Recent ventifact development on the central Oregon coast,western USA

The unusual location of ventifacts, on a boulder‐built jetty at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, Oregon coast, western USA, allows ventifact age and wind abrasion rates to be estimated with some precision. The jetty was built mainly between 1892–1901 and extended throughout the twentieth century. Consideration of historical shoreline position and the history of jetty construction and repair suggests the ventifacts have formed since about 1930. Morphologically the ventifacts are aligned south‐to‐north reflecting winter winds and sediment transport from the adjacent beach. Wind‐parallel grooves and ridges with sharp, sinuous crests are developed on inclined boulder surfaces on top of the jetty and reflect suspended sand transport in wind vortices. Deeply pitted surfaces on steep boulder surfaces nearest the beach reflect impact by saltating sand grains. Based on present wind regimes (1992–2000) from three regional weather stations, southerly winds above the sand transport threshold occur for 21·9–29·6 per cent of the time. Based on estimated depth of loss from boulder surfaces, wind abrasion rates are calculated to be on the order of 0·24–1·63 mm a^?1. This is the first well‐constrained field estimate of ventifact age and ventifaction rate from a modern coastal environment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Differences in 10Be concentrations between river sand,gravel and pebbles along the western side of the central Andes

Cosmogenic nuclides in river sediment have been used to quantify catchment-mean erosion rates. Nevertheless, variable differences in ¹⁰Be concentrations according to grain size have been reported. We analyzed these differences in eleven catchments on the western side of the Andes, covering contrasting climates and slopes. The data include eight sand (0.5–1 mm) and gravel (1–3 cm) pairs and twelve sand (0.5–1 mm) and pebble (5–10 cm) pairs. The difference observed in three pairs can be explained by a difference in the provenance of the sand and coarser sediment. The other sand–pebble pairs show a lower ¹⁰Be concentration in the pebbles, except for one pair that shows similar concentrations. Two sand–gravel pairs show a lower ¹⁰Be concentration in the gravel and the other five pairs show a higher ¹⁰Be concentration in the gravel. Differences in climate do not reveal a particular influence on the ¹⁰Be concentration between pairs. The analysis supports a model where pebbles and gravel are mainly derived from catchment areas that are eroding at a faster rate. The five gravel samples with high ¹⁰Be concentrations probably contain gravel that were derived from the abrasion of cobbles exhumed at high elevations. In order to validate this model, further work should test if pebbles are preferentially exhumed from high erosion rate areas, and if the difference between pebbles with high ¹⁰Be concentrations and sand decreases when the erosion rate tends to be homogeneous within a catchment.     

Effects of transport and insertion of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders on resistance and shape of natural and synthetic pebbles: applications for riverine and coastal bedload tracking

RFID transponders, especially low‐frequency Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT tags), are now commonly used for assessing bedload mobility in gravel‐bed rivers. Early studies reported high PIT tag recovery rates in small streams, but recovery rates in larger systems remain low. Explanatory factors for low recovery rates have been identified, but only antenna detection ranges and clustering effects have been precisely characterized. Burial below detection limit and dispersion beyond the study site have been indirectly estimated, and PIT tag destruction is assumed to be negligible. In this study, we quantified the resistance of natural limestone pebbles equipped with PIT tags as related to tag insertion methods and distance travelled in an annular flume. We then compared the performance of these natural pebbles with synthetic pebbles made of polyurethane resin and corundum. Creation of synthetic pebbles makes it possible to test bigger transponders with a greater detection range and no clustering effects, bypassing the existing constraints of RFID tracking. We found that breakage of limestone particles leading to PIT tag destruction is far too rare to explain low recovery rates in situ. Further, breakage is more affected by initial pebble characteristics than by PIT tag insertion method. Synthetic pebbles are more sensitive to attrition, but less likely to break. Natural and synthetic pebbles show slight differences in mobility patterns, transport distances, and abrasion resistances. One of the two synthetic pebbles travelled faster than the other three indicating that mobility is not only related to density but also potentially to shape. To address clustering and detection range issues, we equipped synthetic pebbles with AIT‐tags (Active Integrated Transponders). These were tested for integrity and transponder endurance and show great promise for future applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of weathering on optically stimulated luminescence dating

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating was applied to quartz samples recovered from the gravel sediments of deformed marine terrace at the Suryum site, southeastern Korea, but has yielded stratigraphically inconsistent ages. Micromorphological, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the gravels indicate the possible influence of chemical weathering on the apparent OSL ages. In the course of weathering after emerging from beach environments, originally permeable gravels underwent infilling by halloysite-rich clays in their voids, export and import of radioactive elements, and loss of mechanical strength with the creation of a porosity within pebbles. Calculation based on the evolution of the weathering profile showed a severe fluctuation of dose rate caused by the change of water content and radioactive element concentrations. Samples recovered from the weathering profile inevitably include quartz grains derived from mechanically weakened pebbles or illuviated from the upper layer, making it difficult to determine the equivalent dose (D_e) values of exclusively depositional quartz sands. Quantitative evaluation of the change of fabric and chemistry of the sediments on the basis of pedologic insight significantly aids in the derivation of OSL ages consistent with geomorphology and other independent age controls.     

Multiple calcrete profiles in the Tabernas Basin,southeast Spain: their origins and geomorphic implications

The paper describes a sequence of Pliocene(? ) to Quaternary age calcretes developed within alluvial fan and fluvial gravels in the Tabernas Basin, Almería Province, southeast Spain. Calcrete profiles are described from sites adjacent to major tributaries of the Rambla de Tabernas. Six distinct calcrete units are identified within the basin. These have variable distributions but have developed in an identifiable evolutionary sequence. Two pairs of calcrete units are widely present across the basin preserving two former land surfaces. Each of the former land surfaces has been planated and subsequently buried by alluvial fan or fluvial gravels. A massive calcrete unit is present at the base of each gravel sequence, immediately in contact with the underlying bedrock, with a less well developed calcrete unit situated at the top of the gravel sequence. The lowest two calcrete units within the basin are more spatially restricted and are confined to the floors and flanks of incised drainage lines. The geochemistry, macro- and micromorphological properties and geomorphological positions of the calcrete units are outlined and, on the basis of this information, their mode of origin identified. Two main modes of calcrete genesis appear to be present: massive calcretes situated in direct contact with bedrock are suggested to have formed by groundwater processes, whilst calcretes situated at the top of gravel sequences are likely to have developed by pedogenic processes. Calcrete genesis is subsequently considered in the context of the reconstruction of the early phases of landscape development, and is suggested to have been controlled by phases of uplift and stability within the Tabernas Basin. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large‐scale erosion and overbank deposition caused by the July 2013 flood of the Abu River,Yamaguchi City,Japan

This paper reports on the erosion, transport, and deposition processes associated with an overbank deposit formed by the flooding of the Abu River on July 28, 2013, in Yamaguchi City, Japan. At the study site, river flows overtopped the levee revetment upstream of a meander bend cutting it off and flowing back into the main channel downstream. In this sequential process, it deposited large amounts of sediments, ranging from mud to cobbles, on the floodplain. The surface of paddy fields adjacent to a railway line, located at the center of the affected floodplain, was severely eroded by the flood flows. Overbank deposits composed of both upstream finer sediments and eroded coarser terrestrial sediments are laid down in the affected area. Large amounts of pebbles and cobbles originating from the eroded terrestrial area formed a gravelly pile on top of the sand and gravel sediments derived from the river. This finding indicates that sands and gravels were deposited prior to the formation of the gravelly pile, probably before and during peak flood flows. An inverse grading structure is evident in the lower to middle part of these comparatively thick deposits, most likely due to differences in transport pattern between entrained terrestrial gravels and upstream finer sediments.     

Stabilization of fine gravels by net‐spinning caddisfly larvae

We examined the impact of Hydropsychidae caddisfly larvae on the incipient motion of two sizes of narrowly graded fine‐gravel (4–6 and 6–8 mm). This impact was assessed relative to the collective impact of other abiotic and biotic processes that are potentially important conditioning agents of fine‐gravels. Trays of gravel were placed in the River Soar, Leicestershire, UK, where they were colonized to natural densities by caddisfly larvae. Identical trays that were surrounded by a 250 µm mesh were also deployed, preventing colonization but allowing field conditioning of sediments, including minor reworking of grains and biofilm development. After 21 days in the river, trays were removed to a laboratory flume where grain entrainment stresses were established. In addition to the colonized and conditioned treatments, critical shear stresses were measured for identical sediments that were not placed in the river (laboratory gravels). Gravels that were colonized by Hydropsychidae required significantly greater shear stresses for entrainment than conditioned trays (p ≤ 0·002), however, there was no significant difference between conditioned and laboratory gravels. This implies that the presence of caddisfly can be a more important influence on fine‐gravel stability than some conditioning processes. Shields parameter was compared across treatments and across the two gravel size‐fractions using two‐way ANOVA. No significant differences or interactions were observed, indicating that 4–6 mm gravel was stabilized to a similar degree as 6–8 mm gravel by conditioning and colonization processes. Our results extend earlier studies in two important ways: (1) entrainment stresses were established for fine gravels that were colonized at natural densities, under natural stream conditions; and (2) the caddisfly effect was measured relative to both field‐conditioned and unconditioned laboratory controls. The temporal and spatial distribution of silk‐spinning caddisfly larvae suggests that they have the potential to influence fine‐sediment mobility in many rivers, worldwide. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of runout‐path material on emplacement of the Round Top rock avalanche,New Zealand

Factors influencing the distance a disintegrating rock mass travels as it spreads across the landscape after detaching from a slope include the volume and mechanical properties of the material, local topography and the materials encountered in the runout path. Here we investigate the influence of runout‐path material on the mobility and final morphology of the Round Top rock avalanche deposit, New Zealand. This rock avalanche of mylonitic schist ran out over a planar surface of saturated fluvial gravel. Longitudinal ridges aligned radial to source grade into smaller aligned hummocks and digitate lobes in the distal reach. Soils and river gravels in the runout path are found bulldozed at elongate ridge termini where they formed local obstacles halting avalanche motion at these locations, thus aiding development of prominent elongate ridges on the deposit. Further travel over the disrupted substrate led to avalanche–substrate mixing at the base of the debris mass. Field observations combined with subsurface geophysical investigations and laboratory analogue models illustrate the processes of substrate deformation features at the Round Top rock avalanche. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental Research on Dynamic Shear Modular Ratio and Damping Ratio of Sandy Gravel Soil

The dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio of sandy gravel are important parameters for the seismic response analysis of valley geomorphic sites,which have an important impact on the determination of design ground motion parameters. In this paper,the dynamic triaxial test of sandy gravels has been performed based on the project of the Shangluo Seismic Microzonation. Combined with the other results of sandy gravel,the recommended results of slightly dense,medium dense and dense sandy gravel were obtained. By building the typical site model,the influence of the dynamic shear modulus ratio and the damping ratio uncertainty on the seismic response of the site is studied. The results show that the uncertainty of the average of the dynamic shear modulus ratio and the damping ratio ± 1 times the standard deviation has little effect on the peak acceleration of the sandy gravel site,and the rationality of the grouping and statistical results is explained. Under different probability levels,the change in the shear modulus ratio and damping ratio leads to a significant difference in the high frequency response spectrum.The response spectrum of 0. 04-0. 1s ranges from about 20%,but it has little effect on the long period spectrum of more than 1. 0s. The study of dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio of sandy gravel has the ability to improve the reliability of the designing ground motion parameters.     

Evaluating fine sediment mobilization and storage in a gravel‐bed river using controlled reservoir releases

Two controlled flow events were generated by releasing water from a reservoir into the Olewiger Bach, located near Trier, Germany. This controlled release of near bank‐full flows allowed an investigation of the fine sediment (<63 µm) mobilized from channel storage. Both a winter (November) and a summer (June) release event were generated, each having very different antecedent flow conditions. The characteristics of the release hydrographs and the associated sediment transport indicated a reverse hysteresis with more mass, but smaller grain sizes, moving on the falling limb. Fine sediment stored to a depth of 10 cm in the gravels decreased following the release events, indicating the dynamic nature and importance of channel‐stored sediments as source materials during high flow events. Sediment traps, filled with clean natural gravel, were buried in riffles before the release of the reservoir water and the total mass of fine sediment collected by the traps was measured following the events. Twice the mass of fine sediment was retained by the gravel traps compared with the natural gravels, which may be due to their altered porosity. Although the amount of fine sediment collected by the traps was not significantly related to measures of gravel structure, it was found to be significantly correlated to measures of local flow velocity and Froude number. A portion of the traps were fitted with lids to restrict surface exchange of water and sediment. These collected the highest amounts of event‐mobilized sediments, indicating that inter‐gravel lateral flows, not just surface infiltration of sediments, are important in replenishing and redistributing the channel‐stored fines. These findings regarding the magnitude and direction of fine sediment movement in gravel beds are significant in both a geomorphic and a biological context. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

砂卵(砾)石动剪切模量比与阻尼比的试验研究

砂卵(砾)石的动剪切模量比和阻尼比是河谷地貌场地地震反应分析的重要参数,对设计地震动参数的确定有重要影响。本文利用商洛市地震小区划项目砂卵石的动三轴试验结果,结合其他砂卵(砾)石动三轴试验结果,分组统计得到了稍密、中密、密实砂卵(砾)动三轴试验的推荐结果。建立了典型场地模型,研究了其动剪切模量比和阻尼比的不确定性对场地地震反应的影响。研究表明:动剪切模量比、阻尼比平均值±1倍标准差的不确定性对砂卵石场地峰值加速度的影响较小,说明了分组及统计结果的合理性;不同概率水平下,动剪模量比、阻尼比的变化导致高频部分反应谱有明显差异,0.04-0.1s的反应谱变化范围在20%左右,但对大于1.0s的长周期反应谱影响很小。针对砂卵(砾)石动剪切模量比和阻尼比的研究对提高工程场地设计地震动参数的可靠性具有重要意义。     

用接收函数方法研究中国及邻区上地幔间断面的埋藏深度

使用中国及邻区的18个数字化地震台的宽频带三分向远震记录图,筛选计算得到了263条径向接收函数,并拾取了在41Okm和660km间断面上的透射转换震相P4S、P660S与P波的到时差.通过调整各台站之下的速度模型中这两个间断面的深度,使理论接收函数的P4S、P660S与P波的到时差与观测值相符,最终确定这两个间断面的实际埋藏深度.结果表明,各台站之下4km间断面的平均深度为403km,具有明显的横向不均匀性和区域性,其中北京台、西安台、兰州台和恩施台等的埋藏深度较浅,琼中台、CHTO等台较深.660km间断面的平均埋藏深度为663km,也存在明显的横向不均匀性,其中牡丹江台和MAJO台的较深,琼中台和HYB台的较浅.     

Detailed gravity survey to help seismic microzonation: Mapping the thickness of unconsolidated deposits in Ottawa, Canada

In this study, measurements of gravity were made to map and model the thickness of Quaternary deposits (sand and clay) overlying Ordovician limestones in a suburb of Ottawa (Orléans, Ontario). Because ground motion amplification is partly related to the thickness of unconsolidated deposits, this work helps refine the assessment of the earthquake damage potential of the area. It also helps the mapping of clay basins, which can locally exceed 100 m in thickness, where ground motion amplification can occur. Previous work, including well log data and seismic methods, have yielded a wealth of information on near-surface geology in Orléans, thereby providing the necessary constraints to test the applicability of gravity modeling in other locations where other methods cannot always be used. Some 104 gravity stations were occupied in an 8 × 12 km test area in the Orléans. Stations were accurately located with differential GPS that provided centimetric accuracy in elevation. Densities of the unconsolidated Quaternary deposits (Champlain Sea clay) determined on core samples and densities determined on limestone samples from outcrops were used to constrain models of the clay layer overlying the higher density bedrock formations (limestone). The gravity anomaly map delineates areas where clay basins attain > 100 m depth. Assuming a realistic density for the Champlain Sea clays (1.9-2.1 g/cm³), the thickness over the higher density bedrock formations (Ordovician carbonate rocks) was modeled and compared with well logs and two seismic reflection profiles. The models match quite well with the information determined from well logs and seismic methods. It was found that gravity and the thickness of unconsolidated deposits are correlated but the uncertainties in both data sets preclude the definition of a direct correlation between the two. We propose that gravity measurements at a local scale be used as an inexpensive means of mapping the thickness of unconsolidated deposits in low-density urban areas. To obtain meaningful results, three conditions must exist. Firstly, elevations of gravity stations must be measured accurately using differential GPS; secondly, that the regional gravity field must be well defined, and thirdly, that the local geology be simple enough to be realistically represented with a two-layer model.     

EXAMPLES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC PROSPECTING FOR KARST AND FAULT SYSTEMS*

Electromagnetic (EM) surveys using the horizontal coplanar loop (‘Slingram’) geometry have been successful in the location of karst aquifer systems in limestone areas of Germany and the Mediterranean. In spite of the rapid changes in shape and resistivity of karst pipes, correlations of significant EM minima can be made by reference to the main structural directions. The EM results have often been verified by drilling. EM prospecting need not be confined to limestone areas. It can be used on all hard rocks where faulting has created vertical zones with a resistivity contrast to the undisturbed rock. EM siting of wells has proved successful in water-supply schemes for several places. This method is now being applied as a routine, fast and low-cost procedure to tap ground-water resources in hard-rock areas.     

The air flow and heat transfer in gravel embankment in permafrost areas

A comparative numerical investigation of transient temperature profile and pore-air velocities in horizontal rock block embankments are conducted using the "gravels model", in which the embankment is composed of stones and air, and the "porous media model" respectively. As the velocities from the "gravels model" directly reflect the true flow of air and winter-time convection, in this paper it can be concluded that computational results from the "gravels model"are superior to the "porous media model". In addition, the "gravels model" has the advantages of reflecting the effect of the dimensions and collocation of gravels upon the temperature fields.Therefore, the computation of the gravels embankment is mainly based on the gravels model.Simulation results show that in summer, a clockwise circulation of the pore-air extends throughout most of the embankment. However its motion is very weak that results in relatively straight horizontal isotherm lines. And heat transfer is mainly maintained through conduction. But in winter, the pore-air velocities are higher and multiple vortexes are formed in the embankment.Natural convection then becomes the dominant influence on the isotherm shapes within the embankment. The isotherms are complex and alternative upward and downward flowing plumes exist. The winter-time convection can further reduce the temperature of the foundation soil beneath the gravel embankment. In addition, the effects of the gravel dimensions within the embankment have been analyzed and compared in the gravels model. It shows that in winter, large stones, e.g. 200 mm, lead to stronger vortexes than those of small stones, say 60 mm. Consequently, the zone of low-temperature beneath the large-stone embankment extends deeper into the ground.     

INVESTIGATION OF DAMAGES CAUSED BY ABRASION AND IMPACT OF GRAVEL BED LOAD ON HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES

When gravel bed load deposits are sluiced from hydraulic structures, the mo- tion of bed load over the apron, as is well known, may consist of sliding, rolling and saltation. At times, saltation may become so intensive that gravels have been observed to jump clear out of the water surface. The movement of gravel bed load may cause serious damages to the hydraulic structures through abrasion and im- pact. The extent of damage depends upon a number of factors, such as rock prop- erties of gravels, flow conditions, configuration as well as the strength of materials of hydraulic structures. In most cases the movement of gravel bed load takes place in ribbons in plan, consequently, the lateral distribution of damages is uneven, and protective measures to be adopted against abrasion and impact should be applied to the key part most frequently attacked by the gravel bed load. Possible repair should be anticipated in the layout of structures in order to facilitate the operation.     

Transport and emplacement mechanisms of channelised long-runout debris avalanches,Ruapehu volcano,New Zealand

The steep flanks of composite volcanoes are prone to collapse, producing debris avalanches that completely reshape the landscape. This study describes new insights into the runout of large debris avalanches enhanced by topography, using the example of six debris avalanche deposits from Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand. Individual large flank collapses (>1 km³) produced all of these units, with four not previously recognised. Five major valleys within the highly dissected landscape surrounding Mount Ruapehu channelled the debris avalanches into deep gorges (≥15 m) and resulted in extremely long debris avalanche runouts of up to 80 km from source. Classical sedimentary features of debris avalanche deposits preserved in these units include the following: very poor sorting with a clay-sand matrix hosting large subrounded boulders up to 5 m in diameter, jigsaw-fractured clasts, deformed clasts and numerous rip-up clasts of late-Pliocene marine sediments. The unusually long runouts led to unique features in distal deposits, including a pervasive and consolidated interclast matrix, and common rip-up clasts of Tertiary mudstone, as well as fluvial gravels and boulders. The great travel distances can be explained by the debris avalanches entering deep confined channels (≥15 m), where friction was minimised by a reduced basal contact area along with loading of water-saturated substrates which formed a basal lubrication zone for the overlying flowing mass. Extremely long-runout debris avalanches are most likely to occur in settings where initially partly saturated collapsing masses move down deep valleys and become thoroughly liquified at their base. This happens when pore water is available within the base of the flowing mass or in the sediments immediately below it. Based on their H/L ratio, confined volcanic debris avalanches are two to three times longer than unconfined, spreading flows of similar volume. The hybrid qualities of the deposits, which have some similarities to those of debris flows, are important to recognise when evaluating mass flow hazards at stratovolcanoes.     

Ductile deformation and regional strain field in the southern segment of the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone,eastern China

Studies in a segment of the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone show that it is a major transcurrent ductile shear zone with a considerable sinistral displacement. The formations (PtT₁₊₂) at depths of 5 to 15 km may have cropped out in this area during subsequent erosion. Many ductilely deformed structures are in it. The deformed zone was formed during the Indo-Sinian orogeny. On the basis of measurements and analyses of many deformed pebbles within the shear zone, it is suggested that the deformation in the zone studied may be catagorized as a variation of simple shear and plane strain with a constant volume. The intensely deformed belt is generally 40 to 50 km wide, with the average strain ratio 27.68 and the maximum greater than 87.37. From analysis of elongation strain, we estimate that the deformed belt has been elongated by 164.23 km and narrowed by 222.5 km. The internal belt was formed by a high shear strain , calculated to be more than 11.34. The deformed belt is associated with syntectonic dynamothermal metamorphism, represented by greenschist facies and retrogressive metamorphism on previous amphibolite facies.     

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Abstract

Permeability and storage characteristics in the Tertiary limestone system of southern United States have developed progressively but non-uniformly as circulation of water and solution in the limestone have changed during the geologic and hydrologic history.

The limestone formations, predominantly of Eocene age and subordinated of Oligocene and Miocene age, are widespread at and beneath the surface. They commonly dip gently seaward and are covered in coastal areas by Miocene to Recent clays and sands. Sinkholes and other karst features are common, but topographic relief is generally not great.

Circulation of water under water-table conditions when the limestone was exposed to meteoric weathering, before middle Miocene time, resulted in development of secondary permeability as solution channels in near-surface parts of the limestone, Marine deposition of middle and late Miocene clays and later emergence converted part of the water-table circulation system to the present great artesian system. Later, Pleistocene changes in sea level caused changed in places where water discharged, which in turn caused changes in rates of circulation and changes in rates and positions of solution of limestone. Both present and past circulation of water have contributed to changes in permeability and storage of this limestone system.