Sediment transfer in an extremely low-gradient,low-relief and highly buffered system: Darwin Harbour catchment,northern Australia

Abstract

Sediment yields from and sediment transfer within catchments of very low relief and gradient, which make up about 50% of Earth’s surface, are poorly documented and their internal sediment dynamics are poorly known. Sediment sources, their proportionate contributions to valley floors and sediment yield, and storage are estimated using fallout radionuclides ²¹⁰Pb_(ex) and ¹³⁷Cs in the catchments that drain into Darwin Harbour, northern Australia, an example of this understudied catchment type that appears to be globally at the extreme end of this category of catchments. Unchannelled grassy valley floors (dambos, or seasonal wetlands) trap ～90% of the sediment delivered from hillslopes by sheet and rill erosion. Further down valley, small channels transport ～10% of the sediment that escapes from the dambos, and the remaining sediment comes from erosion of the channels. In this case, the fractional sediment storage is very high as a result of the existence of dambos, a landform that depends for its existence on low gradients.     

Cognitive and Affective Predictors of Illinois Residents’ Perceived Risks from Gray Wolves

Abstract

Increasing wolf populations are a concern for wildlife managers in the Midwestern U.S. Understanding the psychological mechanisms that contribute to public perceptions of risk will enable development of strategies that seek to mitigate these risks, and suggest where outreach efforts may facilitate acceptance of wolves. We examined the psychological factors that influence Illinois residents’ perceived risks from wolves. We hypothesized that individuals’ perceived risks from wolves were a function of their attitudes toward wolves, negative affect toward wolves, and basic beliefs about wildlife. Data were obtained from a survey of the Illinois public (n?=?784). Negative affect and attitudes toward wolves were direct predictors of perceived risks. Basic beliefs predicted attitudes and negative affect toward wolves. Negative affect predicted attitudes. Basic beliefs had direct and indirect effects on perceived risks.     

Large debris flows in Chosica,Lima, Peru: the application of hydraulic infrastructure for erosion control and disaster prevention

Abstract

Large debris flows in steep-sloped ravines debouching to the Rimac River, in metropolitan Lima (Peruvian capital), have resulted in considerable loss of life and property adversely impacting communities in the region. Temporal, spatial and volumetric features of debris flows are difficult to predict, and it is of utmost importance that achievable management solutions are found to reduce the impact of these catastrophic events. The emotional and economic toll of these debris flows on this increasingly densely populated capital city in South America is devastating where communities must live in such inadequate and dangerous conditions. To address this problem, the application of advanced Japanese technology, Sustainable Actions Basin Orientation (SABO), has been investigated using a geomorphological modelling to develop an implementation plan. Rayos de Sol stream basin in Chosica, was selected as a pilot to develop the proposal, as it is considered high risk due to the presence of ancient debris flows and recent flows in 2012, 2015 and 2017. The recurrence of debris flows in this location has resulted in numerous deaths and catastrophic property losses. This study combines geologic and geomorphic mapping and hydraulic and landform evolution numerical modelling. The implementation of a SABO Master Plan based on the multidisciplinary assessment hazard scenarios, will allow the implementation of feasible mitigation actions. The SABO technology has been applied successfully in Japan and other countries in areas with steep short slopes, similar to the conditions surrounding the Peruvian capital. Results from this study will be presented to the Peruvian Government as part of an action plan to manage debris-flow impact.

1. KEY POINTS

2. High-risk mass slope failure is linked to poor urban planning in urban developing regions of Lima the capital of Peru.

3. A multidisciplinary study including geotechnical and hydrological analysis, engineering design, and socio-economic research is required to implement a SABO Master Plan, and this basin is pilot study basin.

4. At the present time, a maintenance programme for existing hydraulic structures should be implemented, and a flood risk management plan developed may propose the relocation of some communities and infrastructure.

     

Gray Silts of the Volga Reservoir Cascade: Main Features of Geochemistry

Lithology and Mineral Resources - The main geochemical characteristics of gray silts of the Volga Reservoir cascade are discussed. Together with sandy varieties, they occupy more than 60% of the...     

Characteristics of Low-Frequency Radiation Excited by the Impact of an Oscillating,High-Frequency Beam on the Ionosphere According to In Situ Measurements

Geomagnetism and Aeronomy - The results of experimental studies of the characteristics of low-frequency (LF) radiation excited by the impact of two frequency-shifted, unmodulated pump waves emitted...     

Optical Monitoring of SS 433 in 2017–2021

Astronomy Reports - The observed characteristics of the spectral and photometric variability of SS 433 are discussed based on the data for 2018–2021 and compared with earlier results. The...     

Changes in the Forms of Copper Occurrence in Surface Waters with Increasing Technogenic Load

Doklady Earth Sciences - The change in the distribution of Cu compounds by size fractions with an increase in its concentration in noncontaminated surface waters has been studied experimentally. It...     

Particle Fluxes in Hydrothermal Vent Fields of the Southern Part of the Mohns Ridge

Doklady Earth Sciences - The first results of studies of vertical particle fluxes in a hydrothermal sedimentary system of a subpolar area of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge under the influence of...