Analysis of soil surface component patterns affecting runoff generation. An example of methods applied to Mediterranean hillslopes in Alicante (Spain)

Spatial patterns of soil surface components (vegetation, rock fragments, crusts, bedrock outcrops, etc.) are a key factor determining hydrological functioning of hillslopes. A methodological approach to analyse the patterns of soil surface components at a detailed scale is proposed in this paper. The methods proposed are applied to two contrasting semi-arid Mediterranean hillslopes, and the influence of soil surface component patterns on the runoff response of the slopes was analysed. A soil surface components map was derived from a high resolution photo-mosaic obtained in the field by means of a digital camera. Rainfall simulation experimental data were used to characterise the hydrological behaviour of areas with a specific pattern of soil surface components by means of the parameters of the Horton equation. Plot runoff data were extrapolated at the hillslope scale based on the soil surface component maps and their hydrological characterisation. The results show that in both slopes runoff generation is concentrated up- and downslope, with a water accepting area in the centre of both slopes disrupting the hydrological connectivity at the slope scale. This reinfiltration patch at the centre of the slope is related to the type of soil surface component and its spatial pattern. Herbaceous vegetation and ‘on top rock fragments’ increase the infiltration capacity of soils at the centre of the slope. In contrast, embedded rock fragments, rock outcrops, as well as crusted surfaces located in the upper and lower slopes favour runoff generation in these areas. In addition, a general pattern of water contribution areas downslope is apparent on both slopes. The south-facing slope shows a higher hydrological connectivity and more runoff. 55% of the surface of the south-facing slope produces runoff at the end of a 1 hour rainfall event and 17.3% of the surface is covered by a runoff depth between 0.5 and 1 mm. While on the north-facing slope only 38% of the surface produces runoff under the same conditions. Longitudinal connectivity of runoff is higher at the south-facing slope where more runoff-generating surfaces appear and where the vegetation pattern favours the connectivity of bare areas.     

密云石匣小流域土地利用对土壤粗化的影响

在北京密云石匣小流域坡面径流试验小区的坡耕地、休闲地和荒草地的坡上部、坡中部和坡下部,分别对表层和剖面进行了采样,用筛分的方法分析土样中大于2mm石砾所占百分数来确定不同土地利用下的土壤粗化程度。试验结果表明:休闲地、坡耕地和荒草地小区的土壤粗化程度为休闲地>坡耕地>荒草地。假设荒草地石砾所占百分数为正常值,用某种土地利用方式下石砾所占百分数与荒草地石砾所占百分数的比值来表示该土地利用下的土壤粗化程度指数,则0-1cm土层休闲地和坡耕地的粗化程度指数分别为2.96和2.07。土地利用方式不同,剖面层间的粗化特性也存在差异。荒草地剖面层不存在土壤粗化;休闲地和坡耕地剖面层则存在土壤粗化。本研究可为土壤退化等级评价和土地利用规划提供基础资料     

Hypsometric Analysis of Headwater Rock Basins in the Dolomites (Eastern Alps) Using High‐Resolution Topography

Hypsometric curves and integrals are effective tools for rapid quantitative assessments of topography. High‐resolution digital terrain models derived from airborne LiDAR data have been analysed to study the hypsometry of small headwater rock basins (drainage areas up to 0.13 km²) in three study areas in the Dolomites (Eastern Alps) that have similar lithologies and climatic conditions. Hypsometric curves in the studied rocky headwaters display a variety of shapes and present remarkable differences between neighbouring basins. Hypsometric integrals show generally high values in the three study areas (>0.42, mean values between 0.51 and 0.65). The extent of the scree slopes located at the foot of rock basins in the three study areas is larger in the area with lower hypsometric integrals and indicates consistency between the development of basin erosion, which is shown by the hypsometric integral, and debris yield, represented by the extent of scree slope. No clear relations were observed between the hypsometric integrals and basin area and shape. When extending the analysis to larger basins, which encompass rocky headwaters and downslope soil‐mantled slopes, a negative correlation is found between the hypsometric integral and catchment area, suggesting that the scale independency of the hypsometric integral occurs essentially in headwater rock basins. Geomorphometric indices (residual relief and surface roughness) have contributed to interpreting the variability of surface morphology, which is related to the geo‐structural complexity of the catchments.     

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.     

From water to tillage erosion dominated landform evolution

While water and wind erosion are still considered to be the dominant soil erosion processes on agricultural land, there is growing recognition that tillage erosion plays an important role in the redistribution of soil on agricultural land. In this study, we examined soil redistribution rates and patterns for an agricultural field in the Belgian loess belt. ¹³⁷Cs derived soil erosion rates have been confronted with historical patterns of soil erosion based on soil profile truncation. This allowed an assessment of historical and contemporary landform evolution on agricultural land and its interpretation in relation to the dominant geomorphic process. The results clearly show that an important shift in the relative contribution of tillage and water erosion to total soil redistribution on agricultural land has occurred during recent decades. Historical soil redistribution is dominated by high losses on steep midslope positions and concavities as a result of water erosion, leading to landscape incision and steepening of the topography. In contrast, contemporary soil redistribution is dominated by high losses on convex upperslopes and infilling of slope and valley concavities as a result of tillage, resulting in topographic flattening. This shift must be attributed to the increased mechanization of agriculture during recent decades. This study shows that the typical topographical dependency of soil redistribution processes and their spatial interactions must be accounted for when assessing landform and soil profile evolution.     

Contribution of pits dug by goannas (Varanus gouldii) to the dynamics of banded mulga landscapes in eastern Australia

The densities of pits made by goannasVaranus gouldiiwere estimated in the three distinct zones of banded mulga landscapes (erosion slope, interception zone, and mulga grove) in paddocks of a grazing study in north-western New South Wales, Australia. In light and moderately grazed paddocks, soil pits were significantly more abundant in the interception zones (M=119.057 m⁻²) than in the groves and erosion slopes (M=16.057 m⁻²). In the overgrazed paddock there were no differences in densities of pits in any of the zones. In the groves and erosion slopes approximately 70-80% of the pits contained litter, seeds, and fruits. However, on the erosion slopes less than 20% of the pits contained litter and seeds. The data support the hypothesis that soil disturbance byVaranuslizards produces a positive feedback mechanism for the viability of the interception zone and the functioning of banded vegetation landscapes.     

Thermal Regime of Rock and its Relation to Snow Cover in Steep Alpine Rock Walls: Gemsstock,Central Swiss Alps

Snow cover influences the thermal regime and stability of frozen rock walls. In this study, we investigate and model the impact of the spatially variable snow cover on the thermal regime of steep permafrost rock walls. This is necessary for a more detailed understanding of the thermal and mechanical processes causing changes in rock temperature and in the ice and water contents of frozen rock, which possibly lead to rock wall instability. To assess the temporal and spatial evolution and influence of the snow, detailed measurements have been carried out at two selected points in steep north‐ and south‐facing rock walls since 2012. In parallel, the one‐dimensional energy balance model SNOWPACK is used to simulate the effects of snow cover on the thermal regime of the rock walls. For this, a multi‐method approach with high temporal resolution is applied, combining meteorological, borehole rock temperature and terrain parameter measurements. To validate the results obtained for the ground thermal regime and the seasonally varying snowpack, the model output is compared with near‐surface rock temperature measurements and remote snow cover observations. No decrease of snow depth at slope angles up to 70° was observed in rough terrain due to micro‐topographic structures. Strong contrasts in rock temperatures between north‐ and south‐facing slopes are due to differences in solar radiation, slope angle and the timing and depth of the snow cover. SNOWPACK proved to be useful for modelling snow cover–rock interactions in smooth, homogenous rock slopes.     

耕作侵蚀及其农业环境意义

２１世纪来临之际,耕作研究和耕作习惯将发生重大变化。这一革命性变化的驱动力是人们对耕作位移与耕作侵蚀及其农业持续性和环境保护的日益了解和认识。耕作位移是耕作活动造成的土壤移动。因受耕作工具的设计、操作、景观地形和土壤性质等因素的影响,耕作位移在景观内的变化导致净土壤重新分配,即耕作侵蚀。典型的民政部是耕作连续地导致土壤顺坡移动,造成土壤在坡上部严重流失,而在坡下部堆积,本文描述了耕作位移和耕作侵蚀     

中国东部亚热带丘陵山区土地退化坡面分带性的成因

中国东部地区流水侵蚀所引起的土地退化具有明显的坡面分带性。以安徽绩溪、浙江兰溪和广东五华为典型区,从坡地地貌及其所引起破面侵蚀分带性入手,通过坡面不同部位地面物质及其理化性质、养分和水分状况以及植被、侵蚀地貌形态的分析,探讨土地退化坡面分带性的成因。     

Topography of a composite relict rock glacier, Ślęża Massif, SW Poland

A detailed geodetic survey and, additionally, a map of slope covers have been carried out for a composite relict rock glacier on the slopes of Mt ?l??a (718 m a.s.l.), Sudetic Foreland, SW Poland. The survey allows one to distinguish the mobilisation, transition and accumulation zones and to define geomorphic features diagnostic for relict rock glaciers such as lateral ridges standing above a central depression, steep margins of the landforms in the transition and accumulation zones, as well as absence of distinct head scarps above. Furthermore, it indicates that the present‐day hydrographic pattern on the surface of relict rock glaciers has been superimposed on the relief inherited from the active landforms. The topography indicates that tension prevailed rather than compression during the development of the rock glaciers. Some of the features, such as small lateral lobes, developed probably as a result of the compressive flow, however. The pattern of the slope cover shows that it developed during activity of the rock glaciers and been modified afterwards due to solifluction.     

Processes and rates of rock fragment displacement on cliffs and scree slopes in an amba landscape, Ethiopia

Distinct rock fragment displacements occur on the ambas, or structurally determined stepped mountains of the Northern Ethiopian Highlands. This paper describes the rock fragment detachment from cliffs by rockfall, quantifies its annual rate, and identifies factors controlling rock fragment movement on the scree slopes. It further presents a conceptual model explaining rock fragment cover at the soil surface in these landscapes. In the May Zegzeg catchment (Dogu'a Tembien district, Tigray), rockfall from cliffs and rock fragment movement on debris slopes by runoff and livestock trampling were monitored over a 4-year period (1998–2001). Rockfall and rock fragment transport mainly induced by livestock trampling appear to be important geomorphic processes. Along a 1500-m long section of the Amba Aradam sandstone cliff, at least 80 t of rocks are detached yearly and fall over a mean vertical distance of 24 m resulting in a mean annual cliff retreat rate of 0.37 mm y^− 1. Yearly unit rock fragment transport rates on scree slopes ranged between 23.1 and 37.9 kg m^− 1 y^− 1. This process is virtually stopped when exclosures are established. Corresponding mean rock fragment transport coefficients K are 32–69 kg m^− 1 y^− 1 on rangeland but only 3.9 kg m^− 1 y^− 1 in densely vegetated exclosures. A conceptual model indicates that besides rockfall from cliffs and argillipedoturbation, all factors and processes of rock fragment redistribution in the study area are of anthropogenic origin.     

六盘山典型植被类型土壤中石砾对大孔隙形成的影响

六盘山山区土壤中存在大量的石砾,对土壤大孔隙的形成具有重要影响。为了深刻了解和评价土壤中石砾对大孔隙形成的可能作用,本研究分析了六盘山典型植被类型下土壤中的石砾体积含量、大孔隙度变异以及石砾体积含量对大孔隙度、大孔隙半径与密度的影响。结果表明,石砾含量增加导致土壤大孔隙的平均半径和体积增大,特别是导致半径大于1.4 mm的大孔隙密度的增大,但对较小半径的大孔隙密度影响不大;总体上,石砾对土壤大孔隙度的形成影响随土深的增加而越来越明显,说明六盘山地区土壤的大孔隙明显同时受到生物因素和石砾含量因素的影响。     

Decoding temporal and spatial patterns of fault uplift using transient river long profiles

We present detailed observations of rivers crossing active normal faults in the Central Apennines, Italy, where excellent constraints exist on the temporal and spatial history of fault movement. We demonstrate that rivers with drainage areas > 10 km² and crossing faults that have undergone an increase in throw rate within the last 1 My, have significant long-profile convexities. In contrast, channels that cross faults that have had a constant-slip rate for 3 My have concave-up profiles and have similar concavities and steepness indices to rivers that do not cross any active fault structures. This trend is consistent across the Central Apennines and cannot be explained by appeal to lithology or regional base level change. The data challenge the belief that active faulting must always be reflected in river profiles; instead, the long-profile convexities are best explained as a transient response of the river system to a change in tectonic uplift rate. Moreover, for these rivers we demonstrate that the height of the profile convexity, as measured from the fault, scales with the magnitude of the uplift rate increase on the fault; and we establish that this relationship holds for throw rate variation along strike for the same fault segment, as well as between faults. These findings are shown to be consistent with predictions of channel response to changing uplift rate rates using a detachment-limited fluvial erosion model, and they illustrate that analysis of the magnitude of profile convexities has considerable predictive potential for extracting tectonic information. We also demonstrate that the migration rate of the profile convexities varies from 1.5–10 mm/y, and is a function of the slip rate increase as well as the drainage area. This is consistent with n > 1 for the slope exponent in a classical detachment-limited stream-power erosion law, but could potentially be explained by incorporating an erosion threshold or an explicit role for sediment in enhancing erosion rates. Finally, we show that for rivers in extensional settings, where the response times to tectonic perturbation are long (in this case > 1 My), attempts to extract tectonic uplift rates from normalised steepness indices are likely to be flawed because topographic steady state has not yet been achieved.     

Regional relief characteristics and denudation pattern of the western Southern Alps, New Zealand

The Southern Alps of New Zealand are the topographic expression of active oblique continental convergence of the Australian and Pacific plates. Despite inferred high rates of tectonic and climatic forcing, the pattern of differential uplift and erosion remains uncertain. We use a 25-m DEM to conduct a regional-scale relief analysis of a 250-km long strip of the western Southern Alps (WSA). We present a preliminary map of regional erosion and denudation by overlaying mean basin relief, a modelled stream-power erosion index, river incision rates, historic landslide denudation rates, and landslide density. The interplay between strong tectonic and climatic forcing has led to relief production that locally attains 2 km in major catchments, with mean values of 0.65–0.68 km. Interpolation between elevations of major catchment divides indicates potential removal of l0¹–10³ km³, or a mean basin relief of 0.51–0.85 km in the larger catchments. Local relief and inferred river incision rates into bedrock are highest about 50–67% of the distance between the Alpine fault and the main divide. The mean regional relief variability is ± 0.5 km.Local relief, valley cross-sectional area, and catchment width correlate moderately with catchment area, and also reach maximum values between the range front and the divide. Hypsometric integrals show scale dependence, and together with hypsometric curves, are insufficient to clearly differentiate between glacial and fluvial dominated basins. Mean slope angle in the WSA (ψ = 30°) is lower where major longitudinal valleys and extensive ice cover occur, and may be an insensitive measure of regional relief. Modal slope angle is strikingly uniform throughout the WSA (φ = 38–40°), and may record adjustment to runoff and landsliding. Both ψ and φ show non-linear relationships with elevation, which we attribute to dominant geomorphic process domains, such as fluvial processes in low-altitude valley trains, surface runoff and frequent landsliding on montane hillslopes, “relief dampening” by glaciers, and rock fall/avalanching on steep main-divide slopes.     

FLARED SLOPES REVISITED

Flared slopes are smooth concavities caused by subsurface moisture-generated weathering in the scarp-foot zone of hillslopes or boulders. They are well represented in granitic terrains but also developed in other massive materials such as limestone, sandstone, dacite, rhyolite, and basalt, as well as other plutonic rocks. Notches, cliff-foot caves, and swamp slots are congeners of flared slopes. Though a few bedrock flares are conceivably caused by nivation or by a combination of coastal processes, most are two-stage or etch forms. Appreciation of the origin of these forms has permitted their use in the identification and measurement of recent soil erosion and an explanation of natural bridges. Their mode of development is also germane to the origin of the host inselberg or bornhardt and, indeed, to general theories of landscape evolution. But certain discrepancies have been noted concerning the distribution and detailed morphology of flared slopes. Such anomalies are a result of structural factors (sensu lato), of variations in size of catchment and in degree of exposure, and of several protective factors. Notwithstanding, the original explanation of flared slopes stands, as do their wider implications. [Key words: flared slope, inselberg, soil erosion, weathering, fractures.]     

Structural control of the morphometry of open rock basins, Kananaskis region, Canadian Rocky Mountains

The morphometry of chutes (couloirs), rock funnels, and open cirques are related to the structure of dissected rock masses in the Kananaskis region of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Data for ten morphometric variables were derived from digital elevation models of 56 open rock basins. The basins were classified structurally according to the relative orientations of bedding planes and the rock slopes. A hypothesis of no differences in morphometry among structural classes is rejected from the results of nonparametric analysis of variance and paired comparisons of rank scores. Basins on dip and overdip slopes have a distinct size, and those on anaclinal slopes have a distinct width and shape. Variation in morphometry from low compactness and area/relief (chutes) to high compactness and low area/relief (funnels) to high compactness and area/relief (open cirques) corresponds to a change in dominant structure from orthoclinal to dip-overdip to underdip to anaclinal. The dip of bedding planes relative to the slope of rockwalls controls the mode of initial displacement of joint blocks and, thereby, the spatial distribution of the retreat of rockwalls. The angle between the rock slope and the strike of dipping strata determines whether beds of differing stability form chutes and buttresses (orthoclinal slopes), or extend across rockwalls (cataclinal and anaclinal slopes) and retreat at similar rates to form funnels and open cirques. The optimal structure for large compact rock basins is anaclinal, and the least favourable is cataclinal dip-overdip slopes. Topoclimate and other geologic structures may account for variance in morphometry not explained by differences among structural classes.     

Identification, characteristics and classification of cryogenic block streams

Cryogenic block streams consist of a stream of rocks superficially resembling a stream deposit but lacking a matrix, usually occurring on a valley or gully floor or on slopes that are less steep than the maximum angle of repose of coarse sediments. They are usually formed on perennially frozen ground, but can also occur as relict landforms. There are three main active kinds forming today, viz., Siberian and Tibetan dynamic rock streams and lag block streams. During their formation, the blocks in the active Siberian and Tibetan dynamic block streams move downslope at up to 1 m/a. They are forming today on the Tibetan Plateau and in the more arid parts of south-central Siberia, although the processes involved in the movement are different. In the case of the Tibetan type, individual blocks slide downslope over the substrate in winter on an icy coating in areas of minimal winter precipitation. The Siberian type develops in areas of 15–80 cm of winter snow cover and an MAAT(mean annual air temperature) of-4 °C to-17 °C. The movement is due to creep of snow and ice and collapse of the blocks downslope during thawing. Lag block streams are formed by meltwater flowing over the surface of sediment consisting primarily of larger blocks with a limited amount of interstitial sediment. The erosion of the matrix is primarily in the spring in areas of higher winter precipitation on 10°–30° slopes. The blocks remain stationary, but the interstitial sediment is washed out by strong seasonal flows of meltwater or rain to form an alluvial fan. The boulders undergo weathering and become more rounded in the process. Lag block streams can also develop without the presence of permafrost in areas with cold climates or glaciers. Block streams also occur as relict deposits in older deposits under various climatic regimes that are unsuitable for their formation today. An example of relict lag block streams with subangular to subrounded blocks occurs in gullies on the forested mountainsides at Felsen in Germany, and is the original "felsenmeer". Similar examples occur near Vitosha Mountain in Bulgaria. The "stone runs" in the Falkland Islands are examples of the more angular relict lag block streams. In both Tasmania and the Falkland Islands, they mask a more complex history, the underlying soils indicating periods of tropical and temperate soil formation resulting from weathering during and since the Tertiary Period. Block streams have also been reported from beneath cold-based glaciers in Sweden, and below till in Canada, and when exhumed, can continue to develop.     

Infiltration on mountain slopes: a comparison of three environments

Water is well established as a major driver of the geomorphic change that eventually reduces mountains to lower relief landscapes. Nonetheless, within the altitudinal limits of continuous vegetation in humid climates, water is also an essential factor in slope stability. In this paper, we present results from field experiments to determine infiltration rates at forested sites in the Andes Mountains (Ecuador), the southern Appalachian Mountains (USA), and the Luquillo Mountains (Puerto Rico). Using a portable rainfall simulator–infiltrometer (all three areas), and a single ring infiltrometer (Andes), we determined infiltration rates, even on steep slopes. Based on these results, we examine the spatial variability of infiltration, the relationship of rainfall runoff and infiltration to landscape position, the influence of vegetation on infiltration rates on slopes, and the implications of this research for better understanding erosional processes and landscape change.Infiltration rates ranged from 6 to 206 mm/h on lower slopes of the Andes, 16 to 117 mm/h in the southern Appalachians, and 0 to 106 mm/h in the Luquillo Mountains. These rates exceed those of most natural rain events, confirming that surface runoff is rare in montane forests with deep soil/regolith mantles. On well-drained forested slopes and ridges, apparent steady-state infiltration may be controlled by the near-surface downslope movement of infiltrated water rather than by characteristics of the full vertical soil profile. With only two exceptions, the local variability of infiltration rates at the scale of 10° m overpowered other expected spatial relationships between infiltration, vegetation type, slope position, and soil factors. One exception was the significant difference between infiltration rates on alluvial versus upland soils in the Andean study area. The other exception was the significant difference between infiltration rates in topographic coves compared to other slope positions in the tabonuco forest of one watershed in the Luquillo Mountains. Our research provides additional evidence of the ability of forests and forest soils to preserve geomorphic features from denudation by surface erosion, documents the importance of subsurface flow in mountain forests, and supports the need for caution in extrapolating infiltration rates.     

黔西南脆弱喀斯特生态环境空间格局分析

西南喀斯特地区是我国四大生态脆弱带之一。黔西南具有典型的喀斯特生态环境,是西部大开发中生态环境的重点治理区。长期以来,由于人类不合理的开发利用使得喀斯特地区出现了严重的土地石漠化、土壤侵蚀以及森林生态系统退化等生态问题,制约着地区生态-经济的持续发展。本文根据已有的研究成果,在GIS技术的支持下,分析了研究区内主要生态退化问题的现状和空间格局及其影响因素,运用空间叠加分析功能,构建了生态脆弱度指标,并将研究区分为四个亚区,为生态环境治理提供科学依据。     

花岗岩不同土地利用类型坡地水土流失特征*

利用福建省安溪水土保持试验站的实测资料,对花岗岩不同土地利用类型坡地的水土流失特征进行了初步研究,试验结果说明,坡地只要有一定的植被覆盖和适当的坡地工程,水土流失均可得到控制.松耕使坡耕地土壤侵蚀力急剧下降,必须加强夏季园面覆盖.建议利用USLE进行土壤侵蚀预测时,未扰动自然课露坡地C取值0.1-0.3.实测结果显示,香根草带和牧草覆盖均有良好的保持水土效益,与山边沟工程结合,可以在较陡坡地果园开发中替代梯田台地进行推广.