ESURF - recent papers
https://esurf.copernicus.org/articles/
Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Earth Surface Dynamics and the recent discussion forum Earth Surface Dynamics DiscussionsA physics-based model for fluvial valley width
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-493-2024
<b>A physics-based model for fluvial valley width</b><br>
Jens Martin Turowski, Aaron Bufe, and Stefanie Tofelde<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 493–514, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-493-2024, 2024<br>
Fluvial valleys are ubiquitous landforms, and understanding their formation and evolution affects a wide range of disciplines from archaeology and geology to fish biology. Here, we develop a model to predict the width of fluvial valleys for a wide range of geographic conditions. In the model, fluvial valley width is controlled by the two competing factors of lateral channel mobility and uplift. The model complies with available data and yields a broad range of quantitative predictions.
2024-03-28T16:42:59+01:00An efficient approach for inverting rock exhumation from thermochronologic age–elevation relationship
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-477-2024
<b>An efficient approach for inverting rock exhumation from thermochronologic age–elevation relationship</b><br>
Yuntao Tian, Lili Pan, Guihong Zhang, and Xinbo Yao<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 477–492, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-477-2024, 2024<br>
Rock exhumation from the Earth's interior to the surface is important information for better understanding many geological problems, ranging from mountain building and its decay to resource and hydrocarbon evaluation and exploration. We propose a new stepwise inverse modeling strategy for optimizing the model parameters to mitigate the model dependencies on the initial parameters that are required to simulate the rock exhumation processes.
2024-03-26T16:42:59+01:00Implications for the resilience of modern coastal systems derived from mesoscale barrier dynamics at Fire Island, New York
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-449-2024
<b>Implications for the resilience of modern coastal systems derived from mesoscale barrier dynamics at Fire Island, New York</b><br>
Daniel J. Ciarletta, Jennifer L. Miselis, Julie C. Bernier, and Arnell S. Forde<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 449–475, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-449-2024, 2024<br>
We reconstructed the evolution of Fire Island, a barrier island in New York, USA, to identify drivers of landscape change. Results reveal Fire Island was once divided into multiple inlet-separated islands with distinct features. Later, inlets closed, and Fire Island’s landscape became more uniform as human activities intensified. The island is now less mobile and less likely to resist and recover from storm impacts and sea level rise. This vulnerability may exist for other stabilized barriers.
2024-03-14T16:42:59+01:00Quantifying the migration rate of drainage divides from high-resolution topographic data
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-433-2024
<b>Quantifying the migration rate of drainage divides from high-resolution topographic data</b><br>
Chao Zhou, Xibin Tan, Yiduo Liu, and Feng Shi<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 433–448, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-433-2024, 2024<br>
The drainage-divide stability provides new insights into both the river network evolution and the tectonic and/or climatic changes. Several methods have been proposed to determine the direction of drainage-divide migration. However, how to quantify the migration rate of drainage divides remains challenging. In this paper, we propose a new method to calculate the migration rate of drainage divides from high-resolution topographic data.
2024-03-07T16:42:59+01:00Long-term monitoring (1953–2019) of geomorphologically active sections of Little Ice Age lateral moraines in the context of changing meteorological conditions
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-399-2024
<b>Long-term monitoring (1953–2019) of geomorphologically active sections of Little Ice Age lateral moraines in the context of changing meteorological conditions</b><br>
Moritz Altmann, Madlene Pfeiffer, Florian Haas, Jakob Rom, Fabian Fleischer, Tobias Heckmann, Livia Piermattei, Michael Wimmer, Lukas Braun, Manuel Stark, Sarah Betz-Nutz, and Michael Becht<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 399–431, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-399-2024, 2024<br>
We show a long-term erosion monitoring of several sections on Little Ice Age lateral moraines with derived sediment yield from historical and current digital elevation modelling (DEM)-based differences. The first study period shows a clearly higher range of variability of sediment yield within the sites than the later periods. In most cases, a decreasing trend of geomorphic activity was observed.
2024-02-26T16:42:59+01:00Coevolving edge rounding and shape of glacial erratics: the case of Shap granite, UK
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-381-2024
<b>Coevolving edge rounding and shape of glacial erratics: the case of Shap granite, UK</b><br>
Paul A. Carling<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 381–397, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-381-2024, 2024<br>
Edge rounding in Shap granite glacial erratics is an irregular function of distance from the source outcrop in northern England, UK. Block shape is conservative, evolving according to block fracture mechanics – stochastic and silver ratio models – towards either of two attractor states. Progressive reduction in size occurs for blocks transported at the sole of the ice mass where the blocks are subject to compressive and tensile forces of the ice acting against a bedrock or till surface.
2024-02-26T16:42:59+01:00Channel cross-section heterogeneity of particulate organic carbon transport in the Huanghe
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-347-2024
<b>Channel cross-section heterogeneity of particulate organic carbon transport in the Huanghe</b><br>
Yutian Ke, Damien Calmels, Julien Bouchez, Marc Massault, Benjamin Chetelat, Aurélie Noret, Hongming Cai, Jiubin Chen, Jérôme Gaillardet, and Cécile Quantin<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 347–365, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-347-2024, 2024<br>
Through a river cross-section, we show that fluvial organic carbon in the lower Huanghe has clear vertical and lateral heterogeneity in elemental and isotopic signals. Bank erosion supplies terrestrial organic carbon to the fluvial transport. Physical erosion of aged and refractory organic carbon, including radiocarbon-dead organic carbon source from the biosphere, from relatively deep soil horizons of the Chinese Loess Plateau contributes to fluvial particulate organic carbon in the Huanghe.
2024-02-15T16:42:59+01:00Dimensionless argument: a narrow grain size range near 2 mm plays a special role in river sediment transport and morphodynamics
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-367-2024
<b>Dimensionless argument: a narrow grain size range near 2 mm plays a special role in river sediment transport and morphodynamics</b><br>
Gary Parker, Chenge An, Michael P. Lamb, Marcelo H. Garcia, Elizabeth H. Dingle, and Jeremy G. Venditti<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 367–380, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-367-2024, 2024<br>
River morphology has traditionally been divided by the size 2 mm. We use dimensionless arguments to show that particles in the 1–5 mm range (i) are the finest range not easily suspended by alluvial flood flows, (ii) are transported preferentially over coarser gravel, and (iii), within limits, are also transported preferentially over sand. We show how fluid viscosity mediates the special status of sediment in this range.
2024-02-15T16:42:59+01:00Path length and sediment transport estimation from DEMs of difference: a signal processing approach
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-321-2024
<b>Path length and sediment transport estimation from DEMs of difference: a signal processing approach</b><br>
Lindsay Marie Capito, Enrico Pandrin, Walter Bertoldi, Nicola Surian, and Simone Bizzi<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 321–345, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-321-2024, 2024<br>
We propose that the pattern of erosion and deposition from repeat topographic surveys can be a proxy for path length in gravel-bed rivers. With laboratory and field data, we applied tools from signal processing to quantify this periodicity and used these path length estimates to calculate sediment transport using the morphological method. Our results highlight the potential to expand the use of the morphological method using only remotely sensed data as well as its limitations.
2024-02-09T16:42:59+01:00Flexural isostatic response of continental-scale deltas to climatically driven sea level changes
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-301-2024
<b>Flexural isostatic response of continental-scale deltas to climatically driven sea level changes</b><br>
Sara Polanco, Mike Blum, Tristan Salles, Bruce C. Frederick, Rebecca Farrington, Xuesong Ding, Ben Mather, Claire Mallard, and Louis Moresi<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 301–320, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-301-2024, 2024<br>
Two-thirds of the world's most populated cities are situated close to deltas. We use computer simulations to understand how deltas sink or rise in response to climate-driven sea level changes that operate from thousands to millions of years. Our research shows that because of the interaction between the outer layers of the Earth, sediment transport, and sea level changes deltas develop a self-regulated mechanism that modifies the space they need to gain or lose land.
2024-02-01T16:42:59+01:00Probing the exchange of CO2 and O2 in the shallow critical zone during weathering of marl and black shale
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-271-2024
<b>Probing the exchange of CO2 and O2 in the shallow critical zone during weathering of marl and black shale</b><br>
Tobias Roylands, Robert G. Hilton, Erin L. McClymont, Mark H. Garnett, Guillaume Soulet, Sébastien Klotz, Mathis Degler, Felipe Napoleoni, and Caroline Le Bouteiller<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 271–299, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-271-2024, 2024<br>
Chemical weathering of sedimentary rocks can release carbon dioxide and consume oxygen. We present a new field-based method to measure the exchange of these gases in real time, which allows us to directly compare the amount of reactants and products. By studying two sites with different rock types, we show that the chemical composition is an important factor in driving the weathering reactions. Locally, the carbon dioxide release changes alongside temperature and precipitation.
2024-01-31T16:42:59+01:00Massive sediment pulses triggered by a multi-stage 130 000 m3 alpine cliff fall (Hochvogel, DE–AT)
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-249-2024
<b>Massive sediment pulses triggered by a multi-stage 130 000 m3 alpine cliff fall (Hochvogel, DE–AT)</b><br>
Natalie Barbosa, Johannes Leinauer, Juilson Jubanski, Michael Dietze, Ulrich Münzer, Florian Siegert, and Michael Krautblatter<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 249–269, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-249-2024, 2024<br>
Massive sediment pulses in catchments are a key alpine multi-risk component. Combining high-resolution aerial imagery and seismic information, we decipher a multi-stage >130.000 m³ rockfall and subsequent sediment pulses over 4 years, reflecting sediment deposition up to 10 m, redistribution in the basin, and finally debouchure to the outlet. This study provides generic information on spatial and temporal patterns of massive sediment pulses in highly charged alpine catchments.
2024-01-30T16:42:59+01:00Influence of cohesive clay on wave–current ripple dynamics captured in a 3D phase diagram
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-231-2024
<b>Influence of cohesive clay on wave–current ripple dynamics captured in a 3D phase diagram</b><br>
Xuxu Wu, Jonathan Malarkey, Roberto Fernández, Jaco H. Baas, Ellen Pollard, and Daniel R. Parsons<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 231–247, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-231-2024, 2024<br>
The seabed changes from flat to rippled in response to the frictional influence of waves and currents. This experimental study has shown that the speed of this change, the size of ripples that result and even whether ripples appear also depend on the amount of sticky mud present. This new classification on the basis of initial mud content should lead to improvements in models of seabed change in present environments by engineers and the interpretation of past environments by geologists.
2024-01-30T16:42:59+01:00Scaling between volume and runout of rock avalanches explained by a modified Voellmy rheology
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-219-2024
<b>Scaling between volume and runout of rock avalanches explained by a modified Voellmy rheology</b><br>
Stefan Hergarten<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 219–229, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-219-2024, 2024<br>
Large landslides turn into an avalanche-like mode of flow at high velocities, which allows for a much longer runout than predicted for a sliding solid body. In this study, the Voellmy rheology widely used in models for hazard assessment is reinterpreted and extended. The new approach predicts the increase in runout length with volume observed in nature quite well and may thus be a major step towards a more consistent modeling of rock avalanches and improved hazard assessment.
2024-01-23T16:42:59+01:00Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 1: Erosion dynamics
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-181-2024
<b>Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 1: Erosion dynamics</b><br>
Andrea D'Alpaos, Davide Tognin, Laura Tommasini, Luigi D'Alpaos, Andrea Rinaldo, and Luca Carniello<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 181–199, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-181-2024, 2024<br>
Sediment erosion induced by wind waves is one of the main drivers of the morphological evolution of shallow tidal environments. However, a reliable description of erosion events for the long-term morphodynamic modelling of tidal systems is still lacking. By statistically characterizing sediment erosion dynamics in the Venice Lagoon over the last 4 centuries, we set up a novel framework for a synthetic, yet reliable, description of erosion events in tidal systems.
2024-01-18T16:42:59+01:00Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 2: Suspended sediment dynamics
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-201-2024
<b>Statistical characterization of erosion and sediment transport mechanics in shallow tidal environments – Part 2: Suspended sediment dynamics</b><br>
Davide Tognin, Andrea D'Alpaos, Luigi D'Alpaos, Andrea Rinaldo, and Luca Carniello<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 201–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-201-2024, 2024<br>
Reliable quantification of sediment transport processes is necessary to understand the fate of shallow tidal environments. Here we present a framework for the description of suspended sediment dynamics to quantify deposition in the long-term modelling of shallow tidal systems. This characterization, together with that of erosion events, allows one to set up synthetic, yet reliable, models for the long-term evolution of tidal landscapes.
2024-01-18T16:42:59+01:00Past anthropogenic land use change caused a regime shift of the fluvial response to Holocene climate change in the Chinese Loess Plateau
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-163-2024
<b>Past anthropogenic land use change caused a regime shift of the fluvial response to Holocene climate change in the Chinese Loess Plateau</b><br>
Hao Chen, Xianyan Wang, Yanyan Yu, Huayu Lu, and Ronald Van Balen<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 163–180, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-163-2024, 2024<br>
The Wei River catchment, one of the centers of the agricultural revolution in China, has experienced intense land use changes since 6000 BCE. This makes it an ideal place to study the response of river systems to anthropogenic land use change. Modeling results show the sensitivity of discharge and sediment yield to climate change increased abruptly when the agricultural land area exceeded a threshold at around 1000 BCE. This regime shift in the fluvial catchment led to a large sediment pulse.
2024-01-18T16:42:59+01:00Geomorphological and hydrological controls on sediment export in earthquake-affected catchments in the Nepal Himalaya
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-135-2024
<b>Geomorphological and hydrological controls on sediment export in earthquake-affected catchments in the Nepal Himalaya</b><br>
Emma L. S. Graf, Hugh D. Sinclair, Mikaël Attal, Boris Gailleton, Basanta Raj Adhikari, and Bishnu Raj Baral<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 135–161, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-135-2024, 2024<br>
Using satellite images, we show that, unlike other examples of earthquake-affected rivers, the rivers of central Nepal experienced little increase in sedimentation following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Instead, a catastrophic flood occurred in 2021 that buried towns and agricultural land under up to 10 m of sediment. We show that intense storms remobilised glacial sediment from high elevations causing much a greater impact than flushing of earthquake-induced landslides.
2024-01-16T16:42:59+01:00Optimization of passive acoustic bedload monitoring in rivers by signal inversion
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-117-2024
<b>Optimization of passive acoustic bedload monitoring in rivers by signal inversion</b><br>
Mohamad Nasr, Adele Johannot, Thomas Geay, Sebastien Zanker, Jules Le Guern, and Alain Recking<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 117–134, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-117-2024, 2024<br>
Hydrophones are used to monitor sediment transport in the river by listening to the acoustic noise generated by particle impacts on the riverbed. However, this acoustic noise is modified by the river flow and can cause misleading information about sediment transport. This article proposes a model that corrects the measured acoustic signal. Testing the model showed that the corrected signal is better correlated with bedload flux in the river.
2024-01-11T16:42:59+01:00Stochastic properties of coastal flooding events – Part 2: Probabilistic analysis
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-105-2024
<b>Stochastic properties of coastal flooding events – Part 2: Probabilistic analysis</b><br>
Byungho Kang, Rusty A. Feagin, Thomas Huff, and Orencio Durán Vinent<br>
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 105–115, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-105-2024, 2024<br>
We provide a detailed characterization of the frequency, intensity and duration of flooding events at a site along the Texas coast. Our analysis demonstrates the suitability of relatively simple wave run-up models to estimate the frequency and intensity of coastal flooding. Our results validate and expand a probabilistic model of coastal flooding driven by wave run-up that can then be used in coastal risk management in response to sea level rise.
2024-01-10T16:42:59+01:00