ESURF - recent papers

An integrated deep learning framework enables rapid spatiotemporal morphodynamic predictions toward long-term simulations

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:37:34 +0200

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.

TerraceM-3: integrating machine learning and ICESat-2 altimetry to estimate deformation rates from wave-abrasion terraces

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:37:34 +0200

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.

Experimental study of time-averaged flow and turbulence over asymmetric tidal dunes

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:37:34 +0100

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.

Limited influence of bedrock strength on river profiles: the dominant role of sediment dynamics

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:37:34 +0100

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.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Sentinel-2 NDVI as indicators of bio-hydromorphological interactions: implications for river management

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:37:34 +0100

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.

Discriminating fluvial fans and deltas: channel network morphometrics reflect distinct formative processes

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:37:34 +0100

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.

New experiments to probe the role of fractures in bedrock on river erosion rate and processes

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:37:34 +0100

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.

New outdoor experimental river facility to study river dynamics

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:37:34 +0100

New outdoor experimental river facility to study river dynamics
Basem M. M. Mahmoud, Emily Dickson, André Renault, Mélanie Trudel, Pascale M. Biron, Leonard S. Sklar, and Jay Lacey
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 175–190, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-175-2026, 2026
Herein, we introduce a new large outdoor river research facility to study how rivers change shape at near-real scales. Initial experiments on a straight channel resulted in little bank erosion even when the flow was perturbed by the placement of an in-channel artificial bar/pool. The results point to a narrow operational window for bar growth and bank mobility which informs on the initial conditions of future bank erosion experiments.

A numerical model for duricrust formation by laterisation

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:37:34 +0100

A numerical model for duricrust formation by laterisation
Caroline Fenske, Jean Braun, Cécile Robin, and François Guillocheau
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 141–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-141-2026, 2026
Duricrusts have contributed valuable insight to the evolving field of regolith science over the past two centuries. These mineral-rich layers occur in diverse settings, from hilltops to valley floors, and are thought to form through two main processes. In 2025, we introduced the first numerical model for the hydrological hypothesis; now, we present a complementary model based on laterisation. This framework simulates both the development of duricrusts and their impact on landscape evolution.

At-a-site and between-site variability of bedload transport, inferred from continuous surrogate monitoring, and comparison to predictive equations

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:37:34 +0100

At-a-site and between-site variability of bedload transport, inferred from continuous surrogate monitoring, and comparison to predictive equations
Dieter Rickenmann
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 115–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-115-2026, 2026
Field measurements of the bedload flux with a high temporal resolution in several Swiss mountain streams were used to analyse the transport variability. The measurements were analysed for short-term transport events typically covering a duration of a few weeks and by considering multi-year annual transport totals. The findings show substantial variability both within and across sites, likely reflecting the influence of sediment availability, stream slope, streambed texture and flow history.

Investigating controls on fluvial grain sizes in post-glacial landscapes using citizen science

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:37:34 +0100

Investigating controls on fluvial grain sizes in post-glacial landscapes using citizen science
Anya H. Towers, Mikael Attal, Simon M. Mudd, and Fiona J. Clubb
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 95–113, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-95-2026, 2026
We explore controls on channel sediment characteristics in post-glacial landscapes. In contrast to other studies that have focused on landscapes with little glacial influence, we find no apparent controls. We propose that Scotland's post-glacial legacy drives the lack of sedimentological trends, and that changes in landscape morphology and sediment sources caused by glacial processes lead to a decoupling between fluvial sediment grain size and environmental variables.

Short Communication: The need for open-source hardware, software, and data-sharing specifications in geomorphology

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:37:34 +0100

Short Communication: The need for open-source hardware, software, and data-sharing specifications in geomorphology
Andrew J. Moodie, Eric Barefoot, Eric Hutton, Charles Nguyen, Andrew D. Wickert, and Jeffrey Marr
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 85–94, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-85-2026, 2026
Geomorphologists have more data and computational resources available than ever before, but lack tools to facilitate collaborations needed to integrate data from different modes of study (e.g., field, experimental, modeling). In this article, we discuss challenges to collaboration in geomorphology, and report a new schema for sharing data. The sandsuet schema is designed to accommodate most kinds of rasterized geomorphology data, and makes it easy to package, publish, and share those data.

On the testing of grain shape corrections to bedload transport equations with grain-resolved numerical simulations

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:37:34 +0100

On the testing of grain shape corrections to bedload transport equations with grain-resolved numerical simulations
Yulan Chen, Orencio Durán, and Thomas Pähtz
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 75–83, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-75-2026, 2026
Bedload transport occurs when a sufficiently strong flow of fluid shears a bed of loose sedimentary grains of millimeter or larger size. Here, we show that a recently proposed artificial numerical method to alter fluid-particle interactions in grain-resolved numerical bedload simulations is physically unrealistic. We conclude, supported by independent modeling, that data created using this method, unlike previously claimed, does not resolve the issue of grain shape effects on bedload transport.

Safeguarding Cultural Heritage: Integrating laser scanning, InSAR, vibration monitoring and rockfall/granular flow runout modelling at the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:37:34 +0100

Safeguarding Cultural Heritage: Integrating laser scanning, InSAR, vibration monitoring and rockfall/granular flow runout modelling at the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt
Benjamin Jacobs, Mohamed Ismael, Mostafa Ezzy, Markus Keuschnig, Alexander Mendler, Johanna Kieser, Michael Krautblatter, Christian U. Grosse, and Hany Helal
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 55–74, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-55-2026, 2026
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is one of Egypt's key heritage sites but is potentially threatened by rockfalls from a 100 m high limestone cliff. We transferred established monitoring techniques from alpine environments to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and evaluated their performance in a historically sensitive desert environment. Our study presents the first evidence-based event and impact analysis of rockfalls at the Temple of Hatshepsut, providing vital data for future risk assessment.

Quantifying erosion in a pre-Alpine catchment at high resolution with concentrations of cosmogenic 10Be, 26Al, and 14C

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:37:34 +0100

Quantifying erosion in a pre-Alpine catchment at high resolution with concentrations of cosmogenic 10Be, 26Al, and 14C
Chantal Schmidt, David Mair, Naki Akçar, Marcus Christl, Negar Haghipour, Christof Vockenhuber, Philip Gautschi, Brian McArdell, and Fritz Schlunegger
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 33–53, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-33-2026, 2026
Our study examines erosion in a small, pre-Alpine basin by using cosmogenic nuclides in river sediments. Based on a dense measuring network we were able to distinguish two main zones: an upper zone with slow erosion of surface material, and a steeper, lower zone where faster erosion is driven by landslides. The data suggests that sediment has been constantly produced over thousands of years, indicating a stable, long-term balance between contrasting erosion processes.

Cirque-like alcoves in the northern mid-latitudes of Mars as evidence of glacial erosion

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:37:34 +0100

Cirque-like alcoves in the northern mid-latitudes of Mars as evidence of glacial erosion
An Y. Li, Michelle R. Koutnik, Stephen Brough, Matteo Spagnolo, and Iestyn Barr
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 1–31, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-1-2026, 2026
Many alcoves on Mars resemble glacial cirques on Earth. While some contain glacier-like forms, many do not, and they have never been studied at a large scale. We mapped ~2,000 alcoves in Deuteronilus Mensae and identified 435 as "cirque-like." These show geomorphic signs of past glaciation and mainly face south–southeast, implying ice accumulation during high obliquity. Further research is needed to confirm the style of glaciation as either warm-based or cold-based.

An extrapolation algorithm for estimating river bed grain size distributions across basins

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:37:34 +0100

An extrapolation algorithm for estimating river bed grain size distributions across basins
Jordan T. Gilbert
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 1307–1317, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1307-2025, 2025
Characterizing the grain size of river sediments is necessary for estimating sediment transport rates in rivers. In order to understand sediment transport at large spatial scales, grain size information across river basins is needed, but methods for accomplishing this are limited. Here, I introduce a new method for using measurements of grain size in discrete locations to estimate full grain size distributions across entire watersheds.

Variation of sediment supply by periglacial debris flows at Zelunglung in the eastern syntaxis of Himalayas since the 1950 Assam Earthquake

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:37:34 +0100

Variation of sediment supply by periglacial debris flows at Zelunglung in the eastern syntaxis of Himalayas since the 1950 Assam Earthquake
Kaiheng Hu, Hao Li, Shuang Liu, Li Wei, Xiaopeng Zhang, Limin Zhang, Bo Zhang, and Manish Raj Gouli
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 1281–1305, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1281-2025, 2025
This paper shows how glacier-related sediment supply changes in response to earthquakes and climate warming at a catchment in the eastern Himalayas using several decades of aerial imagery and high-resolution UAV data. The results highlight the importance of debris-flow-driven extreme sediment delivery on landscape change in High Mountain Asia that have undergone substantial climate warming. This study is helpful for a better understanding of future risk of periglacial debris flows.

Reconstructing landscapes: an adjoint model of the stream power and diffusion erosion equation

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:37:34 +0100

Reconstructing landscapes: an adjoint model of the stream power and diffusion erosion equation
Carole Petit, Anthony Jourdon, and Nicolas Coltice
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 1263–1280, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1263-2025, 2025
We usually simulate how landscapes evolve by starting from an imaginary situation in the past, and applying physical laws to simulate the effect of erosion and tectonics. Here, we reverse the approach: starting from today's landscape, we work backwards to find out how it has evolved. Using a simple physical description of erosive and tectonic processes, we can infer which areas are more sensitive to erosion, or how the landscape looked like before erosion, or how fast it has been uplifting.

Improving a multi-grain-size total sediment load model through a new standardized reference shear stress for incipient motion and an adjusted saltation height description

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:37:34 +0100

Improving a multi-grain-size total sediment load model through a new standardized reference shear stress for incipient motion and an adjusted saltation height description
Marine Le Minor, Dimitri Lague, Jamie Howarth, and Philippe Davy
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 1229–1248, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1229-2025, 2025
In natural rivers, flow variability and sediment heterogeneity affect how sediment grains are transported. A unique law that predicts the total amount of sediment transportable by a river for a wide range of sediment mixtures and flow conditions exists, but unclear trends remain. Two improvements to this law – a standardized onset of sediment transport and a common reference transport height across all sizes – appear to be critical to having a functional multi-grain-size total sediment load.