Unconsolidated Materials Research Articles

Experimental investigation of the sound absorption characteristics of unconsolidated granular materials

In the context of a wider research project investigating the use of Granular Material (GM) within floor and wall structures to increase their sound insulation, this study presents the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) measurements of different thicknesses for a range of GM. A primary aim has been to extend the understanding of the behaviour of GM layers in absorbing the propagated incident sound wave. Equally important has been an assessment of what GM could be sourced from waste and be acceptable for use in buildings from the point of view of fire insulation, handleability, economy, etc. Samples of GM were placed in an 88mm diameter vertical impedance tube and SACs measured up to 2kHz. The results show the effect GM's different structure (size and shape), bulk volume, and mechanical characteristics have on the range and value of the SAC. These determine the extent to which GM could be a replacement for traditional sound absorption materials.

Novel formulation of Slichter’s model for permeability determination in unconsolidated materials: a critical review through field data

ABSTRACT Slichter’s model is a theoretical model that can be used for quantifying the permeability of non-cohesive materials. An inaccurate form of the equation has prevailed, undermining this model, which has been considered unreliable. This paper revises Slichter’s work and proposes a corrected formulation of his equation by redefining key parameters such as the referential grain size, the porosity function, and the area of the pores. This approach was tested for poorly graded sands and well-graded sandy gravels in northern Croatia and a literature control group of heterogeneous sediments. The results were compared with permeabilities determined from: (1) pumping and slug tests, and (2) the well-established Hazen’s experimental and Kozeny-Carman theoretical formulae. High correlativity between the different methods and with the field results confirmed the validity of the corrected Slichter’s equation for predicting the permeability of non-cohesive materials, regardless of their gradation and mean geometric grain size.

Pore-scale simulations help in overcoming laboratory limitations with unconsolidated rock material: A multi-step reconstruction based on scanning electron and optical microscopy data

This article explores the possibility to assess the flow and transport properties of loosely consolidated rock material—something that is very hard or impossible to achieve in the laboratory due to fragility of cores. We present two cases of weakly consolidated and unconsolidated rocks. We provide a solution based on pore-scale simulations and stochastic reconstructions using scanning electron (SEM) and grain optical microscopy images as input data. The hybrid reconstruction approach is based on 3D grain shape construction out of 2D optical images, packing of grains to match the target porosity measured from SEM imaging, and addition of clay and other cementing phases with the help of phase-recovery method. Note that standard digital rock protocol based on X-ray microtomography did not work for considered samples due to fine-grained particle size distribution (insufficient resolution of X-ray microtomography). After creation of 3D digital replicas of rock samples based on their SEM and optical microscopy images, we applied pore-scale modeling to obtain permeability and two-phase flow properties. Simulated permeability of 259 mD for the first sample was in surprisingly good agreement with laboratory measurements of 248 mD. For the second sample permeabilities deviated by an order of magnitude. After additional studies it was found that the mesh attached to the sample during measurements affected the results. After pore-scale simulations of the grain packing with the mesh we were able to achieve very good agreement with the experiment, confirming that the lab was basically exploring the properties of the mesh clogged with unconsolidated rock material. Thus, pore-scale hybrid rock structure reconstruction technique combined with pore-scale simulations was able to correct inaccurate laboratory assessment and obtain flow properties for unconsolidated rock sample. We believe the developed hybrid reconstruction technique to be robust enough to serve as a basis of the industrial technology for petrophysical studies of weakly and unconsolidated core material.

Seepage process understanding at long-existing landslide dams through numerical analysis and hydrological measurements

Landslide dams consist of unconsolidated heterogeneous material and lack engineering measures to drain water and control pore water pressure. They may be porous and seepage through them could potentially lead to piping failure. In this research, the internal processes within a long-existing landslide dam are assessed under transient seepage force. The implemented approach includes a 3D finite element numerical simulation executing fully coupled flow-deformation and consolidation methods based on hydraulic data measurements and geotechnical laboratory tests. The nonlinear constitutive model ‘Hardening Soil’ is applied to accurately calculate the stress-induced pore water pressure, effective stress, deformation, and flow. Further, the possibility of slope failure due to seepage force is investigated through the strength reduction method. The results highlight the dependency of the seepage flow on the corresponding variation of the relative permeability and saturation in the soil mediums under different rates of seepage force. Small rates of seepage force, however, impose deformation at the dam's crown. High effective stress is obtained at negative small rates of seepage force where the long duration of fluctuation is modeled. In the drawdown simulation, there is a reverse relation between effective stress and the rate of the seepage force. Through the modeling process and based on the measured data, two seepage paths are detected within the landslide dam, while their activation depends on the lake level. The modeling approach and the required data analysis are suggested for utilization in further studies regarding the seepage process understanding at the long-existing landslide dams and their hazard assessments in addition to the common geomorphological approaches.

An extended continuum-mechanics standard linear solid rheology for fluid-saturated porous rock

SUMMARY In a large body of rock-physics research, seismic wave velocity dispersion and attenuation in fluid-saturated porous rock are studied by constructing analytical or numerical models for time- or frequency-dependent dynamic (effective, or viscoelastic) moduli. A key and broadly used model of such kind is the Zener's, or the standard linear solid (SLS). This model is qualitatively successful in explaining many field and laboratory observations and serves as the key element of many generalizations such as the Burgers model for plastic deformations or the generalized SLS explaining band-limited or near-constant seismic attenuation. However, as a physical model of fluid-saturated porous rock, the SLS has several major limitations: disregard of inertial effects, absence of secondary wave modes and lack of key physical parameters such as porosity and Skempton coefficients. Grainy and porous rock is an unconsolidated material in which the effective density is frequency-dependent, and its effects on wave velocities may exceed those of the dynamic modulus. To overcome these limitations of the empirical SLS, we propose a rigorous rheologic model based on classical continuum mechanics and called the extended SLS, or eSLS. This rheology explains the available attenuation and dispersion observations equally well, but it is also close to Biot's model, honours all poroelastic relations, includes inertial effects, and reveals several new physical properties of the material. Detailed comparison of the eSLS and Biot's models gives a physical-mechanism-based classification of wave-induced fluid flow (WIFF) phenomena. In this classification, the so-called ‘global-scale’ flows occur in Biot's type structures within the material, whereas the ‘local-scale’ WIFF occurs in eSLS-type structures. Combining Biot's and eSLS models gives a broad class of rheologies for linear anelastic phenomena within rock with a single type of porosity. The model can be readily generalized to multiple porosities and different types of internal variables, such as describing squirt flows, wetting or thermoelastic effects. Modelling is conducted with relatively little effort, using a single matrix equation similar to a mechanical form of the standard SLS. By combining the eSLS and Biot's models, observations of dynamic-modulus dispersion and attenuation can be inverted for macroscopic mechanical properties of porous materials.

Sediment Thickness Model of Andalusia’s Nearshore and Coastal Inland Topography

This study represents the first attempt to map the sediment thickness spatial distribution along the Andalusian coastal zone by integrating various publicly available datasets. While prior studies have presented bedform- and sediment-type syntheses, none have attempted to quantify sediment thickness at the scale and resolution performed in this study. The study area has been divided into 18 physiographic zones, and we have used BGS Groundhog Desktop v2.6 software for 3D modeling and sediment thickness model calculations. We present here the modeling workflow, model results, and the challenges that we have encountered, including discrepancies in geological maps, difficulty managing data input for grain size/consolidation, and the need for additional geological information. We have compared the modeled sediment fractions of the unconsolidated material with 4194 seabed samples distributed along the study area and found that the differences between the modeled versus the sampled emphasized the importance of incorporating river contributions, particularly from the Guadalquivir River, into the model for more accurate results. The model intermediate and final outputs and the software routines used to query the sediment thickness model are provided as publicly accessible datasets and tools. The modeled sediment thickness could contribute to making quantitative predictions of morphological change at a scale that is relevant to longer-term strategic coastal management in Andalusia. The methodology and tools used for this study are transferable to any study area.

Sinkhole Investigation using Resistivity Method in Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus

The discovery of sinkholes on the road at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli campus is concerning as it is risky to road users, especially Universiti Malaysia Kelantan students and staff. The study presents an investigation of the sinkhole based on the resistivity approach. By using the Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) method, we can understand the subsurface materials that cause sinkhole occurrence. The resistivity data were collected on the sinkhole area using two survey lines of 50m Schlumberger array and 100m of Gradient array. The results of pseudosection showed a dominantly low resistivity area with a value between 1 Ωm to 100 Ωm indicating the presence of high water content in the subsurface materials due to water seepage from the surface. The highest resistivity value, 600 Ωm showed the presence of compacted material in the subsurface. From the resistivity method, the sinkhole formation in the study area is caused by water saturating the subsurface material which is likely due to rainwater seeping and washing away the unconsolidated material underneath.

Optimizing Surface Lithology Interpretation from Global Gravity Model and Landsat 8 Satellite Imagery in Semeru Mountain, Indonesia

Conventional geological mapping has high data accuracy but has ineffectiveness such as incomplete sample sweep coverage due to extreme topography, densely populated environmental conditions, and weather constraints in the field. Remote sensing is an effective alternative geological mapping solution through a combination of satellite gravity methods and satellite imagery interpretation. This study aims to apply remote sensing to obtain a more detailed distribution of Mount Semeru lithological types from regional geological maps. Integration of rock density results from satellite gravity and lithology distribution from satellite imagery results in a more detailed lithological types interpretation with more specific physical conditions of rock density. Relatively low rock density values (1.9 - 2.3 gr/cm3) distribution is at the top and foot of the mountain in the outermost areas of the study area indicating relatively thick pyroclastic material with relatively deep bedrock depth, and unconsolidated material. On the side of the body of the mountain slope, there is a relatively high rock density value (2.9 - 3.5 gr/cm3) with an indication of the formation of pyroclastic material which is relatively thinner with the presence of shallower bedrock and has consolidated material. Geological mapping optimization forms the basis for further research related to the planning and development of natural resources, as well as a more effective and efficient advanced geological mapping automation process.

High-resolution geoelectrical characterization and monitoring of natural fluids emission systems to understand possible gas leakages from geological carbon storage reservoirs

Gas leakage from deep geologic storage formations to the Earth’s surface is one of the main hazards in geological carbon sequestration and storage. Permeable sediment covers together with natural pathways, such as faults and/or fracture systems, are the main factors controlling surface leakages. Therefore, the characterization of natural systems, where large amounts of natural gases are released, can be helpful for understanding the effects of potential gas leaks from carbon dioxide storage systems. In this framework, we propose a combined use of high-resolution geoelectrical investigations (i.e. resistivity tomography and self-potential surveys) for reconstructing shallow buried fracture networks in the caprock and detecting preferential gas migration pathways before it enters the atmosphere. Such methodologies appear to be among the most suitable for the research purposes because of the strong dependence of the electrical properties of water-bearing permeable rock, or unconsolidated materials, on many factors relevant to CO2 storage (i.e. porosity, fracturing, water saturation, etc.). The effectiveness of the suggested geoelectrical approach is tested in an area of natural gas degassing (mainly CH4) located in the active fault zone of the Bolle della Malvizza (Southern Apennines, Italy), which could represent a natural analogue of gas storage sites due to the significant thicknesses (hundreds of meters) of impermeable rock (caprock) that is generally required to prevent carbon dioxide stored at depth from rising to the surface. The obtained 3D geophysical model, validated by the good correlation with geochemical data acquired in the study area and the available geological information, provided a structural and physical characterization of the investigated subsurface volume. Moreover, the time variations of the observed geophysical parameters allowed the identification of possible migration pathways of fluids to the surface.

Unconsolidated sediment thickness mapping by waterborne geophysics along the Lake Michigan shoreline

Mapping unconsolidated sediment at the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline (ILMS) is complex but vital for sustainable management and use of this dynamic system which undergoes significant redistribution of sand in the littoral transport system over time. To understand erosion and accretion processes it is critical to map the ILMS sediments at high spatiotemporal resolution. Here we used two geophysical methods, waterborne electrical resistivity imaging (wERI) and sub-bottom profiling (SBP), ground-truthed by hydraulic jet probing and historic borings, to map the thickness of unconsolidated sediments along two reaches of the ILMS. These geophysical surveys show that the sediments have not undergone deformation, and the thickness of the unconsolidated sandy material ranges between 4 and 5 m over semiconsolidated clay and bedrock. Both geophysical methods agree with jet probe results which provide direct evidence of loose, sandy sediments up to depths of 4 to 5 m below the lakebed. The wERI shows more detailed variation in the sediment and bedrock topography than the other methods. Overall, the geophysical methods, particularly the wERI, appear to be effective tools to map the sediment structure along the ILMS at high spatial resolution. Considering the relatively low cost of the operation of geophysical surveys, simplicity of operation and data analyses, wERI and SBP show promising potential for comprehensive mapping of the ILMS. The methods supplement the limited extent of direct sampling and the lower spatial resolution but great extent of airborne geophysics, and provide the information needed for better understanding of sediment transport mechanisms.

Investigating the behavior of the slow dynamic recovery at early times

Slow dynamics (SD), a type of non-classical nonlinear elastic behavior, is characterized by (i) a material softening due a minor mechanical conditioning and (ii) a subsequent slow recovery that approaches the original macroscopic elastic state. Early work in sandstones and other consolidated granular materials—and more recent work in unconsolidated granular materials—have found the recovery to be logarithmic-in-time, at least for seconds to hours after conditioning. However, other recent studies have observed recoveries in consolidated granular materials that deviate from log(time), particularly for early recovery times. This talk will present experimental investigations in to the nature of the SD recovery, especially at early times. The experimental venue will be the single bead system (a single bead confined between two large plates of a similar material) introduced previously. We will measure SD recoveries using multiple methods, such as Dynamic Acoustic Emission Testing (DAET) and Larsen Monitoring, to better compare our experiments with previous work. The effect of different conditioning mechanisms on the early time recovery will also be investigated. The presentation will conclude with some discussion of proposed mechanisms for slow dynamics.

Quaternary sediment datasets for spatial distribution and accumulation on the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin based on remote sensing and field on‐site measurements

AbstractQuaternary unconsolidated sediments are pronouncedly widespread features on the planetary surface, documenting significant geological signals of earth surface processes, climate change and biogeochemical cycles. The extensive unconsolidated deposits play a vital role in natural hazards and Anthropogenic activities, especially in alpine regions where massive unconsolidated materials are produced. However, the spatial distribution and total volume of unconsolidated sediments across the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin (YTRB) remain largely unknown due to the limitation of traditional field surveys and on‐site measurements as well as the complex landscape in the remote area. This study presents the datasets for the systematic distribution and spatial accumulation of unconsolidated sediments across the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin, southern Tibet. Combining remotely sensed data with numerous field investigations, an integrated method based on image processing and kriging interpolation‐pixel integration was performed to semi‐automatically classify and quantify the unconsolidated sediments. Eleven categories of sediments were mapped and their total accumulation is estimated at approximately 4.97 × 1011 t. Ultimately, 17 groups of classification and thickness maps were derived, revealing the distribution and volume of unconsolidated and Quaternary sediments. The datasets fill the gaps in comprehensive investigations of unconsolidated sediments for YTRB, and provide a fundamental database to support the scientific understanding of potential linkages between the distribution of unconsolidated sediments with environmental changes and human activities.

Transmission loss measurement of recycled granular material using wave decomposition by impulse response extraction based on deconvolution

A simplified method for measuring transmission loss with a single fixed microphone inside an impedance tube is proposed. The separation of the incident wave from the reflected wave is achieved by deconvolving the loudspeaker driver voltage signal with the microphone signal to extract the impulse response. Random noise and a sinusoidal sweep signal were used as excitation signals for extraction of the impulse response, and two deconvolution methods were employed: linear deconvolution based on the adaptive LMS algorithm and simple spectral division. To avoid the overlap of incident and reflected pulses, a long impedance tube was used. Using a long impedance tube eliminates the need for an anechoic tube termination and the need to calibrate microphones. It is found that a reflective tube termination provides more accurate results compared to an approximately anechoic termination. The approximately anechoic termination shortens the available time window of the reflected pulse because it reflects some of the low-frequency sound. The standard deviation of the results and the dynamic range of the proposed method were determined experimentally. The applicability of the new method was tested on samples of unconsolidated granular material recycled from construction sites. The measured transmission losses of the different granular fractions were compared with a theoretical model for transmission losses at low frequencies. Samples consisting of smaller granule fractions were found to have surprisingly high transmission loss values. The design of the extended vertical impedance tube in combination with the proposed method is cost effective, speeds up the measurement procedure and provides reliable results.

The effect of saturation and salts on the rigidity of fine-grained material

Repeated multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) experiments were conducted on a hummock within a large landslide in east-central Utah adjacent to a small wetland. Stakes were placed into the ground to ensure identical array geometries and geophone locations. The landslide is an admixture of fine-grained material (clay, quartz and Na-plagioclase) and intermediate-composition volcanic clasts. A prominent crust of Na-salts covered the hummock surface, produced by evapotranspiration of shallow groundwater associated with the adjacent fen.The experiments produced three primary observations. First, on any given day, the Rayleigh wave frequency spectra were highly reproducible between individual experiments. Second, from May to October the spectra exhibited high variability between experiments conducted weeks apart, especially at frequencies <20 Hz. Third, a persistent subsurface boundary exists across which Vs increases from ~175 to ~300 m/s. However, that boundary migrated over time from a depth of ~5 to ~4 m.The low velocity of the upper ~5 m subsurface layer represents poorly-compacted landslide material, perhaps weakened from high Na+ concentrations. However, the variability in frequency spectra and upward migration of the boundary must have arisen from changing moisture and salt content over time. The fen was instrumented with a piezometer that showed an overall ~1 m decline in water levels from May to October with small, superimposed recharge events resulting from summer monsoon rains.This study leads to two important conclusions. Specific to this site and perhaps others, variable moisture content can affect capillary forces and the proportion of evaporite cements in the shallow subsurface that are manifested in strikingly different frequency spectra and migrating stiffness (Vs) boundaries. More generally, moisture and salt content can affect estimates of subsurface stiffness, including the position of apparent boundaries within unconsolidated materials.

Hazards Mitigation of Lahar Flows on Semeru Volcano after the 4 December 2021 Eruption Based on PS-InSAR

Volcanic eruption is one of the phenomena that can change the volcanic landscape drastically. Monitoring of volcanic edifices after eruptions should be considered to further understand the potential hazards in the future. Satellite monitoring is a reliable technique for assessing deformation in a volcano. InSAR was applied to detect material build-up after the eruption phase of Semeru Volcano in December 2022. As a consequence of the opening crater along with the InSAR result, a lahar product after the eruption was deposited in the southwest direction. Significant deformations were indicated by PS-InSAR near the crater, which was characterized by a LOS displacement of -10 to -40 mm/year, indicating scouring of the pyroclastic material moving down the slope. The accumulation of pyroclastic flows from the abrading process below was detected in the proximal zone of Semeru, as shown by the positive LOS displacement ranging from 10 to 40 mm/year. The field survey conforms to the PS InSAR results, where unconsolidated material, ranging in size from gravel to boulders, piles up approximately 4-5 m in Curah Kobokan. Highly unconsolidated material tends to move easily by water and threaten the surrounding settlements. Overlying PS InSAR and drainage pattern in the flank of Semeru, concluding several locations that have a high-risk potential of being affected by lahar flows are Curah Kobokan, Supiturang Village, Pronojiwo District, then Tulungrejo, Pasropan Village, Pasrujambe District, Lumajang Regency.

Antecedent rainfall as a critical factor for the triggering of debris flows in arid regions

Abstract. In arid regions, debris flows (DFs) are occasionally observed when heavy rainfall hits steep slopes with unconsolidated materials. Despite the related hazards, not much is yet known about the critical rainfall conditions for DF initiation in dryland areas mainly due to a lack of observations and data. In this study, we use high-resolution digital surface models and orthophotos to detect DFs on the arid slopes of the Dead Sea's northwestern margins, as well as weather radar rainfall estimates for the characterization of the triggering and non-triggering storms. We identify deposits from over 40 relatively small DFs that occurred between 2013 and 2019. We divide them into four groups based on their spatial distribution and triggering period, and we identify the most likely triggering storms based on weather radar data and additional information. We show that the DFs were likely triggered by an intense convective cell (lasting less than 45 min) which was preceded by non-negligible rainfall amounts (about 10 mm) delivered during the storm. Comparing triggering and non-triggering storms, we observed that rain intensity alone is insufficient to explain the phenomena and discuss the possibility that antecedent rainfall could represent a critical factor for the triggering of DFs on steep slopes of arid environments.

Simulating impact-induced shaking as a triggering mechanism for mass movements on Bennu

Observations of near-Earth asteroid Bennu have revealed a dynamic surface composed of unconsolidated material. The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer) mission found numerous locations exhibiting evidence of mass movements of surface material. Mass movements can be a major factor in the surface evolution of a small near-Earth asteroid, and the Small Carry-on Impactor (SCI) experiment on asteroid Ryugu has shown that seismic shaking can trigger it. We selected one mass movement site on Bennu to conduct a detailed survey of the surface boulder arrangement and geomorphology. Using these data, we created dynamical simulations of mass movement events at this site initiated by seismic shaking, and we found a mass flux comparable to estimates from the site survey. The frequency ranges of the shakings are similar to what would be produced by a 0.5-m-diameter impactor, for which the expected crater size is of a scale widely seen on Bennu (32 m). In addition, the simulation exhibited the Brazil nut effect, where finer particles percolate towards greater depth, in this case up to 1.5 m. Our results demonstrate that impact-induced seismic shaking is a viable mechanism for the initiation of mass movements, and a plausible explanation for the scarcity of fine regolith, on Bennu's surface.

GEOLOGI DAN ANALISIS KUALITAS AIR SUMUR BERDASARKAN TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLID (TDS) DAN DERAJAT KEASAMAN (pH) DAERAH ALUVIAL MANGGAR, KOTA BALIKPAPAN

The need for clean water in the Manggar area is increasing yearly. However, the condition of cloudy, smelly, and colored water is a problem faced by people in this area. This study aimed to analyze the water quality of community wells based on the value of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and acidity (pH) in the alluvial plains of Manggar. Based on the research results, the value of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) ranging from 27 ppm - to 338 ppm is classified as freshwater, while the Power of Hydrogen (pH) value ranging from 7.1 to 8.3 is alkaline. The results of the research on water quality in alluvial plains of Manggar based on these two parameters meet the requirements according to the threshold from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes RI). However, their smell and color are not suitable for consumption. The reason is that the rock units in the alluvial plains of Manggar area are still in the form of unconsolidated material, still in the form of loose clay-sized material, which can affect the quality of healthy water in the area.

Comparing Landsat Dynamic Surface Water Extent to alternative methods of measuring inundation in developing waterbird habitats

This study investigates the applicability of the Landsat Dynamic Surface Water Extent (DSWE) science product for waterbird habitat modeling in multiple non-canopied habitat types. We compare surface water distribution estimates derived from DSWE to two site-specific survey methods: visual surveys and digitized aerial imagery. These site-specific surveys were conducted on Poplar Island, a restoration island project in the Chesapeake Bay, USA. Visual surveys were collected bimonthly from 2006 to 2013, and digitized aerial imagery was collected annually from 2006 to 2015. As a restoration island, Poplar Island presents a unique opportunity to analyze DSWE in a rapidly changing site. We structure our analysis based on the procedural development of individual sub-island cells developed from unconsolidated dredge material into fully restored wetlands that have independent hydrologic connection to the surrounding bay. Each development status is analyzed using our three DSWE classifications: Open Water (OW), a conservative estimate; Wetland Inclusive (WI), an aggressive estimate; and Development Dependent (DD), a landcover adaptive estimate. The OW classification consistently underestimates surface water coverage especially in the more complex, fully developed cells. The WI classification is better able to capture the tidal channels in these cells, but marginally overestimates surface water coverage in more sparsely vegetated cells. The DD classification does not significantly improve upon the estimations of the WI classification. Our data indicate that DSWE can be a capable alternative to our site-specific survey methods. However, the product is limited by Landsat's 30 m spatial resolution, especially in more structurally complex wetlands. A recommended classification method for characterizing waterbird habitats would depend on the goals and targeted scale of analysis, for which DSWE may be a viable option.

Regional distribution and characteristics of major badland landscapes in Turkey

Badlands are extremely rugged, outstanding landscapes that can be seen in all ice-free climate regions over erosion-susceptible unconsolidated materials, and they have drawn attention with their spectacular and iconic forms. Unlike nearly all badlands researches conducted at the experimental site and watershed scale, so far, the broader-scale evaluation has been neglected in the analysis of badland distribution, characteristics, and dynamics. Our study provides an integrative new insight into badland landscapes by investigating the distribution, characteristics and controlling factors of Turkish badlands on a broad, regional scale. We inventoried Turkish badlands using aerial imagery and studied their distribution using K-means clustering, an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, based on a set of major conditional geo-environmental factors that control the regional distribution and characteristics of badlands, including tectonics, lithology, topography, climate, and vegetation. Here, we identified, a total of 4494 km2 of badland areas which are non-uniformly distributed across Turkey, substantially clustered in the Central Anatolian Plateau (CAP). According to our regional analyses, we have determined a total of five badland regions comprising three major types classified as Semi-arid, Mediterranean, and Montane (humid), together with two transitional types in-between the Semi-arid and Montane badland regions. Our results indicate that temperature seasonality (0.83), mean annual precipitation (0.83), and precipitation seasonality (0.76) are predominantly assigned to the badlands clusters. The clastic rocks are revealed as the most crucial and inevitable factor for the development of Turkish badlands, which are represented in a wide geologic time-scale (Cretaceous to Quaternary) and diverse lithological units (i.e., lacustrine, volcaniclastics, and terrestrial). Neogene and Paleogene terrestrial clastics (77 %) constitute the majority of the lithologic settings of these badland landscapes. The active and complex tectonic history of Turkey has portrayed the fundamental frame of the identified badland regions, by providing a susceptible environment (i.e., development of sedimentary basins) and promoting badland development through successive base-level changes. Furthermore, tectonically-modulated (i.e., formation of orogenic belts, and uplifting of CAP) climate dynamics outline the distribution pattern and differentiation of the regional characteristics of badlands in Turkey. Overall, our regional-scale approach to badland mapping and regional synthesis may decipher not only the tectonic and climatic conditions of the identified badlands regions, but it may also contribute to the implementation of future effective strategies for the detection and mapping of erosion susceptible and high sediment flux areas in very broad spatial contexts of similar unexplored territories.