Can vein-filling speleothems constrain the timing of deep-seated gravitational slope deformation? A case study from the Vinschgau (Italian Alps)

The steep, south facing slopes of the central Vinschgau (Val Venosta, South Tyrol, northern Italy) are characterized by deep-seated compound rockslides affecting 51 km² and reaching beneath the Quaternary valley fill. Morphological features include double ridges, trenches, scarps, and counterscarps, whereby the extent of displacement rises from W to E. Near the toe of these slopes, abundant fractures are present whose orientation and spatial strongly suggest that they are related to the gravitational slope deformations. These fractures host carbonate speleothems which are associated with local tufa occurrences at the surface. Given that the metamorphic host rock is essentially carbonate-free, these carbonate deposits require extensive water-rock interactions to form. Modern springs along the toe of the slope are also mostly supersaturated with respect to calcite and locally also aragonite. The invariant chemical composition, very low tritium levels, and in particular the low oxygen isotope values indicate that this groundwater infiltrates at high elevation and is characterized by a long residence time. On the other hand, local infiltration in the lower reaches of the slope is very limited due to the semiarid climate and is incompatible with the measured groundwater stable isotope composition and the high degree of mineralization. We therefore propose a conceptual model which reconciles the deep-seated gravitational slope deformation with the occurrence of mineralized groundwater and associated carbonate precipitates in fractures near the toe of the slope. These deposits provide a means to place constraints on the timing of rock fracturing and hence the slope movements. U/Th dating of 34 samples from eight sites shows that speleothem deposition started 14.2 ka BP and occurred semi-continuously throughout the Holocene. Thus, gravitational displacements likely commenced with a lag of ~3–4 ka after the deglaciation of the valley, which is also consistent with the few available dates on the onset of other deep-seated slope deformations in the Alps.     

牛背至天水高速公路路域环境地质安全性评价方法探讨

天(水)宝(鸡)高速公路牛背至天水段工程通过地区地质构造复杂,岩土种类繁多,岩土工程和环境地质安全如果不加以重视,易造成道路的地质灾害,直接影响到工程建设的质量和安全性,也将给未来运营安全带来严重的隐患和经济损失.在野外地质调查的基础上,探讨了公路路域环境地质安全性评价的影响因素和安全性评估内容,通过遥感技术等方法对地质和岩土工程信息提取并进行安全性评价,对研究区进行了初步评价,并提出了应对措施.     

Colluvial sedimentation in a hyperarid setting (Atacama Desert,northern Chile): Geomorphic controls and stratigraphic facies variability

Research on colluvial depositional systems has recently emphasized periglacial and high‐altitude settings, and the relations between Quaternary slope stratigraphy and climate change. This article examines the role of variable slope morphology, surface hydrology and microclimate in controlling colluvial sedimentation along a coastal tract of the hyperarid Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Direct accessibility of active surfaces is accompanied by uninterrupted stratigraphic exposures along the base of slopes, allowing direct comparisons between surface processes and the resulting sedimentary record. Four slope sectors are identified, based on differences in morphology and processes over active surfaces. Colluvial sedimentation is controlled by complex interactions of slope gradients and profiles, exposure to dominant winds, and potential runoff pathways, which vary considerably between different sectors. Major differences are evident between these hyperarid deposits and slope sedimentation in periglacial and temperate settings, including the complete absence of pedogenic activity and clay minerals; the volume of aeolian deposits and their role in controlling processes which redistribute sediment downslope, extending colluvial aprons; and the occurrence of runoff processes only where favoured by particular topographic configurations. Depositional surfaces range from steep talus cones, to debris‐flow‐dominated and aeolian‐dominated colluvial aprons, to an aeolian ramp subject to reworking by mass flows and flash floods. Consequently, facies associations and architectures at outcrop are highly variable and highlight the importance of spatial variations in slope morphology and processes in producing distinct, coeval colluvial stratigraphies within a single environmental context. Discrepancies between active processes and the corresponding stratigraphic signatures are also evident in some sectors; for example, preservation of alluvial and aeolian facies in stratigraphic sections does not always reflect the dominant processes over active slopes. Together with the spatial variability in processes and deposits along these slopes, this suggests that caution is required when extracting palaeoenvironmental information from analyses of colluvial successions.     

Assessment of rock slope stability along the proposed Ankara–Pozantı autoroad in Turkey

 The main objective of this study is the determination of the slope stability and excavatability category of discontinuous rock exposed between 53+000 and 58+000 km of the proposed Ankara–Pozantı autoroad in Turkey to provide secure access. The study area is mostly in the outcrops of highly jointed sandstone with minor layers of marl. This Maastrichtian–Eocene Group also contains conglomerate and limestone bands of flysch character called the Pas˙ada* Group. Quaternary alluvial deposits occur throughout the site. The area was divided into four design sectors based on cut slope locations. Rock slope stability was assessed kinematically as well as through utilizing limit equilibrium analyses. The excavation category was determined to range from hard to extremely hard ripping. Remedial measures for unstable rock slopes are discussed. Received: 22 July 1997 · Accepted: 14 April 1998     

Faulted anticlines (desert roses) and linear slope deposits in Northwest Iraq: analysis of some morphotectonic features

Distinctive landform of juxtaposition of relatively straight exposures of slope and Quaternary deposits against older rock units in addition to the omission of younger ones are recognized in the Zagros low-folded zone of Mosul area. This phenomenon is attributed to the kinetics and the geometry of basin inversion. Positively inverted faults and their associated folds developed up-growing structures with reverse fault scarps. Those growing structures are passively uplifted above lower blind thrust fault. The up-moving faults were subjected to erosion. The interaction between the rates of erosion and uplift controls the formation of slope and other Quaternary deposits and their distribution. Fast uplift of the reverse faults resulted into formation of cliffs representing the fault scarps and the formation of slope deposits directly next to them. The linear traces of the reverse faults control the straight linear map view distribution of the associated slope deposits. Slower rates of uplift give considerable time to erosion and in consequence the fault scarps are deeply eroded and disappear. This process also resulted into deposition of the other types of Quaternary deposits but still the linear contact between the geological rock units and the Quaternary deposits is existing and easily noticed. The analysis of these features and their interpretation has resulted in a new interpretation of the geological maps of Mosul area and the recognition of many reverse faults that bound the exposed structures. This fault system is used to restore the configuration of the original Late Cretaceous extensional basin.     

Mapping Neogene and Quaternary sedimentary deposits in northeastern Brazil by integrating geophysics,remote sensing and geological field data

Neogene and late Quaternary sedimentary deposits corresponding respectively to the Barreiras Formation and Post-Barreiras Sediments are abundant along the Brazilian coast. Such deposits are valuable for reconstructing sea level fluctuations and recording tectonic reactivation along the passive margin of South America. Despite this relevance, much effort remains to be invested in discriminating these units in their various areas of occurrence. The main objective of this work is to develop and test a new methodology for semi-automated mapping of Neogene and late Quaternary sedimentary deposits in northeastern Brazil integrating geophysical and remote sensing data. The central onshore Paraíba Basin was selected due to the recent availability of a detailed map based on the integration of surface and subsurface geological data. We used airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (i.e., potassium-K and thorium-Th concentration) and morphometric data (i.e., relief–dissection, slope and elevation) extracted from the digital elevation model (DEM) generated by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The procedures included: (a) data integration using geographic information systems (GIS); (b) exploratory statistical analyses, including the definition of parameters and thresholds for class discrimination for a set of sample plots; and (c) development and application of a decision-tree classification. Data validation was based on: (i) statistical analysis of geochemical and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data consisting of K and Th concentrations; and (ii) map validation with the support of a confusion matrix, overall accuracy, as well as quantity disagreement and allocation disagreement for accuracy assessment based on field points. The concentration of K successfully separated the sedimentary units of the basin from Precambrian basement rocks. The relief–dissection morphometric variable allowed the discrimination between the Barreiras Formation and the Post-Barreiras Sediments. In addition, two units of the latter (i.e., PB1 and PB2) previously mapped in the field were promptly separated based on Th concentration. A regression analysis indicated that the relationship between geophysical and geochemical values obtained for the PB1, PB2 and Barreiras Formation is significant (R-squared = 0.91; p-value <0.05). Map validation presented a high overall accuracy of 84%, with a coefficient of quantity disagreement of 12% and a coefficient of allocation disagreement of 8%. These results indicate that the methodology applied in the central onshore Paraíba Basin can be successfully used for mapping the Barreiras Formation and Post-Barreiras Sediments in other areas of the Brazilian coast. The ability to rapidly and precisely map these units using such methodology could reveal their geographic distribution along the northeastern coast of Brazil.     

广西横县六景古近纪冲积物研究

广西横县六景火车站南侧,角度不整合覆盖下泥盆统莫丁组和那叫组下段,被新近系大面积覆盖而呈两部分远距离割裂状态的一套“二元结构”特征显著的红色泥砂基底碳酸盐岩粗巨砾岩及其横向相变部分,长期以来未被将其作为一个冲积扇的有机统一体进行研究。经笔者两次实地踏勘,系统采样和分析,以现代山麓冲积扇鉴别特征为主,辅以古冲积扇特征,综合分析认为该套沉积系列相关分割露头分别为一古近系冲积扇所残存扇根、扇中和扇缘。该冲积扇为一典型的古近纪早期干旱气候条件下,母岩区为陡峻碳酸盐岩山体的古山麓冲积扇。     

Stability of slopes in a fire-prone mine in Jharia Coalfield, India

Stability of slope in an opencast mine is always associated with safety and economics. The steeper slope is always preferred from economic point of view but prone to failure, whereas flatter slopes are uneconomical. A proper understanding of slope which will be a steep enough to be stable is required for safety, economy, and stability of men and machineries. The Rajapur opencast mine is one of the important mines in terms of good quality coal but has problems of water seepage, fire, and weak overburden materials. The existing coal mine has three working seams which are mostly thick and occur at shallow depths of about 50–60 m. Overall slope angle of the working faces as well as final pit is very steep which leads to failures. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to characterize the materials of the mine for simulation of existing slopes. The rock samples from the coal measures were collected to determine the petrophysical characteristics of various rock units. All the pertinent geological parameters from the exposed face were also collected during field visit to assess the slope mass rating (SMR). A two-dimensional finite difference tool was employed to simulate the existing slope geometry as well as relevant parameters of the rock units. The numerical simulation indicates various vulnerable points which are prone to failure as well as displacements at various points along the slope. The results of simulations are corroborated with the SMR value. The results are well matching with the field condition.     

Landslides in the Ethiopian highlands and the Rift margins

Landslide hazard is one of the crucial environmental constraints for the development of Ethiopia, representing a limiting factor for urbanization and infrastructures. The high relief and the rugged topography induced by a strong Plio-Quaternary uplift, the occurrence of clayey horizons within the sedimentary sequences, the dense network of tectonic fractures and faults, the thick eluvial mantles on volcanic outcrops, and the thick colluvial–alluvial deposits at the foot of steep slopes are the predisposing factors for a large variety of mass movements. Heavy summer rainfall is the main triggering factor of most landslides, some of which undergo a step-like evolution with long-lasting quiescence intervals. First generation movements are commonly restricted to shallow phenomena, such as soil slips or mud flows in eluvial–colluvial material. Fast moving slope failures, such as rock slides, topplings and falls, are also triggered by earthquakes. To mitigate the landslide risk, any first priority measure should include adequate drainage of slopes in order to reduce water infiltration. On the other hand, appropriate site selection for buildings, transferring risky settlements, accurate geological control of works, and education campaigns are all strongly recommended.     

Proposal of a method to define areas of landslide hazard and application to an area of the Dolomites, Italy

A numerical–cartographical method has been developed to create landslide hazard maps. This method allows the assigning of a rating to the various parameters which contribute to landslides. The parameters considered are: (1) erodibility and degradability of the rocks and Quaternary deposits; (2) permeability of the ground to identify areas prone to hydraulic overpressure; (3) the geometric ratio between discontinuities and slope, and thickness of Quaternary deposits; (4) angle of the slopes; and (5) land use. A thematic map is constructed for each factor considered which defines different areas through ratings, after which all the thematic maps are overlaid and the ratings added up (or multiplied). The map which is thus obtained is reclassified in order to create the final map of landslide hazard. This method, which has already been tested in various areas, has produced excellent results in this case too, allowing a map to be constructed which corresponds to the actual instability problems.     

Quaternary marine terraces on Sal Island (Cape Verde archipelago)

The Quaternary sedimentary record of Sal Island includes marine and related aeolian and alluvial fan deposits. The substratum of the island is volcanic, with ages between 25 and 0.6 Ma. Quaternary marine units generally occur as raised marine terraces forming a broad staircase between elevations of 55–60 m and present sea level. Terraces include a basal conglomerate overlaid by calcarenite; both host corals, algae and molluscs.A chronostratigraphic framework for the Middle Pleistocene to Holocene units has been generated based on a geomorphologic map of the Quaternary landforms and associated deposits and morphosedimentary analysis, with support of laboratory dating: U-series by TIMS in corals, ¹⁴C analyses, palaeomagnetic measurements, and K/Ar ages from other literature. U-series dating of corals from marine terraces provides benchmarks for the Last Interglacial (Oxygen Isotope Substage 5e) and Holocene deposits. The present elevation of the marine terraces and their staircase arrangement suggest a change in vertical movement trend around 330 ka from an uplift to either subsidence or stabilization.     

无人机摄影测量在高陡边坡地质调查中的应用

在高陡边坡的地质调查中,测量岩体结构面的工作经常受到复杂地形的限制无法正常开展,急需一种全方位的精确测量技术。结合近年来低空低速小型无人机技术的快速发展,使用搭载单镜头的小型无人机,基于多视立体视觉算法（PMVS）和运动结构恢复算法（SfM）对目标物进行三维重建,通过现场试验和数据后处理,总结出了一套无人机摄影测量技术在高陡边坡地质调查中的应用方法,并得到了初步的研究结论：轻小型的单镜头多旋翼无人机能够采集到有效的地形数据,在三维点云中处理使用基于最小二乘法的平面拟合算法,可以提取出准确的结构面参数,进一步将这些结构面绘制在赤平极射投影图中,能实现高陡边坡的数字化岩体产状测量。     

The analysis of rainfall-induced slope failures at Iva Valley area of Enugu State,Nigeria

This paper analyses the dominant mechanisms of slope failures and identifies potential obstacles to landslide-hazard reduction at the Iva Valley area, Enugu, Nigeria. The landscape is replete with landslide scars and gullies of varied sizes and the slope deposits comprise unconsolidated, friable sands inter-bedded with thin units of montmorillonitic claystone. Forty-three landslide events were identified in the study area with most being shallow, short run-out movements with slip-surface depth <2 m. The study found the landslides mainly occur in the beginning of rainy season characterized by short duration, high intensity rainfall. An integrated approach comprising field mapping, laboratory tests and numerical analyses reveals that the barren nature of the slopes prior to the outset of rainy season, high rainfall intensity, erosion, overgrazing, soil characteristics and the site’s unique lithologic sequence are the main causes of instability. Shearing tests under several conditions showed that the soils strongly strain-soften until low steady-state strength is achieved. A computer code, based on this strength reduction technique, used input parameters obtained from the field and laboratory studies to simulate a landslide with similar structure, travel distance and distribution area. It is noted that urbanization has gradually increased the vulnerability of the society’s poor to landslide hazards as they now erect unplanned residence (tents and blocks) on the slopes. This work is part of a regional study aimed at finding ways of protecting the vulnerable by generating data that could be used to build future landslide susceptibility map.     

Recognition, classification and mechanical description of debris flows

Various types of flow or mass movement involving water and sediments occur on steep slopes in mountainous areas. Among them, debris flows are peculiar events during which a large volume of a highly concentrated viscous water-debris mixture flows through a stream channel. Throughout the world these phenomena cause considerable damage but remain poorly understood although a basic knowledge is already available concerning their recognition and propagation.

Firstly, a synthesis of the useful practical criteria of recognition is proposed. Debris flows must be seen as intermediate phenomena between hyperconcentrated flows (intense bed load transport) and landslides separated from them by sharp transitions of some characteristics (celerity, deposit nature and flow type). Two parameters, solid fraction and material type, thought to be appropriate for a sound and practical classification, are brought out, and the corresponding complete classification of flow and mass movements in mountain areas is presented. Two extreme debris flow types are thus distinguished: muddy debris flows and granular debris flows. A critical review of recent advances in debris flow dynamic is then proposed. It is pointed out that adequate work must be carried out in the field of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics. In particular, one fundamental rheological property of debris flow materials is the yield stress, which explains thick deposits on steep slopes and can be inferred from field measurements. Furthermore it can be used to estimate viscous dissipation within the bulk during flow. Relevant models predicting muddy debris flow dynamics are already available whereas further progress is needed concerning granular flows.     

碳酸盐台地边缘或斜坡的类型及沉积模式

横切碳酸盐台地可以出现不同的沉积环境和相,其中台地边缘、斜坡或盆地边缘的沉积环境复杂,相的类型多,变化大,而且它们是重要的油气储集岩层和层控矿床的重要控矿相位。另外,盆地边缘或斜坡的沉积相序类型及演化,是沉积盆地分析的重要方面。碳酸盐台地边缘、斜坡或盆地边缘早已引起沉积学者及构造学者的注视,并有不少的论述(Wilson,1975;Mountjoy和James,1982;Read,1982,1985;Cook,1984;曾允孚等,1984)。现将碳酸盐台地边缘或斜坡的类型及沉积模式作一简要论述。     

Landslides and neotectonic activities in the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zone: Southeastern Kumaun,Uttarakhand

Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zone is constituted of some of the landslide prone areas in southeastern part of Kumaun Sub-Himalaya. Role of landslides as natural hazard and hill slope modifying agent is well documented from various part of Himalayan region and southern hills of Kumaun particularly in the MBT zone, which are susceptible to various type of mass movement. The rocks making up the slopes has been put to a number of brittle deformation phases during the movement along the MBT, and are traversed by number of joint sets. In the open slope these intersecting joint sets forms wedges and are the most favorable site for initiation of rockfalls and other types of landslides. Landslides are taking place primarily due to high angle slopes, formation of structural wedges along the free steep slopes, sheared nature of the rocks due to proximity to the MBT and neotectonic activities along the MBT and other transverse faults. Wedge failure is a common type of landslides in rock slopes characterized by multiple joints and acts as sliding planes for the failed blocks. Field observations and wedge failure analysis indicates most of the landslides taking place in MBT zone of Kumaun Sub-Himalaya are joint controlled. Safety Factor analysis suggests MBT zone of Kumaun Sub-Himalayan region is prone to landslides and related mass movements. This zone is also neotectonically active as indicated by various geomorphic signatures such as structurally controlled drainage pattern, offsetting of fan by MBT and formation of number of small lakes.     

川北下寒武统仙女洞组台缘斜坡碳酸盐岩重力流沉积

基于重力流剖面的野外观察、露头解剖及镜下鉴定等分析手段,对四川盆地北部下寒武统仙女洞组台缘斜坡碳酸盐 岩重力流沉积及发育机制进行了研究。研究区位于仙女洞组,主要沉积粉砂质泥岩、生屑泥晶灰岩、藻灰岩等3种岩石类 型;根据层面上产出形态的不同,将该区碳酸盐岩重力流沉积分为似瘤状碳酸盐岩重力流沉积和角砾型碳酸盐岩重力流沉 积2类。结合露头区重力流沉积物粒度及岩性变化,将碳酸盐岩重力流沉积由下至上划分出5个发育期次,期次内部重力流 沉积物由细变粗,纵向上呈现出明显的叠置关系,与仙女洞组时期所经历的海退环境大致吻合。地震、风暴浪等触发机制 导致台缘斜坡上部松散沉积的灰泥丘块体发生破碎并沿斜坡发生滑塌,伴随水体注入,大块砾石在沉积物-水体混合的环 境中发生破碎搅动,形成大小不等的块体,深水底流等作用对未固结或弱固结的砾屑灰岩进行溶蚀、改造,最终形成了层 面形态特征不同的2类似瘤状碳酸盐岩重力流沉积。角砾型碳酸盐岩重力流沉积则主要是未破碎的巨型灰泥丘块体经搬运 和短距离滑塌,最终与似瘤状砾屑灰岩共同沉积而成。     

Diachronisme des bassins turbiditiques d'avant-pays méso/néocrétacés du pays de Sault (Aude,Pyrénées françaises)

The cartographic, sedimentological and micropalaeontological analysis of remnants of Middle–Upper Cretaceous turbiditic basins from the ‘Pays de Sault’ (Aude, French Pyrenees) shows their diachronism (interpreted on a wider scale) and their sequence diversity. The ‘Gesse breccias’ are regarded as the proximal deposits of a Turonian narrow foreland basin, principally supplied by the erosion of the Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous cover of the High Primary Range to the south, induced by a strike-slip and overthrusting faulting within the en-échelon North-Pyrenean Fault Zone. More to the north, the North-Pyrenean ‘Axat Basin’ consists of two successive backstepping turbiditic wedges, respectively corresponding to an Upper Albian distal flysch and to a Middle–Upper Cenomanian more proximal flysch, all the series unconformably overlying structures that were folded then eroded before the Upper Albian. The previous concept of carbonate olistoliths included within the Axat Cenomanian flysch is also refuted: these large-size blocks are now interpreted as belonging to a tectonic slice destroyed and partly collapsed on the southern slope of the Rebenty Valley during the Quaternary. To cite this article: M.-J. Fondecave-Wallez, B. Peybernès, C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).     

天水-定西公路路域地质环境安全评价与灾害防治对策研究(1):地质环境安全现状评价

天水-定西公路工程通过地区地质构造复杂,环境地质安全如果不加以重视,易造成道路的地质灾害,影响到工程建设的安全性.根据已有资料及野外调查,区内地质灾害类型主要为滑坡、崩塌、泥石流,共发育80处;此外尚有黄土湿陷、软土等工程地质问题.其中,发育滑坡32处,现状评估稳定性好的21处、较差的7处、差的4处,处于危险性中等的2处,危险性小的30处;崩塌13处,现状评估稳定性差的8处、较差的5处,处于现状危险性中等的1处,危险性小的12处;泥石流沟谷35条,现状评估中易发12条、低易发23条,处于危险性大的2条,危险性中等的11条,危险性小的22条.区内黄土丘陵和河谷区黄土广布,黄土湿陷性普遍存在;软土在雨水和施工机械联合影响下,会造成路面翻浆变形,但易于清理,其危险性小.     

A recent faulting episode in the Iranian Makran

The identification of a twofold chronology for the Quaternary alluvial deposits of Iranian Makran makes it possible to give limiting ages to some of the recent movements that have affected parts of the Zendan fault belt. One such faulting episode has been dated by this method to the period 7000-1250 yr BP. As the two alluvial units can be readily traced on air photographs, it should prove possible to extend the analysis to other parts of Iran.