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Atolls islands are biogenic landforms that are intrinsically capable of adjusting their size, position, and elevation to changing sea levels. The vulnerability of atoll islands to sea level rise is not intrinsically due to their low elevation but primarily due to the loss of their island building capacity. The geophysical processes that control atoll island accretion are being impacted on global and local scales. Protecting and restoring the natural geophysical processes of atoll island accretion through local conservation actions is key to unlocking nature-based opportunities for enhancing atoll resilience to global change. Atoll islands are often perceived as inevitably lost due to rising sea levels. However, unlike other islands, atoll islands are dynamic landforms that have evolved, at least historically, to vertically accrete at a pace commensurate with changing sea levels. Rather than atoll islands' low elevation per se , the impairment of natural accretion processes is jeopardising their persistence. While global marine impacts are deteriorating coral reefs, local impacts also significantly affect accretion, together potentially tipping the scales toward atoll island erosion. Maintaining atoll island accretion requires intact sediment generation on coral reefs, unobstructed sediment transport from reef to island, and available vegetated deposition sites on the island. Ensuring the persistence of atoll islands must include global greenhouse gas emission reduction and local restoration of accretion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The overall impact of all the large dam-reservoir systems on the sediment fluxes at the delta scale was quantified. • Long-term datasets of daily water discharges and suspended sediment concentrations were analyzed. • The Red River system experienced two notable declines in sediment load in 1988 and 2009. • The annual sediment load has dramatically decreased by about 91% from the 1950s to 2021. • The decrease in sediment load is mainly attributable to a series of dam-reservoirs operating upstream. The sediment regime of the Red River system, the second largest in Vietnam, has undergone changes since the implementation of dams and reservoirs, with implications for downstream river processes. We analyzed long-term datasets of daily discharge and suspended sediment concentrations collected at key gauging stations downstream of the three main tributaries: HB on the Da River, YB on the Red River (main channel), VQ on the Lo River, and ST, the outlet of the Red River system. The results indicated a sharp reduction in the annual sediment load transported by the Red River system, as observed at the four stations. For example, at the ST station, there was a dramatic decline of 91% in sediment load, dropping from 117.9 × 106 ton/yr in the period 2009–2021 to 10.5 × 106 ton/yr in the period 1958–1987. The Red River system experienced two notable declines in sediment load. The first decline occurred from 1988 to 2008, which can be attributed to the commencement of Hoa Binh dam's operation in 1988. The second decline has taken place since 2009, coinciding with the utilization of new dam-reservoirs. Meanwhile, an abrupt change in water discharge was observed clearly since the end of 2008 at all four stations. However, the reductions in water discharges were found to be less pronounced when compared to the sediment budget. Based on our analysis, we concluded that the impacts of dam-reservoirs have had a more substantial influence on the system compared to variations in climate, such as air temperature and precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reveals the morphological transformations of a deep-water channel system within the Rakhine Basin in the northeastern Bay of Bengal through a comprehensive analysis of high-resolution 3D seismic data integrated with drilling logs. Employing the "source-channel-sink" paradigm, this investigation examined the impact of various factors, including tectonic transformations, sediment influx, slope dynamics, climatic changes, and relative sea-level fluctuations, on the evolutionary trajectory of these channel systems. Applying precise time-slicing techniques integrating root-mean-square amplitude attributes, coherent amplitude attributes, and horizontal amplitudes on seismic profiles, this investigation recognized three distinct stages in the evolution of channel-levee complexes (CLCs): the Middle Miocene erosional deep-water channel-levee complex (CLC-1), the Pliocene erosional-depositional deep-water channel-levee complex (CLC-2), and the Pleistocene depositional deep-water channel-levee complex (CLC-3). Comparative analysis revealed that the CLC-3 exhibits unique characteristics, including shallower channel depth (D), wider channel width (W C), extensive U-shaped cross-sectional area (S), broader natural levee width (W L) and height (H), and the highest tortuosity coefficient (L C /L S) when contrasted with the other two CLCs. Furthermore, this study substantiated how tectonic processes, primarily the collision between the Indo-Eurasian plates, resulting in the Himalayan and Indo-Burma Range orogenies, have shaped the region's geological and climatic framework, thereby influencing monsoon circulation and precipitation patterns, which in turn augmented detrital material influx into the basin. Moreover, this tectonic collision has led to gradual changes in the slope gradient of the Rakhine Basin and its deep-water areas, impacting internal flow velocities and channel curvature, thus governing deep-water channel systems' development and spatial distribution. Also, episodic sea level fluctuations were identified as significant contributors to sediment transport from shelves to deep-water regions and sediment deposit reworking. Overall, this study underscores the role of tectonic changes after the Eocene in driving the evolutionary dynamics of the deep-water channel system within the Rakhine Basin, Myanmar. [Display omitted] • Indo-Eurasian plate collision shaped the deep-water channel systems in the Rakhine Basin. • 3D seismic data reveals three evolutionary stages in these deep-water channel systems. • Pleistocene depositional channel-levee complex exhibits unique physical characteristics. • Tectonically affected slope dynamics have directed the channels' evolutionary dynamics. • Episodic sea level fluctuations have also supported these morphological transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holocene sedimentary history of the Turbio River valley in semi-arid north-central Chile and its relationship to climate variability is presented in this study. Fluvial landforms and sedimentary deposits serve as essential records for studying the long-term dynamics of fluvial systems in response to external factors such as tectonic and climatic influences. The study area, located in the Andean Mountain range, is highly sensitive to hydrodynamic changes and sediment transport processes, making it suitable for studying fluvial dynamics and their relationship to climate fluctuations over millennia. In particular, the transitional semi-arid conditions of this region provide an opportunity to link Holocene fluvial sediments to climatic shifts. This study presents the analysis of well-preserved sedimentary deposits that outcrop along the valley walls, including grain-size distribution, stratigraphy, geochemical composition and radiocarbon dating to establish the chronological context. Facies association analysis, along with geochemical data, allowed the interpretation of depositional sub-environments and their evolution through time. We interpret the Holocene sedimentary evolution for the Turbio River valley as six time periods that reflect shifts in sediment source, energy regime, flow types, and sedimentary processes linked to fluctuations between wet and dry climatic conditions. The sedimentary sequence is interpreted as reflecting an initial high-energy period with continuous surface runoff followed by two periods of formation of extensive lakes, likely separated by periods of runoff intensification. The later part of the sequence reflects a more stable fluvial landscape that led to the excavation of the sedimentary fill. This sedimentary record provides valuable insights into past climate variations and their impact on the hydrodynamic conditions of the fluvial system in the region. Comparisons with other regional records support a broader understanding of climate change in the semi-arid Andes of Chile. • Rio Turbio sedimentary record is studied to reconstruct Holocene river dynamics. • Fluctuations in fluvial processes are related to alternating wet and dry periods. • A new model explains how the river evolved in response to Holocene climate variations. • Fluvial record provide valuable insights into past climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the most disruptive effects of climate change are projected to be felt along the coastlines. The combined effects of future changes in water levels and wave climate along coastal areas constitute one of the most serious threats to their sustainable evolution, compromising critical infrastructures, resources, ecosystems, and communities. Understanding long-term changes in coastal areas remains challenging, however, due to their multivariate and multi-time-and-space-scale nature. In this study, we propose an innovative methodology for a complete vulnerability assessment of sandy low-lying coastal areas, based on dynamic, ensemble-based projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). In the current Part I study, the effects of sea level rise (SLR) and nearshore wave climate changes on future shoreline evolution are assessed at five key-locations along the Portuguese coastline. Longshore sediment transport (LST) projections are computed, and sedimentary imbalances are quantified. Overall, robust shoreline retreat of up to 300 m is projected, especially along the Portuguese northern and central coastal areas, with continued erosion driven mainly by sediment imbalance and SLR. The projected decrease in future nearshore wave energy is responsible for a slight alleviation in erosion trends, up to 6.33%, whereas the increase of northerly incoming waves is expected to lead to northward beach rotations along western Mainland Portugal. The resulting shoreline evolution, responsible for the loss of up to 0.786 km2 of dry land by 2100 along the 14 km of analysed coastline, is projected to threaten several Portuguese urban areas, calling for the implementation of adequate coastal management and adaptation plans, to reduce the impacts of climate change on population, infrastructures, livelihood, and ecosystems. • An innovative methodology for a coastal vulnerability assessment is proposed. • Impact of SLR and wave climate changes on future shoreline evolution are assessed. • Robust shoreline retreat up to 300 m is projected along the Portuguese coastlines. • Shoreline evolution is responsible for loss of up to 0.786 km2 of dry land by 2100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Decrease of suspended sediment transport in the Mediterranean over the last century. • Time series reconstruction using artificial intelligence. • Crucial role of climate change in the regulation of suspended sediment transport. • Secondary influences of the anthropic impact. The analysis of suspended sediment transport and of its variations over time is crucial for understanding environmental evolution and it is the key to future challenges caused by current global warming. The Mediterranean area is a hot spot for global changes, and the variation of precipitation amount and intensity will modify the environment of this region. In this work, we analyse the time series of suspended sediment transport of two rivers located in central Italy by using statistical and artificial intelligence techniques. Our study aims to re-analyze time series of suspended sediment transport, in order to demonstrate that climate change is responsible for the substantial decrease in the amount of sediment over the past century, in relation to the atmospheric teleconnections of the North Atlantic. Anthropic pressures like reforestation, land use change, and dam building have influenced the sediment transport capacity of rivers, causing a reduction of sediment concentration in water. These results are key factors to determine the future management of the Mediterranean areas, where the future scenarios predict a greater drop in yearly precipitation, and therefore a possible further decrease in the sediment transport capacity of the rivers, with major consequences for coastal and fluvial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated climate change impact on water flows and nutrient loads to surface water bodies in Lithuania by applying the SWAT model. Seven RCM and GCM combinations were selected and RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change representative concentration pathways were selected for the study. The study concluded that an annual and winter increase in most river water flows are expected. The change will be driven by rising precipitation, mainly in the regions where it is already high. Less snow would result in less surface runoff, substituted by increased lateral and groundwater flows because of more water percolating through the soils. As a result, water flows could be expected to increase by 9.7% for RCP4.5 and by 35.4% for the RCP8.5 climate scenario by the end-century. Whereas sediment transport and phosphorus loads would tend to decline a little bit (median results are -11.4% and -5.6% respectively for the RCP4.5 scenario, -13.3% and -7.4% for the RCP8.5 by the end of century). Conversely, temperature driven nutrient mineralization and increased leaching are expected to cause a significant increase in nitrogen loads (by 23.1% for the RCP4.5 scenario and by 64.4% for the RCP8.5 by the end of century). Overall, it could be concluded that climate change related hydrometeorological and water quality changes were found to be the most profound for the end-century RCP8.5 climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A strong signal of reduced winter conditions i.e. duration, snow accumulation and frost days. • Hydroclimatic regime shift alters the sediment flux seasonality in near future. • Thaw-seasons have important role controlling the annual sediment flux. Climate change alters high latitude hydrological cycle by diminishing the snow accumulation and spring flood magnitude, and by altering temperature and rainfall finally leading to hydroclimatic regime shift from snow-dominated to rain-dominated. These changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and discharge strongly influence geomorphological processes in fluvial environments, leading to alterations in sediment transport, erosion, accumulation, and landscape changes. We conducted comprehensive analysis of hydroclimatic trends and shifts on boreal Oulanka River system, spanning over the past five decades. A strong signal of warming temperatures (+0.61 Celsius/decade), reduced winter conditions and warmer summers (+0.41 Celsius/decade) was detected. The spring flood magnitude diminished 7 %, but high discharge peaks (Q > annual p90m3/s) during other seasons increased 22 % together with 28 % increase of annual minimum discharge. Simultaneously, precipitation intensity increased during summer. The meander migration rate (mean 0.89 or 2.55 m/year) and bank erosion volume were interconnected to ground frost, high snow sum, high discharge, and high-water level during spring flood, but no significant long-term trends were observed. Our findings underscore that climate is the first-order control on fluvial geomorphology and emphasizes the complex interplay between various hydrological and climatic factors that shape the dynamics of river systems. Based on the results, we expect to see changes in the spatial–temporal distribution of high latitude rivers sediment flux in future. In addition, more attention should be addressed to the thaw seasons controlling the sediment transport, as majority of the observed shifts took place in these months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water erosion, a notorious major threat to food security and ecosystem sustainability, is strongly conditioned by spatial and temporal scale effects. This paper systematically reviews the scale issues in runoff and sediment delivery (SIRSD) as a research field by integrating the traditional review approach and bibliometric analysis. This review summarises SIRSD's roots and the scale effect on runoff and sediment delivery. Then, we provide quantitative insights into the SIRSD domain's development history, thematic structure, geographic distribution, international cooperation, and methodologies. Findings show that: i) SIRSD arises from the gap between the non-linearity of runoff and sediment delivery across scales and our ability to measure it. Point-based and short-term measurements cannot capture the non-linearities from the spatio-temporal heterogeneities and cross-scale interactions of factors or processes. ii) Previous literature provides evidence that the spatial scaling of specific runoff (r), soil erosion (SE), sediment yield (SSY), or sediment delivery ratio (SDR) with drainage area (A) or slope length (L) exhibits contrasting patterns due to distinct mechanisms. Infiltration-excess and saturation-excess processes account for inverse and positive r - A relations, respectively. Interrill-erosion and rill-erosion cause inverse and positive SE-L relations. Hillslope-erosion and channel/bank-erosion explain inverse and positive SSY-A relations. Downstream increasing deposition and additional sediment inputs drive inverse and positive SDR-A relations. These scaling relationships can be nonlinear or complex due to spatial heterogeneities in land use, vegetation, topography, climate, lithology, and soil characteristics. Hence, applying an empirical scaling equation developed from the region with distinct environmental contexts is not recommended. Furthermore, the existing scaling patterns or equations may require updating given global climate and land use change. iii) SIRSD is a complex and multidisciplinary issue investigated by scientists from 93 countries since 1928. International research has substantially facilitated the understanding of SIRSD; still, more collaboration should focus on less-developed countries with high soil and water loss risks and urgent conservation needs, such as those in Africa and South America under cropland expansion. iv) Scale mismatch and scale break have discredited large-scale erosion and sediment assessments. Incorporating gully and bank erosion into modelling, extending the scale range of the L factor, and expanding the sediment scaling scope from watershed to slope may make a difference. Therefore, more research with nested design incorporating multiple scales is necessary for cross-scale analysis and scalable modelling. Addressing global climate change requires improving real-time urban flood forecasting and integrating downscaled climate models with hydrology, erosion, and sediment transport models. • A bibliometric review of the global SIRSD research for the first time. • SIRSD is rooted in the gap between natural nonlinearity and our measuring ability. • Scaling of specific runoff, erosion, sediment yield, and SDR has diverse patterns. • Scale mismatch and scale break discredit large-scale modelling and assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Cenozoic changes in the intensity of the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) are reconstructed using both terrestrial and marine proxy records; however, proxies from terrestrial (e.g., loess, pollen, and pedogenic isotopes) and marine environments (e.g., foraminifer assemblages and geochemistry) commonly display large discrepancies both in the direction and timing of changes in the EASM. In part, these discrepancies reflect long-term changes in paleogeography that are independent of climate variations. We assess the influence of a rapidly uplifting orogen on EASM records by comparing temporally constrained gamma-ray, δ13C org , hematite/goethite, and magnetic susceptibility records from Late Miocene–Early Pleistocene strata of the Taiwan Western Foreland Basin to time-equivalent EASM proxy records in the South China Sea (SCS). Prior to the emergence of modern Taiwan (∼6.3–5.4 Ma), sediment in the SCS was largely derived from Eurasia and transported into the Pacific Ocean. Following its emergence and southwest migration of the collision zone ∼5.4 Ma, proto-Taiwan became a major sediment source to the SCS. The uplift and southwest migration of Taiwan and northwest migration of the Luzon volcanic arc resulted in the formation of southwest-flowing deep- (1500–2500 m water depth) and bottom-water (>2500 m water depth) currents and the SCS Branch of the Kuroshio Current. Together these currents transported sediment from Taiwan towards the SCS. Increased sediment input from Taiwan is recorded as a decline in hematite/goethite values in sediment records from the northern and central SCS. By ∼3.2 Ma, continued southwest migration and growth of the Taiwan orogen resulted in the formation of the Taiwan Warm Current, which remobilized some sediment from Taiwan towards the East China Sea. Despite strengthening of deep-water currents during the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene, relative sediment input from Taiwan to the wider SCS decreased. Consequently, relative contributions from Eurasia and Luzon increased. In the southern SCS, where the Mekong River has dominated sedimentation since the Late Miocene, proxy records show no influence from the Taiwan orogen and instead reflect environmental changes in Mainland Southeast Asia driven mainly by monsoon variability. Our results show that a rapidly uplifting orogen has the potential to significantly impact paleoclimate records >1000 km away from the collision zone. This highlights the influence of shifting sediment sources on paleoclimate proxy records, which must be considered in interpreting past climate change from the sedimentary record. • Taiwan orogenesis is linked to South China Sea climate proxies. • Rapid orogenesis can drive shifts in sediment source and ocean currents. • Tectonic activity is the dominant control on proxies prior to ∼3 Ma. • After ∼3 Ma, proxies reflect enhanced monsoon strength related to glaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thar Desert is a major sediment depocenter located in southwestern Asia and bordering the Indus drainage system to its east. It is unclear where the sediment that built the desert is coming from, and when the desert experienced phases of construction. In particular, we seek to establish the role of the South Asian monsoon in the initial formation and subsequent expansion of the desert. Here we integrate bulk-petrography and heavy-mineral data with U-Pb ages of detrital zircon grains to understand how the Thar Desert relates to the major potential sediment sources in the Himalayan orogen and to the large rivers that adjoin it to the west and north. Bulk petrography and heavy-mineral data from eolian sand in Cholistan (NE Pakistan) show closer similarity with that of Himalayan tributaries than eolian sand in Sindh (S Pakistan), which contains heavy-mineral suites close to those of mainstream Indus sand largely supplied by erosion of the Karakorum and Kohistan ranges. Kohistan is a particularly rich source of heavy minerals and is thus over-represented in provenance budgets based on that proxy alone. U Pb ages of detrital-zircon fail to show a sharp difference between dune sands in Sindh and Cholistan but confirms a somewhat greater supply from the Himalaya in Cholistan and from the Karakorum, Kohistan, and Nanga Parbat in Sindh. Zircon ages are similar in Sindh desert sand and in the Indus Delta, and are most similar to deltaic sand dated as 7 ka or older in the deglacial period. In parallel, the age signature of Cholistan sand resembles more that of older river channels found along the northwestern edge of the desert (e.g., paleo-Ghaggar-Hakra) than that of modern Himalayan tributaries (e.g., Sutlej). Both Cholistan and Sindh sands suggest that sediment supply to the desert was greater during the early Holocene when the summer monsoon was stronger. The southwesterly summer monsoon was the most effective agent of eolian transport and recycling of Indus delta sediments entrained towards the central and northern parts of the Thar Desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• (234U/238U) were analyzed for the Changjiang estuary sediments. • Catchment erosion was revealed by sediment comminution age. • Climate changes play a leading role in catchment erosion. • Human activities changed the natural erosion processes since the late Holocene. Catchment erosion not only plays an important role on landscape evolution, but also determines the exposure of rock debris in the regolith profile, and therefore impacts the chemical weathering and associated CO 2 absorption and ultimately global climate. But climate also modulates erosion and complex interaction loops, especially at large scale can hamper a clear understanding of these processes. Here we mainly use Uranium-series Comminution Age (t com) of core sediments from Changjiang estuary to reconstruct the catchment erosion, and the relationship with climate changes and human activities during the last 14 kyrs. Since 14 ka, the sea level has been rising continuously until current highstand system tract in the East China Sea where the Changjiang estuary is located. The sediments in the Changjiang estuary mainly come from the upper reaches erosion zone during this period, but the sediment supply from the middle and lower reaches has gradually increased since the Late Holocene. The period can be divided into two modes. The first mode happens from the Bølling-Allerød period to the Mid-Holocene when the sea level rose rapidly, and the t com of sediment recorded the residence time in the upper reaches erosion zone, with a periodic pattern of t com in a good agreement with climate changes. During the cold and dry periods, the longer t com (average 460 kyrs) is consistent with less precipitation resulting in shallower erosion with transported material mainly coming from the soil with longer residence time. In contrast, during the warm and wet periods, the t com is shorter (average 290 kyrs), with the more abundant precipitations that contribute to deeper erosion in the upper catchment, and more fresh material transported to the estuary through stronger hydrodynamic forces. The second mode is more chaotic and corresponds to 0 to 4 ka, when climate was warm and humid and stable sea level, but t com fluctuated from 200 kyrs to 650 kyrs. The increasing river flooding caused by abundant precipitation leads to lateral migration of the river channel in the middle and lower reaches, and the sediments deposited in the floodplain were eroded and mobilized again. In addition, the rapid development of human activities since 2 ka has accelerated deforestation and agricultural cultivation, leading to localized erosion of the floodplain. These remobilized sediments were transported to the estuary and deposited, resulting in a larger t com value. This study overall indicates that, in the millennial scale, the t com of fine detrital fraction shows a sensitive and quick response to catchment erosion, and provides new insights into quantifying the time scale of sediment source to sink processes and inferring the paleoenvironment accurately climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Continued erosion is expected to occur in the sandy shores. • Equilibrium relationship between sediment supply and hydrodynamic forces has been severely disrupted. • Global climate change-induced sea level rise has a small effect on erosion in the short term. • Human activities are the critical effect on the erosion. • Reduced seaward sediment transport by coastal surface runoffs is a new factor. Most sandy shores (SSs) are currently experiencing erosion to various degrees due to the combined impact of increasing climate change and human activities. In order to reveal the evolution of the SSs in the Shandong Peninsula (SP), shoreline and elevation changing data are obtained from 29 SSs and results show that most (27 of 29) of the SSs exhibited erosion. The length of the SSs has decreased by 241.4 km from 2010 to 2020, and the average shoreline recession rate was found to be 1.0 m/a and the downward erosion rate was in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 m/a. Climate change-induced sea level rise has a smaller effect on the erosion in the short term and the construction of massive coastal engineering structures has become a major cause of local coastal erosion. The coastal erosion rate caused by river damming and sand mining in the early years has abated and reduced seaward sediment transport induced by the expansion of the built-up area has become a new factor of coastal erosion. In the past decade, the 672 km2 net increase in land area mainly originated from human activities, has occupied the original space for hydrodynamic energy dissipation, which has severely disrupted the balance between sediment supply and the hydrodynamic environment and the system then rebalance itself by eroding unprotected SSs. Therefore, with the increase in hydrodynamic forces caused by climate change and the scarcity of sediment supply caused by human activities, continued erosion is expected to occur in the SSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The streamflow, sediment and heat flux input to the delta substantially increased. • The changes in the sediment and carbon pathways across delta is the result of thermal erosional processes. • Lena Delta is the World's hot spot in hydrological consequences of climate change. Water and sediment supply are essential to the health of deltaic ecosystems. Diverse datasets were integrated to better understand how climate change is shifting the supply of water and sediment to the largest polar distributary channel pattern – the Lena River Delta. Here the increase in warming rate from an average air temperature is from 4.1 °C for the period 1950–99 to 6.1 °C during 2000–21, which is higher than in the adjacent polar regions. Streamflow and sediment yield entering the Lena Delta have increased since 1988 by 56.3 km3 and 6.1×106 t, respectively; meanwhile, the Lena River's increases in water temperature in June, July–August and September were found to be as much as 1.1, 0.6 and 0.05 °C. These changes have a pronounced effect on sediment regimes in particular parts of the delta. Based on analyses of correlations between various hydroclimatic drivers and sediment concentration changes across particular distributaries of the Lena Delta extracted from Landsat datasets, bank degradation driven by thermal erosional processes (which are in turn related to air and soil temperature increases) is proved to be the primary factor of the sediment regime in the delta. The study also highlights that sediment load changes are sensitive to wind speed due to remobilization of bottom sediment. Sums of daily air temperature and wind speed over 3 days are correlated with sediment concentration changes in the delta. The results also indicate that carbon transport across the delta (both POC and DOC) depends on sediment transport conditions and water discharge and might increase by up to 10 %. We conclude that the Lena Delta can be recognized as the global hot spot in terms of the hydrological consequences of climate change, which is altering sediment regimes, stream hydromorphology and carbon transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Climate and human contributions to NPP were 62% and 38% in Loess Plateau. • Precipitation contributed to NPP much than temperature in 2000–2020. • The feedback of GTGP to NPP and climate was higher in second decade. • GTGP brings environmental benefits (river sediment, PM 2.5 , dust weather). Net primary productivity (NPP) has been the subject of numerous studies, but the qualitative and comparative study on NPP that considers human activities, climate change, and their interactions is still insufficient. The Grain for Green Program (GTGP) was established in the Loess Plateau since 1999, could be used as a reference study. The temporal and spatial patterns, change trend, and driving factors of vegetation NPP were analysed in Loess Plateau using data derived from GLASS NPP (the Global Land Surface Satellite Product), meteorology, atmospheric quality, hydrology and land use by correlation and improved residual trend analysis from 2000 to 2020. After GTGP implementation, the climate and human contributions to vegetation NPP were 62 % and 38 %. NPP increased at a rate of 6.3 g C m−2 a−1 from 2000 to 2020, which was higher in 2010–2020 (6.9 g C m−2 a−1) than it was in 2000–2010 (5.7 g C m−2 a−1). The same trend was followed by the contribution of climate change to NPP between 2010 and 2020 (70.6 %) and 2000–2010 (65 %). The GTGP core area was mostly where the vegetation NPP rising zone was located. From the original bare land in the desert area, 4442 km2 of vegetation grew and increased the NPP (68.7 g C m−2). Under the warm–humid climatic trend, the climate factors contributed to NPP more in grasslands (40 %) compared to woodlands (29 %) and precipitation (33 %) was more sensitive than temperature (12.7 %). Consequently, sediment transport, PM 2.5 and dusty weather decreased significantly. In conclusion, although climate change has a greater impact on vegetation, human activities have enhanced the impact faster in the first decade, which benefit and profit from the environment finally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of climate change on glaciers brings the favorable conditions of lakes formation within glacier moraines. These lakes may produce outburst floods and transport the huge amount of debris (debris flow) in downstream settlements. The present study addresses the current knowledge on mass movement activity occurred in the Gangotri glacier area, Garhwal Himalaya Uttarakhand. Temporal response (terminus retreat and frontal area loss) of Meru glacier during 1976–2019 using the images of Landsat (MSS, 1976; TM, 1990, 2011; ETM+, 2001; OLI, 2019) and event of intense mass movement occurred along Meru glacier during 2017 is assessed. Our estimations clearly reveals that the Meru glacier is retreating continuously since 1976 with inconsistent rate. Considering the time span 1976–1990, 1990–2001, 2001–2011, 2011–2019 the terminus receded with 12.42 m y−1, 7.72 m y−1, 6.00 m y−1, 11.50 m y−1 and vacated the frontal area at the rate of 2330.70 m2 y-1, 2185.88 m2 y-1, 1425.18 m2 y-1, 1452.66 m2 y-1 respectively. Field observations and high resolution imagery of LISS IV suggest that the lower area of Meru glacier experienced the event of intense mass movement in July, 2017. This event breached the continuity of left morainic wall of Bhagirathi valley. This mass movement event influenced the initial course of Bhagirathi River (~1559 m length) and also modified the morphology of the Gaumukh region. The precipitation data from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and satellite images of different years suggest that the multiple factors such as intense precipitation, large amount of sediment transport from the upper reaches to lower area, slope failure, collapse of frontal part of Meru glacier were the main causative factors for this event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compared dynamics of discharge and sediment loads in four large basins. • Explored the impact of climate, and human activities on water and sediment. • Sediment transport showed significant decreasing trends with abrupt changes. • Human activities played a predominant role in reducing sediment transport (>80%). • Impacts of land cover change on sediment loads were basin-independent. Human activities and climate are two key factors affecting hydrological and soil erosion processes. Understanding their impacts on water discharge and sediment transport is very important for sustainable development of watersheds, particularly in subtropical regions with high precipitation and high sediment loads. We here compared the long-term dynamics of water discharge and sediment transport in four large contiguous watersheds in subtropical China and explored the importance of the main influencing factors including climate, nature endowment such as geology, and human activities. Significant differences have been observed between watersheds in terms of sediment and water discharge (p < 0.001). Pairwise comparison among the four basins demonstrated significant differences in sediment modulus among 5 of the 6 pairs (p < 0.05). The sediment modulus in the Lishui Basin was significantly higher than those in other basins, mainly due to the substantial presence of steep slopes in the mountainous region, which is prone to soil erosion. Temporally, sediment transport in the four basins was well synchronized showing significant decreasing trends with abrupt change points (p < 0.001). In contrast, no trends and abrupt change points were detected in water discharge, mainly influenced by precipitation. Human activities played a predominant role to the reduction of sediment transport (80% to 102%) compared with those of climate (-2% to 19%) across the four basins. Additionally, our study also showed land cover had various basin-independent impacts on the change of sediment transport. Through cross-basin comparisons of the long-term changes in water discharge and sediment transport, our study revealed the similarities and differences in their driving mechanisms, providing valuable information for land use planning and water resource management in large subtropical basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ridge slope erosion included inter-rill erosion, headward erosion, and rill erosion process. • Erosion rate reached the maximum during headward erosion process. • The dominated erosion process was detachment-limited after headward erosion occurring. • Re-detachment, transport, and deposition simultaneously occurred with the appearance of headward erosion. Extreme rainfall is becoming more frequent and intense, which no doubt increases the risks and uncertainty of water erosion in widely-used contour ridge systems. Ridge slope erosion can increase the probability of contour failure occurrence and then induce contour ridge losing anti-erosion properties. However, there is little understanding of ridge slope erosive process controlled by contour ridge system responding to extreme rainfall. In this study, five rare earth elements were applied in different ridge segments and soil layers to monitor the successive development of ridge slope erosion process under extreme rainfall in contour ridge system. Simulated rainfall experiments at high rainfall intensity (100 mm h−1) lasting for 60 min were conducted in runoff plots with ridge tillage practices characterized by microtopography indices and ridge geometry indices. Results showed that three sub-processes were observed for ridge slope erosion, including inter-rill erosion, headward erosion, and rill erosion. Headward erosion mainly resulted from the break-point at ridge surface and sidewall collapse at ridge toe, and the pouring of ponding water in furrow greatly promoted rill development. Erosion rate was the largest during headward erosion process, and rill erosion contributed the most to eroded source. The dominated erosion process was transport-limited during inter-rill erosion process, and detachment-limited during headward and rill erosion processes. Sediment transport and deposition processes as well as their transformation occurred simultaneously after the development of headward erosion. Eroded sediment was mainly from the low part of ridge, which was transported by raindrop-impacted sheet flow or overflow. These findings provide better responding of agricultural tillage to global climate change and references for the development of physically-based erosion models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climate change effects on ice regime and water and sediment processes examined. • The ice flood reaches of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia are taken as the case study. • Mann–Kendall test applied to define the years of temperature mutations and trends. • Meteorological condition and breakup type affect sediment transport in the channel. • Complex relationship exists among channel, hydrodynamic, sediment, and ice factors. The presence of winter ice in cold regions changes the water level, flow rate, velocity distribution, and other parameters of the river, which in turn affects the sediment concentration and channel evolution. Based on data obtained from Toudaoguai Hydrological Station from 1959 to 2021, this study examines the characteristics of the ice regime during cold and warm winters and the water and sediment transport processes along the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia in the context of climate change. The Mann–Kendall test and trend analysis were applied to define the years of temperature mutations and their trends, and the temperature mutation point was determined to be the 1987/1988 season. The study considers the effect of climate change on the combination of hydrological and hydraulic conditions. Therefore, trends in suspended sediment transport, ice type formation, water discharge, and storage in different ice flood seasons (November 1 to March 31, from 1998 to 2021) were attained. Based on the cumulative negative air temperature, winters were categorized into three types, warm, normal, and cold (52.2%, 17.4%, and 30.4%, respectively). Strong and weak grades further divide cold and warm winters, and statistical analyses were used to examine the characteristics of ice, water discharge, channel storage, and sediment transport. The duration of open water, freeze-up, ice cover, and breakup periods were calculated, and the relationship between the suspended sediment transport rate and discharge rate in these various ice periods was defined. The obtained relations show that the suspended sediment rate during the ice cover and first drift was smaller than that during the open water and post-breakup conditions. For the ice cover period, the sediment transport rate was on average approximately four times smaller than the freeze-up condition and six times smaller than the open water condition. The reduced sediment transport rate in the freeze-up period can be attributed to the weakened vertical turbulent mixing and increased flow resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vulnerability assessment for buildings resulted in a plethora of methods. • We present recent advances in quantitative vulnerability functions. • Multiple uncertainties can be detected if vulnerability functions are compared. • The transferability of functions between case studies is challenging. • More research is needed to understand the importance of building design. Irrespective of the magnitude and spatial extend, the consequences of a natural hazard are strongly connected to the vulnerability of elements at risk (e.g. people, buildings and infrastructure). It is, therefore, obvious that an analysis and quantification of vulnerability is required for successful disaster risk reduction. The need for vulnerability assessment is crucial due to the effects of climate change as well as the socio-economic dynamics that may directly impact vulnerabilities and coping capacities of affected communities. Vulnerability is multidimensional (physical, social, economic, etc.), however, the dimension which is mainly related to the direct costs and threat to human lives is the physical one. We focus here on the physical vulnerability of buildings subject to torrential hazards occurring in small and steep mountain catchments. These processes include fluvial sediment transport, debris floods, and debris flows. Furthermore, we included flash flood hazards if these are related to torrential catchments. Physical vulnerability to torrential hazards in mountain areas is a topic that has been under scientific investigation over the last 20 years. Several methods to assess physical vulnerability of buildings towards flash floods, debris flows and hyper-concentrated flows can be found in the literature. The plethora of methods and approaches may be classified under the following three categories: vulnerability matrices, vulnerability curves and vulnerability indices. We provide a short review of these methods which became available over the last decade and which dominate the scientific debate in mountain hazard risk management, giving an emphasis to vulnerability curves. The approaches presented herein are highlighted through case studies from the European Alps and beyond. Furthermore, challenges in vulnerability assessment including data requirements, need for improved event documentation, uncertainties and challenges related to future climate and socio-economic changes are outlined. Finally, a discussion on progress-driving factors such as new technologies (e.g. mobile apps, drones), citizen science and new innovative assessment methods is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in morphology and surficial sediments of an outwash braidplain developed under high Arctic conditions are closely related to geomorphic processes, tectonic conditions and climate variations, and are affected by the existence of permafrost. These factors control the changes in river channel slope, their morphology and active braidplain width, which influence the downstream variation in grain size of outwash surficial sediments. Interdependence between these parameters has not previously been considered in relation to the spatial distribution of surficial sediments of outwash braidplain developed in the forefield of a retreating subpolar glacier. In this study, controls affecting the surficial lithology of the Waldemar River outwash (NW Spitsbergen, Svalbard) were recognised and indicated multiple correlations between the downstream changes in sediment texture, the geomorphometry of distributary channels, and outwash surface slope. Due to this, the techniques of multivariate regression modelling, artificial neural network and multivariate adaptive regression splines were used. Results show that observed relations between the sedimentary and morphological features indicate the existence of thresholds for downstream variation in bed material size which are not constant. Moreover, the processes of sediment transport in an outwash braidplain are strictly related to Shields stress, which is proportional to changes in braidplain slope, median grain diameter and sediment sorting in the proximal and middle zones of the outwash, but is inversely proportional to median grain diameter in the distal zone, contrary to Shields' bed-material threshold entrainment model. The results of this study will help understand outwash fan and plain evolution in paraglacial landscapes under conditions of changeable rate and source of sediment supply and transport capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bengal Fan, as the largest submarine fan in the world, receives a large amount of sediments discharged from the Himalayas through the Ganges-Brahmaputra (G-B) river system. However, previous studies of this system seldom focused on the role of channels, which are widely developed in the Bengal Fan, in sediment transportation over the last glacial cycle. Here, we discuss the coupled sedimentary archive in two gravity cores along the Active Channel in the Bengal Fan. Our findings are based on grain size, clay minerals, and Sr and Nd isotope compositions of these two sediment cores. End-member modeling of grain-size data reveals that the intermediate end-member represents the flux of distal fluvial particles from the G-B river system, the fine end-member denotes regional sediment supply of weathered volcanic materials, especially from the eastern Indian Peninsula, and the coarse end-member probably reflects nearby terrigenous input, aeolian input and/or volcanic glass. Sediment provenance analysis based on clay minerals, and Sr and Nd isotopes confirmed sediment supply from the G-B river system which was characterized by high illite percentage, high 87Sr/86Sr ratios and low ε Nd values, especially during five stages (50–45 ka, 42–37 ka, 31–28.5 ka, 24–20 ka and 14–9 ka). During these stages, heavy fine-grained sediment supply from the G-B river system was discharged into the study area under the influence of climate change rather than sea-level fluctuation, additionally emphasizing the importance of channels in the sediment transport process. Moreover, we find a significant alteration of sediment sources at ∼26 ka, which may be related to conversion of the deep-water currents in the Bay of Bengal. • There is staged sediment supply from the G-B Rivers into the Bay of Bengal. • Heavy sediment supply of the G-B Rivers was affected by climate change. • The channels developed on the Bengal Fan are important in the sediment transport process. • Sediment source change at ∼26 ka may be related to conversion of deep-water currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ecosystem characterization of canyon system in the Ligurian basin is proposed. • New sedimentological, biogeochemical and meiofaunal data are provided. • The foraminiferal assemblages are more linked to water depth than to the location in open slope or canyon. • The first finding ever of a warm tropical species (Amphistegina lessonii) in the Ligurian Sea sediments. Living (Rose-Bengal stained) benthic foraminifera were investigated in eleven stations sampled along transects following a depth gradient from Polcevera and Bisagno canyons and the adjacent open slope (Ligurian Sea), in a depth interval ranging from 200 to 2000 m. In order to understand which environmental factors influence the abundance and taxonomical composition of the foraminiferal assemblages in these two domains (canyon and open slope), qualitative and quantitative foraminiferal data were correlated to the sediment biochemical composition (in terms of phytopigments, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and biopolymeric carbon), grain size and the main hydrological characteristics (salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen). The Cluster Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis allowed us to detect two sectors (coastal and offshore) characterized by contrasting trophic conditions. The coastal sector reflects spread meso-eutrophic conditions in both physiographic domains being possibly more impacted by the river inputs and sediment transport processes from land. In fact, the narrow continental shelf of the Ligurian Sea favors the deposition of sediment transported by riverine processes on the immediately adjacent coastal areas. As a result homogenization of sea-bottom conditions occurs, leading to an unclear differentiation between open slope and canyon foraminiferal assemblages. Conversely, the offshore sector is less affected by physical disturbance due to the sedimentary flows decreasing in relation to the larger distance from the coastline. Consequently, the lower organic matter content and lower food quality (expressed in terms of contribution of the primary material to the biopolymeric carbon pool) lead to a more oligotrophic condition, which favors the development of peculiar assemblages dominated by Glomospira charoides , Ammolagena clavata and epifaunal taxa. The first finding ever of a warm tropical species (Amphistegina lessonii) in the Ligurian Sea sediments at 500-m depth can be considered the first evidence of upward expansion of tropical species to the Northern portion of the Mediterranean Sea, which is experiencing an evident water warming linked to the ongoing global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper reviews the impacts of permafrost change on hydrological and related hydrochemical, particulate and organic fluxes in small Arctic catchments. While the emphasis is directed at High Arctic systems, literature and recent developments from other Arctic regions are also included. Hydrological change, particularly a shift from nival (snowmelt) dominance to increasing pluvial (rainfall) runoff contributions has important consequences for the timing and magnitude of hydrological fluxes. A key distinction is made between thermal perturbation , where changing melt season thaw conditions result in deep thaw with minimal geomorphic or surface hydrological effects, in contrast to physical perturbation , where permafrost change results in some form of thermokarst or physical disturbance such as mass movement or enhanced erosion. The latter disturbances are commonly expressed as localized thermo erosional gullies, active layer detachments and retrogressive thaw slumps. Results from recent research emphasise the importance of hydrological connectivity in terms of the downstream effect of a particular permafrost perturbation. Well-connected systems, either at the surface as channelized flows, or in the subsurface, through new or altered active layer flow pathways, result in substantial changes in downstream fluvial fluxes. Surface hydrological connectivity of localized permafrost disturbances increases transport of suspended sediment and particulate organic matter, the latter of which is often old and comparatively labile. Exposed ice in retrogressive thaw slumps sustains discharge during the melt season, further increasing fluxes. Thermal perturbation holds a substantially greater potential downstream impact due to widespread mobilization of solutes and dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, and several studies point to rapid microbial alteration of carbon and inorganic nitrogen transformation in the shallow subsurface. Collectively, these results point to altered runoff, sediment transport and hydrochemical fluxes with spatial and hydrological controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular sediment inputs are required for deltas to maintain their surface elevation relative to sea level, which is important for avoiding salinization, erosion, and flooding. However, fluvial sediment inputs to deltas are being threatened by changes in upstream catchments due to climate and land use change and, particularly, reservoir construction. In this research, the global hydrogeomorphic model WBMsed is used to project and contrast ‘pristine’ (no anthropogenic impacts) and ‘recent’ historical fluvial sediment delivery to the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, Mahanadi, and Volta deltas. Additionally, 12 potential future scenarios of environmental change comprising combinations of four climate and three socioeconomic pathways, combined with a single construction timeline for future reservoirs, were simulated and analysed. The simulations of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta showed a large decrease in sediment flux over time, regardless of future scenario, from 669 Mt/a in a ‘pristine’ world, through 566 Mt/a in the ‘recent’ past, to 79–92 Mt/a by the end of the 21st century across the scenarios (total average decline of 88%). In contrast, for the Mahanadi delta the simulated sediment delivery increased between the ‘pristine’ and ‘recent’ past from 23 Mt/a to 40 Mt/a (+77%), and then decreased to 7–25 Mt/a by the end of the 21st century. The Volta delta shows a large decrease in sediment delivery historically, from 8 to 0.3 Mt/a (96%) between the ‘pristine’ and ‘recent’ past, however over the 21st century the sediment flux changes little and is predicted to vary between 0.2 and 0.4 Mt/a dependent on scenario. For the Volta delta, catchment management short of removing or re-engineering the Volta dam would have little effect, however without careful management of the upstream catchments these deltas may be unable to maintain their current elevation relative to sea level, suggesting increasing salinization, erosion, flood hazards, and adaptation demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sediment load on the Chinese Loess Plateau has sharply decreased in recent years. However, the contribution of terrace construction and vegetation restoration projects to sediment discharge reduction remains uncertain. In this paper, eight catchments located in the Loess Plateau were chosen to explore the effects of different driving factors on sediment discharge changes during the period from the 1960s to 2012. Attribution approaches were applied to evaluate the effects of climate, terrace, and vegetation coverage changes on sediment discharge. The results showed that the annual sediment discharge decreased significantly in all catchments ranging from −0.007 to −0.039 Gt·yr −1 . Sediment discharge in most tributaries has shown abrupt changes since 1996, and the total sediment discharge was reduced by 60.1% during 1997–2012. We determined that increasing vegetation coverage was the primary factor driving the reductions in sediment loads since 1996 and accounted for 47.7% of the total reduction. Climate variability and terrace construction accounted for 9.1% and 18.6% of sediment discharge reductions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine eutrophication in the North-East Atlantic (NEA) strongly relies on nutrient enrichment at the river outlets, which is linked to human activities and land use in the watersheds. The question is whether human society can reduce its nutrient emissions by changing land use without compromising food security. A new version of Riverstrahler model (pyNuts-Riverstrahler) was designed to estimate the point and diffuse nutrient emissions (N, P, Si) to the rivers depending on land use in the watersheds across a large domain (Western Europe agro-food systems, waste water treatment). The loads from the river model have been used as inputs to three marine ecological models (PCOMS, ECO-MARS3D, MIRO&CO) covering together a large part of the NEA from the Iberian shelf to the Southern North Sea. The modelling of the land-ocean continuum allowed quantifying the impact of changes in land use on marine eutrophication. Pristine conditions were tested to scale the current eutrophication with respect to a “natural background” (sensu WFD), i.e. forested watersheds without any anthropogenic impact. Three scenarios representing potential management options were also tested to propose future perspectives in mitigating eutrophication. This study shows that a significant decrease in nitrogen fluxes from land to sea is possible by adapting human activities in the watersheds, preventing part of the eutrophication symptoms in the NEA rivers and adjacent coastal zones. It is also shown that any significant achievement in that direction would very likely require paradigmatic changes at social, economic and agricultural levels. This requires reshaping the connections between crop production and livestock farming, and between agriculture and local human food consumption. It also involves cultural changes such as less waste production and a shift towards lower-impact and healthier diets where half of the animal products consumption is replaced by vegetal proteins consumption, known as a demitarian diet ( http://www.nine-esf.org/node/281/index.html ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Paleozoic glacial-to-postglacial turnover evolved complexly across Gondwana. Successions bearing volcaniclastic material that can be radiometrically dated provide crucial information about the timing of those climate events. The southernmost part of the Paraná Basin, for instance, has a high-precision geochronological framework. The eastern sector of this basin (Paraná State and north of Santa Catarina State), however, lacks radiometric ages, but conversely, has a more complete stratigraphic record, and paleontological information still poorly explored for the purpose of biostratigraphic correlation. This work examines the glacial-to-postglacial interval in the Paraná State, represented by the upper Itararé Group (Taciba Formation; glacial) and lower–middle Rio Bonito Formation (postglacial). Sedimentological, paleontological and geochemical data from outcrops, cores and well logs were used to decipher the timing, paleoclimatic and paleogeographic scenarios of this transition. The examined succession comprises four stacked units (U1 to U4, from older to younger). Diamictite-dominated units (U1 and U3), here interpreted as consecutive glaciation–deglaciation events, are separated by non-glacial, continental to shallow marine deposits, commonly bearing fossil plants and coal seams (U2). An important transgression followed the first deglaciation, which is equivalent to the " Eurydesma transgression", based on the presence of marine invertebrates of the homonymous fauna in the Passinho Shale. U2 holds elements of two different floras, i.e., Phyllotheca – Gangamopteris (P–G), predating the " Eurydesma transgression", and Glossopteris – Brasilodendron (G–B), above the transgression. Therefore, U2 is interpreted as an interglacial interval, once it records a climate improving before the last glacial episode of U3, which is further supported by relatively high values of the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA). Deposits of U3, associated with a decrease in the value of the CIA, are unconformably overlain by U4. The occurrence of coal-bearing postglacial facies (U4) associated with the G–B Flora, coincides with an increase in the CIA values. Sediment transport was toward the SW in all units and in the same direction it is observed an overall thinning of U1 and U3 and thickening of U2. The interglacial P–G Flora of the study area correlates with postglacial southernmost floras, based on U–Pb CA-TIMS Asselian ages of tonsteins. Correlation of the Eurydesma fauna-containing Passinho Shale with equivalent successions with high-precision age control in southern Africa, allowed us to position both deglaciations of the Taciba Formation (U1 and U3) in the Asselian. These findings suggest that U1 and U3 record two early Permian glacial episodes, with the younger one (U3) disappearing southward. Accordingly, our results indicate that the glacial-to-postglacial turnover was diachronous along the eastern belt of the Paraná Basin, being progressively older southward, considering that interglacial fossil plant assemblages in the eastern margin correspond in time to postglacial assemblages farther south. • The examined succession includes two glaciation-deglaciation stages insterspersed by interglacial deposits and an uppermost postglacial interval. • The interglacial stage is time equivalent to postglacial deposits farther south, suggesting that the last glaciation was limited to NE Paraná Basin • Biostratigraphy based on floral and faunal assemblages indicates an early Permian age. • The glacial–postglacial transition is diachronous along the eastern margin of the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of climate change on sediment yield and transport dynamics in cold climate regions are not well understood or reported. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been built-up, calibrated, and validated against streamflow and sediment load at several monitoring stations in a cold climate region watershed - the Athabasca River Basin (ARB) in Alberta, Canada. The model was then fed with bias-corrected spatial disaggregated high-resolution (~ 10 km) future climate data from three climate models for two emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), and two periods (mid- and end-century). Results show that channel erosion and deposition are the dominant processes over hill slope erosion in the basin. On average, a predicted warmer and wetter future climate has both synergetic and offsetting effects on sediment yield. Changes are sub-region specific and land-use type dependent, thus reflecting a marked spatial and temporal heterogeneity within the basin. Increases on sediment yield in future periods in the agricultural areas are up to 0.94 t/ha/yr, and are greater than reported soil formation rates in the region. Similarly, while substantial increases (by more than two fold) in the sediment load transport through the river reaches were obtained, the changes show both temporal and spatial variability, and are closely aligned with the trend of stream flows. We believe that availability of such models and knowledge of the effect of future climatic conditions would help water managers formulate appropriate scenarios to manage such basins in a holistic way. However, significant uncertainties in future sediment yield and transport, as a result of variations in climatic forcing of different climate models, need to be considered in any adaptation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the proxies based on elemental geochemistry of siliciclastic sediments have been well developed to indicate the intensity of chemical weathering in various catchments, their geological indications and limitations, and especially how the differentiation of minerals and sediment grain size influences the applications of these proxies needs more clarification. This paper investigates the interactive effects of weathering, hydraulic sorting and sedimentary recycling on river sediment chemistry, and further validates the application of various weathering indices by measuring mineralogical and geochemical compositions of bank sediments and suspended particulate matters (SPMs) from five rivers in East China bearing various sizes, geologic settings and climatic regimes. For a specific river, the silicate weathering intensity registered in the fine SPMs is systematically stronger than that in the coarse-grained bank sediments. Most of the weathering indices not only reflect the integrated weathering history of various catchments but also depend on hydraulic sorting effect during sediment transport and depositional processes. The correlation between CIA (chemical index of alteration) and WIP (weathering index of Parker) offers an approach to predict the weathering trends of the fine SPMs, coarse bank sediments and recycled sediments under the influence of quartz dilution. To minimize the effects of hydrodynamic sorting and sedimentary recycling, we suggest that the fine sediments (e.g. SPMs and <2 μm fraction of bank sediments) in rivers can better reflect the average of present-day weathering crust in catchments and the weathered terrigenous materials into marginal seas and oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional and novel observations made in the Waimea River basin between 1960 and 1995 permit the total riverine mass flux to be estimated and the influence that flow restoration will have on sediment dynamics in the river's lower reaches to be assessed. Flows between the threshold for sediment transport (~6.0 m 3  s −1 ) and the most effective flow (80.7 m 3  s −1 ) recur annually and transport ~60% of the Waimea River's suspended sediment load. Discharges of this magnitude essentially were unaffected by plantation era agricultural diversions of 2.3 ± 0.7 m 3  s −1 . The modern-day mass flux from the Waimea River basin is 155 ± 38 t km −2  y −1 , and comparison with an independent cosmogenic nuclide-based estimate implies that it has remained at about this level for the past 10 ky. Previous work indicated that: ( i ) most of the sand the Waimea River transports to the coast is derived from steep, rapidly eroding, sparsely vegetated, bedrock-dominated hillslopes; and ( ii ) the sediment transport regime of the Waimea River is supply-limited at very high discharges (recurrence interval > 2.5 years). Consequently, major floods tend to remove sand from the estuary. Climate change has caused a statewide decline in heavy rainfall, and a commensurate decline in the magnitude of peak flows in the basin's pristine, undiverted headwaters over the past 97 years. The effect this secular change in climate presently is having on streamflow was foreshadowed in the late 1970s by a naturally occurring, warm Pacific Decadal Oscillation phase reduction in the magnitude of flows with low exceedance probabilities. Additionally, the controlling base level at the river mouth has risen and been displaced seaward. Simple proportionality approximations show that, for a constant sediment supply, aggradation will occur if either the magnitude of flows with a low exceedance probability declines and/or base level rises. Thus, anthropogenic stresses on Waimea River's lower reaches are not derived from the within-basin influence agricultural diversions exert on the flow regime and will not be resolved by restoring flow to the river. These stresses primarily accrue from extrinsic factors that will continue to influence the river's hydrologic and sediment transport regimes until global, offsetting, climate-ameliorating measures are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary records including clay minerals, major elements, rare earth elements (REE) and 14 C ages, were analyzed in one core from the western Pacific warm pool (WPWP), in order to identify the sources of sediments in the warm pool region from the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the early Holocene. The results showed that the sedimentation rate at the studied core site has decreased continuously since the LGM. Both major elements and clay minerals experienced staged changes in the study area. In the studied core, most major elemental concentrations decreased prior to 22 kyr BP but increased gradually after 13 kyr BP. Sediment provenance based on clay minerals and REEs further revealed that sediments were likely a mixture of dominant New Guinea sediments and Asian dust. The South Equatorial Current was the main force transporting New Guinea particles, while the East Asian winter monsoon and the correlated North Equatorial Countercurrent might have loaded the Asian dust into the study area. Moreover, Heinrich events were well imprinted in the western Pacific, and another cold climatic event that occurred at approximately 21 kyr BP was also recorded in the study area. These events were similarly documented in ice from Greenland but were undistinguished in ice from the Antarctic and stalagmites from the Hulu Cave, China. A frequency analysis of multi-proxies confirmed that sun irradiance essentially controlled the variation in sedimentary records in the western Pacific from the LGM to the early Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape Evolution Modelling (LEM) technologies provide a means by which it is possible to simulate the long-term geomorphic stability of a conceptual rehabilitated landform. However, simulations rarely consider the potential effects of anthropogenic climate change and consequently risk not accounting for the range of rainfall variability that might be expected in both the near and far future. One issue is that high resolution (both spatial and temporal) rainfall projections incorporating the potential effects of greenhouse forcing are required as input. However, projections of rainfall change are still highly uncertain for many regions, particularly at sub annual/seasonal scales. This is the case for northern Australia, where a decrease or an increase in rainfall post 2030 is considered equally likely based on climate model simulations. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate a spatial analogue approach to develop point scale hourly rainfall scenarios to be used as input to the CAESAR - Lisflood LEM to test the sensitivity of the geomorphic stability of a conceptual rehabilitated landform to potential changes in climate. Importantly, the scenarios incorporate the range of projected potential increase/decrease in rainfall for northern Australia and capture the expected envelope of erosion rates and erosion patterns (i.e. where erosion and deposition occurs) over a 100 year modelled period. We show that all rainfall scenarios produce sediment output and gullying greater than that of the surrounding natural system, however a ‘wetter’ future climate produces the highest output. Importantly, incorporating analogue rainfall scenarios into LEM has the capacity to both improve landform design and enhance the modelling software. Further, the method can be easily transferred to other sites (both nationally and internationally) where rainfall variability is significant and climate change impacts are uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction and operation of cascading dams can pose drastic effects on sediment transport and deposition, thus affecting sedimentary carbon concentrations in the riverine ecosystem. This paper examines the spatial variations of sedimentary organic carbon (OC sed ) and its potential relationship with terrestrial soil loss in two cascade reservoirs (Manwan and Dachaoshan) along the mainstream of Lancang River. During both wet and dry seasons in 2013 and 2014, 25 sampling sections were chosen to evaluate the spatial variations of sedimentary organic carbon. Generally, the contents of OC sed in the upper 5 cm of the bottom sediment in wet seasons were higher than those in dry seasons in both reservoirs. Spatially, lower reservoir (Dachaoshan) preserved higher OC sed content than the upper reservoir (Manwan), at 36.1 kg m −2 and 27.8 kg m −2 , respectively. Additionally, the contents of OC sed in the reservoir heads were higher than those in the reservoir centres and tails, this trend was also observed for terrestrial organic carbon (OC ter ) and liable organic carbon (LOC). Hillslope delivery ratio (HSDR) method are used to estimate the incoming sediment yields from the river basin. The results indicated that Dachaoshan catchment generated higher sediment stream deposits than the Manwan catchment with the high sediment loading (>40 t/ha/year) areas located within 3 km buffers encompassing a higher accumulation of farmlands. The cumulative effects of sediment transport on OC sed along the river channel were further investigated by setting sequential riverine sediment delivery ratios (0–0.55) to explore potential relationships between OC sed and total sediment delivered to stream. The results showed that in the Dachaoshan Reservoir the OC sed contents correlated with the total sediment delivered to streams when the ratios ranged from 0.10 to 0.55, in particular in delivery ratios ranging from 0.50 to 0.55. These findings emphasized the importance of direct and indirect connections between the terrestrial and riverine ecosystems, and also provided a preferable view to understand the cumulative effects of sediment transport on OC sed distributions in the reservoirs generated by cascading dams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beach accretion is the natural mechanism that allows dry beaches to recover. Human response to climate change produces hardening of the coasts and the incident marine climate, which increases beach erosion produced during winter and prevents a full recovery during summer. Beach nourishments are performed all around the world to fight coastal erosion with a nature-friendly philosophy. Softer techniques as beach scraping are also widely applied. A kind of beach scraping is proposed here as an innovative nature-assisted beach enhancement technique, that aims to accelerate naturally produced sand accretion on the beach profile. It consists of mechanically ploughing the intertidal area of a beach to create ridges and furrows. Prototype-scale laboratory experiments were performed to analyse its effectiveness under controlled conditions. Seven 1 h tests having different water levels and the same initial bottom geometry and sea state conditions (H s = 0.3 m, T p = 7 s) were performed. Sea state, sand, and initial slope characteristics assured accretive conditions. Ploughed and flatbed initial slope geometries were simultaneously tested into two sub-channels of the wave flume. The results indicate that the bottom roughness is 3.57 times larger for the ploughed geometry. Consequently, wave energy dissipation is larger for the ploughed geometry, and therefore, the significant wave height at the shoreward end of the study area is 11% smaller for the ploughed geometry. This smaller wave height under the ploughed morphology leads to more accretive conditions, as observed from the measured onshore sediment transport, which is 2.9 times larger than the natural transport, and the larger accreted sediment volume in all seven test cases. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of ploughing to enhance natural beach accretion under highly probable accretion conditions. Further research is required to define the thresholds of marine conditions in which the potential of beach ploughing can be exploded. • Working with nature. • Ploughing the intertidal area of a beach enhances natural accretion. • Real scale laboratory experiments measuring sediment transport. • Mechanically ploughing increases bed roughness. • Extra wave energy dissipation is produced by ploughing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the high-resolution (50–100 yr) temporal variations of quartz roundness used as a climate proxy in the sediment core FA-1 recovered in the Faiyum Basin of the lower Nile. A higher proportion of transparent angular quartz can be found in sediment transported from the upper to the lower Nile via runoff when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) migrated northwards during the Holocene. The stained rounded quartz in the core sediment can be linked to windblown input into the Faiyum Basin from the Sahara Desert when the ITCZ shifted southwards. Using this theory, we reconstructed the series of Holocene climate changes in relation to the ITCZ migration. Our quartz evidence revealed: 1) the African Humid Period (AHP) occurring in the basin at 9200–4200 cal. yrs BP; 2) a short-term (5800–5400 cal. yrs BP) aridification occurred during the AHP; and 3) the rapid onset of hyper-aridification at ca. 4200–4000 years ago, which then persisted. These ITCZ related climate pulses, have basin-wide implications supporting relevant paleoclimate studies in North Africa. In addition, our results suggested at least 3 times when hydro-geoengineering works were implemented to source water from the Nile for local farming during the hyper-aridification period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological observations from last interglacial (LIG; MIS 5e, Eemian) carbonate landscapes in the Bahamas and Bermuda reveal a turbulent climate transition at the close of the peak interglacial. The interval is associated with rapid, multi-meter shifts in sea level as major ice sheets melted and/or collapsed. Sedimentary evidence from the eastern Bahamas includes wave-transported megaboulders, lowland chevron storm ridges, and hillside runup deposits. This “trilogy” collectively provides direct geological evidence of frequent, intense storms generating sustained long-period waves from the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Penecontemporaneous with wave deposits is the subtidal production and flux of a massive volume of ooid sediments associated with amplified winds and storminess during the latter half of MIS 5e that resulted in exponential island growth. Steeper temperature and pressure gradients were evident in the North Atlantic Ocean, while the Southern Ocean appears to have had a major role in affecting atmospheric CO 2 , as warming of the Southern Ocean drives ventilation of the deep ocean. CO 2 in turn, acts as a tight control knob on global climate. The dramatic oceanographic and island building events of late MIS 5e are unique among other interglacial periods of the past half million years. The LIG record reveals that strong climate forcing is not required to yield major impacts on the ocean and ice caps. Antarctic ice cores document that LIG atmospheric CO 2 was ~ 275 ppm, while global temperature was < 1 °C warmer than present. Despite only slightly warmer conditions than pre-Industrial times, relative sea level (RSL) persisted at + 2–3 m for several thousand years during the early and mid LIG. Later in the LIG, sea level abruptly rose an additional 3–5 m meters to + 6–9 m RSL. In terms of Lyellian uniformitarian principles, the trilogy of coeval deposits of MIS 5e described herein do not translate to our modern climate parameters, and further cannot be explained by coincidental megatsunami. In our industrial world, rapidly increasing atmospheric CO 2 rates (> 2 ppm/yr) have surpassed 408 ppm, levels not achieved since the Pliocene 3 Ma ago, while global temperature increased ~ 1 °C since the 1870s. With greatly increased CO 2 forcing at unmatched rates, except perhaps during global extinction events, dramatic change is certain. In the interest of our future world, we must seek to understand the complex set of linked natural events and field observations that are revealed in the geology of past warmer climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bar-built or barrier estuaries (here referred to as Small tidal inlets, or STIs), which are commonly found along wave-dominated, microtidal mainland coasts, are highly likely to be affected by climate change (CC). Due to their pre-dominance in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, many STIs are located in developing countries, where STI related activities contribute significantly to the national GDPs while community resilience to coastal changes is low, with the corollary that CC impacts on STIs may lead to very serious socio-economic consequences. While assessing CC impacts on tidal inlets is in general difficult due to inherent limitations of contemporary numerical models where long term morphodynamic simulations are concerned, these difficulties are further exacerbated due to the lack of sufficient model input/verification data in often data poor developing country STI environs. As a solution to this problem, Duong et al. (2016) proposed two different process based snap-shot modelling approaches for data poor and data rich environments. This article demonstrates the application of Duong et al.’s (2016) snap-shot modelling approach for data poor environments to 3 case study sites representing the 3 main STI types; Permanently open, locationally stable inlets (Type 1), Permanently open, alongshore migrating inlets (Type 2) and Seasonally/Intermittently open, locationally stable inlets (Type 3). Results show that Type 1 and Type 3 inlets will not change Type even under the most extreme CC driven variations in system forcing considered here. Type 2 inlets may change into Type 1 when CC results in a reduction in annual longshore sediment transport. Apart from Type changes, CC will affect the level of inlet stability and some key behavioural characteristics (e.g. inlet migration distances, inlet closure times). In general, CC driven variations in annual longshore sediment transport rates appear to be more relevant for future changes in inlet stability and behaviour, rather than sea level rise as commonly believed. Based on model results, an inlet classification scheme which, for the first time, links inlet Type with the Bruun inlet stability criteria is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes of water and sediment discharges in the headwaters of large Asian rivers have increasingly become a hot issue. This study investigated the streamflow and sediment discharge changes in the headwaters of Yellow River Basin (YRB) and Yangtze River Basin (YARB) by using long-term hydro-meteorological data from 1956 to 2012. The nonparametric Mann–Kendall test, Pettitt test, cumulative anomaly curve (CAC), and double cumulative curve (DCC) were used to identify trends and change points of the hydro-meteorological variables and quantify the response of streamflow and sediment discharge to climate change and anthropogenic activities. The results are as follows. (1) Slightly decreasing trend in streamflow and increasing trend in sediment discharge were detected from 1956 to 2012 in the headwater of YRB. Meanwhile, both streamflow and sediment discharge in the headwater of YARB showed increasing trend. Change-point analyses further revealed that turning (transition) years existed and the abrupt decline in streamflow and sediment discharge began in 1989. (2) The specific sediment yield–runoff depth and sediment concentration–streamflow relationships in the two basins could be well fitted by the power function on the annual, flood season, and monthly scales. Sediment productive ability of runoff during the flood season was much greater than that over the full year. (3) The headwater of YRB contributed huge amount of water resources and very little sediment to the downstream, however, the headwater of YARB had little influence on downstream. (4) Compared with the baseline period (1956–1989), precipitation reduction played a major role in the streamflow and sediment discharge reductions in the post-baseline period (1990–2012). Given the scarcity of soil and water resources, anthropogenic and climatic impacts on streamflow and sediment discharge must be given more attention in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video observations of depth-limited wave-breaking patterns at an ebb-tidal delta on the energetic west coast of New Zealand at Raglan were used to identify geomorphic features over a 5-year period. The terminal lobe, mouth bar, channel margin linear bars, and swash bars were identified and tracked over the duration. Morphodynamic response was related to environmental conditions by correlating observed movements with concurrent wave and tidal conditions. Movements occurred throughout the record with a slight tendency to occur more during the transition between seasonal forcing trends. Winter deltas were generally broader and extended further seaward than the summer deltas which were more cuspate. The formation of a double-barred ebb-shoal was observed, with the cross-shore position of the outer bar influenced by wave conditions while the inner bar was influenced by ebb-jet strength. Furthermore, swash bars were observed to constrict the seaward extent of the main channel during large wave events, which was subsequently eroded by tidal currents. These observations are consistent with the present consensus that ebb-shoal features are dependent upon competition between ebb-jet strength and opposing waves. Interannual morphological changes were not significantly correlated to any particular environmental forcing, suggesting that either some process or combination of processes not considered were influential, or that the system might be showing signs of emergent behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proglacial areas show complex dynamics of sediment transport. • Today proglacial areas act as both sediment storage and sediment source areas. • Positive temperature anomalies lead to changes in sediment connectivity. • Extreme precipitation and snow-melt events enhance functional connectivity. Proglacial areas in high-mountain environments are among the most dynamic landscape zones in terms of morphological, sedimentological, and hydrological changes. In fact, in such areas both glacial and paraglacial dynamics exert a strong control on water fluxes (and thus on bedload transport capacity) and on sediment supply. Because of the rapid changes undergoing in these environments, the understanding of the dynamics of sediment transfer and the prediction of how this will change in future still remain a challenge. In this study, we used four different high-resolution topographic surveys to quantitatively analyse the spatio-temporal patterns of sediment transport that occurred in the proglacial area of the Sulden glacier (South Tirol, Italy). The topographic surveys covered the period 2013–2019 and – by building DEMs of difference (DoDs) – we calculated the volumes of erosion and deposition occurring at the glacier terminus and along its outflow channels. Our results indicate that, within the analysed time-period and for different areas, erosion and deposition generally show similar values, suggesting that the analysed proglacial areas has been acting both as a sediment trap and as a sediment source for the downstream river reaches. In addition, the results indicate a complex morphological dynamics, which have strongly impacted coarse sediment connectivity in the upper catchment. In particular, high temperatures and the recent and rapid glacier melt, have promoted a direct control on the structural connectivity within the proglacial area. Morphological changes have increased or decreased sediment connectivity depending on pre-existing morphological features. In contrast, extreme precipitation events, both in term of rainfall and snowfall, have locally and temporally increased the functional connectivity, sometimes leading to long-term modifications in the proglacial area. Overall, in the analysed time-period sediment transfer has been extremely dynamic, suggesting that sediment in the downstream river channel may have been supplied with irregular pulses associated with the morphological changes taking place in the proglacial area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the spatiotemporal variation of arsenic (As) distribution, species and its behaviour in the aquatic environment changed by extended dry and heavy rainfall periods in the area adjacent an abandoned gold mine, South Korea. As appears to be transported from the mine wastes to Guryong stream through groundwater baseflow and leachate. The oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) conditions changed spatially and temporally following dry and heavy rainfall periods, and rainfalls caused decrease in the stream pH. As mainly existed as arsenates (AsO 4 3-) bound with H, Ca, and Fe in water. In groundwater, the lower the pH and the ORP, the higher the proportions of acid species of arsenate (HAsO 4 2-, H 2 AsO 4 -) and arsenite (H 3 AsO 3), resulting in increased As mobility and toxicity, respectively. In stream, the primary influencing factor of As variation is the ORP. Under oxidizing conditions, As in stream could precipitate as amorphous FeAsO 4 ·2H 2 O and FeOOH in the streambed. Then, the ORP decrease could remobilize As by redissolution and desorption of As bound to bed sediments. Thus, streambed sediments acted as a temporary sink-and-source for As, and extension of source areas accompanied with physical transport after heavy rainfalls. [Display omitted] • Total As concentration and pH-Eh conditions controlled As behavior in water. • Dryness and rainfalls change the pH and ORP conditions in the aquatic environment. • Streambed sediments acted as a sink-and-source in groundwater-stream interface. • Physical transport of bed sediments could extend the areas of As-pollution potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies along the northwestern Gulf of Mexico document rapid, centennial-scale, landward retreat or back-stepping of estuarine environments up to 20 km ca. 8.0 ka, 4.8 ka, and 2.6 ka. If such rapid changes in coastal environments occurred today along the urbanized coast of the Gulf of Mexico major economical and ecological loss would occur. Although the 8.0 ka event occurs at a time of increased rates of sea-level rise, the latter two do not; leading to the hypothesis that they may be the result of past climate change. In this study, 121 cores, 4.3 km of high-resolution seismic profiles, and 53 radiocarbon dates are utilized to characterize the stratigraphic architecture and constrain the timing of stratigraphic flooding surfaces in the estuarine fill of upper Baffin Bay, Texas over the last 6 ky. Five flooding surfaces, which formed between 1.1–1.0 ka, 2.7–2.1 ka, 3.8–3.0 ka, 5.2–4.9 ka, and 6.5–5.7 ka, occur within error of drying in southern Texas driven by warming in the North Atlantic and recorded in independent paleoclimate archives. We suggest that these flooding surfaces, which occurred when sea-level in the Gulf of Mexico was rising < 2 mm/yr, were primarily driven by declines in fluvial sediment supply to the coast due to past climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of climate change and variability on river flows have been widely studied. However the impacts of such changes on sediment transport have received comparatively little attention. In part this is because modelling sediment production and transport processes introduces additional uncertainty, but it also results from the fact that, alongside the climate change signal, there have been and are projected to be significant changes in land cover which strongly affect sediment-related processes. Here we assess the impact of a range of climatic variations and land covers on the River Thames catchment (UK). We first calculate a response of the system to climatic stressors (average precipitation, average temperature and increase in extreme precipitation) and land-cover stressors (change in the extent of arable land). To do this we use an ensemble of INCA hydrological and sediment behavioural models. The resulting system response, which reveals the nature of interactions between the driving factors, is then compared with climate projections originating from the UKCP09 assessment (UK Climate Projections 2009) to evaluate the likelihood of the range of projected outcomes. The results show that climate and land cover each exert an individual control on sediment transport. Their effects vary depending on the land use and on the level of projected climate change. The suspended sediment yield of the River Thames in its lowermost reach is expected to change by −4% (−16% to +13%, confidence interval, p = 0.95) under the A1FI emission scenario for the 2030s, although these figures could be substantially altered by an increase in extreme precipitation, which could raise the suspended sediment yield up to an additional +10%. A 70% increase in the extension of the arable land is projected to increase sediment yield by around 12% in the lowland reaches. A 50% reduction is projected to decrease sediment yield by around 13%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of sediments through the landscape (sediment connectivity) depends on hydrological conditions. This study aimed at assessing changes in sediment sources engendered under extreme drought. A sediment budget model that considered hillslope sediment connectivity was applied to the Latrobe River catchment (South-east Australia) in a relatively normal period (1990–1996) followed by part of the ‘Millennium Drought’ (1997–2005). Bayesian inference was applied to optimize monthly streamflow and calibrate sediment parameters against mean annual specific sediment yields at ten monitoring stations. In 1990–1996, assessed sediment yield at the outlet was 68 kt/y; 60% of sediments originated from net hillslope erosion and 40% from streambank erosion. In 1997–2005, sediment yield decreased to 13 kt/y, 27% from net hillslope erosion against 65% from streambank erosion. During the drought, both hillslope gross erosion and hillslope sediment connectivity decreased dramatically. Streambank protection is of the utmost importance under all hydrologic conditions and especially during drought periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present and paleo-drainage networks, depositional surfaces, fault throw, slope of the downthrown fault blocks, soil properties, sediment characteristics and published optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages are used to define the role of tectonics and climate in the growth of forty-five terminal fans (TFs) in the Indo-Gangetic foreland basin. Twenty-three TFs show a single exposed surface throughout, suggesting no or imperceptible breaks in sedimentation during their formation. In contrast, twenty-two TFs show multiple growth surfaces, separated by soil profiles and erosional surfaces. The available optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates of these depositional surfaces suggest different phases of TF growth. Tectonically triggered surface faulting altered accommodation space, slope of the substrate, and sediment supply and initiated new TF depositional cycles. The tectonically stable periods, in contrast, did not form TFs, despite the favourable humid climate conditions. Instead, the dry and humid climatic regimes, when combined with frequent surface faulting, produced and remobilized sediments more quickly, promoting TF growth. The humid climate TFs are spatially extensive (average area = 2000 km2), with clay horizons interspersed between sand facies. The dry climates TFs are smaller (average area = 1370 km2), with intervening calcrete horizons and surface salt-efflorescence. Low precipitation and inadequate sediment supply hampered the growth of these dry climate TFs. Despite a considerable period of surface exposure, the surfaces of dry climate TFs lack a well-developed soil profile. The upper Ganga Plain provides more accommodation space across the faults than the middle Ganga Plain. Accommodation space and substrate slope have little effect on TF area unless climatically triggered sediment remobilization occurs. For a given accommodation space and substrate slope, steeper sloping TFs occupy less area than lower sloping ones. Faults with throws of <5 m and substrate slopes of <2° do not form TFs; instead sediment wedges are formed across fault slope breaks. The TFs in the upper Ganga Plain show more growth surfaces than the middle Ganga Plain. The older growth surfaces are either progressively arranged across the direction of channel shift or occur as inliers in between the younger alluvium. Well-developed distributaries on the older TFs disperse sediment more readily, rather than accumulating it in proximal fan regions. However, the younger TFs, with relatively less-developed distributary channel networks, vertically stack sediments in their proximal part and occasionally transport sediment as sheet floods to their distal end regions. The combined geomorphic response of TFs to tectonic events and climatic fluctuations is, therefore, simultaneous for TF growth and stabilization. • Ganga Plain terminal fans (TF) form at topographic slope breaks away from mountains. • TF growth mechanism investigated using remote sensing and field investigations. • Ganga Plain TFs develop as a result of tectonic-climatic interactions. • Tectonics provides overall accommodation space for TF building. • Climate then controls TF growth (humid periods) and inactivity (drier periods). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Review of hydro-morphological responses to LULC and climate changes. • The first review paper of this type focused on tropical regions. • A comprehensive review of 60 case studies. • Meta-analysis of the findings of all case studies. • Significant correlations are revealed between LULCC and hydrological processes. Tropical regions have experienced the fastest Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) in the last decades, coupled with climate change (CC) this has affected the hydrological and geomorphological processes of river systems. With the increased demand for land, the general trend has been the loss of forest land to agriculture and settlements. These changes have altered the water balance components through enhanced or reduced evaporation, peak flow, flooding, and river morphology. The aim of this review paper is to provide a meta -analysis on the effects of spatiotemporal changes in climate and LULC on river hydro-morphology in the tropics. Following a systematic search, 60 case studies were identified, of which the majority (68%) experienced forest loss due to agricultural and urban expansion, resulting in increased streamflow, surface flow, and total water yield and decreased ET and groundwater recharge. 12% of the case studies showed the impacts of LULCC on channel morphology features through sediment transport and riverbank erosion. Results from this study show limited correlation between LULCC and hydrological variables, indicating that there are likely other factors controlling hydrological processes. Catchment heterogeneity including soil and topography play an important role. Based on studies that project these changes into the future, similar trends are expected over the next decades, with differences based on LU and climate scenarios. There are still limited studies on river hydro-morphology responses to LULCC and CC in the tropics despite the major changes taking place there. In light of future changes, more studies are needed to improve our understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Brazilian semiarid is the most densely populated dry region in the world. • Sediment source apportionment was quantified in a semiarid ephemeral catchment. • The combination of conventional and alternative tracers improved source discrimination. • Our results may gain high visibility given the climate change projections for the semiarid regions. The Brazilian semiarid is the most densely populated dry region in the world. Although climate change projections underline the need for the creation of integrated strategies to protect water resources in the semiarid, sediment source apportionment data remain scant for this environment. Accordingly, we evaluated sediment source contributions in one of the most relevant Brazilian semiarid catchments by combining geochemical and colour tracer properties. In doing so, we explored the applicability of colour tracers as a low-cost alternative to the use of time-consuming and costly properties, such as geochemical tracers. Two source classification schemes were used based on environmentally contrasting regions within the catchment (upper, middle and lower catchment parts) and land use (Caatinga biome - natural vegetation, unpaved roads, and channel banks). Suspended sediments (SS) and bed sediments (BS) were used as target sediment. A total of 660 individual source material samples were collected and composited. Geochemical and colour tracers were measured on the source and target sediment samples and used as potential fingerprints to discriminate and quantify the sediment source contributions. The geochemical tracers provided weak source discrimination based on land use. However, combining geochemical and colour tracers improved the final outputs. Using the MixSIAR model, the lower catchment contributed more sediment than the other regional sources. The Caatinga (SS = 49 %; BS = 47 %) contributed more sediment than channel banks (SS = 35 %; BS = 39 %). Overall, our results suggest that the recovery and conservation of the Caatinga vegetation and the stabilization of channel banks, especially in the lower catchment part, are critical for improving sediment supply control in the semiarid study basin. More studies are needed to evaluate the conservative behaviour of colour tracers in ephemeral rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayan foreland basin, manifested as the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) on the surface, has been filling up with sediment, carried by the Himalayan river network. Since 1960, several sediment budget records have been established for this region, estimated by different approaches, and averaged over different time scales. Here, we have compiled 196 records of sediment load, sediment yield, and erosion rate published between 1960 and 2022 for different catchments across the IGP. We categorised the data as long-term (multi-centennial to multi-millennial) and short-term (annual to multi-decadal) records, based on the timescale they are averaged upon. We find that there is a clear gradient of sediment yield across the IGP where long-term sediment yield decreases from ∼5800 t/yr/km2 (Sutlej basin) in the west to ∼1200 t/yr/km2 (Ganges basin) in the east and the short-term yield decreases from ∼1800 t/yr/km2 (Sutlej basin) in the west to ∼100 t/yr/km2 (Ganges basin) in the east. Our analysis shows that the driving factors of sediment generation and dispersion vary throughout the region and among the integration timescales. The region south of the Main Frontal Thrust, specifically the IGP, is highly populated and the short-term records suggest an anthropogenic bias. However, we show that only a low but measurable percentage of the annual sediment load is trapped by anthropogenic interventions, such as dams and barrages, when we compare the short- and long-term sediment loads. Among 172 sampled catchments, both short (n = 87) and long-term (n = 60) loads from basins with area >100 km2, show nearly log-linear correlation with their respective basin sizes. However, in case of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, the slope of the best fit line for the short-term loads is 30% lower compared to long-term loads. The short-term load estimations for the same basin size are consistently lower than the long-term loads. We attribute this discrepancy on the lag in response time of the vast IGP dispersal system. We note that the variability of long-term erosion rates from west to east correspond well (R2 = 0.77, n = 6) with the variability of mean normalized channel steepness indices for all major catchments to the south of the Main Frontal Thrust region. To the north of the Main Frontal Thrust, the variation of long-term erosion rates correlates well with channel steepness within a single catchment, but not in a similar fashion across different catchments from west to east. We observe that the linear relationship between long-term erosion rate and channel steepness index for individual basins to the north of the MFT is influenced by the presence of high vegetation density; however, any correlation between long-term erosion rates with mean annual rainfall and vegetation cover is absent. Our analyses suggest that short-term records are more susceptible to vegetation cover changes in steep terrains, but landscape erosion rates at these timescales are also driven by various degrees of landscape steepness. We show that short-term records are influenced by transient sediment storages on the IGP that respond to past tectonic and climatic forcing. This underlines the importance of understanding transient sediment storages when interpreting short-term records in the context of recent climatic changes and anthropogenic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Landslide contribution to basin sediment budget was determined. • Individual landslide tracing and routing was conducted. • Coupling between landslide and climate change impact was analysed. Mass movements such as landslides are prominent sources of sediment in post-seismic mountain belts. Earthquake triggered landslides can generate substantial volumes of fresh sediment and this may have significant long-term (decade to millennium) geomorphic effects on landscape evolution. Downslope and downstream transport of sediment into the channel network is sensitive to meteorological perturbations especially for extreme rainfall events. However, no established techniques can explicitly fingerprint/track landslide-derived sediment under climate change. In this study, we use a new tracing function incorporated into CAESAR-Lisflood (CL) to track the landslide-derived sediment dynamics in response to climate change. The hourly future rainfall sequences under two climate scenarios (RCP4.5, RCP8.5) were firstly generated using 'NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP)' dataset and then used as hydrological input to drive CL simulations. The landscape evolution at the Hongxi basin, which suffered great damage from the Wenchuan earthquake (Ms 8.0), was then simulated for 93 years (2008–2100) using CL under two climate scenarios. The results show that the landslides can greatly increase the sediment yield and climatic perturbations can lead to variation of sediment dynamics, the coupling of these two factors perform a combined impact on sediment budget, while the interplay and relevant importance between landslides and climate impact is dependent on the landslide density of specific basin. The landslide-channel connectivity (location of landslides with respect to river channels) plays an important role in post-earthquake sediment evacuation. The yearly sediment yield generated by the landslides can be stable after 20 years under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios in the study basin. These findings are of great importance to understand the interplay between landslide and climatic perturbations and support the risk management and mitigation after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]