ESURF - recent papers

Seasonal and inter-annual evolution of the deformation of two Arctic landslides

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:59:08 +0200

Seasonal and inter-annual evolution of the deformation of two Arctic landslides
Andreas Aspaas, Grégory Bievre, Pascal Lacroix, Nadège Langet, Juditha Aga, Ingrid Skrede, Lene Kristensen, Bernd Etzelmüller, and François Renard
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 729–761, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-729-2026, 2026
Climate change increases landslide risk in cold regions. We analyzed 12 years of GPS, borehole, water, and seismic data from two landslides in Arctic Norway, one with permafrost and one without. Both accelerate in spring and autumn due to water infiltration. One slip zone shows increasing snowmelt sensitivity while seismic data reveal seasonal stiffness changes. Results advance understanding of water-driven landslide dynamics in Arctic climates.

Fluvio-alluvial source-sink relationships at the Skeleton Coast of northern Namibia: a parametric analysis

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:59:08 +0200

Fluvio-alluvial source-sink relationships at the Skeleton Coast of northern Namibia: a parametric analysis
Joel Mohren, Janek Walk, Julian Krieger, Wolfgang Römer, Anna Nguno, and Frank Lehmkuhl
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 685–728, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-685-2026, 2026
We studied how streams and sediment systems along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast link inland sources with coastal plains where sediments are deposited. Using statistical tools, we identified distinct groups of systems with varying connection strengths. Fan gradient proved more important than climate or rock type, helping to assess how desert landscapes record past environmental change over time.

Seasonal thermo-hydro-mechanical dynamics of permafrost rockwalls revealed by automated electrical resistivity monitoring

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:59:08 +0200

Seasonal thermo-hydro-mechanical dynamics of permafrost rockwalls revealed by automated electrical resistivity monitoring
Maike Offer, Ingo Hartmeyer, Samuel Weber, Markus Keuschnig, and Michael Krautblatter
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 661–683, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-661-2026, 2026
This study presents a year-round automated electrical resistivity tomography monitoring of a steep permafrost rockwall combined with borehole temperature, anchor load and piezometer observations. The joint analysis revealed seasonal phases with enhanced mechanical forcing of rockwalls related to high hydrostatic and cryostatic pressures, which are of particular interest for understanding preconditioning of rock instabilities.

From regular to random: a unifying framework for step-pool spacing

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:59:08 +0200

From regular to random: a unifying framework for step-pool spacing
Christian M. Erikson and Jens M. Turowski
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 653–659, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-653-2026, 2026
The expected spacing of step-pool sequences has long been mired in debate, hampering stream restoration efforts. We define a continuum to evaluate the degree of regularity and randomness across step-pools from field observations, flume experiments, and numerical simulations and show that the full range is occupied without one formation mechanism dominating. Bounds related to channel hydraulics provide a way to track dynamic step spacing without assuming a mechanism.

Lift or impact: modelling bedrock incision coupled with sediment dynamics

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:59:08 +0200

Lift or impact: modelling bedrock incision coupled with sediment dynamics
Philippe Davy, Wolfgang Schwanghart, Jürgen Mey, Caroline Darcel, and Angela Landgraf
Earth Surf. Dynam., 14, 635–651, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-635-2026, 2026
The impact of sediment grains on the riverbed is a key driver of bedrock erosion yet is rarely included in studies of landscape evolution. We propose an equation to address this issue by considering the distinction between grain lift and grain impact. We solved and analysed these equations for simple cases, such as the downstream evolution of a riverbed, and implemented them in a numerical code that simulated the retreat of a knickpoint.

How ice apron loss and permafrost degradation promoted the Platteikogel rock slope failure: a thermo-mechanical reconstruction

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Valley longitudinal profiles record the fluvial landscape evolution and geological structure of the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, East Antarctica

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Sediment storage and routing in bedrock canyons

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

ImageGrains 2.0: Improved precision and generalization for grain segmentation

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Evolution of seepage driven networks in the lab

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Discrete differential geometry of fluvial landscapes

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Grain roughness controls on velocity and bed stress fields around a fully protruding obstacle in supercritical flow

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Mud volcano dynamics in Azerbaijan: the overlooked role of creeping mud flows in landscape evolution

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

From XRD signal to erosion rate maps

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Parameter estimation of river incision models of soft sedimentary rocks – a case study on the Kamikita Coastal Plain, northeast Japan

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

OrthoSAM: multi-scale extension of the Segment Anything Model for river pebble delineation from large orthophotos

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

Coastal process understanding through automated identification of recurring surface dynamics in permanent laser scanning data of a sandy beach

Fri, 08 May 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

First Alps-wide reconstruction of LGM glacial sediment transport enabled by GPU-accelerated particle tracking

Fri, 08 May 2026 21:59:08 +0200

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.

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

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:59:08 +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 21:59:08 +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.