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 Discussions en https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-601-2026 How ice apron loss and permafrost degradation promoted the Platteikogel rock slope failure: a thermo-mechanical reconstruction Felix Pfluger, Samuel Weber, Natalie Barbosa, Florentin Hofmeister, Johannes Leinauer, Peter Wegmann, and Michael Krautblatter Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 601–634, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-601-2026, 2026 The 2024 Platteikogel rock slope failure (Tyrol, Austria) highlights how cryospheric changes promote slope failure. We demonstrate how the system feedback of ice apron loss, permafrost warming,  increase in rockfall activity, and changes in groundwater conditions accelerate mechanical destabilization, and as a consequence likely peaked in the observed failure. Today, rapidly vanishing ice aprons potentially mark source zones for future rock slides. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-575-2026 Valley longitudinal profiles record the fluvial landscape evolution and geological structure of the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, East Antarctica Guy J. G. Paxman, Fiona J. Clubb, Stewart S. R. Jamieson, and Alexander L. Densmore Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 575–599, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-575-2026, 2026 This study focusses on the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, a 600 km-long mountain range that is completely hidden beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet. We look at the valley networks within the Gamburtsevs and use these to understand how the mountains formed. Our main findings are that the valleys were first cut by rivers that existed before Antarctica was glaciated, the shape of the valleys is affected by the bedrock geology, and the mountains are probably younger than previously thought. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-553-2026 Sediment storage and routing in bedrock canyons Chloe B. A. Ross, Julia C. Carr, Jeff E. Larimer, Max Hurson, Leonard S. Sklar, Morgan Wright, Nick Viner, and Jeremy G. Venditti Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 553–573, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-553-2026, 2026 Sediment cover in bedrock rivers can protect or expose bedrock to incision, yet little is known about sediment storage dynamics in deep canyons since it is difficult to observe the bed. We use repeat bed surveys to identify changes in storage, observing vertical changes up to 15 m. Local flow and channel shape determine where storage occurs, yet storage can vary plenty over a single footprint. The location and timing of sediment inputs to the river influence whether storage is gained or lost. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-527-2026 ImageGrains 2.0: Improved precision and generalization for grain segmentation David Mair, Guillaume Witz, Ariel Do Prado, Philippos Garefalakis, Amanda Wild, Fanny Ville, Bennet Schuster, Michael Horn, Jürgen Österle, Stefano C. Fabbri, Camille Litty, Stefan Achleitner, Sebastian Leistner, Clemens Hiller, and Fritz Schlunegger Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 527–551, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-527-2026, 2026 This study introduces an updated image analysis framework for automatically identifying and measuring sediment grains in various types of images and scans. We employ a high-performing segmentation approach for a wide range of geoscientific data, using carefully curated ground truth data. The method achieves higher accuracy and more consistent measurements than existing approaches. The data and algorithm are openly available and provided in a user-friendly way. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-517-2026 Evolution of seepage driven networks in the lab Céleste Romon, Eric Lajeunesse, and François Métivier Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 517–525, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-517-2026, 2026 When groundwater emerges at the surface with sufficient force, it erodes the landscape and forms river networks. We reproduce this process in laboratory experiments to investigate the interplay between network growth and the resulting modification of surrounding groundwater flow. We present a numerical method which reconstructs the groundwater flow in the experimental aquifer. We find that groundwater converges toward channel tips, explaining why network growth occurs preferentially at the tips. Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-493-2026 Discrete differential geometry of fluvial landscapes Nathaniel Klema, Leif Karlstrom, and Joshua Roering Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 493–515, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-493-2026, 2026 Geomorphology is built on process models that take topographic geometry as inputs. However, many studies calculate these metrics on 2-D projections of topography rather than on true surfaces in 3-D space. In this work we apply classical surface theory to fluvial topography of the Oregon Coast Range, USA. This formal approach improves the accuracy of geometry calculations, extracts more information than standard methods, and sheds light on the organizational structure of landscapes. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-469-2026 Grain roughness controls on velocity and bed stress fields around a fully protruding obstacle in supercritical flow Angel Monsalve and Oscar Link Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 469–491, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-469-2026, 2026 Mountain rivers create fast-flowing water that behaves differently around obstacles compared to slower flows. We used computer simulations and digital bed representation to study how rough riverbeds affect water flow. Our research shows individual grains completely change water movement, creating chaotic patterns instead of organized flows. This makes forces on riverbeds much more variable than previously thought, important for understanding how mountain rivers shape landscapes. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-433-2026 Mud volcano dynamics in Azerbaijan: the overlooked role of creeping mud flows in landscape evolution Caroline Fenske, Petr Brož, and Adriano Mazzini Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 433–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-433-2026, 2026 Azerbaijan hosts the world's highest concentration of mud volcanoes, some producing kilometre-scale mud flows. These flows were long thought to form only during major eruptions, but this study shows many instead move slowly over time, similar to glaciers. Using satellite images and field observations, we found 19 volcanoes with measurable creeping, moving a few to tens of metres per decade. While often remote, some flows may threaten nearby infrastructure, highlighting the need for monitoring. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-443-2026 From XRD signal to erosion rate maps Fien De Doncker, Frédéric Herman, Bruno Belotti, and Thierry Adatte Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 443–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-443-2026, 2026 Sediments carried by rivers can damage infrastructure, affect ecosystems, and alter landscapes, yet it is often unclear where these sediments come from, especially in regions hidden beneath ice. We developed a simple way to trace their origins by shining X-rays on crushed rocks and sediments. The resulting X-ray signals act like fingerprints that can be matched to source rocks, revealing where sediments come from and allowing us to map erosion across landscapes. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-417-2026 Parameter estimation of river incision models of soft sedimentary rocks – a case study on the Kamikita Coastal Plain, northeast Japan Shizuka Takai, Tomoji Sanga, Taro Shimada, and Seiji Takeda Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 417–432, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-417-2026, 2026 We estimated bedrock river incision parameters for soft sedimentary rock which were lacking in previous global compilations. In the Kamikita Coastal Plain, Japan, the slope exponent was greater than one (i.e., non-linearity of the incision process), which can be explained by past sea-level changes. The estimated erosion coefficient was almost agreed with the global relationship between unconfined compressive strength, supporting the significant influences of bedrock lithology on the coefficient. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-391-2026 OrthoSAM: multi-scale extension of the Segment Anything Model for river pebble delineation from large orthophotos Vito Chan, Aljoscha Rheinwalt, and Bodo Bookhagen Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 391–416, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-391-2026, 2026 OrthoSAM is a new method that uses Segment Anything Model (SAM) to automatically identify and outline individual pebbles in high-resolution aerial images. OrthoSAM divides large photos into smaller sections that SAM can process effectively, and it improves the way to tell SAM where to look for objects. It uses a multi-resolution approach to handle different sizes, and it can be used to determine the distribution. Tests with computer-generated images and field data show that it is very precise. Tue, 12 May 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-329-2026 Coastal process understanding through automated identification of recurring surface dynamics in permanent laser scanning data of a sandy beach Daan Hulskemper, José A. Á. Antolínez, Roderik Lindenbergh, and Katharina Anders Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 329–359, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-329-2026, 2026 We developed a new method to automatically detect and group short-term topographic changes on sandy beaches using hourly 3D laser scans collected over three years. By distinguishing variations in patterns of sand deposition and erosion, the approach allows scientists to study how beaches change at different moments in time and link these changes to environmental conditions like winds, waves or bulldozers, improving understanding and prediction of dynamics of sandy beaches. Fri, 08 May 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-361-2026 First Alps-wide reconstruction of LGM glacial sediment transport enabled by GPU-accelerated particle tracking Tancrède P. M. Leger, Guillaume Jouvet, Sarah Kamleitner, Brandon D. Finley, Maxime Bernard, Balthazar Allegri, Frédéric Herman, Andreas Vieli, Andreas Henz, and Samuel U. Nussbaumer Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 361–389, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-361-2026, 2026 This study reconstructs for the first time the transport-pathways of sediments by glaciers during the last glaciation of the European Alps, 24000 years ago. This helps us understand how the European Alps were shaped by past glaciations and helps us better constrain the mechanisms of iceflow, glacier erosion and the movement of large sediment masses by ice.  This breakthrough is achieved by coupling a smart particle-tracking algorithm to a machine-learning-enhanced glacier evolution model. Fri, 08 May 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-313-2026 An integrated deep learning framework enables rapid spatiotemporal morphodynamic predictions toward long-term simulations Mohamed M. Fathi, Zihan Liu, Anjali M. Fernandes, Michael T. Hren, Dennis O. Terry Jr., C. Nataraj, and Virginia Smith Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 313–327, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-313-2026, 2026 Understanding and predicting the evolution of river landscapes is critical for effective river management. Traditional physics-based morphodynamic models, while accurate, are computationally intensive and often impractical for long-term applications. This study presents a robust deep learning framework, which was designed to overcome the computational limitations by enabling rapid and reliable predictions of hydrodynamic and sediment transport behaviors. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-291-2026 TerraceM-3: integrating machine learning and ICESat-2 altimetry to estimate deformation rates from wave-abrasion terraces Julius Jara-Muñoz, Jürgen Mey, Roland Freisleben, Daniel Melnick, Markus Weiss, Patricio Winckler, Chrystelle Mavoungou, and Manfred R. Strecker Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 291–311, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-291-2026, 2026 Coastal areas are vulnerable to sea-level rise and earthquakes. Understanding past changes requires precise deformation estimates. Marine terraces record sea-level and tectonic histories but mapping them has relied on subjective criteria. TerraceM-3 introduces standardized workflows and a machine-learning-based approach that, combined with ICESat-2 altimetry, enhances the accuracy and reproducibility of marine terrace mapping. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:48:52 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-269-2026 Experimental study of time-averaged flow and turbulence over asymmetric tidal dunes Kevin Bobiles, Bernhard Kondziella, Christina Carstensen, Elda Miramontes, Ingrid Holzwarth, and Alice Lefebvre Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 269–289, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-269-2026, 2026 This study examines how the shape of tidal dunes influences flow and turbulence under reversing currents, simulating tidal conditions in a large flume. We show that dune slope properties significantly affect flow patterns, especially the presence and size of intermittent or permanent flow separation and turbulent wake. The results highlight the key role of dune morphology in shaping flow dynamics, with implications for sediment transport and coastal morphodynamics. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:48:52 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-247-2026 Limited influence of bedrock strength on river profiles: the dominant role of sediment dynamics Nanako Yamanishi and Hajime Naruse Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 247–268, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-247-2026, 2026 Bedrock strength in bedrock river is often seen as controlling incision rates and river profiles, natural changes in rock type do not always match slope changes. In the Abukuma River basin, Japan, we measured bedrock strength and despite large strength differences, slopes were nearly uniform. Numerical tests showed that the model, which includes sediment cover and erosion effects, best explained river profiles. Thus, sediment plays a greater role than bedrock strength in shaping river profiles. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:48:52 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-233-2026 Spatiotemporal dynamics of Sentinel-2 NDVI as indicators of bio-hydromorphological interactions: implications for river management Yuexia Zhou, Yuji Toda, and Runye Zhu Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 233–246, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-233-2026, 2026 We analyzed ten years of satellite images of the Chikuma River in Japan to track how riparian vegetation respond to floods and relative elevation. Greenness dropped most at low elevations after floods, while higher areas stayed relatively stable. Growth followed a clear late-summer peak. These findings show when and where vegetation control can best improve flow capacity and reduce flood risk, supporting practical river management. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:48:52 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-211-2026 Discriminating fluvial fans and deltas: channel network morphometrics reflect distinct formative processes Luke Gezovich, Piret Plink-Björklund, and Jack Henry Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 211–231, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-211-2026, 2026 Fluvial fans are a newly recognized type of river system that look like river deltas, especially when they reach lakes or oceans. This study explores how to tell them apart by measuring the size and layout of channels in these fan-shaped landforms. Understanding these differences helps to predict how these landforms respond to climate change and urbanization, and to identify them on Mars and other planetary bodies. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:48:52 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-191-2026 New experiments to probe the role of fractures in bedrock on river erosion rate and processes Marion Fournereau, Laure Guerit, Philippe Steer, Jean-Jacques Kermarrec, Paul Leroy, Christophe Lanos, Hélène Hivert, Claire Astrié, and Dimitri Lague Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 191–210, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-191-2026, 2026 River bedrock erosion can occur by abrasion and by the removal of entire blocks. We observe that when there is no or few fractures most erosion occurs by abrasion, whereas with more fractures, blocks can be removed at once leading to different patterns of erosion and riverbed morphology. Fractures affect barely mean erosion rate but change the location and occurrence of block removal. Our results highlight how river bedrock properties influence erosion processes and thus landscape evolution. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:48:52 +0100