Distribution of coastal cliffs in Kerala,India: their mechanisms of failure and related human engineering response

The 560-km-long Kerala coast is characterised by long barriers with narrow beaches and steep cliffs. Distribution of cliffs from nine sections measuring a cumulative length of 63.5 km is evaluated in ArcGIS Software using topomaps and field survey data. The cliff sections in the southern coast comprise both permeable and impermeable rocks, whereas those along northern coast are comprised of either Precambrian crystalline and/or Tertiary formations. Notches, caves and even small arches are developed in Cannanore, Dharmadam and Kadalundi cliffs, where only primary laterites are exposed to wave attack. Stacks composed of laterite and Precambrian crystallines found in nearshore of cliffed coast indicate recession of shoreline. Mass wasting, mudslide and mudflow type of cliff failures are common in permeable to semi-permeable rocks, whereas rotational sliding, rockfall and toppling failure are found in hard rock cliffs. Retreat of cliff sections are induced by natural or anthropogenic activities or both. Rate of recession vary from a few centimetres to one metre/year depending upon the nature of lithology, structures and recession agents acting upon the cliffs. Various methods of cliff protection for e.g. hard structures—revetments, groins, seawalls, breakwater and jetties—and soft measures—artificial reefs/marsh creation, floating breakwaters, beach nourishment, beach scraping and vegetation planting—are suggested.     

Predictive GIS-Based Model of Rockfall Activity in Mountain Cliffs

Rockfall susceptibility has been analysed in mountain cliffs of the Cantabrian Range, North Spain. The main aim of this analysis has been to build a predictive model of rockfall activity from a low number of environmental and geological variables. The rockfall activity has been quantified in a GIS. The cartographic information used shows the spatial distribution of all the recent talus screes as well as their associated source areas in the rock-slopes. The area relation At/Ar (recent talus scree polygon/source basins) in the rock slopes has been used as the rockfall activity indicator. This relation has been validated in 50 pilot rock-slopes and compared with the relation number of recent rock fragments/source basin, obtained from field work. The environmental factors causing rockfall depend on the rock slope situation, and these are: altitude and sun radiation on the rock cliff. The geological factors considered are: lithology, relative position of the main discontinuities with respect to the topographic surface and two morphologic parameters: the roughness and slope gradient. A logistic regression analysis has been applied to a population of 442 limestone and quartzite rock cliffs. The dependent variable is the rockfall activity indicator, which allows the definition of two classes of rock cliff units: low and high activity. The independent variables are altitude, sun radiation (equinox radiation, summer solstice radiation, winter solstice radiation), slope roughness, slope gradient,anisotropy and lithology. Results suggest that it is possible tobuild a valid cartographic predictive model for rockfall activity in mountain rock cliffs from a limited number of easily obtainable variables. The method is especially applicable in massive rock slopes or in regions with uniform rock mass characteristics.     

Origin,geomorphology and geoheritage potential of Australia’s longest coastal cliff lines

Abstract

Two spectacular cliff lines occur along Australia’s south and west coasts: the Great Southern Scarp (new name) and the Zuytdorp Cliffs. Detailed measurements of their length show that they are exceptionally long and unusually continuous. The Great Southern Scarp is the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain’s Bunda Plateau; it is cut into shallow marine sediments and extends for 820?km. Once a continuous sea-cliff, local uplift has isolated two sections from the ocean, so it now comprises the Bunda Cliffs (210?km of coastal cliff, 180?km of which is uninterrupted cliff line), Hampton Range (inland; 300?km), Baxter Cliffs (160?km of coastal cliff) and Wylie Scarp (inland; 160?km). The Zuytdorp Cliffs are coastal cliffs cut into eolianite, and extend for 210?km with an uninterrupted section of 120?km. The length of the Great Southern Scarp and the Zuytdorp Cliffs results from an unusual combination of circumstances. They are both composed of poorly jointed, relatively homogenous biogenic calcarenites, presented to high-energy ocean waves by regional uplift. The carbonates are sufficiently well cemented to maintain a steep vertical cliff face, but susceptible to disintegration under direct wave attack. Cliff retreat has been fairly uniform because of the broad spatial scale of both lithology and erosion. The arid climate, absence of nearby non-karstic catchments and karstic nature of the cliffs’ hinterlands has discouraged integrated drainage development, so no significant fluvial systems dissect the cliffs; this is a key factor in cliff edge preservation. In the case of the Great Southern Scarp, these processes have formed the longest continuous cliff line in Australia and probably the world. Referenced against criteria from Australia’s National Heritage List, the cliffs have potentially international/national levels of significance for the rarity of their scale, their demonstration of landscape evolution, and their spectacular beauty.

1. KEY POINTS

2. Australia’s longest coastal cliffs, the Bunda (SA) and Zuytdorp (WA) cliffs, are equal in length (210?km, within defined confidence levels).

3. The Bunda Cliffs are part of the Great Southern Scarp (new name), an 820 km-long feature of the Nullarbor Plain that also includes the coastal Baxter Cliffs (160?km in length) and two paleocoastal scarps.

4. The unusual continuity of the cliff lines results from a landscape history specific to the Australian continent, and the Great Southern Scarp is likely to be unusual on a global scale.

5. The Great Southern Scarp and the Zuytdorp Cliffs have potentially national and/or international levels significance for geoheritage values in the criteria of events and processes, rarity and aesthetics.

     

Preliminary assessments on the modes of instability of the Antalya (SW-Turkey) coastal cliffs

Cliff erosion and the consequent instabilities present a significant risk to Antalya city (SW-Turkey). Erosional processes include the chemical action of mixing zone water, the mechanical action of waves, salt erosion and biological degradation. The rock properties (lithology, stratification, strength, etc.) are the controlling factors to this erosion. The coastal cliffs of Antalya are composed of tufa type carbonate rocks which occur in a wide range, from collapsible soil to hard rock. The instability problems of the cliffs of Antalya tufa commonly involve: rock fall, cave collapse, raveling, washout of weakly lithified tufa, shear failure and secondary toppling. Secondary toppling type instabilities, Culmann type failures and complex failures, a combination of these two, are widespread on the cliffs. The occurrence of large failures are usually associated with heavy rainfall as heavy rainfall causes the saturation of pores, increases pore water pressures and reduces the strength of the rock. Comparison between aerial photographs and topographic maps of different dates, do not provide evidence of considerable retreat. According to the historical data there has been little or no cliff retreat for 2,000 years. Therefore the erosion rate of the Antalya tufa cliffs is said to be so very slow that retreat is valid only in a geological timescale. However in an engineering timescale these cliffs are subjected to instabilities and to local failures causing local retreats.     

Transgressive dune formation along a cliffed coast at 75 ka in Sardinia,Western Mediterranean: a record of sea‐level fall and increased windiness

Transgressive dunes develop frequently along strandplain coastlines; however, they may also form along rocky coasts dominated by cliffs and embayments. Two lithified transgressive dune systems developed along the cliffed Alghero coast (NW Sardinia, Italy) have been investigated. One aeolian system forms a cliff‐front anchored aeolian dune accumulation; the other is a valley‐head anchored sand‐ramp system. Optically stimulated luminescence ages indicate that both systems formed around 75 ka. This period, which corresponds to the beginning of MIS 4, was characterized by a relatively low sea‐level stand (15 m below the present sea level) and was preceded by a sea‐level highstand (+1 m asl) around 81 ka (MIS 5a). Our results show that this rapid sea‐level fall exposed an enormous amount of marine sand, which was transported inland by strong northerly winds and deposited in front of cliffs or in valley heads. Therefore, sediment supply and sea‐level fall seem to be critical factors controlling dune formation along rocky coasts, which generate time‐transgressive aeolianites. Terra Nova, 00, 000–000, 2010     

A multidisciplinary approach for rock spreading and block sliding investigation in the north-western coast of Malta

Landslides are widespread along the north-western coast of the Island of Malta and are strictly linked to the structural setting. Exemplary cases of rock spreading and block sliding phenomena characterise this stretch of coast. They are favoured by the overposition of two different geological units widely outcropping there, the Blue Clay Formation and the Upper Coralline Limestone Formation. The latter forms a wide plateau, bordered by vertical cliffs. At the foot of the cliffs, clayey terrains crop out and develop gentle slopes covered by large blocks detached and moved by rock spreading and block sliding phenomena. These mass movements are favoured by the fragile behaviour of limestones, which cap clays, otherwise characterised by visco-plastic properties. In order to investigate the kinematics and the evolution of these types of coastal landslides, a multidisciplinary and multitechnical approach was applied on a study site, named Il-Prajjet, which provides a spectacular case of rock spreading evolving into block sliding. This paper illustrates the results achieved by means of different engineering geological and geophysical techniques allied with traditional detailed geomorphological survey and mapping. In particular, the surface displacements of the landslides were determined using long-term GPS observations, acquired approximately every 6 months, over a 4.5-year period. A network of GPS benchmarks were distributed on the edge of a limestone plateau affected by rock spreading and on a series of displaced blocks making up a large block slide, finally enabling the definition of the state of activity and the rates of movement to be performed. In addition, the results deriving from two continuous fissurimeters more recently installed at the edge of two persistent joints over the block sliding area are outlined, with reference to the correlation between variations of crack apertures and precipitation input. In order to identify main structural discontinuities and to reconstruct variability of underground surface contact between clays and overlying limestones, Resistivity Tomography profiles and GPR investigations were carried out. Finally, the results obtained by combining the outputs of geophysical surveys and different field monitoring activities can be considered a first step on which numerical models can be developed and validated, in order to assess landslide hazard and risk of this stretch of Maltese coastline.     

Development of a cliff-top dune indicated by particle size and geochemical characteristics: Rubjerg Knude, Denmark

Particle size and geochemical data have been used to investigate the development of a large cliff-top dune at Rubjerg Knude, located on the western coast of Jutland, Denmark. Textural parameters and geochemical ratios provided useful indicators of the dune sediment provenance and mode of evolution of the dune. The dune sediments themselves showed no significant spatial particle size trends and reflect a number of processes, including grainfall, wind-ripple migration and avalanching (grainflow), which formed a high proportion of the deposits on both the stoss and lee sides of the present dune. Fine grainfall sediments, which have accumulated to form a sandplain in the lee of the dune, show fining and improved sorting with distance, and extend more than 2 km downwind of the dune crest. Comparison of the textural and geochemical data from Rubjerg Knude and other locations on the Jutland coast indicates that, although there is a contribution of sand to the dune from local marine sources, the main source of sand to the cliff-top dune and sand plain sediments has been provided by the wind erosion of the underlying cliffs, which are composed of Weichselian age sandy glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine deposits. Optically stimulated luminescence dating indicated an apparent age for the sand at the base of 274 ± 14 years. If this date is reliable, it suggests that accumulation of the aeolian sand in this area began within approximately the last 300 years. Map and photographic evidence indicate that the modern high dune only began to form after 1885, apparently associated with an acceleration in the rate of coastal cliff retreat.     

Erosion problems in Alexandroupolis coastline,North-Eastern Greece

This paper deals with the coastal erosion processes and the related problems around the city of Alexandroupolis, NE Aegean Sea, N. Greece. The area is very fast developing, as the city is an important port and a summer resort center in SE Balkans, and will become soon a transportation and energy center, as well. The coastline under study exhibits an east–west orientation and has a length of more than 50 km. The spatial distribution and the characteristics of the changes in the shoreline were studied by comparing old and new air photographs and topographic maps, as well as through repeated series of field observations and local measurements regarding the erosion process. From these studies it was concluded that the greater stretch of the western part of the coast, under consideration, is of moderate to high relief, with a considerable participation of coastal cliffs. It consists of conglomerates of varying granulometry and consistency and is under moderate to severe erosion process. The erosion phenomena in the western part of the coast may be attributed, primarily, to strong S, SW winds, blowing in the area and to trapping of sediments by Alexandroupolis’ port breakwaters; the port stops or/and diverts the sediments to the open sea; and to the east to west longshore sea current, prevailing in the area. The eastern stretch of the coast is a plain area, formed by sandy–silty sediments; being a part of the river Evros’ Delta, it is under deposition and accretes seawards. The majority of the coasts under consideration are classified as coasts of high wave energy potential. Hard structures, as shore protection measures, have been constructed in some places, but they were proved, in rather short time-period, ineffective and suffered extensive failures. Thus, it is argued that for a long-term cost-effective tackling of the various erosion problems on any stretch, priority must be given to soft engineering measures; although, certain hard measures, carefully selected and locally implemented, can contribute to forming a rational combination of protection/mitigation measures. Besides, the development pressures in the coastal zone have to be confronted, in a sustainable way, through new integrated coast management regulations.     

Failure mechanisms and triggering factors in calcareous cliffs of the Subalpine Ranges (French Alps)

In order to enhance the detection of prospective rock falls in calcareous cliffs, 25 rock falls have been described in a more detailed way than for an inventory. They are representative of middle size rock falls (10 to 100,000 m³) occurring in the French Subalpine Ranges, at an elevation between 200 m and 2000 m. Structural conditions of the rock masses, morphology of the initial cliff surface and the scar, possible failure mechanisms and processes have been studied. Typical failure configurations have been identified, based on the attitude of the failure surface, in relation to the bedding planes and the cliff surface. Irregular cliff morphology appears to be another important susceptibility factor. In most cases, the classical comparison of the average planes of the main joint sets with the average plane of the slope could not define the potentially unstable masses. Rather, those ones are due to joint planes that deviate from their mean set plane or to irregularities of the cliff surface. The proposed investigation method to detect prospective rock falls mainly consists in observing stereoscopic aerial photographs in order to look for critical configurations. Once a critical mass has been detected, its failure probability for a period of the order of one century must be evaluated (or its life expectancy). The main factor to consider for this purpose appears to be the proportion of rock bridges in the potential failure surface.

The triggering factors of rock falls in our study area have been investigated, by analysing an inventory of 46 rock falls. Statistical tests have been carried out to study the relation between rock falls and daily rainfall, freeze–thaw cycles or earthquakes. A good correlation has been obtained with freeze–thaw cycles, a slight correlation with rainfall and no correlation with earthquakes. This suggests that ice jacking could the main physical process leading to failure by causing microcrack propagation.     

A composite fall-slippage model for cliff recession in the sedimentary coastal cliffs

A composite fall-slippage model is proposed in this study for the Tertiary sedimentary coastal cliffs of Varkala in the western coastal tract of Peninsular India which are retreating landwards due to the combination of several factors. The fall model in the present study accounts both spring seepage and wave action, resulting in undercutting and this fall affects only the topmost laterite and the just below sandstone in the cliff. Slippage in this area affects all the litho-units and hence the geologic characteristics of all the litho-units are considered for developing the slippage model. This mathematically derived model can be used in other cliffs exhibiting the same morphology as well as the one controlled by the same influencing factors. This model differs from other models in incorporating multi-lithounits as well as multi-notches. Varkala cliffs form a part of the aspiring geopark in the Global Geopark Network and hence a study on the cliff recession is a pressing requirement.     

Estimating long-term cliff recession rates from shore platform widths

Coastal cliff erosion is a problem in many coastal areas. However, often only very limited data are available to quantify the rates of recession for the development of coastal management strategies. In the soft flysch deposits of the Waitemata Group, Auckland, New Zealand, coastal cliffs are associated with shore platforms. Two models exist for the profile evolution of shore platforms and associated cliffs: the first suggests that an equilibrium profile develops in response to erosive processes, and this profile subsequently migrates landward; the second model suggests that the seaward margin of the shore platform is relatively static, and the profile extends landward through a combination of cliff recession and platform lowering. Physical simulations and field measurements for mudstone and limestone lithologies indicate that the second model is more likely for soft flysch deposits. A eustatic sea-level curve for the Weiti Estuary, Auckland, suggests that up to 7120 ± 70 years have been available for shore platform development since sea level reached the present seaward margins of shore platforms. Shore platform widths were measured using GPS at two sites in Waitemata Group rocks: the North Shore of Auckland; and the southern side of the Tawharanui Peninsula, North Auckland. The long-term cliff recession rates estimated from shore platform widths (1.4 ± 0.1 to 14.3 ± 0.1 mm y^− 1) are consistent with the lower end of the average range of cliff top and face recession rates published for Waitemata Group rocks using different methods (11–75 mm y^− 1), and in agreement with cliff base recession estimates (3.5 mm y^− 1). Shore platform widths were qualitatively related to the rock mass characteristics of the associated cliffs, and therefore platform widths could provide a method of identifying regions of potential hazard.     

A review of landsliding and coastal erosion damage to historic fortifications in South East England

Coastal fortifications in South East England have been continuously built and rebuilt over the centuries according to the ebb and flow of politics in Europe. This paper covers an extensive historical period from the influx of the Romans to the present day, detailing how landslides and coastal erosion have affected the numerous constructions along this stretch of coastline. Principal landslide-prone strata form extensive sections of this part of the coast with the tendency to be weak and highly susceptible to marine attack and cliff retreat. Fortifications have been built out of necessity in strategic positions without full consideration of the ground upon which they have been constructed. The continual construction of fortifications along this section of coastline constitutes an unparalleled archaeological record, but it is one that is under continuous threat from coastal erosion and landsliding.     

方山景区冰凌灾害隐患及其防治对策探讨

作为雁荡山世界地质公园的一个组成部分,位于浙江省温岭市的方山景区建于早白垩世磨石山群九里坪组的火山岩地层上。它不仅风景优美,而且还具有深厚的文化底蕴。但现场考察表明,分布在方山四周的陡崖存在着较多的落石灾害隐患,而在冬季还存在着因陡崖顶所结冰凌的下落而形成了较为罕见的冰凌灾害隐患(例如在2017年冬季,就发生了来自两宜亭景点反倾陡崖上所结冰凌坠落砸坏亭子本体及石板路、石栏杆的现象)。由于两宜亭景点是方山旅游景区的重要景点之一,常有游客来此欣赏美景和坐在亭中休息,所以上述发生在两宜亭景点的落石和冰凌等现象,将构成严重威胁旅游安全的地质灾害隐患。为了确保旅游安全,按照山地旅游规划工程地质方法原理,作者提出了如下应对之策:在基本上保证两宜亭景点游览观赏价值的条件下,采用科学“避让”的方法调整景区的游路,以达到消除上述落石和冰凌所造成的地质灾害隐患的目的。     

基于易滑地质结构与多源数据差异的岩溶山区大型崩滑灾害识别研究

岩溶山区地质环境复杂且脆弱,重特大崩滑地质灾害时有发生。如果对岩溶山区的地质环境认知不准,将直接导致对灾害识别能力不足。文章围绕岩溶山区裸露型岩溶陡崖、复合岩组型斜坡以及非裸露型岩溶斜坡3类基本易滑地质结构差异,探讨多源数据条件下更具适用性的识别探测方法。对于空间影响面积小的厚层岩溶陡崖结构,星-地组合识别方法更加适用,基于GNSS的识别探测方式可在获得动态变形趋势基础上,对可能发生的失稳模式进行初步预判,同时可对InSAR解译的地表位移进行矢量化校正,有利于提高对具有相同或相近SAR数据条件地区的灾害识别程度。对于具有较大空间影响面积的斜坡区域,可优先选用基于InSAR的遥感技术来获取地表变形结果,对于有致灾风险的大变形区还可结合易滑地质结构及外部影响因素对其可能失稳模式进行预判或反演分析。任何灾害识别方式都有其局限性,在实践中可根据不同地质结构特征与灾害类型特点,通过多源、多维度监测来构建综合识别体系,探索更具适用性的识别探测与数据分析新思路。      

丹霞地貌定义、分类及丹霞作用研究

丹霞地貌以广东丹霞山最为典型而得名,是一种发育赤壁丹崖群的特殊地貌类型,近年来随着旅游开发不断升温而成为景观地貌学关注的重要对象,但其中一些基本问题长期争论不休。本文从命名地的地质、地貌特征和我国区域地质发展史角度出发,重新厘定了丹霞地貌的定义与分类,强调丹霞地貌的三大基本要素:赤壁丹崖地貌特征、燕山旋回以来陆相红层基础和以流水侵蚀为主的地质营力。西北地区也广泛发育丹霞地貌,一类是黄土覆盖下的古丹霞,另一类是干旱区片流侵蚀和泥乳贴膜的丹霞。丹霞作用是对中新生代陆相碎屑岩经流水侵蚀、重力崩塌和风化剥落等多种地质作用的统称,其产物就是丹霞地貌。岩性控制和崖壁片流垂蚀是丹霞作用的两种特殊机理。红层盆地的沉积相及其岩性差异控制着丹霞地貌的发育及其景观类型,据此在地貌发育的构造、外力和时间三个因素基础上增加了岩性因素。南方典型的红层盆地中,边缘冲积扇相粗碎屑岩地区可经历青年、中年和老年等发展阶段,盆地中央湖泊相泥岩、粉砂岩却没有经历过绝壁陡崖发展阶段。暴雨水流在丹霞崖壁上发生近垂直向下的侵蚀作用叫片流垂蚀作用。其中冲蚀作用形成竖状沟槽、竖状洞穴,涡蚀作用(借助风力吹动发展成垂直崖壁的涡旋)形成圆锥状洞穴、串珠状洞穴,后者使得洞穴沿软弱岩层分布,进一步扩大成扁平状洞穴。这些洞穴形成年代具有垂向一致性,不具有上老下新变化趋势,而在水平方向上,不同部位洞穴的形成年代可能不同。     

Coastal morphology and beach stability along Thiruvananthapuram,south-west coast of India

Shoreline changes are largely dependent on coastal morphology. South-west coast of India is a high energy coast characterised by monsoon high waves, steep beach face and medium-sized beach sand. Waves are generally from west and west south-west during rough monsoon season and from south-west during fair weather season. Shoreline change along this coast is studied with reference to coastal morphological features. Various morphological features, modifications and chronological positions of shoreline are analysed with the information derived from multidated satellite imageries, toposheets and GPS shoreline mapping along with extended field survey. Image processing and GIS techniques have been used for the analysis of data and presentation of results. Sediment accumulation on the leeward side of artificial structures such as harbour breakwaters and groynes is used as a sediment transport indicator. Artificial structures such as seawalls, groynes and harbour breakwaters modify morphology. Shoreline south of headlands/promontories and breakwaters are stable or accreting due to net northerly longshore sediment transport while erosion tendency is observed on the north side. Lateritic cliffs fronting the sea or with seasonal beach undergo slumping and cliff edge retreat as episodic events. Spits adjoining tidal inlets are prone to shoreline variations due to oscillations of inlet mouth. Interventions in the form of inlet stabilization and construction of coastal protection structures trigger erosion along adjoining coasts. Seawalls constructed along highly eroding coasts get damaged, whereas those constructed along monsoon berm crest with frontal beaches for protection against monsoon wave attack are retained. Fishing gaps within seawalls are areas of severe temporary erosion during rough monsoon season. Accretion or erosion accompanies construction of harbour breakwaters in a stable coastal plain. Close dependence of shoreline changes on morphology necessitates detailed understanding of impacts on morphology prior to introducing any intervention in the coastal zone.     

Rock slope response to strong earthquake shaking

The 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes triggered many mass movements in the Port Hills including rockfalls, debris avalanches, slides and slumps, and associated cliff-top cracking. The most abundant mass movements with the highest risk to people and buildings were rockfalls and debris avalanches sourced from up to 100 m high cliffs inclined at angles >65°. Cliffs lower than 10 m in height generally remained stable during the strong shaking, with only isolated release of a few individual boulders. We used site-specific data to investigate the factors that controlled the response of the cliffs to the main earthquakes of the Canterbury sequence, adopting two-dimensional finite element seismic site response and stability modeling that was calibrated using the field observations and measurements. Observations from the assessed cliffs in response to the earthquakes show the taller cliffs experienced larger amounts of permanent cliff-top displacement and produced larger volumes of debris than the smaller cliffs. Results indicated a mean K_MAX amplification ratio for all sites under study of 1.6 (range of 1.1–3.8). Field data and numerical modeling results, however, show that amplification of shaking does not necessarily increase linearly with increasing cliff height. Instead, our results show that accelerations are amplified mainly due to the impedance contrasts between the geological materials, corresponding to where strong differences in rock mass shear wave velocity exist. The resulting acceleration contrasts and rock mass strength control cliff stability. However, the amount of permanent slope displacement and volume of debris leaving the cliffs varied between the sites, due to site-specific geometry and rock mass strength.     

红旗渠沿线地质灾害详勘及治理方案选择

红旗渠,沿线地质条件极为复杂,自建成通水以来,不断受到崩塌、滑坡、泥石流等地质灾害的侵袭。为破除红旗渠面临的日趋严重的地质灾害危机,在初步查明灾害的种类、分布特征、形成条件及危害程度的基础上,2004年起,又开展了红旗渠沿线白家庄段地质灾害的详细勘查及主要地质灾害体治理示范工程。该项目实施方案的正确选择,结束了本段地质灾害屡治屡发的历史,为红旗渠沿线地质灾害防治可行性论证及整个治理规划,提供了可靠的依据和经验。     

Sedimentology, stratigraphy and landscape evolution of a Holocene coastal dune system, Lodbjerg, NW Jutland, Denmark

The stratigraphy and landscape evolution of the Lodbjerg coastal dune system record the interplay of environmental and cultural changes since the Late Neolithic. The modern dunefield forms part of a 40 km long belt of dunes and aeolian sand‐plains that stretches along the west coast of Thy, NW Jutland. The dunefield, which is now stabilized, forms the upper part of a 15–30 m thick aeolian succession. The aeolian deposits drape a glacial landscape or Middle Holocene lake sediments. The aeolian deposits were studied in coastal cliff exposures and their large‐scale stratigraphy was examined by ground‐penetrating radar mapping. The contact between the aeolian and underlying sediments is a well‐developed peaty palaeosol, the top of which yields dates between 2300 BC and 600 BC . Four main aeolian units are distinguished, but there is some lateral stratigraphic variation in relation to underlying topography. The three lower aeolian units are separated by peaty palaeosols and primarily developed as 1–4 m thick sand‐plain deposits; these are interpreted as trailing edge deposits of parabolic dunes that moved inland episodically. Local occurrence of large‐scale cross‐stratification may record the head section of a migrating parabolic dune. The upper unit is dominated by large‐scale cross‐stratification of various types and records cliff‐top dune deposition. The nature of the aeolian succession indicates that the aeolian landscape was characterized by alternating phases of activity and stabilization. Most sand transported inland was apparently preserved. Combined evidence from luminescence dating of aeolian sand and radiocarbon dating of palaeosols indicates that phases of aeolian sand movement were initiated at about 2200 BC , 700 BC and AD 1100. Episodes of inland sand movement were apparently initiated during marked climate shifts towards cooler, wetter and more stormy conditions; these episodes are thought to record increased coastal erosion and strong‐wind reworking of beach and foredune sediments. The intensity, duration and areal importance of these sand‐drift events increased with time, probably reflecting the increasing anthropogenic pressure on the landscape. The formation of the cliff‐top dunes after AD 1800 records the modern retreat of the coastal cliffs.     

科其喀尔冰川表碛区冰崖形态调查

采用随机抽样的方法对科其喀尔冰川表碛区冰崖的规模及形态进行了调查.在冰崖比较集中的表碛区东侧任意选取了20个冰崖,利用测绳、皮尺并结合GPS测量的方法对冰崖的长度和高度进行了调查,同时用地质罗盘对冰崖的坡向和坡度进行了测量,从而了解冰崖的长度、高度、坡面面积、坡向和坡度等形态特征及其关系.对冰崖形态的分析表明,消融区内冰崖的规模相差很大,且随着海拔高度的增加,冰崖规模有减小的趋势;这可能主要与地形起伏随海拔高度的差异性变化有关,消融区下部冰崖表面消融过程较为活跃也是一个重要的因素.通过对冰崖的坡向和规模之间的分析可以看到,坡向为NW和NNE方向的冰崖最多,其规模也较大,而太阳直接辐射是影响冰崖发育坡向和发育规模的重要因素.