Dynamics of a complex mass movement triggered by heavy rainfall: a case study from NW Turkey

Following a period of heavy precipitation, a large and complex mass movement, namely the Dagkoy landslide, occurred in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey on May 21, 1998. This paper describes the conditioning factors of the landslide and interprets the mass transport processes in terms of a movement scenario. Geology, geomorphology and vegetation cover were considered as the conditioning factors of the failure. Observations showed that the gently sloping (about 10°) area is mostly covered by dense forest trees at the crown where the motion initiated. Significant intersection of the collapsed slope with dip of the local marls seems to have contributed to the formation and geometry of the landslide. The distance from the crown down to the toe of the landslide measured more than 600 m, with about 0.6 km³ total earth material displaced. The landslide has both a block sliding characteristics in the upper portions and a debris flow/soil flow component around the margins of the sliding blocks in the middle parts and at the toe. The proposed scenario for the landslide reveals that the movement was initiated near crown as a result of the excess water content in the marls at the end of 3 days of heavy rainfall. The early perturbations (transverse cracks, ridges, etc.) lasted for 6–7 h, after which the central part of the zone started to move as a soil flow in which very large intact blocks were transported. Even though the movement was very rapid (1.2 m/min), there was no loss of life. However, the movement destroyed 38 houses, one mosque and a considerable amount of farmland.     

MASS MOVEMENT IN THE GREAT WALL STATION AREA, ANTARCTICA

This paper deals with the mass movement processes on the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island. Based on numerous field investigation, the authors consider that the slope mass movement and periglacial form on the peninsula have an internal relationship in genesis, reflecting in there main aspects. 1, All patterns of mass movement are developed on the slope surface; 2, different-order mass movement and periglacial type show their space-time distribution rules (their development stages); 3, The slope mass movement are developed from the periglacio-geomorphic processes. More detailed works have been done, such as fixed reapeated surveying whose results are concord and with the typical characteristics above mentimed very well.     

High-magnitude landslide events on a limestone-scarp in central Germany: morphometric characteristics and climatic controls

There are both internal and external controlling factors leading to slope instability and susceptibility to mass movement processes. This paper explores which external climatic variables of different temporal scales influence the occurrence of high-magnitude landslide events. The investigations were focused on the Wellenkalk-cuesta scarp in the Thuringia Basin (Thüringer Becken) in central Germany. The cuesta scarp is composed of a densely jointed limestone caprock (Wellenkalk), and impermeable mudstones and marls of the Upper Bunter Sandstone (Röt) in the lower part of the slope. Mass movements are a typical feature of the Wellenkalk-scarp. The entire scarp slope length (1000 km) has been systematically mapped and investigated in a comprehensive research project in order to provide reliable information on the spatial distribution and control of the mass movements. More than 20% of the scarp slope has been influenced by various types of Holocene mass movements with strong differences in spatial frequencies. Sixteen high-magnitude landslides (Sturzfließungen) were identified by field inspection and mapping of slope geomorphology. Information on locations, morphometric characteristics, stratigraphic positions and rainfall-related attributes of the scarp slopes affected by the large landslides is presented.Mean annual rainfall amounts decrease from more than 800 mm in the western part of the basin to less than 550 mm in the east. Meteorological statistics on the spatial distribution of heavy rainfall intensities of different durations and return periods show that greatest precipitation intensities in short events (1 h) are reached at the western margin. Differences in rainfall intensities between the western and eastern parts decrease with increasing duration of the events. Where available, event-related meteorological information was collected. The spatial distribution of the landslides is most closely mirrored in the pattern of mean annual precipitation, though this variable is generally not thought to be a satisfactory or reliable climatic controlling factor. No landslides occur below a threshold value of 700 mm. The empirical data show that some general level of average perennial water input into the slope system seems to be of decisive importance for the occurrence of high-magnitude mass movements. Only when the precondition of a more general hydrological disposition is fulfilled, a direct triggering of high-magnitude mass movements by a short-time intensive rainfall period or event can become effective.     

The failure mechanism of a Late Glacial Sturzstrom in the Subalpine Molasse (Leckner Valley, Vorarlberg, Austria)

A number of prehistoric landslides and rock avalanches occurred in the folded and faulted section of the Molasse Zone in Vorarlberg, Austria. Some developed into a Sturzstrom, defined as a ‘rapidly moving fluidised mass movement of large volumes of rock, derived from the disintegration of a falling rock mass, that spread under the influence of gravity’. Their impact on the landscape usually is related to obstruction of rivers and valleys.In this paper, we analyse the geomorphology and the failure mechanism of a relative small ‘Sturzstrom’. The failure mechanism can be described as a ‘buckling failure’. The morphological situation indicates that failure took place after local deglaciation by the end of the Upper Würm. The period of failure coincides with glacial and ice-marginal remnants, which developed between 15.000 and 14.600 BP. The lithological sequence and rock structure, as well as the impact of the processes related to the former glacial environment, were major causal conditions. The rock sequence consists of conglomerates, sandstone layers, and marls. Next to glacial scouring, which increased the inclination of the valley slopes, the effect of late-glacial unloading and postglacial processes, such as weathering and fluvial erosion, subsequently weakened the mass rock fabric until failure occurred.Discontinuity orientation measurements, geostructural and geomechanical conditions, and the former hydrological and geomorphological conditions support bucklings failure. In fact, three-hinge buckling may have occurred. The frontal section of the Sturzstrom consists mainly of large conglomerate blocks, averaging 1.5 m³ in volume, although megablocks, reaching of up to 4000 m³, are present as well. The volume of the entire Sturzstrom equals approximately 10×10⁷ m³. Present activity is only restricted to minor rock falls derived from the conglomerates and mudflows originating from the marl layers.     

Evolution of clay mineral assemblages and organic matter in the late glacial-Holocene sedimentary infill of Lake Annecy, (northwestern Alps): paleoenvironmental implications

The basin fill of Lake Annecy was investigated from a 44 m core which reached down to glacial sediments of the last glaciation (called Würm in the alpine areas). We analyzed three main parameters: sediment texture (optical microscopy and laser microgranulometry), clay mineral assemblages (CMA by XRD), and organic matter (OM by Rock-Eval pyrolysis). Settling of suspended load, under variable hydrodynamic conditions is the main depositional process. Both CMA and OM provenances can be recognized for the different sedimentary and igneous-metamorphic formations (Carboniferous to Quaternary, and older crystalline basement) and corresponding areas, in the surrounding region of Lake Annecy. Oligocene-Miocene molasses, Early Cretaceous marls, and Early-Middle Jurassic marls and shales are the main sedimentary sources. Two distinct processes were operating: destruction of glacial sediments (till sensu largo) and reworking, or direct erosion and run-off from ice-free catchment areas. Clay minerals related to pedogenesis, and non-reworked terrestrial and lacustrine OM, were progessively added to these primary sources during the Late Würmian/Holocene transition to warmer climatic conditions. Rapid modifications of CMA and OM sources during the earlier phase of sedimentary infilling (Unit 2) suggest that valley glaciers connected to the lake basin almost completely disappeared within a few centuries.     

Rapid zonation of abrupt mass movement hazard: Part I. General principles

Hazards caused by mass movement cost many human lives and cause severe damage to property. Accurate zonation of such hazards provides an important tool for preventive measures. Previous approaches for mass movement hazard zonation are costly because they require large amounts of data, time and labor, and are only applicable to specific local areas. In this paper, a Rapid Zonation of Abrupt Mass-movement Hazard (RZAMH), applicable to large regions, is proposed. It involves the selection of appropriate zonation principles, routes, units, and indexes that can be used for the classification of reference groups, identification of matching groups of test sites, evaluation of blank test sites, and coalescence of sub-regions into specified zonation areas. The K-means clustering method is used in the classification processes. The applicability of the RZAMH approach to a large area implies that the number of reference sites required to build the reference groups is not of primary importance as long as the reference sites are representative. Therefore, for large areas, the RZAMH approach would be more economical than other conventional methods. The RZAMH approach is probably applicable to all abrupt mass movement hazards including rock falls, landslides, and debris flows.     

TREE UPROOTING: REVIEW OF TYPES AND PATTERNS OF SOIL DISTURBANCE

This paper reviews the processes of tree uprooting, examines the classification of pit and mound microtopography and assesses the effects of tree uprooting on soil mixing and genesis. The processes by which soil-horizon clasts are mixed as they slump off the root plate, and the ultimate patterns of soil horizonation within mounds, are primary foci of the paper. Longevity of treethrow mounds can exceed 2000 years, making these landforms more lasting features than is often assumed. Because of their great longevity, the pits and mounds formed by uprooting have lasting effects on soil morphology. Soils of these microsites often classify in different soil orders or suborders than do adjacent, less disturbed soils. The importance of tree uprooting to mass movement processes is examined. In some areas uprooting may be the primary mass wasting mechanism. Nonetheless, estimates of the amount of sediment moved and the net distance of transport vary greatly and may in some cases be overestimated. [Key words: pedoturbation, microtopography, pit/mound topography, mass wasting, geomorphology.]     

The role of vegetation and lithology in the spatial and inter-annual response of EVI to climate in drylands of Southeastern Spain

The regional spatial and inter-annual response of the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI, as a proxy for aboveground net primary production) to environmental controls was evaluated in drylands of SE Spain. By means of linear mixed-effects models we found that both the spatial patterns and inter-annual trends of the EVI annual mean were explained by climate variability but clearly modulated by lithology and vegetation. Along the spatial gradient, precipitation increased the EVI mean even compensating for the greater evapotranspiration of warmer sites. Limestones, with high available water content, showed the lowest dependence of EVI mean on precipitation. The greater capacity of scrublands to store and use soil moisture was only evident on marls sites. The observed 2001–2010 trends toward less stressful conditions (precipitation rises and temperature declines) led to EVI mean increases. This EVI mean response was steeper in grasslands, with shallow roots, and marls, with low available water content. The study revealed the importance of analyzing the seasonal timing of trends in Mediterranean drylands, where temperature and precipitation are out of phase. The observed earlier rain-arrival after summer drought and cooler early-autumn, caused very strong EVI increases at the beginning of the growing season that may favor the rest of the season.     

Holocene debris-flow deposits and their implications on the climate in the upper Jinsha River valley, China

Major debris-flow deposits occur along the xerothermic valley of the upper Jinsha River. The debris-flow deposits, ranging in thickness from 1 to 20 m, invariably occupy gently inclined piedmont slopes. The sediments are presently deeply dissected by gullies, and the process of mass movement has almost ceased. Detailed textural, stratigraphical, and geochemical studies reveal the formation processes of the debris flows. Seven debris-flow incidents are noted based on the unit combination characteristics of debris-flow deposits. The age estimates of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) show that the occurrence of debris flows started at around 10.6 kyr BP and weakened until 4.5 kyr BP, corresponding to the obvious strengthened phase of the summer monsoons in the region. The ages of the debris-flow deposits indicate that the occurrence of a mass of debris flows was a response to the intensified summer monsoon in the SE fringe of the Tibetan Plateau since the early Holocene.     

Relations between interrill erosion processes and sediment particle size distribution in a semiarid Mediterranean area of SE of Spain

Erosion and sediment characteristics were measured using simulated rainfall on two cultivated soils of contrasting lithology (Quaternary calcareous colluvium and Tertiary marls) in a semiarid Mediterranean area of SE Spain. Two rainfall intensities, high (56.0±2.4 mm h⁻¹) and medium (31.4±1.4 mm h⁻¹), were used in order to know the mechanisms involved in each selected condition. For each simulated event, runoff and sediment were sampled at 1-min intervals on a 1-m wide by 2-m long erosion plot. The erosion rate was calculated as the total amount of soil lost divided by the time period of the test. The duration of the test was that needed to reach steady state runoff, an average time of 24.5 min for Quaternary calcareous colluvium and 17.7 min for Tertiary marls. The size distribution of the transported sediment in the field (effective size distribution) was compared with equivalent measurements of the same samples after chemical and mechanical dispersion (ultimate size distribution) to investigate the detachment and transport mechanisms involved in sediment mobilisation. The results showed that the soil type determined the hydrological response, regardless of the rainfall intensity. The erosional response was, however, determined by the rainfall and soil surface characteristics.In Quaternary calcareous colluvial soils, the predominant erosion process depended on the rainfall intensity, with a prevailing detachment-limited condition in high-intensity events and prevailing transport-limited conditions in those events of medium intensity. These differences in the main erosion processes were reflected in the size of the transported material and in the change in sediment size within the storm. Thus, a time-dependent size distribution of the eroded material (decreasing coarse fractions and increasing fine fractions with runoff time) was observed for high-intensity events. In medium-intensity events, on the other hand, the time-independent size distribution of the eroded material indicated transport-limited erosion.Due to the rapid surface crusting on the Tertiary marl soil, no differences in the main erosion processes or in the sediment size distribution occurred for the different rainfall intensities tested. The erosion of marl soils was determined mainly by the limited quantity of available sediment.The effective size of material was a more sensitive parameter than the ultimate size of the sediment to study the way in which the sediment was transported.     

Mineral magnetic and geochemical records of late Glacial climatic change from two northwest European carbonate lakes

We present the results of mineral magnetic measurements and geochemical analyses of late Glacial sediments from two marl-precipitating lakes in the Northwest of England. Mineral magnetic assemblages dominated by detrital and/or authigenic ferrimagnetic minerals, and enhanced delivery of metal elements, characterise a lower (Oldest Dryas) and an upper (Younger Dryas) phase of catchment instability, with detrital clay and silt sedimentation. Magnetic mineral assemblages with lower concentrations of finer ferrimagnetic grains characterise the authigenic carbonate sediments (marls). The marls indicate both enhanced lake productivity and catchment stability in response to prevailing warm conditions during the Bølling - Allerød Interstadial. The Bølling - Allerød marl phase contains two short-term, low amplitude shifts characterised by changes in the concentration and the size of ferrimagnetic grains. These shifts may represent the Older Dryas and the Amphi-Atlantic Oscillation, short-lived Northern hemisphere climatic deteriorations. Overall, the results suggest that marl lakes are sensitive indicators of Lateglacial climatic change, and that these changes are readily identifiable through the use of mineral magnetic measurements.     

The Fall of Threatening Rock: A Geomorphology Exercise Adaptation

Abstract

The Threatening Rock mass wasting event at Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, in 1941 introduces students to a well-documented geomorphology case study. Based on data from Schumm and Chorley (1964), students examine the event using rock movement measurements and weather data, undertaking the same analysis tasks as the original investigators. Students observe patterns of movement related to precipitation and temperature, and use regression to estimate the time of initial movement. Specific exercise questions guide students to logical conclusions regarding geomorphic processes and environmental influences. The exercise exemplifies geomorphic investigation from both a process and historic perspective.     

The Klippfisk Formation—a new lithostratigraphic unit of Lower Cretaceous platform carbonates on the Western Barents Shelf

A new Lower Cretceous lithostratigraphic unit of the Western Barents Shelf, named the Klippfisk Formation, is formally introduced. The formation represents a condensed carbonate succession deposited on platform areas and structural highs, where it consists of limestones and marls, often glauconitic. The limestones may have a nodular appearance, and fossil debris, which are dominated by Inoceramus prisms, may be abundant. The Klippfisk Formation is composed of two members: the Kutling Member defined herein from cores drilled on the Bjarmeland Platform, and the coeval Tordenskjoldberget Member described on Kong Karls Land. The base of the formation is defined by the abrupt decrease in gamma-ray intensity, where the dark shales of the underlying Hekkingen or Agardhfjellet formations are replaced by marls. It is often unconformable. The Klippfisk Formation is of Berriasian to Early Barremian age and appears to be time-transgressive over parts of the Western Barents Shelf (including Kong Karls Land). It passes laterally into the basinal Knurr Formation. On Kongsøya (Kong Karls Land) a thin shale unit, bounded by unconformities, earlier included in the Tordenskjoldberget Member, represents the northernmost extension of the overlying Kolje Formation in the Barents Shelf.     

Dynamics of a mass movement triggered by heavy rainfall: a case study from the Black Sea region of northern Turkey

Following a period of heavy precipitation, a large and complex mass movement, namely the ?erefiye landslide, occurred in the Black Sea region of northern Turkey on 23 June 2000. This paper describes the conditioning factors of the landslide and interprets the mass transport processes. Geology, geomorphology and tectonics were considered as the conditioning factors of the failure. Observations showed that the sloping (c.9°) area is not covered by forest trees at the crown where the motion initiated. Analysis of the hydrological response of slopes during the rainstorm indicated that the majority of the failures were caused by the development of a perched water table in the thin surface layer of clay origin, due to infiltration during heavy rain. The distance from the crown down to the toe of the landslide was measured at more than 50?m. The landslide has block sliding characteristics in the upper portions and a debris flow/soil flow component around the margins of the sliding blocks in the middle parts and at the toe. The movement was initiated near the crown as a result of the excess water content between the main formation and the clay at the end of three days of heavy rainfall. The early perturbations lasted for five to six hours, after which the central part of the zone started to move as a soil flow, in which very large intact blocks were transported. Even though the movement was very rapid (1.2?m/min), there was no loss of life. However, the movement closed the road link between Sinop and Ayanc?k.     

GLACIER FLUCTUATIONS, SUSPENDED SEDIMENT FLUX AND GLACIO-LACUSTRINE SEDIMENTS

ABSTRACT. In order to perform inverse modelling of climate variability based on palaeoclimate proxy records, the complexity of intermediate steps in the chain of processes from the climate forcing to the responding proxy has to be considered. In reconstructing climate-forced glacier fluctuations from proglacial lacustrine sediments it is important to understand how climate affects glacier dynamics. A glacier system is complex with many factors influencing sediment production, transport and deposition. Fluvial and mass movement processes in the proglacial environment may affect lake sedimentation substantially. We argue that it is easy to over-interpret glaciolacustrine sediment variability by ignoring these complications. The sediment records may contain individual layers resulting from single precipitation or melt events, as well as persistent changes in climate-forced glacier dynamics. We conclude that it is necessary to consider all possible influencing factors in order to derive reliable palaeoclimate data from lacustrine sediment sequences.     

运城盐湖沉积环境演化

运城盐湖位于山西地堑系运城断陷盆地内的次一级深断陷内。本文通过分析运城盆地新构造运动和运城盐湖区的地层,认为新构造运动对湖盆的形成和湖水、盐份和沉积物的补给起着很重要的作用;盐类矿物的沉积与气候变干有密切的关系;运城盐湖是特殊的构造和气候条件下的产物,是更新世早期古湖的残余。     

QUANTIFYING SEDIMENT TRANSPORT PROCESSES IN PERIGLACIAL MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENTS AT A CATCHMENT SCALE USING GEOMORPHIC PROCESS UNITS

The research record on the quantification of sediment transport processes in periglacial mountain environments in Scandinavia dates back to the 1950s. A wide range of measurements is available, especially from the Kärkevagge region of northern Sweden. Within this paper satellite image analysis and tools provided by geographic information systems (GIS) are exploited in order to extend and improve this research and to complement geophysical methods. The processes of interest include mass movements such as solifluction, slope wash, dirty avalanches and rock- and boulder falls. Geomorphic process units have been derived in order to allow quantification via GIS techniques at a catchment scale. Mass movement rates based on existing field measurements are employed in the budget calculations. In the Kärkevagge catchment, 80% of the area can be identified either as a source area for sediments or as a zone where sediments are deposited. The overall budget for the slopes beneath the rockwalls in the Kärkevagge is approximately 680 t a⁻¹ whilst about 150 t a⁻¹ are transported into the fluvial system.     

Milankovitch and sub‐Milankovitch forcing of the Oxfordian (Late Jurassic) Terres Noires Formation (SE France) and global implications

High‐resolution analysis (2277 samples) of magnetic susceptibility (MS) was performed on ～700‐m‐thick Early–Middle Oxfordian marine marls of the Terres Noires Formation, SE France. MS variations within these sediments record sub‐Milankovitch to Milankovitch frequencies with long‐term eccentricity (405 kyr and ～2 Myr) being the most prominent. The 405 kyr cycle was used as a high‐resolution geochronometer for astronomical calibration of this poorly constrained interval of Late Jurassic time. The estimated duration of this Early–Middle Oxfordian interval concurs with the current International Geologic Time Scale GTS2004 (～4 Myr), but the estimated durations of the corresponding ammonite zones are notably different. The calibration improves the resolution and accuracy of the M‐sequence magnetic anomaly block model that was previously used to establish the Oxfordian time scale. Additionally, the 405 kyr cyclicity is linked to third‐order sea‐level depositional sequences observed for Early–Middle Oxfordian time. Strong ～2 Myr cycles are consistent with long‐term eccentricity modulation predicted for the Late Jurassic. These cycles do not match second‐order sequences that have been documented for European basins; this raises questions about the definition and hierarchy of depositional sequences in the Mesozoic eustatic chart. Our results require substantial revisions to the chart, which is frequently used as a reference for the correlation of widely separated palaeogeographic domains. Finally, a long‐term trend in the MS data reflects a progressive carbonate enrichment of the marls expressing an Early Oxfordian global cooling followed gradually by a warming in the Middle Oxfordian. This trend also records a major transgressive interval likely peaking at the Transversarium ammonite zone of the Middle Oxfordian.     

Relief inversion by denudation of the Monte Nerone anticline,central Italy

A model of denudation processes leading to relief inversion is developed for a section of the plunging anticline at Monte Nerone, in the Umbro-Marchean Apennines of central Italy. This model differs from previous schemes, as it applies to an anticline in which only the core consists of resistant rock. Furthermore, erosion, a combination of gullying and mass movement, is concentrated on the flanks rather than the crest of the fold, as strata dip steeply on the former yet are shallow on the latter. Whereas in most models of the geomorphic evolution of anticlines the crest is first to be eroded away, in the case of Monte Nerone it is preserved by scarp retreat from the upper flanks. Cuestas and flatirons have formed on the lower flanks and are in some cases affected by gravitational deformation. Phases of talus production, debris flowage and gullying have occurred in the valleys between the flatirons, thus dissecting the Cretaceous and Tertiary strata on the limbs of the anticline.The denudation of Monte Nerone shows similarities to and differences from other models of the geomorphic evolution of anticlines, and is related in this article to general neotectonic processes and Quaternary sedimentation.     

Effects of weathering on single-domain magnetite in Early Pliocene marine marls

Rock magnetic parameters are often used to recognize variations in the original magnetic mineralogy and for normalizing purposes in palaeointensity studies. Incipient weathering, however, is shown to have a profound but partly reversible influence on the rock magnetic properties of the marls of the Early Pliocene Trubi formation in southern Sicily (Italy). The remanence in the marls resides in single-domain (SD) magnetite grains, but the remanent coercive force (H_cr) shows a strong variation and most values observed are anomalously high ( H_cr) range 36–188 mT).
The enhanced coercivities are attributed to stress in the magnetite grains induced by surface oxidation at low temperature. Upon heating to 150 °C a reduction of coercivities occurs that can be explained by a stress reduction as a result of a reduction of Fe^2- gradient due to a higher diffusion rate at elevated temperature. After heating to 150 °C, coercivities are quite uniform throughout the outcrop and the values are characteristic of SD magnetite (H_cr range 30–38 mT). The bulk susceptibility increases by 4–24 per cent, and the isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) decreases by 5–11 per cent. The increase in anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) is large: 20–242 per cent. The magnitude of the changes is related to the degree of weathering.
Another effect of heating the marl samples to 150 °C is a substantial reduction of the coercivities of the secondary overprint in the natural remanent magnetization. After heating. separation of the secondary and primary components by alternating-field demagnetization is more efficient. The usual difficulties of thermal demagnetization above 300 °C may thus be avoided by a combination of moderate heating to 150 °C and subsequent alternating-field demagnetization.