Solorina spp. should lead to a more precise prediction of suitable habitats and trace the origin of Solorina spp. in Korea.

Modelling of landslides in a scree slope induced by groundwater and rainfall

Predicting the trigger of a slope failure of a steep Alpine scree slope in south-west Switzerland is challenging. The groundwater (GW) flow from snow-melting and rainfall infiltration during summer changes the susceptibility to surficial failure, which also depends on the slope angle, bedrock geometry, stratigraphy and the shear strength of the soil. Surficial failure mechanisms are investigated using prototype ground models that integrate input from field monitoring, geological observations and soil properties and account for relevant factors and constraints for physical and numerical modelling. Shallow scree deposits overlying various bedrock configurations (parallel to the slope, with and without a step) were tested under two hydrological regimes: GW flow, and GW combined with additional intense rainfall. Numerical modelling was used to study the parameter combinations that would lead to failure, and worst-case scenarios were defined in terms of the bedrock geometry and hydraulic perturbations. These results were verified using advanced physical modelling techniques in a geotechnical drum centrifuge. Physical modelling results indicated that, for a given GW condition, slope stability decreases (a) as the depth of the soil cover over the bedrock decreases and (b) the higher the bedrock step. Furthermore, a bedrock step impacts the volume and the location of the triggered failure. Rainfall exacerbates the situation.

Efficacy of Visual Surveys for Monitoring Populations of Talus-Roosting Bats

AbstractWinter cave and mine surveys have been the primary method to monitor status of bat populations but they are not equally effective across regions or species. Many species of bats that roost in rock outcrops during the nonhibernation period are difficult for researchers to monitor with existing methods. Although some wildlife biologists have speculated visual surveys could be used to monitor populations of bats roosting on talus slopes, they did not know the efficacy of the method. We used standardized plot-based visual surveys to quantify presence and abundance of eastern small-footed bats Myotis leibii on talus slopes in Virginia, and studied sources of variation and error. Detection probability for talus surveys was relatively high but varied based on search effort and site characteristics. Both abundance and detection probability varied more among plots within sites than among sites or years. In trials with radio-tagged bats to study the causes of false negatives, 18% of bats roosted where surveyors could not see them, and 18% of bats were visible but overlooked due to human error. Less experienced surveyors counted slightly fewer bats than the principal investigator, we suspect because the principal investigator simply found the bats first. There also was a slight learning curve among less experienced observers. Visual surveys have strong potential to aid in the study of bats that roost on talus slopes. Talus surveys, unlike longer-established methods to monitor bat populations, provide ways to assess error. We recommend using talus surveys to monitor other rock-roosting bat species with poorly understood populations, such as many species in western North America.

A tetraploid Echinochloa with plagiotropic tillers: Its distribution and habitat in the northern part of the main island of Japan

AbstractAn annual Echinochloa with plagiotropic tillers (semi‐erect type) was found on a paddy levee in Miyagi prefecture in Japan. This semi‐erect type had tetraploid chromosome numbers (2n = 36) and would be expected to be E. oryzicola. However, its appearance was distinct from that of E. oryzicola. To collect seed samples and clarify its distribution and habitat, exploration and collection surveys were carried out in the northern part of Honshu, the main island of Japan in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Thirty‐two populations that were assumed to be the semi‐erect type were found and their mature seeds were collected. Based on the results of chromosome counts and growth form analyses, all of them were confirmed to be the semi‐erect type. The 32 populations were distributed in the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, and Niigata, and located in paddy fields, abandoned paddy fields, paddy levees, roadsides, vacant land, and scree slopes. Our surveys indicated that the semi‐erect type grew in wet and dry disturbed habitats at an early stage of secondary succession including paddy fields in the northern part of the main island of Japan.

Changing perceptions of rock art: storying prehistoric worlds

ABSTRACT Temporality and changeability are here considered vital characteristics of rock art, expressed through shifting light and moving bodies. Demonstrating deliberate use of non-quantifiable elements such as light is challenging. Nevertheless, there are rock art sites where its importance is apparent. For example, the results of a 3D scan of the site Hammer IX in Central Norway show how the same lines make out both an elk head and a whale. Whereas in Vingen in Western Norway, 77 panels positioned across a scree slope, non-corporeal elements appear to be as important as the motifs. Approaching rock art in a non-representational framework, we consider the involvement of intangible elements as part of the constant knowledge production and shaping of realities at sites. This is the point of departure for our discussion of the making and use of rock art as a meaning-making and storytelling practice in Late Mesolithic and Early Neolithic Norway.

Sedimentologi Batugamping Formasi Jayapura di Sepanjang Lintasan Dewarebru, Mamei-Waibron, Jayapura

The Pleistocene of the Jayapura Formation limestones well cropped out at Dewarebru Section, Mamey-Waybron, Jayapura Regency. Detailed descriptions of rock outcrops and petrography analysis of selected limestone samples is used to find out the limestone sedimentology characters. This Jayapura limestone was divided onto four limestone facies, including lithoclastic rudstone, bioclastic packstone, bioclastic grainstone and bioclastic wackesone rock facies. The rocks was deposited in a fore slope talus forming submarine alluvial fan, furthermore the rocks was deposited in a local slope on the back reef environment.Keywords: Limestone, petrography, stratigraphy, sedimentology, Jayapura

Subterranean biodiversity and depth distribution of myriapods in forested scree slopes of Central Europe.

The shallow underground of rock debris is a unique animal refuge. Nevertheless, the research of this habitat lags far behind the study of caves and soil, due to technical and time-consuming demands. Data on Myriapoda in scree habitat from eleven localities in seven different geomorphological units of the Czech and Slovak Republics were processed. Based on previous studies, as well as knowledge of cave and soil fauna, it was hypothesised that the occurrence of a varied and peculiar fauna would show a pattern of depth distribution with variations due to local specificities. From 2005–2016 (at least one year on each site), macrofauna was collected via sets of three long-term exposed subterranean traps consisting of 110 cm long perforated tube, with ten cups located in a gradient at 5–95 cm below the soil surface. In total, 14 symphylans (not identified to species level), 271 centipedes (23 spp.) and 572 millipedes (32 spp.) were sampled. The overall depth distribution of centipedes and millipedes appeared to have relatively similar pattern, with both groups being found at all depth levels. Nevertheless, this pattern depends on locations. The depth distribution trend lines are mostly in the form of an asymmetric ‘U’, with decreased abundance until the middle of the gradient, followed by increase in the deepest levels. Epigeic species were sporadically distributed along the whole depth gradient, but concentrated at the soil surface, while some subterranean species, such as the centipede Lithobius lucifugus and the millipedes Geoglomeris subterranea, Cibiniulus slovacus and Archiboreoiulus pallidus, were recorded in the deepest parts of the gradient. This characterises the debris community as a mixture of soil and subterranean species with an absence of species exclusively found in caves. The use of different fixation methods in traps had a significant and selective impact on samples; millipedes were either attracted by ethylene glycol or repelled by formaldehyde. Centipedes were also captured more frequently in ethylene glycol; however, the species composition varied in each of the fixatives. Depth distribution of myriapods was similar in both fixative solutions. Traps with these fixatives could be recommended for similar ecological studies.

Arthropod biodiversity patterns point to the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS) as a climate refugium

The determinants of biodiversity patterns in the subterranean habitat called Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS) are not well-understood. In this study, thirty-three scree slopes at high altitudes were selected across the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in central Spain to investigate the effect of ten environmental variables on the abundance and species diversity of the spider and springtail assemblages from the colluvial MSS. In each locality, a multiperforated PVC tube with a pitfall trap inside was buried up to 1 m deep, and generalized linear models and Mantel tests were used to analyze the effect of mainly climate- and habitat-related variables on the diversity patterns of both taxa. A total of 1143 individual spiders belonging to 54 species and 40 811 springtail individuals belonging to 62 species were collected. The analyses indicated that cold temperatures and the presence of forest cover on the surface significantly enhance richness and abundance in the two taxa. Environmental similarity also had a small positive effect on faunistic similarity. However, the effects of temperature and habitat detected on spider richness and abundance were stronger than on springtails, whereas the reverse was found regarding faunistic similarity. These results indicate that subterranean dwellers respond differently to the same environmental factors, which in turn, points to a different degree of affinity for the MSS. The MSS plays an important role in the survival of high mountain arthropod species, acting as a climate refuge, so the protection of this habitat should be prioritized.

Petrophysical Joint Inversion Applied to Alpine Permafrost Field Sites to Image Subsurface Ice, Water, Air, and Rock Contents

Quantification of ground ice is crucial for understanding permafrost systems and modelling their ongoing degradation. The volumetric ice content is however rarely estimated in permafrost studies, as it is particularly difficult to retrieve. Standard borehole temperature monitoring is unable to provide any ice content estimation, whereas non invasive geophysical techniques such as refraction seismic and electrical resistivity measurements can yield information to assess the subsurface ice distribution. Electrical and seismic data are hereby complementary sensitive to the phase change. A petrophysical joint inversion was recently developed to determine volumetric water, air, ice and rock contents from electrical and seismic data using a petrophysical model, but was so far only tested on synthetic data and one proof-of-concept field example. In order to evaluate its applicability on different types of permafrost materials and landforms (bedrock, rock glacier, talus slope), we apply this petrophysical joint inversion scheme to five profiles located in the northwestern Alps. The electrical mixing rule (Archie's second law) was hereby identified as a source of model uncertainty, as it applies only when the electrolytic conduction is the dominating process. We therefore investigate and compare four petrophysical models linking the electrical resistivity with the ground constituents: Archie's law, Archie's law with an additional surface conduction factor, a model considering only surface conduction, and the geometric mean model. In most cases, the three first resistivity relations yield largely comparable results, whose reliability is discussed. The geometric mean model better resolve high ice content, as it is less influenced by the ice-rock ambiguity. We perform a systematic analysis of the regularisation parameters and then evaluate our results with validation data including thaw depths and ice contents derived from borehole measurements. Geophysical surveys have generally a lower resolution than borehole data, but have the advantage of providing spatio-temporal information in 2D or 3D. The joint inversion results are in relatively good agreement with the validation data for all sites from ice-poor to ice-rich conditions, when choosing the most adequate resistivity model and porosity initial value. Additional forcing constraints (e.g. porosity range constraint) based on site knowledge can improve the model parameter estimation.