PARTICLE SIZE AND SHAPE VARIATION ON ALPINE DEBRIS FANS,CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Much of the previous research on mountain debris slopes has focused on slopes of avalanche and, especially, rockfall origin. This study examines particle size and shape variation on some debris fans formed by rockfall, snow avalanches, and stream-debris flow on dissected rockwalls. The particle size and shape data are derived from the lengths of the 3 principal axes of 50 particles sampled at 152 stops on 24 transects. The analysis of these data indicates that variation in particle shape is a function of source rock lithology while particle size varies according to the process of coarse debris transfer. Most of the size variation occurs at the sampling stops and among stops within transects. Size means and variances differ according to process for samples not affected by stream-debris flow. Second-order polynomial regressions depict the longitudinal size sorting produced by each process and reflect the unique nature of debris transfer on dissected rockwalls, where rockfall is impeded and debris is sequentially or simultaneously subject to gravitational and boundary shear stresses.     

Morphometric Controls and Basin Response in The Cascade Mountains

Morphometric variables associated with 36 debris torrent, 78 snow avalanche, 45 composite debris torrent and snow avalanche and 14 streamflow basins in the Cascade Mountains of southwestern British Columbia, Canada are examined. The results show significant statistical differences in top and bottom elevations, relief, channel length and gradient, basin area, fan gradient and area, and basin ruggedness between snow avalanche basins and the two basin types affected by debris torrents, reflecting the very different nature of these processes. Only top and bottom elevations and fan area differ significantly between debris torrent and debris torrent-snow avalanche basins, implying that the latter are probably debris torrent basins in origin. As many as six morphometric variables are significantly different between streamflow basins and the other basin types, allowing the former to be differentiated despite their small, steep character. Discriminant analysis indicates that bottom elevation and channel or path gradient are the best variables for classifying the four basin types by process. Generally strong correlations exist between basin area on the one hand and relief, channel length and channel gradient on the other in debris torrent, debris torrent-snow avalanche, and streamflow basins. Fan gradient and area are, however, weakly or modestly correlated with basin area or ruggedness. No such morphometric relations are present in snow avalanche basins. The results of this study also indicate that in debris torrent-prone basins the fan gradient and Melton's R have identifiable lower thresholds while basin area has an upper threshold, but use of these thresholds for identification of debris torrent hazard is complicated by overlapping thresholds for streamflow basins.     

THE NATURE AND RATE OF ALLUVIAL FAN AGGRADATION IN A HUMID TEMPERATE ENVIRONMENT,NORTHWEST WASHINGTON

Comparatively little is known about net aggradation on alluvial fans, despite fan construction wherever sediment-delivery rates from uplands exceed sediment-removal rates from receiving basins. In January 1983, 20 alluvial fans in the forested Cascade foothills, northwest Washington, experienced net aggradation in response to debris torrents and stream floods triggered by intense warm rains falling on antecedent snow. Five trenches were excavated to 5 m depth on the Mills Creek fan to place the 1983 event in temporal perspective. The deposits reflect normal streamflow, hyperconcentrated streamflow and debris torrent (flow) conditions. One trench revealed residues of 7 events since 1720 BP. Net rates of Holocene aggradation, based on sediments overlying late Pleistocene fluvioglacial deposits, average 0.42 m ka^-1. Net rates for later Holocene time range from 2.17 m ka^-1 since 1720 BP to 2.36 m ka^-1 since 430 BP. These recent rates exceed the local value for the entire Holocene and rates for humid temperate fans elsewhere. This suggests that accelerated aggradation may characterize later Holocene times, a view that contrasts with the widespread belief that the later Holocene has been dominated by fan-head incision and net degradation. More comparative data are needed to test this observation. Locally, large debris-producing events in 1917 and 1983 are consistent with later Holocene recurrence intervals and thus appear to be independent of timber harvesting. [Key words: alluvial fan, debris torrent, debris flow, streamflow, Washington.]     

Surficial patterns of debris flow deposition on alluvial fans in Death Valley, CA using airborne laser swath mapping data

Debris flows are a common event in mountainous environments. They often possess the greatest potential for destruction of property and loss of lives in these regions. Delimiting the spatial extent of potential damage from debris flows relies on detailed studies of the location of depositional zones. Current research indicates debris flow fans have two distinct depositional zones. However, the two zones were derived from studies containing detailed analyses of only a few fans. High resolution airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM) data is used to calculate profile curvature and surface gradient on 19 debris flow fans on the eastern side of Death Valley. The relationship between these parameters is assessed to 1) identify if debris flow fans are accurately represented by two depositional zones, and 2) to assess how these terrain parameters relate to one another at the individual fan scale. The results show at least three zones of deposition exist within the sampled fans. These zones do not hold consistent when individual fan morphometry is analyzed in conjunction with localized fan surface gradients. Fans with consistently shallower gradients exhibit numerous depositional zones with more subtle changes in profile curvature. Steeper gradient fans exhibit significantly fewer zones with more pronounced local changes in profile curvature. The surface complexity of debris flow fans is evident from these analyses and must be accounted for in any type of hazard studies related to these features.     

小江流域泥石流堆积扇形成的制约因素及其特征

在系统分析了各种因素对泥石流堆积扇形成影响的基础上,提出流域腹地中流域面积、沟床比降和堆积区主河河谷宽度及主河能量等因素对泥石流堆积扇发育的影响较大。结合TM卫星影象和1:5万地形图,解译了小江流域内泥石流堆积扇的范围。在此基础上,统计了流域腹地内两大重要条件-流域面积和沟床比降与堆积扇面积之间的关系。在小江流域,堆积扇的面积随流域面积的增加而增加,二者之间是正的指数关系;而堆积扇面积与沟床比降之间可用一个负的指数关系式表达。最后,堆积区特征对小江流域泥石流堆积扇的影响主要是其堆积空间限制了大型堆积扇,比如蒋家沟泥石流堆积扇的发展。     

Surface sediment characteristics and present dynamics in alluvial fans of the central Spanish Pyrenees

Three alluvial fans in the Ribera de Biescas, upper Gállego Valley, and central Spanish Pyrenees, have been studied in order to explain the most recent changes and to identify the spatial organization of the sediment. In the alluvial fans surveyed, the proximal area is dominated by debris flows, which pass downslope into transitional and fluvial deposits. The relative importance of each type of sediment is closely related to the size and gradient of the alluvial fan, as well as to the gradient in the final stretch of the stream. In general, the size of the sediment decreases from the proximal to the distal area, while the roundness increases. Nevertheless, there are noticeable irregularities in the trend both in longitudinal and transverse transects, due mainly to the sedimentary dynamics of the debris flows, as they advance towards the inner part of each alluvial fan during the most intense peak flows. A sudden shrinkage of the most active area and incision along the fan channels has been assessed and related to land-use changes in the catchments.     

北京大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇的特征及其演变过程

北京山区由于山坡陡峻、构造发育、岩体破碎,加上气候条件,泥石流灾害的发生较为频繁.密云县是北京山区泥石流高发区,冯家峪镇则是密云县泥石流发生最多的区域.密云县冯家峪镇西白莲峪历史上发生多次泥石流,其流域自然地理条件复杂、泥石流堆积形态多样,大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇具有一定的代表性.研究泥石流堆积特征及其演变过程,以期丰富北京山区泥石流基础资料,同时对完善泥石流灾害防治的危险区区划有所裨益.在收集当地泥石流发生历史资料的基础上,详细的调查了西白莲峪大烂碴沟的自然地理状况和泥石流堆积物的特点.大烂碴沟上游沟谷剖面呈"V"形,切割明显,地形坡度一般在32.以上,而下游沟谷剖面呈"U"形.从泥石流形成的年代和冲刷痕迹推测,"U"形沟谷为泥石流冲刷形成.整个流域成扇形,泥石流形成区面积为0.58 km2,流通区面积为0.09 km2.大烂碴沟流通区沟道极短,这样,形成区汇集洪水到达流通区后,严重冲刷沟谷坡脚,破坏基岩的稳定性,造成两岸岩石滑坡、崩塌和沟床岩石的整体性搬运,从而形成泥石流.流域出口处有泥石流扇形堆积体,砾石含量较多.采用野外调查和室内实验结合的方法对大烂碴沟泥石流的堆积物特点进行研究,具体如下:(1)地貌特征:采用野外量测与填图的方法,主要调查堆积扇的部位及其地形、沟道比降与宽度,堆积物外部形态等.(2)结构组成:主要有颗粒级配、岩性组成、砾石排列与分选性、堆积物的结构与构造特征,以及粒态、擦痕、砾石包裹情况,大漂砾粒径、堆积位置与排列等颗粒特征.砾石的调查通过在沟道内随机选取一定数量的砾石进行abc长度和倾向调查.以上参数通过现场观测、测量取得.选定泥石流堆积区典型部位Ⅰ和Ⅲ,通过挖圆形探坑,取出全部颗粒.将颗粒直径大于10 mm的大颗粒筛出,称重,将剩余颗粒1 kg左右带回实验室分析.粒度分析的主要方法为:平均粒径比中值能更正确地反映碎屑颗粒的集中趋势,按福克和沃德的平均粒径的表达式Mx:φ16 φ50 φ80/3判别碎屑颗粒的集中趋势;采用由福克和沃德提出的标准偏差σ=φ84-φ16/4 φ95-φ5/6.6判别颗粒大小的均匀程度;采用福,克和沃德的偏度公式:SK1=φ16 φ84 2φ50/2(φ84-φ16) φ5 φ95-2φ50/2(φ95-φ5)判别粒度分布的不对称程度;峰度是用来衡量粒度频率曲线尖锐程度的,也就是度量粒皮分布的中部与两尾端的展形之比,采用福克和沃德提'出的峰度公式KG=φ95-φ5 φ80/2.44(φ75-φ25)判别.在查阅历史资料和堆积物调查的基础上,本文对大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇的发育和演变过程进行了分析.研究结果表明,该区泥石流堆积扇的形成受到初次水石流和二次粘性泥石流两种泥石流形成过程的影响,水石流形成堆积扇主体,粘性泥石流则起到显著改变堆积扇形态特征的作用.大烂碴沟泥石流堆积扇的演变过程和特征明显受到大烂碴主沟和西白莲峪主沟水流的影响.从外部特征来看,堆积扇可以分为Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ和Ⅳ四个区,其中Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ区表现为二次泥石流堆积特征,Ⅳ区表现为初次泥石流堆积特征.两次泥石流形成过程中固体物质的运动方式、搬运距离和侵蚀强度不同,其堆积扇在不同分区的沙砾粒径、排列方向和圆度也反映出两次泥石流的形成特征.该研究结果对今后进一步探讨北京山区泥石流形成机理和运动过程以及为北京山区泥石流防治制定有效措施提供了科学依据.     

Surface Variability of Alluvial Fans Generated by Disparate Processes,Eastern Death Valley,CA

This study explores the surface variability of alluvial fans from digital elevations model (DEM) derivatives generated from 1-m planimetric resolution airborne laser swath mapping data. Channel and interfluve dimensions of debris flow (DF) fans and fans generated from predominantly fluvial flows and some older debris flows (mixed flow [MF]) are extracted with the aid of a planimetric curvature classification. Significant differences are identified between the fan surface topography of DF and MF fans. MF fans tend to have smaller channel and interfluve widths, have smaller elevation differences between the crest of the interfluve and channel, and are more dissected than DF fans. The morphometric differences between the two fan classes can be explained by differences in the primary processes that develop the surficial features, but also the preponderance for secondary erosional processes acting on the MF fans.     

Streamflow regulation and multi-level flood plain formation: channel narrowing on the aggrading Green River in the eastern Uinta Mountains, Colorado and Utah

The style and degree of channel narrowing in aggrading reaches downstream from large dams is dependent upon the dominant geomorphic processes of the affected river, the magnitude of streamflow regulation, and the post-dam sediment transport regime. We measured different magnitudes of channel adjustment on the Green River downstream from Flaming Gorge Dam, UT, USA, that are related to these three factors. Bankfull channel width decreased by an average of about 20% in the study area. In reaches with abundant debris fans and eddy deposited sand bars, the amount of channel narrowing was proportional to the decrease in specific stream power. The fan–eddy-dominated reach with the greatest decrease in stream power narrowed by 22% while the reach with the least decrease in stream power narrowed by 11%. In reaches with the same magnitude of peak flow reduction, meandering reaches narrowed by 15% to 22% and fan–eddy-dominated reaches narrowed by 11% to 12%. Specific stream power was not significantly affected by flow regulation in the meandering reaches.In the diverse array of reach characteristics and deposit types found in the study area, all pre- and post-dam deposits are part of a suite of topographic surfaces that includes a terrace that was inundated by rare pre-dam floods, an intermediate bench that was inundated by rare post-dam floods, and a post-dam floodplain that was inundated by the post-dam mean annual flood. Analysis of historical photographs and tree-ring dating of Tamarix sp. shows that the intermediate bench and post-dam floodplain are post-dam landforms in each reach type. Although these two surfaces occur at different levels, they are forming simultaneously during flows of different magnitude. And while the relative elevation and sedimentologic characteristics of the deposits differ between meandering reaches and reaches with abundant debris fans and eddies, both reach types contain deposits at all of these topographic levels.The process of channel narrowing varied between fan–eddy-dominated and meandering reaches. In the meandering reaches, where stream power has not changed, narrowing was accomplished by essentially the same depositional processes that operated prior to regulation. In fan–eddy-dominated reaches, where significant reductions in stream power have occurred, channel narrowing has been accompanied by a change in dominant depositional processes. Mid-channel sand deposits are aggrading on deposits that, in the pre-dam era, were active gravel bars. These deposits are creating new islands and decreasing the presence of open-framework gravel bars. In eddies, bare sand bars are replaced with vegetated bars that have a simpler topography than the pre-dam deposits.     

Debris-covered Glaciers and Rock Glaciers in the Nanga Parbat Himalaya, Pakistan

The origin and mobilization of the extensive debris cover associated with the glaciers of the Nanga Parbat Himalaya is complex. In this paper we propose a mechanism by which glaciers can form rock glaciers through inefficiency of sediment transfer from glacier ice to meltwater. Inefficient transfer is caused by various processes that promote plentiful sediment supply and decrease sediment transfer potential. Most debris‐covered glaciers on Nanga Parbat with higher velocities of movement and/ or efficient debris transfer mechanisms do not form rock glaciers, perhaps because debris is mobilized quickly and removed from such glacier systems. Those whose ice movement activity is lower and those where inefficient sediment transfer mechanisms allow plentiful debris to accumulate, can form classic rock glaciers. We document here with maps, satellite images, and field observations the probable evolution of part of a slow and inefficient ice glacier into a rock glacier at the margins of Sachen Glacier in c. 50 years, as well as several other examples that formed in a longer period of time. Sachen Glacier receives all of its nourishment from ice and snow avalanches from surrounding areas of high relief, but has low ice velocities and no efficient system of debris removal. Consequently it has a pronounced digitate terminus with four lobes that have moved outward from the lateral moraines as rock glaciers with prounced transverse ridges and furrows and steep fronts at the angle of repose. Raikot Glacier has a velocity five times higher than Sachen Glacier and a thick cover of rock debris at its terminus that is efficienctly removed. During the advance stage of the glacier since 1994, ice cliffs were exposed at the terminus, and an outbreak flood swept away much debris from its margins and terminus. Like the Sachen Glacier that it resembles, Shaigiri Glacier receives all its nourishment from ice and snow avalanches and has an extensive debris cover with steep margins close to the angle of repose. It has a high velocity similar to Raikot Glacier and catastrophic breakout floods have removed debris from its terminus twice in the recent past. In addition, the Shaigiri terminus blocked the Rupal River during the Little Ice Age and is presently being undercut and steepened by the river. With higher velocities and more efficient sediment transfer systems, neither the Raikot nor the Shaigiri form classic rock‐glacier morphologies.     

云南小江流域泥石流堆积扇研究

泥石流堆积扇是判别泥石流性质、发育阶段和危险度的重要依据。通过对小江流域泥石流堆积扇的调查和观测,阐述了泥右流堆积过程和扇形地形成模式,并对泥石流扇群横向、平面组合类型及变形方式进行了分析。研究结果表明:小江流域泥石流堆积扇发育典型,类型齐全,扇群组合复杂,且呈现一定的规律性。     

Fractionation of grain size in terrestrial sediment routing systems

Sediment is fractionated by size during its cascade from source to sink in sediment routing systems. It is anticipated, therefore, that the grain size distribution of sediment will undergo down‐system changes as a result of fluvial sorting processes and selective deposition. We assess this hypothesis by comparing grain size statistical properties of samples from within the erosional source region with those that have undergone different amounts of transport. A truncated Pareto distribution describes well the coarser half of the clast size distribution of regolith, coarse channel bed sediment and proximal debris flows (particularly their levees), as well as the coarser half of the clast size distribution of gravels that have undergone considerable amounts of transport in rivers. The Pareto shape parameter a evolves in response to mobilization, sediment transport and, importantly, the selective extraction of particles from the surface flow to build underlying stratigraphy. A goodness of fit statistic, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov vertical difference, illustrates the closeness of the observed clast size distributions to the Pareto, Weibull and log‐normal models as a function of distance from the depositional apex. The goodness of fit of the particle size distribution of regolith varies with bedrock geology. Bedload sediment at catchment outlets is fitted well by the log‐normal and truncated Pareto models, whereas the exponential Weibull model provides a less good fit. In the Eocene Escanilla palaeo‐sediment routing system of the south‐central Pyrenees, the log‐normal and truncated Pareto models provide excellent fits for distances of up to 80 km from the depositional apex, whereas the Weibull fit progressively worsens with increasing transport distance. A similar trend is found in the Miocene–Pliocene gravels of the Nebraskan Great Plains over a distance of >300 km. Despite the large fractionation in mean grain size and gravel percentage from source region to depositional sink, particle size distributions therefore appear to maintain log‐normality over a wide range of transport distance. Use of statistical models enables down‐system fractionation of sediment released from source regions to be better understood and predicted and is a potentially valuable tool in source‐to‐sink approaches to basin analysis.     

Tectonic control of fan size: the importance of spatially variable subsidence rates

We study the geophysical controls on the size of alluvial fans. Simple relationships between catchment characteristics, sediment yield, subsidence patterns and fan size are developed. As predicting fan size is essentially a conservation of mass problem, our analysis is general, applying to all types of fan landform. The importance of spatially variable subsidence rates has gone largely unrecognized in previous studies of modern fans. Here we stress that the distribution of subsidence rates in the depositional basin is a primary control on relative fan size. Both free coefficients in the oft-cited power-law correlation of fan area and catchment area can be shown to be set primarily by the tectonic setting, taken to include source area uplift rate and the subsidence distribution in the depositional basin. In the case of a steady-state landscape, relative fan size is shown to be independent of both climate and source lithology; only during times of significant departure from steady state can relative fan size be expected to vary with either climate or source lithology. Transients associated with (1) a sudden increase in rock uplift rate, (2) a sudden change in climate and (3) the unroofing of strata with greatly differing erodibilities may produce variation of relative fan areas with both climate and source lithology. Variation of relative fan size with climate or lithology, however, requires that catchment–fan system response to perturbations away from steady state is sensitive to climate and lithology. Neither the strength of transient system responses nor their sensitivity to climate or lithology are known at present. Furthermore, internal feedbacks can significantly dampen any climatic or lithological effect. Thus theoretical considerations of the importance of climatic and lithological variables are inconclusive, but suggest that climatic and lithological effects are probably of secondary importance to tectonic effects. Field data from an unsteady landscape in Owens Valley, California, support and illustrate theoretical predictions regarding tectonic control of fan size. Field data from Owens Valley allow, but do not prove, a secondary dependence on source lithology. In addition, the Owens Valley field data indicate no relationship between relative fan size and climate. Headward catchment growth and enhanced sediment bypassing of fans during times of increased sediment yield (glacial) are put forward as plausible explanations.     

Time constraints for the evolution of a large slope collapse in karstified mountainous terrain of the southwestern Crimean Mountains, Ukraine

Prominent longitudinal features are often reported on the surfaces of mass movement deposits. However, the genesis and implications of these have not hitherto been considered, and herein we present preliminary observations of their occurrence both in the field and in the laboratory. Elongated ridges are often oriented (sub-) parallel to the flow direction and aligned radially from the source due to debris spreading. They are particularly prominent in large (> 10⁶m³) rock avalanches emplaced onto deformable substrates and are also found in the proximal reaches of volcanic debris avalanches. Flowbands, which are longer and thinner expressions of longitudinal ridges, are continuous along the entire flow length and are observed in rock avalanches emplaced onto glaciers, in snow and some ice avalanches, in pyroclastic flows and some block-and-ash flows, in ejecta sheets, in extraterrestrial landslides, and in some volcanic debris avalanches. Other volcanic debris avalanches and the distal areas of rock avalanches often display hummocks that are aligned radially from the source; we propose that these aligned hummocks are remnants of longitudinal ridges. The formation of elongate ridges (and their expressions as flowbands, aligned hummocks, or distal lobes and digits) in qualitatively-similar fashion in both laboratory and field environments suggests they represent an intrinsic tendency of granular flows in a wide range of situations.     

The morphometric and stratigraphic framework for estimates of debris flow incidence in the North Cascades foothills, Washington State, USA

Active debris flow fans in the North Cascade Foothills of Washington State constitute a natural hazard of importance to land managers, private property owners and personal security. In the absence of measurements of the sediment fluxes involved in debris flow events, a morphological-evolutionary systems approach, emphasizing stratigraphy, dating, fan morphology and debris flow basin morphometry, was used. Using the stratigraphic framework and 47 radiocarbon dates, frequency of occurrence and relative magnitudes of debris flow events have been estimated for three spatial scales of debris flow systems: the within-fan site scale (84 observations); the fan meso-scale (six observations) and the lumped fan, regional or macro-scale (one fan average and adjacent lake sediments). In order to characterize the morphometric framework, plots of basin area v. fan area, basin area v. fan gradient and the Melton ruggedness number v. fan gradient for the 12 debris flow basins were compared with those documented for semi-arid and paraglacial fans. Basin area to fan area ratios were generally consistent with the estimated level of debris flow activity during the Holocene as reported below. Terrain analysis of three of the most active debris flow basins revealed the variety of modes of slope failure and sediment production in the region.Micro-scale debris flow event systems indicated a range of recurrence intervals for large debris flows from 106−3645 years. The spatial variation of these rates across the fans was generally consistent with previously mapped hazard zones. At the fan meso-scale, the range of recurrence intervals for large debris flows was 273−1566 years and at the regional scale, the estimated recurrence interval of large debris flows was 874 years (with undetermined error bands) during the past 7290 years. Dated lake sediments from the adjacent Lake Whatcom gave recurrence intervals for large sediment producing events ranging from 481−557 years over the past 3900 years and clearly discernible sedimentation events in the lacustrine sediments had a recurrence interval of 67−78 years over that same period.     

泥石流危险范围模型实验*

通过在云南东川蒋家沟现场小规模泥石流堆积过程的68回次标准模型实验,本文探讨泥石流最大堆积长度、最大堆积宽度、最大堆积厚度和堆积面积与泥石流供给方式、堆积区坡度、流通区坡度和泥石流容重的相互关系。得出了特定控制参数下,泥石流危险范围的各类计算公式。     

Alluvial fan development and morpho-tectonic evolution in response to contractional fault reactivation (Late Cretaceous–Palaeocene), Provence, France

Along-strike variability within a Late Cretaceous to early Palaeocene contractional growth structure and associated alluvial fan deposits is documented at the northern margin of the Arc Basin (Provence, SE France). This contribution shows that alluvial fans can be used as high-resolution proxies to reconstruct structural segmentation and palaeo-geomorphological evolution of a source/basin margin system. Facies-based reconstruction allows the spatial and temporal distribution of alluvial fan bodies to be mapped. Relationships between fan area and catchment size from modern alluvial fan systems were used to estimate palaeo-catchment size. Combining alluvial fan morphologies with catchment area, pebble provenance analysis and growth structure reconstruction, we show that: (1) fan distribution and related depositional processes were strongly influenced by intrinsic parameters such as drainage basin evolution, local structural inheritance and lateral facies changes in source area lithologies; (2) Inherited structures trending N100 effectively controlled the first-order location of the fold and thrust structures (Montagne Sainte-Victoire Range) and adjacent depositional areas (Arc Basin); (3) Syn-sedimentary faults trending N010-030 influenced the source/basin margin development and interacted with developing growth structures; (4) Facies changes in Jurassic carbonates controlled fold development and consequently the structural evolution of the source area; and (5) the N010-030 faults and along-strike variability of the source/basin margin system were ultimately controlled by basement structures that controlled where Late Cretaceous deformation nucleated. The overall architecture of the source/basin margin system reflects segmentation and strain partitioning along strike, as demonstrated by diachronous alluvial fan distribution.     

祁连山、贺兰山与吕梁山山前冲积扇上的农地对比

不同地区冲积扇上农地发育特征的对比可以揭示环境条件与农地发育的关系。本文以Lansat卫星ETM+遥感影像、DEM和野外考察资料为基础,研究了祁连山、贺兰山与吕梁山三个地区山前冲积扇的地貌特征和扇上农地的发育特征,探讨了影响冲积扇上农地发育的因素。结果表明,吕梁山地区扇上农地比例最高,自扇顶到扇缘均有农地发育,其次为祁连山地区,农地主要发育在一些被黄土覆盖的冲积扇的老扇面上,贺兰山地区冲积扇上农地比例最低,农地多分布在扇缘区域;物质组成是影响冲积扇上农地发育的直接因素;相关性分析表明,祁连山和吕梁山地区冲积扇上的农地发育受黄土沉积过程影响显著,而贺兰山前冲积扇上农地发育更多地受冲积扇地貌过程的影响。     

Impacts of Holocene climatic variations on alluvial fan activity below snowpatches in subarctic Québec

In the Lake Guillaume-Delisle area of subarctic Québec, storm-generated alluvial fans have been active sporadically throughout the Holocene. In this study, we propose that the persistence of late-lying snowpatches in fan catchments during Holocene cold episodes promoted alluvial fan activity by lowering the precipitation threshold required to trigger a torrential event. This hypothesis was tested by characterizing the depositional processes responsible for alluvial fan formation below snowpatches, and by reconstructing the Holocene alluvial fan activity. Stratigraphic and sedimentary analyses conducted on seven alluvial fans revealed that they were deposited by torrential activity leading to waterlaid, transient, or hyperconcentrated deposition. The chronology of the storm-generated alluvial fans — based on 22 radiocarbon dates — indicates that torrential activity was enhanced during the cooler Late Holocene (i.e., after ca. 3500 cal. yr BP). Snowier winters and cooler summers were beneficial to nival activity, allowing the persistence of larger snowpatches throughout the summer and fall seasons. Rainfall-induced thaw of such snowpatches during rainstorm events is inferred to have contributed to alluvial fan activity by increasing water availability. Three peaks of alluvial activity occurred during the Late Holocene (2950–2750, 1900–1400, and 800–300 cal. yr BP) and are indicative of increased storminess resulting in higher fan activity. Increased fan activity during cooler episodes was concurrent with increased runoff activity in the immediate pronival area. This stresses the importance of nivation below snowpatches and pinpoints the role of nivation in enhancing geomorphological activity during period of cooler and more humid climate in subarctic environments.     

Alluvial Fans as Records of Holocene Sediment Yield in the Central Great Plains of Southwest Nebraska

Soils buried by alluvial fan deposits in southwest Nebraska record several intervals of increased sediment yield from small watersheds during the Holocene. These intervals, which began at ca. 9000, 5800, 4000, 3000, and 1000 ¹⁴C yrs. B.P., were probably caused by some sort of change in regional climatic conditions. Existing evidence of Holocene climate change suggests that increased sediment yields were caused by periodic shifts toward drier climatic conditions, except for the intervals that began at 5800 and 4000 ¹⁴C yrs. B.P. The cause of increased sediment yields at those times is unclear, although an increased frequency of large intense storms may have been a contributing factor. The record of soil burial exhibits considerable spatial variability both within individual fans and between fans. This is partly due to practical limitations on the number of buried soils that could be sampled on each fan. But it is also due to the inherent spatial variability of depositional processes and to differences in the geomorphic development of the four fans. Thus, researchers who use data from fans to reconstruct sediment-yield histories need to investigate several sites on several fans in order to obtain as complete a record as possible of changing sediment yields.