LATE QUATERNARY MORAINES ALONG THE SEKHOKONG RANGE, EASTERN LESOTHO: CONTRASTING THE GEOMORPHIC HISTORY OF NORTH- AND SOUTH-FACING SLOPES

Considerable Quaternary environmental reconstruction for the high Drakensberg is based on geomorphological and sedimentological work undertaken along the northern aspects of the Sekhokong mountain range of eastern Lesotho. Given that no previous investigations have focused on the southern aspects, this paper documents the observed geomorphology and provides a more complete palaeo-environmental picture for this range. Data on the morphology, sedimentology and micromorphology for two linear debris ridges are presented. It is demonstrated that the two ridges are most likely moraines originating from a small niche glacier. The combined use of macro- and micro-scale sedimentology is proven to be an essential tool in ascribing a glacial process origin for the landforms, given the complex depositional history they have undergone. AMS ages obtained from the deposits (14 700 cal. yrs bp and 19 350 cal. yrs bp ) places these in the time-scale of the Last Glacial Maximum. The study demonstrates rather contrasting aspect-controlled palaegeomorphological environments along the Sekhokong range, which is also reflected in the dissimilar contemporary biophysical micro-environments. It is suggested that the south-facing slopes were dominated by glacial processes during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), as is evident from the moraines, while the proposition for previously described north-facing glacial cirques is rejected based on the absence of erosional/depositional evidence and greater insolation received on these warmerequator-facing slopes. Rather, we propose that the observed north-facing hollows are a product of a multitude of geomorphic processes spanning several tens to hundreds of thousands of years.     

Geomorphological characteristics and slope processes associated with different basins: Mallorca (Western Mediterranean)

We compare the different geomorphological processes which occurred in Pliocene–Quaternary times on two very similar slopes in Mallorca, one located at the Tramuntana Range and the other in the Llevant Ranges. Both slopes have the same geological structure, the same stratigraphic and lithological levels, and the same altitude and orientation. The different slope processes are due to the relationship between the accommodation space and the sedimentation rate in the adjacent basins: In the Valencia Trough (located N of the Tramuntana Range), the sedimentation rate has not been sufficient to fill the accommodation space, whereas in the Alcudia Basin (adjacent to the Llevant Ranges), the sedimentation rate has been sufficient to fill the accommodation space. This difference has resulted in major landslides on the Tramuntana slope, whereas the Llevant slope is characterized mainly by alluvial fans and debris screes.     

雪岭云杉树轮宽度对气候变化的响应

利用新疆伊犁地区雪岭云杉的6个树轮宽度年表 ,通过相关分析的方法,分析不同地形条件下雪岭云杉树轮宽度对于气候要素的响应。统计分析表明,雪岭云杉对气候变化比较敏感,在北天山南坡的森林下限,雪岭云杉生长与生长季7~8月降水关系显著;在南天山北坡的森林下限,雪岭云杉生长对生长季前11-次年1月最低温度存在显著正相关。地形对雪岭云杉与气候要素之间的关系影响较大,在南天山北坡,由于森林上下限树木抗寒性的差异,森林下限树木生长对温度的响应强于上限树木;南北坡引起的降水量水平的差异,使得天山不同坡向的树木生长响应不同的气候要素。     

Snow-avalanche impact landforms, deposits and effects at Urdvatnet, southern Norway: implications for avalanche style and process

An unusual assemblage of landforms and deposits is described from upper Norangsdalen, Sunnmøre region, southern Norway, and interpreted as the product of snow‐avalanche events that vary in magnitude, frequency and debris content. An avalanche impact plunge pool, proximal scar and distal mound are associated with a coarse gravel deposit covering part of the valley floor. Landforms in this debris spread include gravel ridges, boulder lines, beaded ridges, fine sediment banked against and covering large boulders, and gravel clumps. Many of these landforms are aligned, indicating across‐valley transport radiating from the plunge pool. Features were mapped in the field and samples analysed for grain size and heavy‐mineral content. The debris spread is attributed to deposition by high‐energy, debris‐rich snow‐avalanche events that collect debris from large areas of the valley side, lower slopes and plunge pool. Aligned landforms develop through sediment transport in a basal shear zone, and randomly distributed gravel clumps represent melt pits following debris transport in the avalanche body. Air displacement ahead of larger avalanches is thought to have felled and tilted trees on the lower slopes of the distal valley side. Approximate ages of damaged trees allowed estimation of the frequency of snow‐avalanche events: (1) small, frequent events (several per annum) carry debris to the lower valley slopes and the plunge pool; (2) moderate events with an annual to decadal frequency maintain the pool–scar–mound complex; and (3) large, debris‐rich events with a decadal to centennial frequency add material to the debris spread.     

SPATIAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LONGEST-LASTING WINTER SNOW COVER AND COLD REGION LANDFORMS IN THE HIGH DRAKENSBERG, SOUTHERN AFRICA

Although snow is known to influence landform genesis and distribution, the spatial associations between snow and landforms within particular cold regions has received limited research attention. We present a case study from the high Drakensberg of southern Africa, comparing the contemporary spatial pattern of longest-lasting cold-season snow patches with the distribution patterns of active and relic cold region landforms. Two 30 m resolution sets of TM images dated 3 and 19 August 1990 and a DEM were used to demonstrate the geographic trends of snow patch depletion during late winter. Geomorphological phenomena with known coordinates were then incorporated into the GIS. The spatial distribution of several periglacial land-forms (earth hummocks, stone-/turf-banked lobes, block deposits, large sorted patterned ground) coincides with topographic positions that limit snow accumulation. However, the strong spatial association between longest-lasting snow patches and palaeo-moraines implies substantial snow accumulation at some high altitude south-facing sites during the last glacial cycle.     

Frequency of debris flows and their relation with precipitation: A case study in the Central Alps, Italy

Debris flows are very important and widespread mass movements, and represent a remarkable geomorphological hazard. This research deals with debris flows in an alpine environment, studied using dendrogeomorphological dating techniques, outlining their relation with precipitation, and analysing possible changes in their frequency and intensity over time. The study area is the upper Valle del Gallo (Northern Italy), a typical high mountain environment dominated by mass wasting processes, where many debris-flow fans occupy the valley bottom. Dendrogeomorphological research was conducted on twelve of these fans and two channels located on slopes. Tree growth anomalies (abrasion scars, compression wood and abrupt growth changes) were used as dating methods. Two hundred and thirty nine debris debris-flow events between 1875 and 2003 were dated using 757 trees (Pinus montana Mill.). Analysis between dated events and precipitation suggests that debris flows in the study area could be triggered by 20–30 mm of rain concentrated in a few hours. The debris-flow frequency tends to increase gradually, but the highest value seems to have occurred in the period 1974–1983. This trend agrees with the historical occurrence of flooding events in Northern Italy as inferred by literature, and with similar studies conducted in the Swiss Alps. The results of this research are intended as a contribution for understanding the response of geomorphological processes to climatic changes.     

Controls on basalt terrace formation in the eastern Lesotho highlands

The objective of this study is to ascertain the relative importance of lithological controls and geomorphological processes in the development of Drakensberg basalt terraces. Various hypotheses for terrace formation are considered, including geological controls, macroscale geomorphology, and climatic–geomorphological controls. The variations in strength and relative age differences for scarp surface exposures on two slopes of varying aspect are determined, so that a comparison can be made between various scarp outcrops and relative rates of weathering. Scarp outcrops were measured for their rock mass strength, rock surface roughness, and percentage lichen cover. The ethylene glycol test was performed on prepared rock samples to determine susceptibility to tensional breakup. A satellite image depicting the distribution of late-lying contemporary snow was used to assist in the construction of topo-climatic linkages with scarp terrace localities. Findings show that terraces are most common on southeast-facing aspects, and coincide with the major joint strike direction. Lithological factors are thus considered the primary control to such terrace development. It is suggested that a different set of geomorphological processes operates on various slope-altitudinal and slope-orientational positions at any given time.     

西藏帕隆藏布河谷崩塌滑坡、泥石流的分布规律

西藏帕隆藏布河谷崩塌滑坡、泥石流灾害严重。崩塌滑坡、泥石流的分布 ,因谷坡坡向的水热条件差异而导致坡向差异 ,因地貌发育和形态的沿程分异显现沿程差异 ,因其促发条件的差异又显现灾种差异。采用有序样品最优分割和方差分析等定量方法 ,揭示了崩塌滑坡、泥石流的差异性分布规律 :全河段可分为上游峡谷泥石流密集段 ,中游宽谷泥石流及崩塌滑坡较密集段 ,和下游、拉月曲峡谷崩塌滑坡、泥石流极密集段 ;北岸崩塌滑坡和泥石流比南岸数量多、规模大 ;崩塌滑坡有向下游增大增多之趋势。进而对道路平面选线原则提出了建议。     

Turf exfoliation in the high Drakensberg, Southern Africa

Limited research attention has focussed on turf exfoliation as a denudation process in mountain environments. This paper examines some characteristics of turf exfoliation forms identified within particular valley zones in the Drakensberg alpine belt. Morphological and sedimentological data are presented for turf exfoliated sites investigated in the Mashai Valley of eastern Lesotho. It is found that a variety of processes, including needle ice action, biological activity, fluvial processes and deflation, operating synergistically, are responsible for contemporary turf exfoliation in the high Drakensberg. It is apparent that the strong seasonality from mild, wet summers to cold, dry winters has helped induce the annual cycle of dominating processes.     

STORURDI: A LATE HOLOCENE ROCK-SLOPE FAILURE (STURZSTROM) IN THE JOTUNHEIMEN, SOUTHERN NORWAY

An extensive accumulation of rock debris at the mouth of Urdadalen in the Jotunheimen, southern Norway, is interpreted as the deposit of a rock-slope failure (sturzstrom). This is the first large-scale rock-slope failure to be recognised in the Jotunheimen but is unlikely to be the only one. The debris descended to the valley floor, passed across the valley axis and moved 40 m up the opposite side of the valley. Some debris passed over the lip of Urdadalen and now forms a boulder tongue that extends for c. 800 m into Utledalen. A maximum velocity of 80 m s⁻¹ for debris movement from crest of hillside to toe of boulder tongue has been estimated, and a minimum velocity of 28 m s⁻¹ was required for the debris to run up the opposite side of Urdadalen. The degree of boulder hardness/weathering as determined by Schmidt hammer suggests the sturzstrom occurred in the Late Holocene (1.825 ± 0.76 cal. ka bp ), during a period of climatic deterioration. The localised geomorphological impact of the failure event has been to dam the valley and create a small lake, to cause valley widening, to produce a north-facing hillside embayment at 1200–1400 m above sea level with the potential to collect and retain snow that might, in future, lead to niche glacier development and cirque initiation, and to provide a large volume of rock debris for entrainment and onward transport in future glacial cycles.     

Response of small mid-mountain rivers to human impact with particular reference to the last 200 years; Eastern Sudetes, Central Europe

In the mid-mountains of Central Europe relict forms of periglacial morphogenesis occur, including debris slope covers. However, the Holocene forest succession limited sediment transfer towards valley systems.The eastern, mid-mountain part of the Sudetes, characterised by a dense stream network and by the local occurrence of metallic and gold ores, was already settled by humans in early medieval times. Timber from the forested slopes was used to produce charcoal and streams acted as energy sources for smelting plants and smithies. Agriculture developed on less inclined slopes. Temporal clearances on steep slopes and replacement of primeval beech forest by spruce trees, influenced water circulation on slopes. The exposed slope covers were transferred to valley floors during high precipitation events. Consequently, they were selectively redeposited within the floodplain, changing the former channel pattern, especially at confluences. The introduction of cultivation on slopes triggered intense soil erosion so that agricultural terraces were built in order to prevent surface wash. The terraces are often strengthened with stone walls up to 4.5 m high. Terraces acted as ‘sediment traps’, storing the washed material within the slope. The layers of fine-grained colluvial sediments, which can be linked with agriculture, cover the older, debris slope covers. The colluvium is especially thick at the terrace edges. Despite the protective role of terracing, part of the washed material was transferred to valleys, often becoming overbank deposits, covering older gravel and boulder alluvium. The decline of iron ore exploitation and processing, at the beginning of the 19th century, together with agricultural withdrawal, which was especially radical after the 2nd World War, resulted in successive renaturalisation of the environment being followed by slope stabilisation and deepening of bigger river channels.The results led to the conclusion that a strong human impact on the slope–valley system in the mid-mountain part of the Eastern Sudetes influenced changes in the dynamics and morphology of small rivers to a much higher extent than the climate variations, especially during the Little Ice Age.     

SOIL VARIATION ON NORTH AND SOUTH SLOPE CATENAS ON A KAME IN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

Soils from two catenas on north-and south-facing slopes of a kame were analyzed to determine the effect of lithology, topography, and microclimate on profile development. In loess on the north-facing slope, where microclimate favored CaCO₃ dissolution and clay translocation, pedogenesis was rapid and an A-E-Bt-C profile developed. In contrast, an A-Bt-C profile developed on the south-facing slope. In gravel where limestone/dolostone dissolution was slow, A-C profiles were found and CaCO₃ was depleted to a ≤ 25-cm depth, 20± cm less than reported for similar Michigan soils. Slopewash and runoff are inferred to have caused silt accumulations and greater infiltration at the base of ≥ 20° slopes, resulting in a thicker solum in foot-and toe-slope positions, whereas on slopes of ≤ 7° infiltration and interflow are the dominant processes, resulting in a thicker solum on the transportational midslope. The differences in soil profile development are attributed to sediment facies changes at 25- to 50-cm depth and resulting groundwater movement. [Key words: soil development, soil spatial variability, kame slope catena, Wisconsin.]     

雅鲁藏布江大拐弯峡谷的地貌特征和成因

雅鲁藏布江下游作发夹形的奇特大拐弯,并构成深峻的峡谷。本文根据实地考察的资料,阐明大峡弯的地貌特征,并结合地质构造的分析,认为包括大峡弯在内的雅鲁藏布江是适应不同方向断裂构造发育的先成河。大峡弯不是河流的袭夺弯,雅鲁藏布江曾经由东向西流的看法是没有根据的。     

New Evidence on the Relief of the Southern Underwater Slope in the South Baikal Basin

A high-resolution bathymetric survey of the entire underwater slope in South Baikal was carried out for the first time by means of the multibeam echosounder. New elements were revealed in the underwater relief of the southern slope of the basin from the Kultuchnaya river to the Mysovka river, and a relevant regionalization was carried out into three areas according to the presence of ancient landforms and the intensity of the processes of their reworking, with the boundaries along the delta-front and the river fan of the Utulik and Pereemnaya. We reconstructed the formation process of the modern relief of this area of the underwater slope and determined a dominant role of the underwater-erosion processes in the formation of the modern relief, with the tectonic movements served as the “trigger” for them. The study revealed a direct correlation between the reworking of the ancient geomorphological surfaces and the occurrence of separate large underwater elevations or group ridges (remnants), canyons and linear depressions. It is determined that the pivotal role in the appearance of the modern relief of the underwater slope in the second area of extensive plano-convex (in section) and fan-shaped (in plan) delta-fronts of large rivers and debris fans enveloping the remnants. The existence of a steep underwater slope from the mouth of the Pereemnaya to the mouth of the Bol’shaya Tel’naya and of two large benches, and also the proximity of the maximum depths of the southern basin at the foot of this slope are explained by a more intense step-like lowering of this part of the lake when compared with the western part of the basin. This also accounts for the absence of large remnants in this part of the slope. The area of occurrence of lacustrine-fluvial and lacustrine-delta deposits of the Tankhoi paleobasin within the southern basin of Baikal is reconstructed. Four new hydrate-bearing structures associated with these deposits and morphologically pronounced in the vertex parts of the remnants were discovered. The morphological exploration indicators of the presence of new accumulations of gas hydrates on the underwater slopes of Baikal have been expanded.     

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF LATE QUATERNARY PARAGLACIAL ROCK-SLOPE FAILURES ON SKIDDAW GROUP TERRAIN, LAKE DISTRICT, NORTHWEST ENGLAND

ABSTRACT. Eight relict rock-slope failures (RSFs) on Skiddaw Group terrain in the Lake District, northwest England, are described. Five of the failures are rockslides, one is a product of slope deformation, and two are compound features with evidence for sliding and deformation in different sectors. As none appears to have been overrun and modified by glacier ice it is concluded that they all post-date the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM ; c. 21 ± 3 cal. ka bp ). Slope stress readjustments resulting from glacial and deglacial influences are considered to have weakened the slopes, and application of the term paraglacial is appropriate. Permafrost aggradation and degradation, seismic activity and fluvial erosion are among processes that may have contributed to failure at certain sites. The failures are significant as potential debris sources during future ice advances, contributing to valley widening and cirque enlargement and, possibly, for acting as sites of cirque initiation. Previously, Skiddaw Group rocks have been regarded as homogeneous and of limited resistance to the weathering and erosion associated with Quaternary glacial, periglacial and fluvial processes. These characteristics and processes have been used to explain the steep smooth slopes and rounded hills that dominate Skiddaw Group terrain. Rock-slope failure has also helped shape this terrain and should be incorporated in future interpretations of landscape development.     

Effects of environmental change on scree slope development throughout the postglacial period in the Chic-Choc Mountains in the northern Gaspé Peninsula, Québec

The combined study of present-day processes and stratigraphic data, has permitted the reconstruction of the dynamics of scree slopes of the northern Gaspé Peninsula throughout the postglacial period. In this region, liberated progressively from beneath an ice cover between 13,500 and 10,000 years BP, the scree slopes have to be seen as an integral part of a regional geosystem. Evolution of these slopes has been rapid, influenced by local paraglacial conditions (glacio-isostatic rebound, glacio-eustatic fluctuations, and re-equilibration of glacially over-steepened rockwalls) which operated against a backdrop of Late Glacial and Holocene climatic fluctuations. During the Younger Dryas and part of the Early Holocene period, as the foot slopes emerged from beneath the Goldthwait Sea, the basal part of several scree slopes advanced onto marine terraces as lobate rock glaciers, under the influence of a periglacial climate, characterised by permafrost. Many scree slopes continued to transfer debris downslope after regional establishment of a closed forest cover at ca. 7250 years BP. Forest colonisation in the early pre-emergent phase of the postglacial period was retarded, due to constant replenishment of the debris removed from the foot slopes by marine processes. In the later post-emergent phase, development of a complete forest cover has only been possible on slopes where the summit rockwall segment has been completely eliminated, a condition not yet fulfilled for many geomorphologically active scree slopes of the region. In fact, both of these paraglacial influences have been diachronous on a regional scale. Advance upslope of the forest front on the scree slopes appears to have been slow, difficult and subject to periodic regressions of possible climatic origin, as indicated by numerous buried soils in colluvial stratigraphic sequences, and for the past 150 years by dendro-ecological studies. Stratigraphic exposures, along with direct observation of slope events, have revealed the operation of a large variety of debris transfer processes, including niveo-aeolian sedimentation and frost-coated clast flows, the latter representing an important process first recognised on the scree slopes of Gaspésie.     

Land Cover Status in the Koshi River Basin,Central Himalayas

The Koshi River Basin is in the middle of the Himalayas, a tributary of the Ganges River and a very important cross-border watershed. Across the basin there are large changes in altitude, habitat complexity, ecosystem integrity, land cover diversity and regional difference and this area is sensitive to global climate change. Based on Landsat TM images, vegetation mapping, field investigations and 3S technology, we compiled high-precision land cover data for the Koshi River Basin and analyzed current land cover characteristics. We found that from source to downstream, land cover in the Koshi River Basin in 2010 was composed of water body (glacier), bare land, sparse vegetation, grassland, wetland, shrubland, forest, cropland, water body (river or lake) and built-up areas. Among them, grassland, forest, bare land and cropland are the main types, accounting for 25.83%, 21.19%, 19.31% and 15.09% of the basin’s area respectively. The composition and structure of the Koshi River Basin land cover types are different between southern and northern slopes. The north slope is dominated by grassland, bare land and glacier; forest, bare land and glacier are mainly found on northern slopes. Northern slopes contain nearly seven times more grassland than southern slopes; while 97.13% of forest is located on southern slopes. Grassland area on northern slope is 6.67 times than on southern slope. The vertical distribution of major land cover types has obvious zonal characteristics. Land cover types from low to high altitudes are cropland, forest, Shrubland and mixed cropland, grassland, sparse vegetation, bare land and water bodies. These results provide a scientific basis for the study of land use and cover change in a critical region and will inform ecosystem protection, sustainability and management in this and other alpine transboundary basins.     

气候变化影响下藏东南帕隆藏布流域高山区泥石流的地貌效应

高海拔或高纬度山区（尤其高山冰川及冻土急剧消退区）常孕育适宜泥石流发育的地形和物源条件。气候变化（如升温、强降雨事件增多等）影响下,高山区潜在孕灾环境更易于成灾,泥石流成为主要的灾害类型和物质输移方式,也是高山区地貌变化的重要驱动力。由于野外监测困难,数据资料匮乏,鲜有针对高山区泥石流过程地貌效应的分析报道。以中国藏东南高山区泥石流多发的帕隆藏布流域为研究区,以古乡沟、天摩沟和扎木弄沟为典型小流域,结合遥感影像、DEM数据、无人机航拍、高精度RTK测量和野外踏勘调查,分析泥石流沟道地貌发育特征（冲淤变化、平面摆动）及其对主河河流地貌的影响,并探讨大规模泥石流事件影响下河谷地貌的长期演变趋势。高山区泥石流过程强烈塑造沟道自身地貌,上游物源区深切展宽和溯源蚀退,沟口堆积扇冲淤变化受控于泥石流事件规模和水流强度。泥石流过程显著影响主河道河流地貌,造成主河道横向冲淤和摆动,并影响堰塞体上游河段平面形态发育。长时间尺度上,河谷地貌在平面上发育形成宽窄相间的藕节状而在纵剖面上形成台阶状形态。     

秦岭陕西段南北坡植被对干湿变化响应敏感性及空间差异

秦岭位于暖温带与亚热带交界处,也是中国南北地理分界线,秦岭南北坡植被对干湿变化响应敏感性,可以折射出暖温带、亚热带地区主要植被类型对于湿变化的响应规律和机制特征,对深入理解不同气候带植被变化规律具有重要意义.本文利用秦岭山地32个气象站点的气象数据和MODIS NDVI时间序列数据集,探讨了2000-2018年秦岭南北...     

云南东川地区层状地貌面的成因

在东川地区的山地及小江河谷的两侧山麓上部，分布着不同高度和不同规模的层状地貌面，对其成因仍有不同的认识。分歧主要表现在两个方面：一是高原隆升之前的初始地貌面是否是准平原型夷平面；二是山顶面之下的梯级层状地貌面的成因。本文从以下几个方面对上述问题进行讨论：(1)层状地貌面的地貌特征及其与侵蚀河谷体系的关系；(2)层状地貌面上堆积物的性质；(3)层状地貌面与断裂构造水平展布的关系；(4)相邻层状地貌面的空间过渡关系；(5)区域构造演化背景。作者认为在云贵高原抬升过程中，东川地区以挤压穹起隆升变形为主。不同海拔高度的层状地貌面具有多成因特性。山顶面及局部高原面是高原隆升之前古夷平面的残留。并遭到后期强烈的侵蚀改造。目前，尚缺乏足够证据证明高原隆升之前的古夷平面为准平原型夷平面。小江河谷两侧的梯级层状地貌面是侵蚀或剥蚀面，它们形成于高原隆升及初始地貌面解体之后，其梯级空间分布特征与区域性的阶段隆升有关。