Modelling the effect of form and profile adjustments on channel equilibrium timescales

A model for describing river channel pro?le adjustments through time is developed and applied to a river responding to base‐level lowering in order to examine the effect of channel widening and downstream aggradation on equilibrium timescales. Across a range of boundary conditions, downstream aggradation controlled how quickly a channel reached equilibrium. Channel widening either increased or decreased the equilibrium timescale, depending on whether or not sediment derived from widening was deposited downstream. Results suggest that pro?le adjustments are more important than channel width adjustments in controlling equilibrium timescales for a channel responding to base‐level lowering. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CHANNEL RESPONSE TO SEDIMENT WAVE PROPAGATION AND MOVEMENT,REDWOOD CREEK,CALIFORNIA, USA

Redwood Creek, north coastal California, USA, has experienced dramatic changes in channel configuration since the 1950s. A series of large floods (in 1955, 1964, 1972 and 1975) combined with the advent of widespread commercial timber harvest and road building resulted in extensive erosion in the basin and contributed high sediment loads to Redwood Creek. Since 1975, no peak flows have exceeded a 5 year recurrence interval. Twenty years of cross-sectional survey data document the downstream movement of a ‘sediment wave’ in the lower 26 km of this gravel-bedded river at a rate of 800 to 1600 m a⁻¹ during this period of moderately low flows. Higher transit rates are associated with reaches of higher unit stream power. The wave was initially deposited at a site with an abrupt decrease in channel gradient and increase in channel width. The amplitude of the wave has attenuated more than 1 m as it moved downstream, and the duration of the wave increased from eight years upstream to more than 20 years downstream. Channel aggradation and subsequent degradation have been accommodated across the entire channel bed. Channel width has not decreased significantly after initial channel widening from large (>25 year recurrence interval) floods. Three sets of longitudinal surveys of the streambed showed the highest increase in pool depths and frequency in a degrading reach, but even the aggrading reach exhibited some pool development through time. The aggraded channel bed switched from functioning as a sediment sink to a significant sediment source as the channel adjusted to high sediment loads. From 1980 to 1990, sediment eroded from temporary channel storage represented about 25 per cent of the total sediment load and 95 per cent of the bedload exported from the basin.     

Theoretical and quantitative analyses of the fault slip rate uncertainties from single event and erosion of the accumulated offset

Fault slip rate is one of the most important subjects in active tectonics research, which reveals the activity and seismic potential of a fault. Due to the improvement of dating precision with the development of dating methods, Holocene geological markers, even the young markers of thousands or hundreds of years old, are widely used in fault slip rate calculation. Usually, uncertainties from a single event and erosion of the accumulated offsets are involved in fault slip rate determination. Two types of uncertainties are related to a single event; the first is the time elapsed since the latest (the most recent) event; the second is the period since the formation of the geological marker to the occurrence of the first event. High‐slip‐rate faults are more sensitive to these uncertainties than low‐slip‐rate faults. In this study, we studied quantitatively the effects of a single event on fault slip rate following the three classic earthquake models: the characteristic earthquake, uniform slip and variable slip models. We suggest that the erosion of the accumulated offset–lateral erosion on a strike‐slip fault, should also be considered in fault slip estimation. Therefore, we propose a differential method to obtain a reliable fault slip rate. In the differential method, the slip rate is the ratio of offset differentials and corresponding age differentials between the older and younger terraces along strike‐slip faults. This kind of differential method could avoid the uncertainties from the first and latest events, as well as that from the lateral erosion. By applying the differential method, we got the revised slip rates of ∼5–10 mm/year on the Altyn Tagh and Kunlun faults. These low slip rates could fit previous geodetic and geological fault slip rates and shortening rates as well as the millennial recurrence intervals of strong earthquakes along the major segments of these faults.     

Geomorphic response of an Appalachian Valley and Ridge stream to urbanization

Human‐induced changes to the channel and 18·6 km² catchment of Second Creek, in Knox County, Tennessee (USA), have included deliberate channel realignment, channelization of some reaches in culverts or cement‐lined channels, the addition of coarse particles, and intentional and unintentional changes in catchment hydrology. Field observations and measurements made between 1997 and 2001 showed active adjustment of the stream channel. Channel bank erosion is the dominant adjustment, but aggradation also occurs. One change following urbanization is an increase in bed particle size due to the addition of particles of anthropogenic origin. Such particles constitute 2–21 per cent of particles sampled at eight sites along the stream, and their D₅₀ exceeds the D₅₀ of natural particles at five of the sites. The downstream portion of the catchment has been urbanized for more than 150 years, but urbanizing activity has continued throughout the catchment, occurring not as a discrete perturbation, but as a set of disturbances with varying spatial and temporal scales. Spatial patterns of erosion and deposition in the channel are complex and do not show an upstream–downstream trend. Effective, although unintended, decoupling of the most manipulated reaches has hindered the propagation of changes in channel morphology and channel materials in this urbanized stream system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

川滇菱形块体主要边界运动模型的GPS数据反演分析

利用川滇地区1991-1999年的高精度GPS观测处理结果,采用稳健 - 贝叶斯最小二乘算法与多断裂位错模型,分析研究了川滇菱形块体主要边界运动的定量模型.反演分析表明:川西鲜水河断裂带和安宁河断裂带的左旋走滑运动速率约30mm/a,倾滑运动(逆断层)速率分别约9-11mm/a;滇西红河断裂带、程海断裂带、鹤庆 - 洱源断裂带的走滑运动(分别为右旋、左旋、左旋)速率分别约、11、13mm/a,倾滑运动(正断层)速率分别约16、24、16mm/a;如将其视为弹性应力应变积累,则各断层每年有相当于6级左右的地震能量积累.依据上述反演结果,模拟了区域主要断层运动引起的水平位移、应变速率场图像,显示了边界断裂及其之间的相互作用.     

断层水平错动下河流演变过程的数值模拟研究

在活动构造区, 河流地貌对构造活动具有明显的响应, 地貌形态和水系形态能够很好地记录构造活动信息。 基于地貌演化理论, 考虑断层的左旋错动作用及降雨等因素, 利用数值模拟方法, 定量研究河流形态在断层水平错动及流水侵蚀内外力作用下的动力学演变过程。 初步的计算结果显示了河流形态与断层走滑运动的耦合效应。 断层发生水平左旋滑动促使该处河道两侧的陡坎发生相对错动, 形成弯转水系, 伴随河流的侧向侵蚀作用, 河道上下游连续被拓宽, 河道下游右侧堆积了较厚的沉积物, 而河道上游左侧由于受到较强流水侵蚀作用很难堆积沉积物。 分别对河道上游和河道下游的横剖面形态进行对比分析, 表明由于断层水平错动效应, 使得河道下游两侧呈现不对称特征, 而河道上游依然保持着明显对称性。 同时, 河道剖面形态对断层水平错动作用有积极的响应, 由于断层持续左旋走滑运动, 断层处剖面的高程突然增加, 坡度也随之突然变陡。 数值模拟结果与实际地质考察结果有着很好的一致性, 证明了理论和数值模型的可靠性。     

Geomorphic response to an active transpressive regime: a case study along the Chaman strike‐slip fault,western Pakistan

The Chaman left‐lateral strike‐slip fault bounds the rigid Indian plate boundary at the western end of the Himalayan‐Tibetan orogen and is marked by contrasting topographic relief. Deformed landforms along the fault provide an excellent record for understanding this actively evolving intra‐continental strike‐slip fault. The geomorphic response of an active transpessional stretch of the Chaman fault was studied using digital elevation model (DEM) data integrated with Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Visible and Near Infrared/Short Wave Infrared (VNIR/SWIR) and images from GeoEye‐1. Geologic and geomorphic mapping helped in reconstructing the Late Quaternary landscape history of this transpessional strand of the Chaman strike‐slip fault and the associated Spinatizha thrust fault in western Pakistan. Topographic analysis of a part of the transpression (the thrust bounded Roghani ridge) revealed northward growth of the Spinatizha fault with the presence of three water gaps and two corresponding wind gaps. Geomorphic indices including stream length‐gradient index, mountain front sinuosity, valley floor width to valley height ratios, and entrenchment of recent alluvial fan deposits were used to define the lateral growth and direction of propagation of the Spinatizha fault. Left‐lateral displacement along Chaman fault and uplift along the Spinatizha fault was defined using topographic analysis of the Roghani ridge and geomorphic mapping of an impressive alluvial fan, the Bostankaul fan. The landforms and structures record slip partitioning along the Indian plate boundary, and account for the convergence resulting from the difference in the Chaman fault azimuth and orientation of the velocity vector of the Indian plate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oblique aggradation: a novel explanation for sinuosity of low‐energy streams in peat‐filled valley systems

Low‐energy streams in peatlands often have a high sinuosity. However, it is unknown how this sinuous planform formed, since lateral migration of the channel is hindered by relatively erosion‐resistant banks. We present a conceptual model of Holocene morphodynamic evolution of a stream in a peat‐filled valley, based on a palaeohydrological reconstruction. Coring, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data, and ¹⁴C and OSL dating were used for the reconstruction. We found that the stream planform is partly inherited from the Late‐Glacial topography, reflecting stream morphology prior to peat growth in the valley. Most importantly, we show that aggrading streams in a peat‐filled valley combine vertical aggradation with lateral displacement caused by attraction to the sandy valley sides, which are more erodible than the co‐evally aggrading valley‐fill. Owing to this oblique aggradation in combination with floodplain widening, the stream becomes stretched out as channel reaches may alternately aggrade along opposed valley sides, resulting in increased sinuosity over time. Hence, highly sinuous planforms can form in peat‐filled valleys without the traditional morphodynamics of alluvial bed lateral migration. Improved understanding of the evolution of streams provides inspiration for stream restoration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

MITIGATION OF SEDIMENTATION HAZARDS DOWNSTREAM FROM RESERVOIRS

1 INTRODUCTION Increasing attention is being given to sedimentation hazards downstream from reservoirs as dams built during the past century accumulate progressively greater volumes of sediment. The sediment storage both decreases reservoir capacity and operating efficiency of the dam, and creates a 搒ediment-shadow?downstream where sediment-starved flows commonly erode channel boundaries and create long-term channel instabilities. Numerous studies have documented downstream channel change…     

A model of channel response in disturbed alluvial channels

Dredging and straightening of alluvial channels between 1959 and 1978 in West Tennessee caused a series of morphologic changes along modified reaches and tributary streams. Degradation occurred for 10 to 15 years at sites upstream of the area of maximum disturbance and lowered bed-levels by as much as 6·1 m. Following degradation, reaches upstream of the area of maximum disturbance experienced a secondary aggradation phase in response to excessive incision and gradient reduction. Aggradation downstream of the area of maximum disturbance reached 0·12 m per year with the greatest rates occurring near the stream mouths. The adjustment of channel geometry and phases of channel evolution are characterized by six process-oriented stages of morphologic development—premodified, constructed, degradation, threshold, aggradation, and restabilization. Down-cutting and toe removal during the degradation stage causes bank failure by mass wasting when the critical height and angle of the bank material is exceeded (threshold stage). Channel widening continues through the aggradation stage as the ‘slough line’ develops as an initial site of lower-bank stability. The bank profile develops three dynamic elements (1) vertical face (70° to 90°), (2) upper bank (25° to 50°), and (3) slough line (20° to 25°). Alternate channel bars form during the restabilization stage and represent incipient meandering of the channel.     

Stream channel erosion in a rapidly urbanizing region of the US–Mexico border: documenting the importance of channel hardpoints with Structure‐from‐Motion photogrammetry

Urbanization can lead to accelerated stream channel erosion, especially in areas experiencing rapid population growth, unregulated urban development on erodible soils, and variable enforcement of environmental regulations. A combination of field surveys and Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques was used to document spatial patterns in stream channel geometry in a rapidly urbanizing watershed, Los Laureles Canyon (LLCW), in Tijuana, Mexico. Ground‐based SfM photogrammetry was used to map channel dimensions with 1 to 2 cm vertical mean error for four stream reaches (100–300 m long) that were highly variable and difficult to survey with a differential GPS. Regional channel geometry curves for LLCW had statistically larger slopes and intercepts compared with regional curves developed for comparable, undisturbed reference channels. Cross‐sectional areas of channels downstream of hardpoints, such as concrete reaches or culverts, were up to 64 times greater than reference channels, with enlargement persisting, in some cases, up to 230 m downstream. Percentage impervious cover was not a good predictor of channel enlargement. Proximity to upstream hardpoint, and lack of riparian and bank vegetation paired with highly erodible bed and bank materials may account for the instability of the highly enlarged and unstable cross‐sections. Channel erosion due to urbanization accounts for approximately 25–40% of the total sediment budget for the watershed, and channel erosion downstream of hardpoints accounts for one‐third of all channel erosion. Channels downstream of hardpoints should be stabilized to prevent increased inputs of sediment to the Tijuana Estuary and local hazards near the structures, especially in areas with urban settlements near the stream channel. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

2001年昆仑山口西MS8.1地震地表同震位移分布特征

沿长约 4 2 6km的 2 0 0 1年昆仑山口西MS8 1地震地表破裂带共获得 2 91个点的地表同震水平左旋位移数据 ,并在其中 1 1 1个点获得了垂直位移数据。该地震总体以左旋水平位移为主 ,兼具一定的垂直位移。最大地表左旋水平位移值可达 6 4m ,平均水平位移约为 2 7m ,绝大多数测点的垂直位移均 <1m。地表水平位移沿主破裂带走向位移梯度变化于 1 0 - 1～ 1 0 - 4之间 ,这一起伏变化可能起因于野外测量误差、沿主破裂带岩性或松散沉积物厚度的变化、地表破裂带几何结构的不均匀性、地表破裂走向的变化、不同破裂段在昆仑山口西 8 1级地震之前的地震中滑动量的起伏变化 ,以及大量非脆性变形、次级破裂的存在等。水平位移沿主破裂带的长波长 (数十公里至数百公里 )起伏变化较有规律 ,在布喀达坂峰以东表现为分别以 5个水平位移峰值为中心而有规律地起伏变化。这5个位移峰值分别对应于不同的次级地震地表破裂段。各破裂段水平位移峰值均向阶区或拐点逐渐衰减 ,不同地表破裂段位移峰值向两侧衰减的速率是不同的 ,这种位移梯度的不对称分布可能指示了地震破裂的扩展方向。上述位移分布特征真实地反映了地表可见脆     

GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHIC EVIDENCE FOR DEXTRAL STRIKE SLIP OF THE HELAN SHAN WEST-PIEDMONT FAULT AND ITS TECTONIC IMPLICATIONS

The horizontal movement of the Helan Shan west-piedmont fault is important to determination of the present-day boundary between the Alashan and North China blocks as well as to the exploration of the extent of the northeastward expansion of the Tibetan plateau. Field geological surveys found that this fault cuts the west wing of the Neogene anticline, which right-laterally offset the geological boundary between Ganhegou and Qingshuiying Formations with displacement over 800m. The secondary tensional joints (fissures)intersected with the main faults developed on the Quaternary flood high platform near the fault, of which the acute angles indicate its dextral strike slip. The normal faults developed at the southern end of the Helan Shan west-piedmont fault show that the west wall of this fault moves northward, and the tensional adjustment zone formed at the end of the strike slip fault, which reflects that the horizontal movement of the main fault is dextral strike slip. The dextral dislocation occurred in the gully across the fault during different periods. Therefore, the Helan Shan west-piedmont fault is a dextral strike slip fault rather than a sinistral strike slip fault as previous work suggested. The relationship between the faulting and deformation of Cenozoic strata demonstrates that there were two stages of tectonic deformation near the Helan Shan west-piedmont fault since the late Cenozoic, namely early folding and late faulting. These two tectonic deformations are the result of the northeastward thrust on the Alashan block by the Tibet Plateau. The influence range of Tibetan plateau expansion has arrived in the Helan Shan west-piedmont area in the late Pliocene leading to the dextral strike slip of this fault as well as formation of the current boundary between the Alashan and North China blocks, which is also the youngest front of the Tibetan plateau.     

Geomorphic evolution of the Qingshuigou channel of the Yellow River Delta in response to changing water and sediment regimes and human interventions

Delta channels are important landforms at the interface of sediment transfer from terrestrial to oceanic realms and affect large, and often vulnerable, human populations. Understanding these dynamics is pressing because delta processes are sensitive to climate change and human activity via adjustments in, for example, mean sea level and water/sediment regimes. Data collected over a 40-year period along a 110-km distributary channel of the Yellow River Delta offer an ideal opportunity to investigate morphological responses to changing water and sediment regimes and intensive human activity. Complementary data from the delta front provide an opportunity to explore the interaction between delta channel geomorphology and delta-front erosion–accretion patterns. Cross-section dimensions and shape, longitudinal gradation and a sediment budget are used to quantify spatial and temporal morphological change along the Qingshuigou channel. Distinctive periods of channel change are identified, and analysis provides a detailed understanding of the temporal and spatial adjustments of the channel to specific human interventions, including two artificial channel diversions and changes in water and sediment supply driven by river management, and downstream delta-front development. Adjustments to the diversions included a short-lived period of erosion upstream and significant erosion in the newly activated channel, which progressed downstream. Channel geomorphology widened and deepened during periods when management increased water yield and decreased sediment supply, and narrowed and shallowed during periods when management reduced water yield and the sediment load. Changes along the channel are driven by both upstream and downstream forcing. Finally, there is some evidence that changing delta-front erosion–accretion patterns played an important role in the geomorphic evolution of the deltaic channel; an area that requires further investigation. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

青藏高原东南缘滇缅地块NE向走滑断裂带的新构造活动与大地震危险性

2008年汶川大地震发生以来,位于青藏高原东南缘实皆断裂带和红河断裂系之间滇缅地块发生了一系列MS5.5以上中强地震,该地区未来是否可能发生MS7.0以上大地震的危险性,十分令人关注.本研究以滇缅地块内部最长的NE向走滑断裂带——南汀河断裂带为例,结合遥感图像、数字高程模型(DEM)和1∶20万地质图,对断裂带附近的水系系统拐弯地貌特征和大型地质体单元位错信息进行提取分析,并根据这些断裂带左旋走滑起始年代(5 Ma),推算其长期走滑速率.研究结果表明研究区NE向断裂带自上新世以来,具有2mm·a-1的长期走滑速率;此外,根据发生在断裂带上及其周边地区的历史地震、大震复发周期和区内现代构造应力场的分布分析发现,沿这些NE向大型左旋走滑断裂带未来具有MS7.0以上大地震发生的危险性.     

Decadal trends and causes of sedimentation in the Inner Mongolia reach of the upper Yellow River,China

Using hydrological and sediment data, this study investigated decadal trends in sediment erosion/deposition in the Inner Mongolia reach of the upper Yellow River. The calculated yearly sediment erosion/deposition show that the reach was dominated by aggradation, degradation, and aggradation successively in three periods with the years around 1961 and 1987 as break‐points. By constructing relations between water discharge and sediment load, the contributions of key factors to the changes in sediment erosion/deposition in the reach were quantified. Results show that the sediment retention behind the main stem dams, the increase of natural runoff, and the decrease of sediment inputs from tributaries and upstream watershed were the main factors causing the transition from aggradation during 1955–1961 to degradation during 1962–1987. The reduction of natural runoff, the decrease of sediment retention behind dams, and the rise of sediment supply from tributaries were the key causes of the reversal from degradation in 1962–1987 to aggradation in 1988–2003. Water diversion has played an important role in the long‐term aggradation of the Inner Mongolia reach. The main stem dams had functioned to alleviate siltation after 1961, but their effects on siltation reduction had been gradually diminishing since the 1990s. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

南迦巴瓦构造结西侧里龙断裂晚第四纪活动特征

本文通过卫星影像解译、地质地貌调查、地质探槽开挖、断错地貌测量和样品年代学测试,对南迦巴瓦构造结西侧的里龙断裂晚第四纪活动特征进行了分析和研究,结果表明:里龙断裂是一条以右旋走滑活动为主、兼有挤压逆冲的北北西向断裂,其最新活动时代为全新世;该断裂晚第四纪以来的平均水平滑动速率为3-4mm/a,平均垂直滑动速率为0.10-0.15mm/a。研究还表明,南迦巴瓦构造结晚第四纪以来的向北俯冲运动已经停止,喜马拉雅东构造结地区的构造变形主要受阿萨姆构造结的俯冲影响。     

新疆库尔勒经济技术开发区油库-造纸厂断层的勘察及活动性评价

位于库尔勒市东部和东北部的油库-造纸厂活动断裂至少长18km，断裂的垂直错距达300-500m，断裂的性质为右旋逆走滑运动。该断裂斜切库尔勒经济技术开发区，在开发区内断裂带的影响宽度达100一200m，北部宽，南部稍窄。断裂在晚更新世中晚期曾发生过强烈的钻滑错动。全新世期间断裂处在相对平静的状态，但断裂的局部地段存在着旷动或蠕动现象，其蠕动速率在1mm／a以内。开发区内活动断裂带的分布地段为建筑抗震不利地段。     

The impact of afforestation on stream bank erosion and channel form

Modification of the land use of a small catchment through coniferous afforestation is shown to have influenced stream bank erosion and channel form. Field mapping and erosion pin measurements over a 19-month period provides evidence of more active bank erosion along forested channel reaches than along non-forested. Extrapolation of downstream increases in bankfull width, bankfull depth, and channel capacity with increasing basin area for the non-forested catchment has demonstrated that afforestation of the lower part of the catchment has had a marked effect on channel form. Channel widths within the forest are up to three times greater than that predicted from the regression. These changes in bankfull width have led to stream bed aggradation and the development of wide shallow channels within the forest, and channel capacities within the forest are over two times that predicted from the basin area. The relationship between channel sinuosity and valley gradient for non-forested reaches of the river also indicated decreased sinuosity resulting from afforestation. These changes in channel form result from active bank erosion within the forest with coarse material being deposited within the channel as point-bars and mid-channel bars. Active bank erosion is largely attributed to the suppression by the forest of a thick grass turf and its associated dense network of fine roots, and secondly to the river attempting to bypass log jams and debris dams in the stream channel.     

Displacement and stress fields due to nonuniform slip along a strike slip fault

A closed-form analytic solution for the displacement and stress field due to a trapezoidal type of nonuniform slip along a strike slip fault is obtained by following Steketee’s method of integration. A set of displacement and stress contours are plotted and compared with the corresponding cases of uniform slip. A possible explanation of the equidistance distribution of strike slip faults and its relation to the amount of slip and the dimensions of the fault are shown.