Topographic Factors Research Articles

Developing a Method to Estimate Above-Ground Carbon Stock of Forest Tree Species Pinus densata Using Remote Sensing and Climatic Data

Forest above-ground carbon stock (AGCS) is one of the primary ecological evaluation indicators, so it is crucial to estimate the AGCS accurately. In this research, we added the climatic and topographic factors to the estimation process by a remote sensing approach to explore their impact and to achieve more precise estimations. We hope to develop a more accurate estimation method for AGCS based on remote sensing data and climate data. The random forest (RF) method has good robustness and wide applicability. Therefore, we modeled and predicted the AGCS by RF based on sixty field sample plots of Pinus densata pure forests in southwest China and the factors extracted from Landsat 8 OLI images (source I), Sentinel-2A images (source II), and combined Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A images (source III). We added the topographic and climatic factors to establish the AGCS estimation model and compared the results. The topographic factors contain elevation, slope, and aspect. Climatic factors contain mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, annual potential evapotranspiration, and monthly mean potential evapotranspiration. It was found that the R2 and RMSE of the model based on source III were better than the R2 and RMSE of the models based on source I and source II. Compared to the models based on source I and source II, the model based on source III improved R2 by up to 0.08, reduced RMSE by up to 2.88 t/ha, and improved P by up to 4.29%. Among the models without adding factors, the model based on source III worked the best, with an R2 of 0.87, an RMSE of 10.81 t/ha, an rRMSE of 23.19%, and a P of 79.71%. Among the models that added topographic factors, the model based on source III worked best after adding elevation, with an R2 of 0.89, an RMSE of 10.01 t/ha, an rRMSE of 21.47%, and a P of 82.17%. Among the models that added climatic factors, the model that added the annual precipitation factor had the best modeling result, with an R2 of 0.90, an RMSE of 9.53 t/ha, an rRMSE of 20.59%, and a P of 83.00%. The prediction result exhibited that the AGCS of the Pinus densata forest in 2021 was 9,737,487.52 t. The combination of Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A could improve the prediction accuracy of the AGCS. The addition of annual precipitation can effectively improve the accuracy of AGCS estimation. Higher resolution of climate data is needed to enhance the modeling in future work.

Impact of Microtopography and Neighborhood Effects on Individual Survival Across Life History Stages

Understanding drivers of plant community assembly and individual survival in forest ecosystems is crucial for effective conservation and management. While macro-scale factors influencing vegetation patterns are well documented, the combined impact of microtopographic variations and neighborhood effects at neighborhood scales, particularly in subtropical forests, requires further study. To contribute to this area of research, we established a 9.6 ha dynamic plot in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest to examine the interplay between microtopographic factors and neighborhood effects on individual plant survival across different life stages. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of microtopographic variables and neighborhood effects, with individual plant survival censused through repeated surveys at 5-year intervals. Mixed-effects models were employed to assess the combined influence of these factors across life stages. Our results reveal that both microtopographic factors and neighborhood effects significantly influence plant survival, with their impacts varying across life stages. Water availability, represented by flow direction, emerged as a consistently critical factor throughout all life stages. Elevation and the topographic position index showed significant positive effects on survival, particularly in later life stages, possibly reflecting adaptations to light acquisition and water drainage. The influence of topographic factors intensified with succession, while the impact of neighborhood effects, particularly asymmetric competition and conspecific negative density dependence, changed as plants matured. This study enhances our understanding of forest community assembly, emphasizing the importance of considering abiotic and biotic factors across multiple scales for effective forest conservation and management. It provides insights into mechanisms driving spatial variation in community composition, crucial for preserving biodiversity in heterogeneous forest landscapes.

Estimation of Understory Fine Dead Fuel Moisture Content in Subtropical Forests of Southern China Based on Landsat Images

The understory fine dead fuel moisture content (DFMC) is an important reference indicator for regional forest fire warnings and risk assessments, and determining it on a large scale is a critical goal. It is difficult to estimate understory fine DFMC directly from satellite images due to canopy shading. To address this issue, we used canopy meteorology estimated by Landsat images in combination with explanatory variables to construct random forest models of in-forest meteorology, and then construct random forest models by combining the meteorological factors and explanatory variables with understory fine DFMC obtained from the monitoring device to (1) investigate the feasibility of Landsat images for estimating in-forest meteorology; (2) explore the feasibility of canopy or in-forest meteorology and explanatory variables for estimating understory fine DFMC; and (3) compare the effects of each factor on model accuracy and its effect on understory fine DFMC. The results showed that random forest models improved in-forest meteorology estimation, enhancing in-forest relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, and temperature by 50%, 34%, and 2.2%, respectively, after adding a topography factor. For estimating understory fine DFMC, models using vapor pressure deficit improved fit by 10.2% over those using relative humidity. Using in-forest meteorology improved fits by 36.2% compared to canopy meteorology. Including topographic factors improved the average fit of understory fine DFMC models by 123.1%. The most accurate model utilized in-forest vapor pressure deficit, temperature, topographic factors, vegetation index, precipitation data, and seasonal factors. Correlations indicated that slope, in-forest vapor pressure deficit, and slope direction were most closely related to understory fine DFMC. The regional understory fine-grained DFMC distribution mapped according to our method can provide important decision support for forest fire risk early warning and fire management.

Soil properties, climate, and topography jointly determine plant community characteristics in marsh wetlands.

Various environmental conditions influence the characteristics of plant communities within wetlands. Although the influence of key environmental factors on plant community traits within specific types of wetland ecosystems has been studied extensively, how they regulate plant communities across marsh wetland types remains poorly understood. We examined how environmental conditions influence plant communities in marsh wetlands along the lower Tumen River in northeastern China. We collected and analyzed data on the plant community characteristics (species, height, and coverage), soil physicochemical properties (organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen, and sulfur), and climatic and topographic factors (temperature, precipitation, and elevation) of 56 distinct marsh plots (29 herbaceous, 14 shrub, and 13 forested marshes) to understand how these variables correlate with plant community characteristics across marsh types. The wetland plant diversity varied, with the lowest, intermediate, and highest diversity occurring in herbaceous, shrub, and forested marshes, respectively. Climate, topography, and soil properties had crucial influences on plant diversity and biomass. Structural equation modeling showed that, in herbaceous marshes, plant biomass was primarily determined by soil and plant diversity, with climate exerting an indirect effect. In shrub marshes, soil, climate, and plant diversity directly influenced biomass. In forest marshes, soil and plant diversity directly affected biomass, whereas climate and topography had indirect effects. These findings highlight the complex interactions among environmental factors across marsh ecosystems and their influence mechanisms on biomass, aiding in formulating effective conservation and restoration strategies for marsh wetland ecosystems.

Research on the determination and influencing factors of topographic unsymmetrical-loaded tunnels based on the unsymmetrical coefficient

The accurate judgment of topographic bias tunnels is directly related to reasonable tunnel design and construction safety. In this study, numerical simulations were carried out to determine the unsymmetrical coefficient of topographic unsymmetrical-loaded tunnels, according to the critical thickness of the cover layer of the topographic bias tunnel proposed in the Chinese Code. The unsymmetrical coefficient was analyzed via control variable method and orthogonal test method. The results showed that it is appropriate to take 1.2 as the criterion for all types of topographic unsymmetrical-loaded tunnel in practical application. The influence of different topographic factors, mechanical properties of the surrounding rock, rock quality, construction methods and tunnel spans on the unsymmetrical coefficient were summarized by the control variable method. The results of multifactor analysis under an orthogonal design revealed that the influence of Uc is in the following order: slope angle, overburden thickness, construction method, surrounding rock quality, and height-to-span ratio.Article HighlightsThe Chinese code for topographic unsymmetrical-loaded tunnels presents a the determination of the corrected unsymmetry coefficient.Single-factor analysis determines the change pattern of the corrected unsymmetry coefficient under the influencing factors.Polar analysis based on orthogonal tests determines the strength of the factors influencing the corrected unsymmetry coefficient.

Estimating soil erosion in response to land use/cover change around Ghibe III hydroelectric dam, Southern Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a hazard in every part of the world. The small-scale farmers often grapple with low agricultural production and food insecurity. This study was conducted to estimate soil loss in response to land use/cover change in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 around Ghibe hydroelectric III dam in Southern Ethiopia. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was applied using a geographic information system (GIS). Digital elevation model with 30 m to determine topographic factor and supportive practice (P) factor, rainfall from the National Meteorological Institute to calculate the erosivity (R) factor, a digital soil map of the world for erodibility (K) factor, and Landsat 5TM images of 1990, 2000, 2010, and the Landsat 8 OLI of 2020 to determine trends of land use/cover change and the cover management (C) factor were employed. The raster layers of topography, cover management, rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, and conservation techniques were processed and multiplied using the GIS platform. The overall accuracy of supervised classification was 89.89. The results showed that the percentage of cropland and built-up areas increased by 11.93 and 32.44%, respectively throughout the three study periods. Conversely, the proportion of forest land, grassland, bare land, and bushland declined by 8.2, 9.3, 10.13, 8.6%, respectively. The average annual soil loss rates increased from 30.95 t ha−1 yr−1 in 1990 to 43.85 t ha−1 yr−1in 2020. This is significantly higher than the maximum threshold rate of erosion for Ethiopian highlands (11 t ha−1 yr−1). The local government officers, non-governmental organizations, and farmers who are trained should strengthen watershed management techniques.

Topography Dominates the Spatial and Temporal Variability of Soil Bulk Density in Typical Arid Zones

Soil bulk density is a crucial indicator for assessing soil matter storage and soil quality. Due to the complexity of sampling soil bulk density, particularly in deeper layers, it is essential to study the spatial distribution patterns of soil bulk density and their influencing factors. To address the gap in large-scale studies of vertical (from surface to deeper layers) and horizontal (across a broad area) variations in soil bulk density in arid regions, this study focuses on Changji Prefecture, located in the central northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains and characterized by typical vertical zonation. By integrating classical statistics, geostatistics, and geographic information systems (GISs), this study investigates the spatial distribution patterns and driving factors of soil bulk density. The results indicate that soil bulk density in Changji Prefecture increases with soil depth, with significantly lower values in the surface layer than in deeper layers. Spatially, despite minimal variation in latitude, there is considerable elevation difference within the study area, with the lowest elevations in the central region. Soil bulk density exhibits a spatial distribution pattern of higher values in the northeast (desert areas) and lower values in the southwest (forest areas). The nugget effect in the surface layer (0–20 cm) is substantial at 44.9%, while the deeper layers (20–100 cm) show nugget effects below 25%, suggesting that the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors on deep soil bulk density is limited and mainly affects the surface layer. Stepwise regression analysis indicates that among topographic factors, slope and elevation are the primary controls of spatial variability in soil bulk density across layers. This research demonstrates that, in arid regions, soil bulk density is influenced primarily by natural factors, with limited impact from human activities. These findings provide valuable data support and theoretical guidance for soil management, agricultural planning, and sustainable ecosystem development in arid regions.

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Drivers of Ecological Quality in the Tengger Desert (2001–2021)

Desert ecosystems, particularly in arid regions like the Tengger Desert, are highly sensitive to both anthropogenic activities and climate change, making the monitoring and evaluation of ecological quality critical for sustainable management and restoration efforts. This study analyses the spatiotemporal evolution of ecological quality in the Tengger Desert from 2001 to 2021 using the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), incorporating meteorological factors (temperature, precipitation, wind speed), topographical factors (elevation, slope, relief) and anthropogenic indices (land use and land cover). The mean RSEI fluctuated between 0.1542 and 0.2906, indicating poor ecological quality, with a peak in 2008 attributed to national ecological projects. Despite initial improvements, overall ecological quality declined at a rate of 0.0008 a−1 from 2008 to 2021. Spatially, degradation was most pronounced in the central and southern areas. Due to sand-binding engineering in the Tengger Desert in 2008 and the mountain climate suitable for vegetation growth, improvements occurred in the northeast and southwest. Moran’s I and Hurst index analyses revealed significant spatial clustering of ecological quality and persistence of degradation trends, with over 49.53% of the area projected to experience further deterioration. Geodetector analysis identified land use and land use cover as the most influential factors on RSEI, especially in combination with wind speed, temperature, and precipitation, underscoring the role of both human activities and climate. The study highlights the need for sustained ecological management, particularly in areas showing continuous degradation, to prevent further ecological deterioration.

Landslide Studies in the Context of Disaster Management in Bangladesh—A Systematic Literature Review

Landslides and their resulting impacts on property and human life have become an ongoing challenge in the hilly regions of Bangladesh. This study aims to systematically review diverse landslide studies in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on landslide disaster management (LDM) from 2008 to 2023, encompassing the pre-disaster, syn-disaster, and post-disaster phases. Several key attributes of landslide studies were considered, including general trends, data types, study scales, contributing factors, methodologies, results, and validation approaches, to investigate challenges and subsequently identify research gaps. This study evaluated 51 research articles on LDM using a systematic literature review (SLR) technique that adhered to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Our finding revealed that articles on LDM were dominated by the pre-disaster (76%) and the syn-disaster phases (12%), with the post-disaster phase (12%) receiving equal attention. The SLR revealed a growing number of studies since 2020 that used data-driven methods and secondary spatial data, often focused on medium-scale analyses (district level) that, however, often lacked field-based validation. From the factors examined in various landslide studies, topographical and hydrological factors were found to be the most significant attributes in assessment. This study identified key challenges, such as insufficient landslide inventories including poor site accessibility and a lack of high-resolution geological, soil, and rainfall data. It also highlighted critical research gaps, including the need for advanced technologies in susceptibility mapping for national hazard atlas, the investigation of underexplored causative factors, effective early warning systems, detailed post-event characterization, health impact assessment, risk-sensitive land use planning, and interactive web portals for landslide prone areas. This study would thus aid researchers in understanding the depth of existing knowledge and provide insights into how landslides fit into broader disaster management frameworks, facilitating interdisciplinary approaches.

Atlantic Forest Regeneration Dynamics Following Human Disturbance Cessation in Brazil

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF) is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots and species-rich ecosystems globally. Due to human activities, it has been significantly reduced and fragmented. This study examined both biotic (floristic composition, diversity, and structure) and abiotic (topographic and soil) factors in BAF fragments undergoing varying levels and durations of human disturbance cessation: approximately 20 years (20 y), ~30 years (30 y), and over 40 years (>40 y). We aimed to understand the recovery dynamics of floristic composition, diversity, and structure in BAF fragments in relation to abiotic factors. Several statistical tools were employed to examine similarities/differences and relationships. Forests of the 30 y group exhibit significantly greater homogeneity in terms of floristic composition, while forests of the 20 y group are characterized by lower species abundance and diversity. The floristic composition was primarily influenced by soil features and the time of disturbance. Under “Environmental Protection Areas”, soil–vegetation recovery can occur more swiftly than usually observed for BAF. A significant BAF recovery was observed approximately 40 years after the end of human disturbance. A partial recovery featured 30 y disturbed areas, while in 20 y forests, recovery is in its early stages. Human-disturbed BAF can gradually rebound when effective management practices are implemented.

Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on Corylus Species Distribution in China: Integrating Climatic, Topographic, and Anthropogenic Factors.

This study investigates the impact of climate change on the distribution of Corylus species in China using the MaxEnt model. Key environmental variables, such as Bio6 (mean temperature of the coldest month) and human footprint, emerged as significant determinants of habitat suitability. The study reveals substantial shifts in suitable habitats due to global warming and increased precipitation, with notable expansion towards higher latitudes. Species like Corylus heterophylla Fisch. ex Bess. and Corylus mandshurica Maxim. demonstrate resilience in extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of specific ecological traits for conservation. Future projections under various SSP scenarios predict continued habitat expansion, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies to address the critical role of human activities. This research highlights the complex interplay between climatic, topographic, and anthropogenic factors in shaping Corylus habitats, advocating for integrated adaptive management approaches to ensure their sustainability amid ongoing climate change.

Fire severity and plant productivity recovery in a mixed grass prairie wildfire driven by extreme winds

Background Wildfire on rangelands in the mixed grassland can severely disrupt livestock operations. Understanding how fire severity impacts post-fire production recovery is important for grazing management. Aims We examined how topography and other environmental factors influence wildfire severity, or the consumption of biomass and exposure of soil, under extreme (>120 km h−1) wind conditions in native mixed grass prairie in western Canada. We also examined how variation in fire severity impacts grassland production recovery. Methods Fire severity and production recovery were measured using the bare soil index (BSI) and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). Impacts of topography, wind exposure, and site capability on fire severity and production recovery were assessed using generalised additive models. Key results Fire severity varied as a function of slope, wind exposure and fuel load. Severity peaked at NDVI between 0 and 0.4, values associated with high litter content and minimal green vegetation. Interactions between slope and aspect with respect to dominant wind direction generated very high fire severity on slopes greater than 15° that faced into the wind. Production recovery increased moderately with higher fire severity and recovery was generally higher on sites with lower potential productivity. Implications Post-fire production recovery was rapid; fire severity and site capability had only modest impacts on recovery rates demonstrating the resilience of grassland ecosystems to even severe wildfire.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The rising call for spatial justice in the distribution and access to public facilities especially health necessitated this study. The study sets out to assess the spatial patterns of physical accessibility to PPHCs in Kaduna State. Four physical accessibility parameters were used in this study: travel time, travel distance to the nearest Public Primary Healthcare Centers (PPHCs), mean distances between and within PPHCs, and effective geographic catchment area coverage of PPHCs. Both travel time and distance to the nearest PPHC were evaluated using a questionnaire. The mean distance between and within PPHCs for LGAs was estimated from the Nearest Neighbor Analysis. The effective geographic catchment area of a PPHC was determined using the geospatial Thiessen polygon method. Findings showed that 42% of the respondents, live close (< 2 km) to a PPHC facility. The proximity of the respondents from Igabi (52%), Zaria (49%), and Zangon-Kataf (51%) is closer than the other LGAs. Thiessen catchment area showed a wide range of variations with some PPHCs with very large areas (426 -615 km2) mostly found in the central senatorial zone, especially in Birnin Gwari and Chikun LGAs. The most widespread are PPHCs with relatively moderate catchment sizes of (187–339 km2) found across parts of northern, central, and southern senatorial and LGAs. The study concludes that areal and topographic factors as revealed by the polygon-derived catchment areas should also guide the decision for the siting of PPHCs in the state. Hence, additional PPHCs are recommended especially LGAs with extensive land masses.

Both Biotic and Abiotic Factors Shape the Spatial Distribution of Aboveground Biomass in a Tropical Karst Seasonal Rainforest in South China

Forest biomass accumulation is fundamental to ecosystem stability, material cycling, and energy flow, and pit lays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Understanding the factors influencing aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for exploring ecosystem functioning mechanisms, restoring degraded forests, and estimating carbon balance in forest communities. Tropical karst seasonal rainforests are species-rich and heterogeneous, yet the impact mechanisms of biotic and abiotic factors on AGB remain incompletely understood. Based on the survey data of a 15 ha monitoring plot in a karst seasonal rainforest in Southern China, this study explores the distribution characteristics of AGB and its intrinsic correlation with different influencing factors. The results show that the average AGB of the plot is 125.7 Mg/ha, with notable variations among habitats, peaking in hillside habitats. Trees with medium and large diameters at breast height (DBH ≥ 10 cm) account for 83.94% of the aboveground biomass (AGB) and are its primary contributors; dominant tree species exhibit higher AGB values. Both biotic and abiotic elements substantially influence AGB, with biotic factors exhibiting the largest influence. Among abiotic factors, topographic factors have a strong direct or indirect influence on AGB, while soil physicochemical properties have the smallest indirect impact. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of AGB distribution and its influencing factors in tropical karst forests (KFs), contributing to the management of carbon sinks in these ecosystems.

Influence of Terrain on MODIS and GLASS Leaf Area Index (LAI) Products in Qinling Mountains Forests

Leaf Area Index (LAI), as a pivotal parameter in characterizing the structural properties of vegetation ecosystems, holds significant importance in assessing the carbon sink function. Given the availability of multiple long-term LAI products, validating these LAI products with consideration of topographic factors is a prerequisite for enhancing the quality of LAI products in mountainous areas. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the performance of MODIS LAI and GLASS LAI products from 2001 to 2021 by comparing and validating them with ground-measured LAI data, focusing on the spatio-temporal and topographic aspects in the Qinling Mountains. The results show that the GLASS LAI product is a better choice for estimating LAI in the Qinling Mountains. The GLASS LAI product has better completeness and generally higher values compared to the MODIS LAI product. The time-series curve of the GLASS LAI product is more continuous and smoother than the MODIS LAI product. Both products, however, face challenges in quantifying LAI values of evergreen vegetation during winter. The MODIS and GLASS LAI products exhibit differences between sunny and shady slopes, with mean LAI values peaking on sunny slopes and reaching their lowest on shady slopes. When the slope ranges from 0 to 10°, the mean values of GLASS LAI product show a higher increasing trend compared to the MODIS LAI product. At elevations between 1450 and 2450 m, the mean LAI values of the GLASS LAI product are higher than the MODIS LAI product, primarily in the southern Qinling Mountains. Compared to ground-measured LAI data, the GLASS LAI product (R² = 0.33, RMSE = 1.62, MAE = 0.61) shows a stronger correlation and higher accuracy than the MODIS LAI product (R² = 0.24, RMSE = 1.61, MAE = 0.68).

Study on the Driving Factors of the Spatiotemporal Pattern in Forest Lightning Fires and 3D Fire Simulation Based on Cellular Automata

Lightning-induced forest fires frequently inflict substantial damage on forest ecosystems, with the Daxing’anling region in northern China recognized as a high-incidence region for such phenomena. To elucidate the occurrence patterns of forest fires caused by lightning and to prevent such fires, this study employs a multifaceted approach, including statistical analysis, kernel density estimation, and spatial autocorrelation analysis, to conduct a comprehensive examination of the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of lightning-induced forest fires in the Greater Khingan Mountains region from 2016–2020. Additionally, the geographical detector method is utilized to assess the explanatory power of three main factors: climate, topography, and fuel characteristics associated with these fires, encompassing both univariate and interaction detections. Furthermore, a mixed-methods approach is adopted, integrating the Zhengfei Wang model with a three-dimensional cellular automaton to simulate the spread of lightning-induced forest fire events, which is further validated through rigorous quantitative verification. The principal findings are as follows: (1) Spatiotemporal Distribution of Lightning-Induced Forest Fires: Interannual variability reveals pronounced fluctuations in the incidence of lightning-induced forest fires. The monthly concentration of incidents is most significant in May, July, and August, demonstrating an upward trajectory. In terms of temporal distribution, fire occurrences are predominantly concentrated between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, conforming to a normal distribution pattern. Spatially, higher incidences of fires are observed in the western and northwestern regions, while the eastern and southeastern areas exhibit reduced rates. At the township level, significant spatial autocorrelation indicates that Xing’an Town represents a prominent hotspot (p = 0.001), whereas Oupu Town is identified as a significant cold spot (p = 0.05). (2) Determinants of the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Lightning-Induced Forest Fires: The spatiotemporal distribution of lightning-induced forest fires is influenced by a multitude of factors. Univariate analysis reveals that the explanatory power of these factors varies significantly, with climatic factors exerting the most substantial influence, followed by topographic and fuel characteristics. Interaction factor analysis indicates that the interactive effects of climatic variables are notably more pronounced than those of fuel and topographical factors. (3) Three-Dimensional Cellular Automaton Fire Simulation Based on the Zhengfei Wang Model: This investigation integrates the fire spread principles from the Zhengfei Wang model into a three-dimensional cellular automaton framework to simulate the dynamic behavior of lightning-induced forest fires. Through quantitative validation against empirical fire events, the model demonstrates an accuracy rate of 83.54% in forecasting the affected fire zones.

Geochronology and ice‐flow modelling of the Late Quaternary glaciers on Mt. Soğanlı, Türkiye

ABSTRACTUnderstanding Earth's climate history through the chronology and reconstruction of palaeoglaciers is a central topic of palaeoclimatology. Examining the remnants of past glaciations preserved in isolated alpine environments provides insight into critical palaeoclimatic conditions. Accurate dating techniques, such as terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides, are crucial for understanding the timing of these changes. The Anatolian Peninsula, characterized by diverse topographical and climatic factors, witnessed the presence of glaciers during the Late Pleistocene, shaping its alpine landscape significantly. While mountain ranges such as the Taurus and Pontic favoured glacier development due to their elevation and lower temperatures, isolated mountains such as Mount Soğanlı in the interior hinterland also supported significant palaeoglaciers. Despite previous studies on Anatolia's glaciers, numerical dating of glacial deposits on Mount Soğanlı has remained elusive until now, hindering precise palaeoclimatic interpretations. This study employs cosmogenic 36Cl surface exposure dating and physical‐based ice‐flow modelling using an open‐source framework, Parallel Ice Sheet Model (PISM), to determine the timing of glaciations and to reconstruct past glacier extents on Mount Soğanlı. The results reveal glacier retreat ages of 48.3 ± 13.4 and 18.3 ± 4.4 ka based on two well‐preserved moraines. Additionally, palaeoclimate simulations matched with the field observations indicate considerably colder conditions (6.65–8.15°C colder than today) necessary to sustain glaciers on Mount Soğanlı, when precipitation amounts were the same as today. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Anatolia's palaeoclimatic fluctuations and align with similar studies in neighbouring regions, enhancing our knowledge of past climate dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Agricultural legacy shapes plant diversity patterns in mountain grasslands of Maramureș and Bukovina: A cross‐border perspective (Ukraine, Romania)

Abstract We investigated farming practices and grassland plant diversity patterns in the historical regions of Maramureș and Bukovina, located in the central Eastern Carpathians of Romania and Ukraine. We explored the influence of social and historical factors on recent grassland plant diversity, including changes and modifications in land use and grassland management practices. We used stratified random sampling to select 48 grassland parcels in eight villages on the Ukrainian‐Romanian borderlands. We identified the factors that affect the composition and diversity of grassland vascular plants and bryophytes at multiple spatial scales and compared the frequency and timing of historical and recent grassland management practices to distinguish between preserved and modified agricultural traditions. In most of the grassland parcels studied (83% in Romania and 78% in Ukraine), traditional land use persisted. Local plant species richness was primarily influenced by management practices, outweighing the impact of topography and soil factors. Regular mowing at appropriate intensity increased the richness of vascular plants, while grazing promoted the richness of bryophyte species. Modifications to farming systems, observed in all studied villages, were mainly due to declining population and livestock numbers. Although the timing of spring and autumn grazing in hay meadows still adhered to tradition, mowing schedules shifted earlier, especially for the first cut of two‐cut hay meadows. Traditional corralling, fertilization and hayseed application have become rare or discontinued in certain villages, while controlled burning has increased. Past use of mineral fertilizers in Ukrainian villages during the Soviet era influenced the recent diversity and composition of vascular plant species, favouring nutrient‐demanding species. Social factors and agricultural policies indirectly affect biodiversity in semi‐natural grasslands, leaving a tangible footprint even in the most remote areas of the Carpathian Mountains. We provide basic recommendations to preserve the remarkable biodiversity of the region. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Infiltration Characteristics and Hydrodynamic Parameters in Response to Topographic Factors in Bare Soil Surfaces, Laboratory Experiments Based on Cropland Fields of Purple Soil in Southwest China

Topography is an important factor that impacts the hydrological processes on sloping farmlands. Yet, few studies have reported the combined influences of slope gradient and slope position on infiltration characteristics and hydrodynamic parameters on sloping croplands in purple soil regions, an important area for agricultural productivity in Southwest China. Here, laboratory-simulated rainfall experiments were conducted in a steel trough (5 m long, 2 m wide, and 0.45 m deep), and rainfall lasted for 1 h at a rate of 90 mm h−1 to examine the variations in the infiltration rates and hydrodynamic parameters under varying slope gradients (i.e., 3°, 6°, 10°, 15°, 21°, and 27°) and slope positions (i.e., upper, middle, and lower), and explore the relationships between the infiltration rate and the soil detachment rate. The results showed that the infiltration rate decreased gradually with duration rainfall and ultimately approached a steady state in the six slope treatments. Cumulative infiltration ranged from 15.54 to 39.32 mm during rainfall, and gradually reduced with the increase of slope gradient. The Horton’s model outperforms other models for predicting the infiltration rate with an R2 value of 0.86. Factors such as Darcy–Weisbach friction, flow shear force, Manning friction coefficient, unit energy, and runoff depth varied in the following order: upper slope > middle slope > lower slope, whilst the Reynolds number and Froude number gradually increased along the slope transect from the upper to lower slope positions. A significant linear function was fitted between the soil detachment rate and the infiltration rate at the gentle slopes (3°, 6°, 10°), whereas an exponential relationship was observed at the steep slopes (15°, 21°, and 27°). Observation also suggested that 15° was the critical slope gradient of sediment detachment, infiltration characteristics, and hydrodynamic parameters. Our results provide theoretical insight for developing models that predict the impacts of topographic factors on hydrological characteristic and soil erosion in hilly agricultural landscapes of purple soil fields.

Revitalisation Design of North Coastal Border in Lemahwungkuk Sub-District with Urban Design Element Analysis

Cirebon is one of the cities in West Java province. The city is located in the lowlands on the north coast of Java. The low topography factor is closely related to urban problems, such as slums in the Lemahwungkuk sub-district of Cirebon City. This research aims to solve urban problems because, according to the Mayor's Regulation No. 663/Kep.421-DPRKP/2021, Lemahwungkuk sub-district includes Cangkol coastal and Kesunean coastal areas among the eleven slum locations in Cirebon city. In addition, there is a plan to revitalize the coastal border area. The method used in this research is qualitative, using urban design analysis and site analysis. The data sources were obtained through interviews with 20 informants and mapping using ArcGIS 10.8 software. The concept of an environmental approach with an orientation towards the community in the design of the revitalization of the north coast area in Lemahwungkuk District emphasizes the physical environment, infrastructure, economy, socio-culture, disaster, and collaboration between the government and the community. The results of this revitalization design can also be a recommendation for development in Cirebon, West Java. In addition, it recommends conservation and tourism activities on the north coast of Cirebon, West Java. Efforts to overcome the phenomenon of urban sprawl at the research site by changing the pattern of settlements and building layout to improve the quality of the community environment and increase public space and green open space for conservation, tourism, and aesthetic functions of the region.