The character of seismo-turbidites in the S-1 sapropel, Zakinthos and Strofadhes basins, Greece

The early Holocene S-1 sapropelic sequence in the northwest Hellenic Trench has been studied in six piston cores from the Zakinthos and Strofadhes basins. The S-1 sequence, 0.7-3.5 m thick, consists principally of silt to mud turbidites, with rare, thick, disorganized, sandy turbidites. These lithofacies are described and compared with fine-grained turbidites from the literature. Petrographical data, including the abundance of organic carbon and planktonic microfossils, indicate that the principal source of sediment to the turbidites was from the continental slope. On the basis of composition and texture, five turbidite units can be correlated between the two basins. These basins are fed by separate but adjacent drainage systems. The apparently synchronous occurrence of turbidites in the two drainage systems suggests that the turbidity currents were seismically triggered. Some of the turbidites show poorly organized beds which may reflect the slump origin and the short (30 km) distances of travel. Turbidites were deposited more frequently in the S-1 sapropelic interval than in the over- and underlying sediments. Application of slope stability analysis shows that on the 8° slopes above the basins, a 10-cm-thick sapropel would have a factor of safety of about 2, and would fail with earthquake accelerations in excess of 0.08 g. The frequency of earthquakes likely to produce such accelerations is similar to the observed frequency of turbidites. The low strength of the sapropelic sediment makes it particularly susceptible to such failure. Similar thin-skinned slumping may be an important process for the initiation of turbidity currents in other environments where there are steep slopes or high sedimentation rates.     

Morphometrical analysis of two tropical mountain river basins of contrasting environmental settings, the southern Western Ghats, India

The morphometric analysis of river basins represents a simple procedure to describe hydrologic and geomorphic processes operating on a basin scale. A morphometric analysis was carried out to evaluate the drainage characteristics of two adjoining, mountain river basins of the southern Western Ghats, India, Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) in the western slopes and Pambar River Basin (PRB) in the eastern slopes. The basins, forming a part of the Proterozoic, high-grade, Southern Granulite Terrain of the Peninsular India, are carved out of a terrain dominantly made of granite- and hornblende-biotite gneisses. The Western Ghats, forming the basin divide, significantly influences the regional climate (i.e., humid climate in MRB, while semi-arid in PRB). The Survey of India topographic maps (1:50,000) and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission digital elevation data were used as the base for delineation and analysis. Both river basins are of 6th order and comparable in basin geometry. The drainage patterns and linear alignment of the drainage networks suggest the influence of structural elements. The Rb of either basins failed to highlight the structural controls on drainage organization, which might be a result of the elongated basin shape. The irregular trends in Rb between various stream orders suggest the influence of geology and relief on drainage branching. The Dd values designate the basins as moderate- to well-drained with lower infiltration rates. The overall increasing trend of Rl between successive stream orders suggests a geomorphic maturity of either basins and confirmed by the characteristic I _hyp values. The Re values imply an elongate shape for both MRB and PRB and subsequently lower vulnerability to flash floods and hence, easier flood management. The relatively higher Rr of PRB is an indicative of comparatively steeply sloping terrain and consequently higher intensity of erosion processes. Further, the derivatives of digital elevation data (slope, aspect, topographic wetness index, and stream power index), showing significant differences between MRB and PRB, are useful in soil conservation plans. The study highlighted the variation in morphometric parameters with respect to the dissimilarities in topography and climate.     

Slope-control on the aspect ratio of river basins

Although it is traditionally thought that drainage basins are geometrically similar, we present new results which indicate that the aspect ratio of weakly dissected river basins at large scales (10–10³ km²) depends on the surface slope: steeper surfaces develop narrower and lengthier basins whereas more gently dipping surfaces develop more equant and wider basins. This relationship is interpreted to be related to the nature of water flow over rough surfaces, with steeper slopes causing less flow convergence and lengthier and narrower basins. We derive an empirical relationship that can be used to infer the slope of a surface on which a river basin acquired its geometry based solely on a measure of its basin form. This relation provides a unique means of inferring the relative chronology of river basin development with respect to surface tilting and therefore provides a direct link between river basin morphology and tectonics.     

Debris flow magnitude,frequency, and precipitation threshold in the eastern North Cascades,Washington, USA

We examine the magnitude, frequency, and precipitation threshold of the extreme flood hazard on 37 low-order streams in the lower Stehekin River Valley on the arid eastern slope of the North Cascades. Key morphometric variables identify the magnitude of the hazard by differentiating debris flood from debris flow systems. Thirty-two debris flow systems are fed by basins?<?6 km² and deposited debris cones with slopes?>?10°. Five debris flood systems have larger drainage areas and debris fans with slopes 7–10°. The debris flood systems have Melton ruggedness ratios from 0.42–0.64 compared to 0.78–3.80 for debris flow basins. We record stratigraphy at seven sites where soil surfaces buried by successive debris flows limit the age of events spanning 6000 years. Eighteen radiocarbon ages from the soils are the basis for estimates of a 200 to1500-year range in recurrence interval for larger debris flows and a 450?±?50-year average. Smaller events occur approximately every 100 years. Fifteen debris flows occurred in nine drainage systems in the last 15 years, including multiple flows on three streams. Summer storms in 2010 and 2013 with peak rainfall intensities of 7–9 mm/h sustained for 8–11 h triggered all but one flow; the fall 2015 event on Canyon Creek occurred after 170 mm of rain in 78 h. A direct link between fires and debris flows is unclear because several recent debris flows occurred in basins that did not burn or burned at low intensity, and basins that burned at high intensity did not carry debris flows. All but one of the recent flows and fires occurred on the valley’s southwest-facing wall. We conclude that fires and debris flows are linked by aspect at the landscape scale, where the sunny valley wall has flashy runoff due to sparse vegetation from frequent fires.

     

Characteristics of the stream network composition of drainage basins in the Japanese Islands

This research is to analyze the composition of stream networks of drainage basins in Japan and to discuss the characteristics of drainage basins in the Japanese Islands. Study areas were selected for 180 drainage basins in the entire country. In this study, a topographic map with a scale of 1:50,000 was used and inserted into the valley line by V-shaped-contour methods in each drainage basin. The streams are ordered according to Strahler's system and measured by the stream number, stream length, stream slope, drainage area, and stream fall in each drainage basin. Horton's law of drainage network composition holds good in most drainage basins in Japan. The average values of the bifurcation ratio, stream length ratio, stream slope ratio, drainage area ratio, and stream fall ratio are 4.24, 1.91, 1.98, 4.52, and 1.04, respectively. The mean bifurcation ratio of drainage basins in Japan is 4.24, and this ratio is slightly greater than in other countries. It is also greater than the theoretical value of 4.0. This implies that the slope of drainage basins in Japan is so steep and the relief energy so large that excess streams have developed to a rather marked degree. The average stream fall ratio is 1.04 for drainage basins in Japan. It suggests that drainage basins are generally considered to be in a stage of maturity in stream channel development for the Japanese Islands. The stream fall ratio, however, is slightly greater than 1.0. Although, the stream beds are nearly in dynamic equilibrium in most cases, it tends to be in a slightly aggrading state.     

Rapid terrain-based mapping of some volcaniclastic flow hazard using Gis-based automated methods: a case study from southern Campania,Italy

Destructive volcaniclastic flows are among the most recurrent and dangerous natural phenomena in volcanic areas. They can originate not only during or shortly after an eruption (syn-eruptive) but also during a period of volcanic quiescence (inter-eruptive), when heavy and/or persistent rains remobilize loose pyroclastic deposits. The area in Italy most prone to such flows is that of the Apennine Mountains bordering the southern Campania Plain. These steep slopes are covered by pyroclastic material of variable thickness (a few cm to several m) derived from the explosive activity of the Somma-Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei volcanoes a few tens of kilometers to the west. The largest and most recent devastating event occurred on May 5, 1998, causing the death of more than 150 people and considerable damage to villages at the foot of the Apennine Mountains. This tragic event was only the most recent of a number of volcaniclastic flows affecting the area in both historical and prehistoric times. Historical accounts report that more than 500 events have occurred in the last five centuries and that more than half of these occurred in the last 100 years, causing hundreds of deaths. In order to improve volcaniclastic flow hazard zonation and risk mitigation in the study area, we produced a zonation map that identifies the drainage basins potentially prone to disruption. This map was obtained by combining morphological characteristics (concavity and basin shape factor) and the mean slope distribution of drainage basins derived from a digital elevation model with a 10-m resolution. These parameters allowed for the classification of 1,069 drainage basins, which have been grouped into four different classes of proneness to disruption: low, moderate, high and very high. The map compiled in a GIS environment, as well as the linked database, can be rapidly queried.     

Morphometric and landsliding analyses in chain domain: the Roccella basin,NE Sicily,Italy

The dynamic interaction of endogenic and exogenic processes in active geodynamic context leads to the deterioration of the physico-mechanical characteristics of the rocks, inducing slopes instability. In such context, the morphometric parameters and the analysis of landslide distribution contribute to appraise the evolutive state of hydrographic basins. The aim of the study is the morphometric characterization of the Roccella Torrent basin (Rtb) located in South Italy. Landsliding and tectonic structure dynamically interact with the drainage pattern that records these effects and permits the definition of the evolutive geomorphic stage of the basin. The Air Photograph Investigation and field surveys permitted to draw the main geomorphic features, the drainage pattern of the Rtb, to calculate the morphometric parameters and to delimit the landslides’ bodies. Detailed analysis about the landslide distribution within a test site 17 km² wide were carried out to elaborate indicative indexes of the landslides type and to single out the lithotypes that are more involved in slope instability phenomena. The morphometric parameters indicate the rejuvenation state within the Rtb where the stream reaches show the effects of increased energy relief in agreement with the geological settings of this sector of the Apennine–Maghrebian Chain.     

大型坳陷湖盆坡折带背景下的重力流沉积模式

沉积盆地的坡折带是重力流发育的最有利场所,湖盆发育有和陆坡特征相似的坡折带,开展大型坳陷湖盆坡折带背景下的重力流沉积模式及其分布规律的研究具有重要意义。松辽盆地的龙虎泡—大安阶地具有明显的坡折带特征,且发育两级坡折。湖底扇是由沉积物重力流所搬运的沉积物在湖底堆积形成的沉积体,松辽盆地南部湖底扇主要由滑坡、碎屑流、浊流搬运的碎屑堆积而成。以松辽盆地为例,建立了短缓坡和长缓坡两种类型的重力流沉积模式,两种模式的湖底扇和下切水道的形态和分布模式均存在明显不同。     

填土斜坡的排水条件对斜坡稳定性的影响

降雨是导致斜坡破坏的主要原因。地下水位上升和在土中渗流引起土体应力状态的变化是导致斜坡在降雨过程中或降雨后变形与破坏的关键因素。填土斜坡的稳定性不仅取决于填土的强度,还与填土斜坡的排水条件密切相关。适当的排水条件不仅可以限制斜坡中地下水位上升的高度,而且可以及时消散因材料剪切收缩而生成的超孔隙水压力,防止土体液化,避免斜坡整体流动破坏。本文采用完全耦合有效应力分析程序和与状态相关的剪胀性砂土模型模拟地下水位上升过程中填土排水条件对压实填土斜坡稳定性的影响。完全耦合有效应力分析方法可以模拟孔隙水和土骨架间包括浮力和渗流在内的相互作用。分析结果表明斜坡排水条件是影响斜坡因地下水位上升而变形和破坏的重要因素,加固松散填土斜坡时必须设置适当的排水与泄水装置。     

峨边县新声后山不稳定斜坡稳定性分析和治理工程设计

峨边县新声后山地质灾害点由X1和X2两个不稳定斜坡组成,威胁新声村170户1118人。X1不稳定斜坡滑体、滑床均为崩坡积含块碎石粉质粘土,规模为中型,变形表现为间断性蠕滑,天然工况下为稳定~基本不稳定状态,暴雨等极端工况下为基本基本稳定~不稳定状态。X2不稳定斜坡潜在滑面为基覆界面,规模为中型,变形轻微,以地表房屋开裂为主,天然工况下为稳定状态,暴雨等极端工况下为基本稳定状态。为消除地质灾害隐患,通过勘查手段、工程地质条件、变形特征、变形历史等分析其变形原因及发育特征,通过传递系数法进行了稳定性定量计算,并将计算结果与现场宏观判断进行比较验证。综合分析计算结果与现场施工条件,确定了抗滑桩、挡土墙和接排水沟等措施相结合的综合治理方案。     

Sediment dispersal and accumulation in tectonic accommodation across the Gaoping Slope,offshore Southwestern Taiwan

Distribution and architecture of slope basins across a continental slope vary as a consequence of accommodation forming, sediment dispersal rates, canyon cutting, sediment filling and different sediment transporting mechanisms. The area offshore Southwestern Taiwan is generally recognized as having active tectonics and high sediment deposition rates. In the Gaoping Slope, slope basins are formed by the developments of folds, faults and diapiric intrusions. Portions of the sediments discharged from the Taiwan mountain belt have been trapped in these basins in the Gaoping Shelf and Gaoping Slope. The rest of the sediments were transported to deep sea areas through submarine canyons. This complex system of folds, faults, diapirs, slope basins, submarine canyons, and sediment deposits has also readjusted the morphology of the Gaoping Slope. This study examines the linkage between accommodation spaces of tectonic and sedimentary processes in the Gaoping Slope through seismic facies analysis. Four seismic facies which include convergent-symmetrical facies, convergent-baselapping facies, chaotic facies, and parallel and drape facies, and different deposition patterns have been recognized in the Gaoping Slope basins. The thick mud layers which are regarded as the source of diapiric intrusions are first observed beneath the basin. Strata records show that the accommodation spaces in various slope basins have increased or decreased during different stages of basin evolution. Because of the competition between regional tectonism (accommodation space variations) and sediment routing distance from provenance to depository (sediment input variations), most under-filled basins lie in the lower slope domain in the Gaoping Slope, but also in the upper slope domain east of the Gaoping Submarine Canyon. This observation suggests that in the inner Gaoping Slope west of the Gaoping Submarine Canyon, sediment deposition rate is higher than the basin subsidence rate, the topography of the upper slope domain there is “healed”, and most sediments are overfilled in the slope basins now. Besides the sequential steps of sedimentary disposal in the filling-and-spilling model, we have also observed evidences which indicate that mass movements and submarine canyons in the area have significantly changed the sediment dispersal patterns in the slope basins of the Gaoping Slope. We suggest that although filling-and-spilling is a key sedimentary process in the Gaoping Slope, tectonic activities, mass wasting events and canyon feeding processes have diversified sediment transporting mechanisms from the inner to outer slopes in the area offshore Southwest Taiwan.     

Application of logistic regression model for slope instability prediction in Cuyahoga River Watershed,Ohio, USA

High incidences of slope movement are observed throughout Cuyahoga River watershed in northeast Ohio, USA. The major type of slope failure involves rotational movement in steep stream walls where erosion of the banks creates over-steepened slopes. The occurrence of landslides in the area depends on a complex interaction of natural as well as human induced factors, including: rock and soil strength, slope geometry, permeability, precipitation, presence of old landslides, proximity to streams and flood-prone areas, land use patterns, excavation of lower slopes and/or increasing the load on upper slopes, alteration of surface and subsurface drainage. These factors were used to evaluate the landslide-induced hazard in Cuyahoga River watershed using logistic regression analysis, and a landslide susceptibility map was produced in ArcGIS. The map classified land into four categories of landslide susceptibility: low, moderate, high, and very high. The susceptibility map was validated using known landslide locations within the watershed area. The landslide susceptibility map produced by the logistic regression model can be efficiently used to monitor potential landslide-related problems, and, in turn, can help to reduce hazards associated with landslides.     

Evaluation of rock excavatability and slope stability along a segment of motorway,Pozanti, Turkey

The Çiftehan-Pozant segment of the Ankara-Pozant motorway is problematic due to the existence of lithological units with variable character. Seven cut slopes are planned along Km 358+000– Km 364+350 of the proposed motorway. The purpose of this study is to determine engineering geological properties of the rocks exposed along the motorway and to assess the excavatability and stability of the cut slopes. Both field and laboratory studies were carried out during this study. Field studies involved geological mapping, detailed discontinuity surveying and sampling. Laboratory tests were carried out to determine unit weight, point load strength index and shear strength parameters of the discontinuities. In the study area, recrystallized limestone, microgabbro, conglomerate and Quaternary deposits are exposed. However, the cut slopes are located within microgabbro and conglomerate. Hard to very hard ripping with local blasting for the fresh inner part of the rocks is recommended for the excavatability. In two cut slopes wedge failure is expected, whereas in another two slopes both wedge and toppling failures are likely to occur. Based on the field observations and stability analyses of the cut slopes, slope flattening with various angles, wire mesh, and drainage ditches are proposed.     

Geotechnical study and slope design of a phosphorite mine

This paper aims at examining how the data for the geomechanical properties of slope material and for groundwater condition can be precisely and quickly collected, evaluated, and best used for optimum slope design in a block of phosphorite in an open cast mine. It is also directed at determining the influence of all the slope design parameters on the safety factor by using sensitivity analysis, which indicates that the effect of groundwater and friction angle is prominent in the slope. Suitable remedial measures, e.g., proper drainage and design of high slopes with relatively safe slope angle, have been planned for the critical slopes after sensitivity analysis. Monitoring of the designed slopes has revealed no movement.     

北京市门头沟区某公路岩质边坡稳定性分级研究

北京市门头沟区某公路岩质边坡数量多,边坡物理力学性质及其影响因素复杂多变,无法获取每个边坡岩体的物理力学参数,因此,对大量边坡进行力学稳定性分析十分困难。采用层次分析和模糊综合评价方法,根据各种因素对岩质边坡稳定性影响的定性分析,确定了2级4类共9个边坡稳定性影响因子,将边坡的稳定性级别划分为4级,即稳定、基本稳定、较不稳定和不稳定; 然后,构建了隶属度矩阵和权重矩阵; 最后,对每个边坡的稳定性进行模糊综合评价。分析结果表明,在所研究的113个边坡中,不稳定边坡3个,占总边坡的3%,较不稳定边坡27个,占24%,基本稳定边坡52个,占46%,稳定边坡31个,占27%。因此认为: 当边坡数量众多、边界条件模糊、影响因素复杂时,模糊综合评判是比较合适的边坡稳定性分析方法; 应用最大隶属度原则时,需根据各种因素对边坡稳定性影响的因果关系,对最大隶属度原则的有效性进行评估,以防出现评判失效。     

Alluvial fan flooding in the Department of Pocito, Province of San Juan, Argentina

The study consists of the identification of landforms subject to alluvial fan flooding in active sectors of the Zonda range piedmont. In the Department of Pocito, located about 5 km southwest of San Juan City, a series of alluvial fans have been identified. These alluvial fans are located downstream of the natural drainage basins covering an area of approximately 130 km^2 towards the eastern slopes of the Zonda range at a median elevation of 2,000 m a.s.l.     

花岗岩类土质边坡工程特性及加固方法研究

华南、华东南地区具有厚度可达上百米的花岗岩风化残积层。高等级公路、铁路的规模建设在该地区形成了大量的花岗岩类土质高边坡。深入认识该类边坡的工程特性并提出有效的针对性边坡加固方法,对该地区公路、铁路的安全建设和正常运营具有重要意义。为了更有效指导该类边坡的稳定性分析及边坡设计,本文深入调查分析了广东和广西境内4条高等级公路沿线的44处花岗岩类土质边坡特征及其稳定性,认为控制该类边坡稳定性的因素主要有:土体的均匀性、岩脉(墙)及花岗岩球状硬核的分布情况、坡体中保留的结构面是否对坡体稳定性起控制作用。继而依据这些因素把花岗岩类土质边坡划分为岩脉(墙)隔挡型边坡、网状结构型边坡、外倾结构型边坡、浮石型边坡4种类型。深入分析了每种类型边坡的坡体结构特征、稳定特性,针对性地提出了边坡稳定性分析中应重点考虑的因素。认为花岗岩类土质边坡的土质及坡体结构特征,造成了该类边坡开挖临时自稳性较好,但具有较强的开挖卸荷效应和较弱的抗冲刷能力。最后针对每种类型的花岗岩类土质边坡,提出了相应的设计方案建议。基于花岗岩类土质边坡良好的临时自稳性,认为可进行陡开挖强支护设计,同时强调逐级开挖逐级支护、加强坡面防冲刷、边坡护脚及压顶、边坡截排水等设计建议。     

大型边坡加固技术的研究

随着国家大规模经济建设的展开,水利水电、交通、矿山、国防等工程建设中经常会遇到大型边坡的加固问题。以边坡规模、工程地质条件和工程重要性作为影响边坡加固方法选择的3类主要因素,并将其分别分解为3个级别,通过各因素之间不同级别的组合分级来确定边坡加固方案的初步选择。对于一些工程地质条件很差的重要边坡,现有的边坡加固方法存在一定的局限性和不足。为此,作者提出了可用于大型边坡加固的地下梁-桩框架结构体系。通过将桩和梁相互连接而构成的空间框架结构,该体系可以将稳定性不足的坡体与深部稳定岩体牢固地连结起来,进而可以充分发挥岩体的自支撑能力。该结构体系的实施不仅可以充分利用为其他目的而开挖的探洞、试验洞等已有洞体,而还可以轻易、高效地实现边坡的排水和监测。     

准噶尔盆地腹部侏罗系层序地层特征

准噶尔盆地腹部地区主要目的层侏罗系埋藏深,构造形态简单,岩性油气藏是主要的油气藏类型。综合利用腹部地区钻井和地震资料,建立起了该地区侏罗系三级层序地层格架,把侏罗系划分为6个三级层序(Sq1—Sq6)。研究认为,与具坡折带陆相断陷湖盆层序模型相比,准噶尔盆地腹部地区侏罗系层序形成于坡折带不发育或异常平缓的古地理背景下,因而其形成的层序特征也表现出独有的平缓地形特点,且突出表现为不整合面全盆范围内分布,无法依据坡折带划分低水位体系域,水进体系域厚度薄等特点。受古地形起伏、古气候条件等古地理因素不同的影响,该6个层序形成于3种不同的古地理沉积背景中:潮湿气候平缓斜坡背景(Sq1、Sq2、Sq4)、潮湿气候缓斜斜坡背景(Sq3)、干旱气候平缓斜坡背景(Sq5、Sq6),相应地表现出不同的层序特征。     

Heavy metal concentrations in floodplain surface soils, Lahn River, Germany

 Even relatively pristine drainage basins in industrial countries would appear to have received anthropogenic inputs of heavy metals. Investigation of floodplain surface soils in the Lahn River drainage basin, west-central Germany, indicates that the Cu concentration is 1.5 times the pre-industrial level, Pb and Zn contents twice the pre-industrial level; Cd, Co, and Cr concentrations are nearly equal to background metal values. Based on contamination standards developed for the Lahn River, floodplain soils are moderately contaminated with Pb and Zn, slightly contaminated with Cu. Metal contents are uniform across the floodplain, with the exception of a peak immediately adjacent to the Lahn River. Floodplain surface soil metal contents are less in the Lahn River basin than in larger drainage systems of Germany. Although Lahn River metalliferous sediments are presently immobile, they would, if eroded, contribute to downstream heavy metal concentrations. Consequently, metal storage in smaller drainage basins such as the Lahn should be considered in predictions of future metal loads in major river systems, for aggregate small basins could serve as significant metal contributors. Received: 21 August 1995 · Accepted: 23 January 1996