Two‐dimensional nonlinear diffusive numerical simulation of geomorphic modifications to cinder cones

The temporal evolution of simple landforms such as cinder cones by nonlinear diffusive processes is studied through the use of a new 2D numerical model using well‐established and accurate numerical mathematics and high‐resolution digital elevation models (DEMs). Extending 1D (profile) nonlinear diffusion analyses used in cinder cone, hillslope and fault scarp evolution studies, we have implemented a 2D numerical model with a spatially and temporally varying sediment transport rate coefficient scaled nonlinearly by the ratio of local slope to critical slope. The high accuracy and efficient numerical implementation are documented in the paper and the MATLAB toolkit developed is used to solve for the developmentof an initial 2D cone form. First, we examine the nonlinear transport rule and suggest a refinement that accounts explicitly for flux at threshold slopes. We find that the maximum diffusion (necessarily introduced in the numerical model to avoid infinite rates) at the critical slope controls the final morphology, especially approaching steady state. Secondly, solving the landscape evolution problem in 2D enables a natural accounting for sediment flux convergence or divergence in the profile. Thirdly, the boundary behavior of a given landscape element controls much of what happens in that domain and so we allow for arbitrary flux magnitude or elevation boundary conditions. Fourthly, landscapes are heterogeneous in their surface cover and so we allow for spatially and temporally varying transport rate k and we permit an arbitrary vertical displacement field within the model domain. To test the new formulation for the nonlinear term, the effect of variable diffusivity k and the numerical schemes implemented, we apply the model to cinder cones built on the flanks of Mount Etna in 2001 and 2002–2003. We explore the effects of DEM resolution with data from the 2001 cone and the utility of spatially variable diffusivity to explain the variation in erosion measured by differencing repeat light detection and ranging (LIDAR) surveys gathered in 2004 and 2007 over the 2002–2003 cone complex. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A network‐index‐based version of TOPMODEL for use with high‐resolution digital topographic data

This paper describes the preliminary development of a network‐index approach to modify and to extend the classic TOPMODEL. Application of the basic Beven and Kirkby form of TOPMODEL to high‐resolution (2·0 m) laser altimetric data (based upon the UK Environment Agency's light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system) to a 13·8 km² catchment in an upland environment identified many saturated areas that remained unconnected from the drainage network even during an extreme flood event. This is shown to be a particular problem with using high‐resolution topographic data, especially over large appreciable areas. To deal with the hydrological consequences of disconnected areas, we present a simple network index modification in which saturated areas are only considered to contribute when the topographic index indicates continuous saturation through the length of a flow path to the point where the path becomes a stream. This is combined with an enhanced method for dealing with the problem of pits and hollows, which is shown to become more acute with higher resolution topographic data. The paper concludes by noting the implications of the research as presented for both methodological and substantive research that is currently under way. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The use of small‐format and low‐altitude aerial photos for the realization of high‐resolution DEMs in mountainous areas: application to the Super‐Sauze earthflow (Alpes‐de‐Haute‐Provence,France)

Geomorphologists have to make choices and compromises, as acquisition techniques of geometrical information are numerous, depending on the specific complexity of the targeted three‐dimensional objects and the requirements of the end user. This article presents the methodology and the results over a well known and documented site. This ready‐to‐use, low‐altitude, aerial photo methodology reveals itself to be a satisfying compromise between cost, accuracy and difficulty of implementation. The selected equipment package is light enough to enable a quick reaction to unexpected events and the tools and methods are competitive with field acquisition techniques. An evaluation has demonstrated a sub‐metric accuracy for the final result. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of elevation error on the morphometrics of channel networks extracted from DEMs and the implications for hydrological modelling

Stream network morphometrics have been used frequently in environmental applications and are embedded in several hydrological models. This is because channel network geometry partly controls the runoff response of a basin. Network indices are often measured from channels that are mapped from digital elevation models (DEMs) using automated procedures. Simulations were used in this paper to study the influence of elevation error on the reliability of estimates of several common morphometrics, including stream order, the bifurcation, length, area and slope ratios, stream magnitude, network diameter, the flood magnitude and timing parameters of the geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) and the network width function. DEMs of three UK basins, ranging from high to low relief, were used for the analyses. The findings showed that moderate elevation error (RMSE of 1·8 m) can result in significant uncertainty in DEM‐mapped network morphometrics and that this uncertainty can be expressed in complex ways. For example, estimates of the bifurcation, length and area ratios and the flood magnitude and timing parameters of the GIUH each displayed multimodal frequency distributions, i.e. two or more estimated values were highly likely. Furthermore, these preferential estimates were wide ranging relative to the ranges typically observed for these indices. The wide‐ranging estimates of the two GIUH parameters represented significant uncertainty in the shape of the unit hydrograph. Stream magnitude, network diameter and the network width function were found to be highly sensitive to elevation error because of the difficulty in mapping low‐magnitude links. Uncertainties in the width function were found to increase with distance from outlet, implying that hydrological models that use network width contain greater uncertainty in the shape of the falling limb of the hydrograph. In light of these findings, care should be exercised when interpreting the results of analyses based on DEM‐mapped stream networks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estimation of suspended sediment loads and delivery in an incised upland headwater catchment,south‐eastern Australia

Historically upland headwater catchments in south‐eastern Australia have undergone extensive gully erosion that has removed large amounts of sediment to lowlands. Recent research suggests these upland areas may continue to dominate fine sediment loads in lowland rivers. Improved understanding of sediment transfer through upland headwater catchments may have implications for interpreting downstream sediment supply. In this study a nested catchment design was utilized to examine suspended sediment yields and delivery from a small tributary sub‐catchment (1·64 km²) to the study catchment outlet (53·5 km²). Monitoring of suspended sediment concentration and discharge was undertaken for a period of nearly two years and used to estimate suspended sediment loads. Estimated total suspended sediment exports over the period of monitoring were 24·16 t from the sub‐catchment and 550·3 t from the catchment, which are generally less than previous reported small catchment yields in south‐eastern Australia. The extent of sediment delivery was examined using between‐site ratios of specific sediment yield per unit area and incised channel length. Sediment delivery was high under average rainfall conditions, but seasonally dependent. Both suspended sediment yields and the extent of delivery peaked over spring months, supplemented by remobilization of sediment stored during summer months in the main catchment channel. The findings of this study suggest much of the suspended sediment exported from small incised upland sub‐catchments (1–2 km²) may be delivered to downstream reaches under average rainfall conditions, which, in conjunction with the findings of previous research supports the potential importance of contributions from these areas to suspended sediment loads in lowland rivers during high flow periods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sediment production in large gullies of the Mediterranean area (NE Spain) from high‐resolution digital elevation models and geographical information systems analysis

Recent studies in the Mediterranean area have shown gully erosion to have a very significant contribution to total soil loss. In the Penedès vineyard region (NE Spain), between 15 and 27% of the land is affected by large gullies and gully‐wall retreat seems to be an ongoing process. Multi‐date digital elevation model (DEM) analysis has allowed computation of sediment production by gully erosion, showing that the sediment production rates are very high by the, up‐to‐date, usual global standards. Here, we present a study carried out using large‐scale multi‐date (1975 and 1995) aerial photographs (1 : 5000 and 1 : 7000) to monitor sediment yield caused by large gullies in the Penedès region (NE Spain). High‐resolution DEMs (1 m grid) were derived and analysed by means of geographical information systems techniques to determine the gully erosion rates. Rainfall characteristics within the same study period were also analysed in order to correlate with the soil loss produced. Mass movement was the main process contributing to total sediment production. This process could have been favoured by rainfalls recorded during the period: 58% of the events were of an erosive character and showed high kinetic energy and erosivity. A sediment production rate of 846 ± 40 Mg ha^?1 year^?1, a sediment deposition rate of 270 ± 18 Mg ha^?1 year^?1 and a sediment delivery ratio of 68·1% were computed for a gully area of 0·10 km². The average net erosion within the study period (1975–95) was 576 ± 58 Mg ha^?1 year^?1. In comparison with other methods, the proposed method also includes sediment produced by processes other than only overland flow, i.e. downcutting, headcutting, and mass movements and bank erosion. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of terrestrial photogrammetry based on structure‐from‐motion for mass balance estimation of a small glacier in the Italian alps

Different high‐resolution techniques can be employed to obtain information about the three‐dimensional (3D) surface of glaciers. This is typically carried out using efficient, but also expensive and logistically demanding, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technologies, such as airborne scanners and terrestrial laser scanners. Recent technological improvements in the field of image analysis and computer vision have prompted the development of a low‐cost photogrammetric approach, which is referred to as ‘structure‐from‐motion’ (SfM). Combined with dense image‐matching algorithms, this method has become competitive for the production of high‐quality 3D models. However, several issues typical of this approach should be considered for application in glacial environments. In particular, the surface morphology, the different substrata, the occurrence of sharp contrast from solar shadows and the variable distance from the camera positions can negatively affect the image texture, and reduce the possibility of obtaining a reliable point cloud from the images. The objective of this study is to test the structure‐from‐motion multi view stereo (SfM‐MVS) approach in a small debris‐covered glacier located in the eastern Italian Alps, using a consumer‐grade reflex camera and the computer vision‐based software PhotoScan. The quality of the 3D models produced by the SfM‐MVS process was assessed via the comparison with digital terrain models obtained from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) surveys that were performed at the same epochs. The effect of different terrain gradients and different substrata (debris, snow and firn) was also evaluated in terms of the accuracy of the reconstruction by SfM‐MVS versus TLS. Our results show that the quality of this new photogrammetric approach is similar to the quality of TLS and that point cloud densities are comparable or even higher compared with TLS. However, special care should be taken while planning the SfM survey geometry, to optimize the 3D model quality and spatial coverage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Runoff and sediment generation on bench‐terraced hillsides: measurements and up‐scaling of a field‐based model

Despite widespread bench‐terracing, stream sediment yields from agricultural hillsides in upland West Java remain high. We studied the causes of this lack of effect by combining measurements at different spatial scales using an erosion process model. Event runoff and sediment yield from two 4‐ha terraced hillside subcatchments were measured and field surveys of land use, bench‐terrace geometry and storage of sediment in the drainage network were conducted for two consecutive years. Runoff was 3·0–3·9% of rainfall and sediment yield was 11–30 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for different years, subcatchments and calculation techniques. Sediment storage changes in the subcatchment drainage network were less than 2 t ha⁻¹, whereas an additional 0·3–1·5 t ha⁻¹ was stored in the gully between the subcatchment flumes and the main stream. This suggests mean annual sediment delivery ratios of 86–125%, or 80–104% if this additional storage is included. The Terrace Erosion and Sediment Transport (TEST) model developed and validated for the studied environment was parameterized using erosion plot studies, land use surveys and digital terrain analysis to simulate runoff and sediment generation on the terraced hillsides. This resulted in over‐estimates of runoff and under‐estimates of runoff sediment concentration. Relatively poor model performance was attributed to sample bias in the six erosion plots used for model calibration and unaccounted covariance between important terrain attributes such as slope, infiltration capacity, soil conservation works and vegetation cover. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigating the geomorphological potential of freely available and accessible structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry using a smartphone

We test the acquisition of high‐resolution topographic and terrain data using hand‐held smartphone technology, where the acquired images can be processed using technology freely available to the research community. This is achieved by evaluating the quality of digital terrain models (DTM) of a river bank and an Alpine alluvial fan generated with a fully automated, free‐to‐use, structure‐from‐motion package and a smartphone integrated camera (5 megapixels) with terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data used to provide a benchmark. To evaluate this approach a 16.2‐megapixel digital camera and an established, commercial, close‐range and semi‐automated software are also employed, and the product of the four combinations of the two types of cameras and software are compared. Results for the river bank survey demonstrate that centimetre‐precision DTMs can be achieved at close range (10 m or less), using a smartphone camera and a fully automated package. Results improve to sub‐centimetre precision with either higher‐resolution images or by applying specific post‐processing techniques to the smartphone DTMs. Application to an entire Alpine alluvial fan system shows the degradation of precision scales linearly with image scale, but that (i) the expected level of precision remains and (ii) difficulties in separating vegetation and sediment cover within the results are similar to those typically found when using other photo‐based techniques and laser scanning systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Delayed delivery from the sediment factory: modeling the impact of catchment response time to tectonics on sediment flux and fluvio‐deltaic stratigraphy

The sediment flux from a catchment is driven by tectonics and climate but is moderated by the geomorphic response of the landscape system to changes in these two boundary conditions. Consequently, catchment response time and the non‐linear behavior of landscapes in response to boundary condition change control the downstream propagation of climatic or tectonic perturbations from catchments to neighboring basins. In order to investigate the impact of catchment response time on sediment flux, we integrated a spatially‐lumped numerical model PaCMod, with new routines simulating the evolution of landscape morphology and erosion rates under tectonic and climatic forcing. We subsequently applied the model to reconstruct the sediment flux from a tectonically perturbed catchment in central Italy. Finally, we coupled our model to DeltaSim, a process‐response model simulating fluvio‐deltaic stratigraphy, and investigated the impact of catchment response time on stratigraphy, using both synthetic scenarios and a real world system (Fucino Basin, central Italy). Our results demonstrate that the differential response of geomorphic elements to tectonic and climatic changes induces a complex sediment flux signal, and produces characteristic stratigraphic architectures and shoreline trajectories. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Controls on carbon and nitrogen export in an eroding catchment of south‐eastern Queensland,Australia

Effects of gully and channel erosion on the export of sediments are in general well understood, but the effects on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) export remain an open question. We examined these effects and the role of flow magnitude, total wet season rainfall, catchment size and the C and N content and solubility of most probable sediment sources in a subtropical catchment. We sampled the baseflow and the rising stage of high‐flow events for one wet season and analysed 5 years of water quality data from event sampling stations. Total suspended sediment was the main variable explaining N export followed by rainfall, flow and catchment size. N was exported mainly in particulate organic form and C in dissolved form. The quality of most probable sediment source fractions explains these results and points to fractionation during transport into C and N richer and C and N poorer fractions, with travel distance ultimately determining the average quality of transported sediment for different flow magnitudes. Erosion would have caused a lower C and N concentration in sediments, a lower proportion of mineralized N, a larger proportion of dissolved organic C and a larger C : N ratios of the soluble fraction as compared with unincised grassed valleys. This would alter the rates of nutrient cycling and energy flow within and across ecosystem compartments in streams receiving this export. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of the continuous wavelet transform of gravity and magnetic data to estimate sub‐basalt sediment thickness

The Continuous Wavelet Transform was recently proposed for the interpretation of gravity and magnetic potential data. We utilize the Continuous Wavelet Transform of gravity and magnetic data to address one of the most common issues in exploration geophysics: mapping of sub‐basaltic sedimentary strata. We observe that the magnetic response of the basaltic layer is dominant in a three‐layer case of a basalt‐sediment‐basement, whereas the gravity signal is dominated by the base of the sediment. Thus the Continuous Wavelet Transform of the magnetic data is related to the thickness of the basalt and the Continuous Wavelet Transform of the gravity data is related mostly to the bottom of the sediment. These observations are demonstrated with a synthetic model and a few field examples. Derived depths using Continuous Wavelet Transform are in good agreement with known vertical cross‐sections. Therefore, Continuous Wavelet Transform analysis of both gravity and magnetic data offers a possibility for primary information of sub‐basaltic sediment thickness, which can provide a basis for further detailed modelling.     

The effect of forest cover on peak flow and sediment discharge—an integrated field and modelling study in central–southern Chile

An integrated field and modelling study was carried out on the 35‐ha La Reina catchment, Chile, to test the hypothesis that the effect of forest cover on flood peaks becomes less important as the size of the hydrological event increases. Meteorological and discharge data were measured at the catchment before and after the pine plantation that covered 80% of the catchment area was logged. Analysis of the measured response of the catchment provides support for the hypothesis but is not conclusive. Therefore, modelling of the catchment using 1000 years of generated rainfall data representative of the current conditions was carried out for the forested and logged states. The simulations show that the absolute difference in discharge between the two cases remains approximately constant as the discharge increases: thus as a percentage of discharge it decreases. This relative convergence appears to become significant at return periods of greater than approximately 10 years. Tests with different hypothetical soil depths for the forested and logged catchments show an absolute convergence in discharge between the two cases for shallow soils and no convergence for deep soils. Sediment transport simulations show that forest cover provides a clear benefit in protecting the soil from erosion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of human‐controlled hydrological regime on the source,transport, and flux of particulate organic carbon from the lower Huanghe (Yellow River)

Evaluating the role of fluvial transfer of terrestrial organic carbon (OC) and subsequent burial in the global carbon cycle requires the sources and fluxes of fluvial OC to be assessed, which remains poorly constrained in the Huanghe (Yellow River). Here, we report the elemental, stable isotopic, and radiocarbon activity of particulate organic carbon (POC) sampled at the outlet of Huanghe in 2012–2013. We show that the Huanghe riverine POC can be explained by binary mixing of fossil (POC_fossil) and non‐fossil (POC_non‐fossil) components, the former may reach ~40% of the total POC. The Huanghe POC_non‐fossil is mostly sourced from C3 plants, with a mean residence time of c. 2200 years. The current human‐controlled hydrological regime strongly influenced the POC sources, transport modes, and fluxes. In 2012–2013, the Huanghe delivered 0.73 Tg (1 Tg = 10¹² g) of POC to the sea, and about 28% of the annual POC flux occurred within a short human induced flood event. Globally, the Huanghe should be one of the largest rivers in the transfer and re‐burial of fossil OC. However, the fate of Huanghe fossil OC is still unconstrained and needs to be further investigated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Towards an improved understanding of erosion rates and tidal notch development on limestone coasts in the Tropics: 10 years of micro‐erosion meter measurements,Phang Nga Bay,Thailand

Knowledge and understanding of shore platform erosion and tidal notch development in the tropics and subtropics relies mainly on short‐term studies conducted on recently deposited carbonate rocks, predominantly Holocene and Quaternary reef limestones and aeolianites. This paper presents erosion rates, measured over a 10 year period on notches and platforms developed on the Permian, Ratburi limestone at Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. In so doing it contributes to informing a particular knowledge gap in our understanding of the erosion dynamics of shore platform and tidal notch development in the tropics and subtropics – notch erosion rates on relatively hard, ancient limestones measured directly on the rock surface using a micro‐erosion meter (MEM) over time periods of a decade or more. The average intertidal erosion rate of 0.231 mm/yr is lower than erosion rates measured over 2–3 years on recent, weaker carbonate rocks. Average erosion rates at Phang Nga vary according to location and site and are, in rank order from highest to lowest: Mid‐platform (0.324 mm/yr) > Notch floor (0.289 mm/yr) > Rear notch wall (0.228 mm/yr) > Lower platform (0.140 mm/yr) > Notch roof (0.107 mm/yr) and Supratidal (0.095 mm/yr). The micro‐relief of the eroding rock surfaces in each of these positions exhibits marked differences that are seemingly associated with differences in dominant physical and bio‐erosion processes. The results begin to help inform knowledge of longer term shore platform erosion dynamics, models of marine notch development and have implications for the use of marine notches as indicators of changes in sea level and the duration of past sea levels. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.