Erodibility of low‐compaction steep‐sloped reclaimed surface mine lands in the southern Appalachian region,USA

The use of loose spoils on steep slopes for surface coal mining reclamation sites has been promoted by the US Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining for the establishment of native forest, as prescribed by the Forest Reclamation Approach (FRA). Although low‐compaction spoils improve tree survival and growth, erodibility on steep slopes was suspected to increase. This study quantified a combined K_C factor (combining the effects of the soil erodibility K factor and cover management C) for low compaction, steep‐sloped (>20°) reclaimed mine lands in the Appalachian region, USA. The combined K_C factor was used because standard Unit Plot conditions required to separate these factors, per Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) experimental protocols, were not followed explicitly. Three active coal mining sites in the Appalachian region of East Tennessee, each containing four replicate field plots, were monitored for rainfall and sediment yields during a 14‐month period beginning June 2009. Average cumulative erosivity for the study sites during the monitoring period was measured as 5248.9 MJ·mm·ha^?1·h^?1. The K_C ranged between 0.001 and 0.05 t·ha·h·ha^?1·MJ^?1·mm^?1, with the highest values occurring immediately following reclamation site construction as rills developed (June – August 2009). The K_C for two study sites with about an 18–20 mm spoil D₈₄ were above 0.01 t·ha·h·ha^?1·MJ^?1·mm^?1 during rill development, and below 0.003 t·ha·h·ha^?1·MJ^?1·mm^?1 after August 2009 for the post‐rill development period. The K_C values for one site with a 40 mm spoil D₈₄ were never above 0.008 t·ha·h·ha^?1·MJ^?1·mm^?1 and also on average were lower, being more similar to the other two sites after the rill development period. Based on an initial K_C factor (K_e) measured during the first few storm events, the average C factor (C_e) was estimated as 0.58 for the rill development period and 0.13 for the post‐rill development period. It appears that larger size fractions of spoils influence K_C and C_e factors on low‐compaction steep slopes reclamation sites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sensitivity of a hydraulic model to channel erosion uncertainty during extreme flooding

Recent research into flood modelling has primarily concentrated on the simulation of inundation flow without considering the influences of channel morphology. River channels are often represented by a simplified geometry that is implicitly assumed to remain unchanged during flood simulations. However, field evidence demonstrates that significant morphological changes can occur during floods to mobilize the boundary sediments. Despite this, the effect of channel morphology on model results has been largely unexplored. To address this issue, the impact of channel cross‐section geometry and channel long‐profile variability on flood dynamics is examined using an ensemble of a 1D–2D hydraulic model (LISFLOOD‐FP) of the ~1 : 2000 year recurrence interval floods in Cockermouth, UK, within an uncertainty framework. A series of simulated scenarios of channel erosional changes were constructed on the basis of a simple velocity‐based model of critical entrainment. A Monte‐Carlo simulation framework was used to quantify the effects of this channel morphology together with variations in the channel and floodplain roughness coefficients, grain size characteristics and critical shear stress on measures of flood inundation. The results showed that the bed elevation modifications generated by the simplistic equations reflected an approximation of the observed patterns of spatial erosion that enveloped observed erosion depths. The effect of uncertainty on channel long‐profile variability only affected the local flood dynamics and did not significantly affect the friction sensitivity and flood inundation mapping. The results imply that hydraulic models generally do not need to account for within event morphodynamic changes of the type and magnitude of event modelled, as these have a negligible impact that is smaller than other uncertainties, e.g. boundary conditions. Instead, morphodynamic change needs to happen over a series of events to become large enough to change the hydrodynamics of floods in supply limited gravel‐bed rivers such as the one used in this research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Variability in the vertical hyporheic water exchange affected by hydraulic conductivity and river morphology at a natural confluent meander bend

River confluences and their associated tributaries are key morphodynamic nodes that play important roles in controlling hydraulic geometry and hyporheic water exchange in fluvial networks. However, the existing knowledge regarding hyporheic water exchange associated with river confluence morphology is relatively scarce. On January 14 and 15, 2016, the general hydraulic and morphological characteristics of the confluent meander bend (CMB) between the Juehe River and the Haohe River in the southern region of Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, were investigated. The patterns and magnitudes of vertical hyporheic water exchange (VHWE) were estimated based on a one‐dimensional heat steady‐state model, whereas the sediment vertical hydraulic conductivity (K_v) was calculated via in situ permeameter tests. The results demonstrated that 6 hydrodynamic zones and their extensions were observed at the CMB during the test period. These zones were likely controlled by the obtuse junction angle and low momentum flux ratio, influencing the sediment grain size distribution of the CMB. The VHWE patterns at the test site during the test period mostly showed upwelling flow dominated by regional groundwater discharging into the river. The occurrence of longitudinal downwelling and upwelling patterns along the meander bend at the CMB was likely subjected to the comprehensive influences of the local sinuosity of the meander bend and regional groundwater discharge and finally formed regional and local flow paths. Additionally, in dominated upwelling areas, the change in VHWE magnitudes was nearly consistent with that in K_v values, and higher values of both variables generally occurred in erosional zones near the thalweg paths of the CMB, which were mostly made up of sand and gravel. This was potentially caused by the erosional and depositional processes subjected to confluence morphology. Furthermore, lower K_v values observed in downwelling areas at the CMB were attributed to sediment clogging caused by local downwelling flow. The confluence morphology and sediment K_v are thus likely the driving factors that cause local variations in the VHWE of fluvial systems.     

Paleogene of the Huanghekou Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin,NE China: deposition–erosion response to a slope break system of rift lacustrine basins

The sequence architecture and depositional systems of the Paleogene lacustrine rift succession in the Huanghekou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, NE China were investigated based on seismic profiles, combined with well log and core data. Four second‐order or composite sequences and seven third‐order sequences were identified. The depositional systems identified in the basin include: fan delta, braid delta, meander fluvial delta, lacustrine and sublacustrine fan. Identification of the slope break was conducted combining the interpretation of faults of each sequence and the identification of syndepositional faults, based on the subdivision of sequence stratigraphy and analysis of depositional systems. Multiple geomorphologic units were recognized in the Paleogene of the Huanghekou Sag including faults, flexures, depositional slope break belts, ditch‐valleys and sub‐uplifts in the central sag. Using genetic division principles and taking into consideration tectonic features of the Paleogene of the Huanghekou Sag, the study area was divided into the Northern Steep Slope/Fault Slope Break System, the Southern Gentle Slope Break System and T10 Tectonic Slope Break System/T10 Tectonic Belt. Responses of slope break systems to deposition–erosion are shown as: (1) basin marginal slope break is the boundary of the eroded area and provenance area; (2) ditch‐valley formed by different kinds of slope break belts is a good transport bypass for source materials; (3) shape of the slope break belt of the slope break system controls sediments types; (4) the ditch‐valley and sub‐sag of a slope break system is an unloading area for sediments; and (5) due to their different origins, association characteristics and developing patterns, the Paleogene slope break belt systems in the Huanghekou Sag show different controls on depositional systems. The Northern Fault Slope Break system controls the deposition of a fan delta‐lacustrine‐subaqueous fan, the Southern Gentle Slope Break system controls the deposition of a fluvial–deltaic–shallow lacustrine and sublacustrine fan, and the T10 Tectonic Slope Break System controls the deposition of shallow lacustrine beach bar sandbodies. The existence of a slope break system is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for studying sandbody development. The formation of effective sandbodies along the slope break depends on the reasonable coupling of effective provenance, necessary association patterns of slope break belt, adequate unloading space and creation of definite accommodation space. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Control of syntectonic erosion and sedimentation on kinematic evolution of a multidecollement fold and thrust zone: Analogue modeling of folding in the southern subandean of Bolivia

Several analogue modeling studies have been conducted during the past fifteen years with the aim to discuss the effects of sedimentation and erosion on Foreland Fold and Thrust Belt, among which a few have analyzed these processes at kilometric scale (Malavieille et al., 1993; Nalpas et al., 1999; Barrier et al., 2002; Pichot and Nalpas, 2009). The influence of syn-deformation sedimentation and erosion on the structural evolution of FFTB has been clearly demonstrated. Here, we propose to go further in this approach by the study of a more complex system with a double decollement level. The natural study case is the Bolivian sub-Andean thrust and fold belt, which present all the required criteria, such as the double decollement level. A set of analogue models performed under a CT-scan have been used to test the influence of several parameters on a fold and thrust belt system, among which: (i) the spatial variation of the sediment input, (ii) the spatial variation of the erosion rate, (iii) the relative distribution of sedimentation between foreland and hinterland. These experiments led to the following observations:

• 1. The upper decollement level acts as a decoupling level in case of increased sedimentation rate: it results in the verticalization of the shallower part (above the upper decollement level), while the deeper parts are not impacted.
• 2. Similarly, the increase of the erosion rate involves the uplift of the deeper part (below the upper decollement level), whereas the shallower parts are not impacted.
• 3. A high sedimentation rate in the foreland involves a fault and fold vergence reversal, followed by a back-thrusting of the shallower part.
• 4. A high sedimentation rate in the hinterland favours thrust development toward the foreland in the shallower parts.

     

渝东南下古生界页岩构造裂缝形成及分布控制因素

天然裂缝对页岩气储集和渗流有重要影响,但目前对页岩构造裂缝研究不够深入。本文通过露头、岩心裂缝观察和分析,探讨了渝东南下古生界页岩构造裂缝类型、形成机理及分布控制因素。基于裂缝特征及力学成因,将剪切裂缝分为高角度剪切裂缝、倾斜滑脱裂缝和水平滑脱裂缝。倾斜滑脱裂缝是在上覆岩层重力和水平构造应力共同作用下沿应力集中的软弱面发生剪切滑动形成,水平滑脱裂缝是在构造挤压应力作用条件下主要沿页理面方向的剪切或层间滑动形成;页理发育程度及岩层曲率是控制水平滑脱裂缝形成的关键因素,岩石矿物组成、构造作用及岩层厚度是控制其它类型构造裂缝形成和分布的主要因素,页岩岩石力学层的划分需要根据裂缝特征、岩性变化特征、岩石力学参数及沉积界面等综合确定,岩层厚度与层间构造裂缝密度呈负相关关系。     

四川盆地西南部第三纪盆地原型及其演化

第三纪是四川盆地大范围陆相沉积历史的最后阶段, 同时又是四川盆地重要的构造定形期.探究该时期原型盆地沉积充填规律与构造演化特征, 是揭示四川盆地形成演化过程, 还原其古地理、古气候演变的关键.在综合利用古地磁、地震、野外露头等资料的基础之上, 从盆-山结合的角度出发, 以地质历史时间为主要线索, 对第三纪原型盆地分阶段、分区域地进行了动态化分析研究.重建了各沉积时期原型盆地构造-古地理格局, 分析了盆地沉积充填规律并复原了不同阶段沉积相带的空间展布特征.主要受周缘山系逆冲推覆作用产生的构造负载和盆地基底构造的影响, 第三纪时期四川盆地沉积范围局限于西南部、南部地区, 以河、湖沉积环境为主, 处于持续地挤压、充填过程而具有萎缩消亡的趋势.现今残余第三系地层由老到新, 主要由名山组、芦山组、大邑砾岩组等地层组成(先后经历了: 受造山带挤压推覆作用和温暖干旱气候等因素影响, 发育湖盆边缘冲积扇和沙漠沉积环境, 处于快速沉降阶段的名山组沉积时期; 以及构造活动相对稳定, 湖盆面积不断减小, 以沙泥质沉积互层为特征的芦山组沉积时期; 和沿山前带由南向北迁移, 以发育大型冲积扇为特征的大邑砾岩组沉积时期).纵观整个第三纪构造演化历史, 反映出四川盆地西南部地区在第三纪时期表现为典型的陆内坳陷沉积盆地性质.同期的大地构造活动和气候变化等因素对原型盆地的形成与演化起到了重要的控制作用, 同时也对该时期盆地古地理格局和沉积充填规律产生了重要影响.     

云蒙湖流域不同坡度的土壤侵蚀特征

针对定量分析土壤侵蚀在各坡度等级上的空间分布研究较少的现状,该文选用通用的土壤流失预报方程,对云蒙湖流域1986—2010年间的土壤水力侵蚀状况进行了定量的估算,以探讨不同坡度上的土壤侵蚀特征,并进一步分析了土壤侵蚀变化与人类活动的关系。分析得出:土壤侵蚀强度发生在人类活动比较频繁的区域上(8~25°坡度)更为严重;2010年比1986年强度以上所占比例在15°坡度等级上相对更低,在15°坡度等级上有所增加;云蒙湖流域主要土壤侵蚀量发生在25°坡度上;2010年比1986年耕地面积减少、林地和居民用地面积增加是土壤侵蚀降低的主要因素。     

华北北缘东段开原地区三叠纪侵入岩年代学及岩石地球化学研究

本文报道了位于华北北缘东段开原地区尖山子岩体、宝兴岩体和树德屯岩体的岩相学、岩石地球化学及年代学特征,探讨了上述岩体的形成时代、岩石成因及其构造环境。锆石U-Pb定年结果表明,尖山子岩体形成于251±1.3Ma,宝兴岩体形成于235±1.3Ma,树德屯岩体形成于224±1.9Ma,说明开原地区三叠纪存在早三叠世、中三叠世和晚三叠世三个时期的岩浆活动。尖山子岩体以二长花岗岩为主,具高硅低镁特征,属钙碱性系列;富集大离子亲石元素Rb、K、Ba、Th,相对亏损Ta、Nb、P、Hf、Zr等高强场元素;δEu=0.55~1.87,(La/Yb)N=6.23~47.9,轻重稀土分馏明显,富集轻稀土,亏损重稀土。宝兴岩体以花岗闪长岩为主,Si O2含量变化较大(52.36%~74.06%),Al2O3含量(14.5%~17.34%),Mg O含量(0.61%~3.66%),属钙碱性系列;富集大离子亲石元素Rb、K、Ba、Th,相对亏损Ta、Nb、P、Ti等高强场元素;无明显的Eu异常,(La/Yb)N=6.81~25.6,轻重稀土分馏较明显,富集轻稀土,亏损重稀土。树德屯岩体以闪长岩为主,岩石具有低硅高镁特征,K2O/Na2O比值为0.33~0.76,显示富K贫Na特征,属钙碱性系列;富集大离子亲石元素Rb、K、Ba、Th,相对亏损Ta、Nb、P、Ti、Hf、Zr等高强场元素;无明显的Eu异常,(La/Yb)N=3.87~10.2,轻重稀土分馏不明显。上述岩石地球化学特征表明,尖山子岩体和宝兴岩体的原始岩浆起源于下地壳基性物质的部分熔融,树德屯岩体的原始岩浆起源于亏损的地幔楔。研究区三叠纪岩浆岩形成于造山阶段挤压环境下。华北北缘东段的挤压碰撞作用一直持续到晚三叠世(224Ma),而造山阶段向造山后阶段的构造转换(挤压地壳加厚向伸展垮塌的环境转换)发生于晚三叠世-早侏罗世(224~180Ma)期间。华北北缘东段中生代岩石圈减薄或破坏始于晚三叠世-早侏罗世(224~180Ma)期间。