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Multidisciplinary researches allowed us to describe the morphological and palaeoenvironmental dynamics of the Kotychi Lagoon in the Holocene. This transition environment is separated from the open sea by a low barrier and has limited communication with it through a stable, short, and narrow inlet. The lagoon is limited by a modern alluvial plain made by several streams. Along the landward lagoon margins, small-scale deltas of these streams prograded into the lagoon. Intertidal and supratidal mud flats developed among the deltas, covered with vegetation (e.g., Salicornia sp.). Northwards, the lagoon is limited by a large marshy area. To the North of this area, a group of well-developed beach ridges parallel to the current shoreline is present. These are affected by erosion, and migrating sandy dunes have buried some of the beach ridges. South of the lagoon, the ancient Peneus River delta is located. The bottom depth in the Kotychi Lagoon decreases gradually from the landward of the barrier to the inner lagoon margins. Although the maximum depth is about 2.5 m in front of the inlet, the average depth is only 0.5 m. The main lithological type of the lagoon sediments is sandy mud, with some exceptions in the eastern edge of the lagoon and some locations around it where silty-clayey sediment was deposited. According to geomorphological surveys and palaeoecological interpretation of two cores analysis as well as with previous researches and datings, the recent morphogenetic evolution of this lagoon is mainly due to three Holocene phases: 1) 7-4 ka BP: sediment filling, development of a primitive open lagoon; 2) 4–1.5 ka BP: development of sandy ridges, partially closed lagoon; 3) 1.5 ka BP - present-day: closed lagoon, with one mouth. Fractal analysis confirms that currently the basin shape is evolving from a lagoon towards a coastal pond, due to contraction and filling up by sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Abundant fossil records of Altingiaceae have been discovered from all Northern Hemisphere continents and suggest its widespread occurrence during the Paleogene, shedding light on its evolutionary history. However, records of unlobed Altingiaceae leaf fossils are rare and discovered only in East Asia to date. Methodology. Plant fossils were collected from the lignite opencast mine Profen-Süd in central Germany from late Eocene sediments of an alluvial coastal plain. From a total of 140 compressed leaves, cuticles were obtained from 52 specimens for studying epidermal characters. Leaf architecture and cuticle micromorphology were described and compared with fossil and extant species sharing similar characteristics. Pivotal results. The new material belongs to a rare and incompletely known fossil species from the same region and age. For taxonomic reasons, a new fossil genus— Zlatkophyllum gen. nov.—associated with Altingiaceae is established. Zlatkophyllum fischkandelii sp. nov. et comb. nov. is redescribed and reconsidered on the basis of the simple dentate, almost circular leaves with semicraspedodromous secondary vein framework; Ω-shaped anticlinal walls of epidermal cells; and brachyparacytic stomata. Conclusions. The new fossil genus is the first representative of Altingiaceae from the European Cenozoic with exclusively unlobed leaves, thus providing important implications for the evolutionary history of the family. In the fossil assemblage, Z. fischkandelii co-occurs with abundant Steinhauera subglobosa infructescences from the same family, and thus the new fossil taxon is hypothetically the previously unknown foliage of the S. subglobosa –producing fossil plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cohesive soil, as soil lumps within the sand matrix of the Gangetic alluvial plain, exerts a significant influence on the dynamic properties of sand deposits, as extensively documented in prior research. This study aimed to describe the intricacies of microstructural changes and re-distribution of pore sizes resulting from the effects of loading and wetting. To gain a comprehensive understanding, microstructural characterization of Indo-Gangetic alluvial soil was performed using two advanced analytical techniques, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The collapse behavior of Sone river sand samples mixed with varying proportions of soil lumps was studied using a series of oedometer test. A decrease in the collapse potential (CP) trend was observed with each increase in the sand percentage. The CPs were estimated as 16.39% and 10.07% for alluvial sand containing 70% and 40% collapsible lumps, respectively. The micrographs and differentiation in pore morphology were used to describe the microstructural evolution of lump-sand mixture due to saturation and loading. This study highlights the pivotal role played by the collapsible soil lumps within the sand matrix. Initially, these lumps possess an open structure, characterized by cementation bonds that interconnect clay-coated silts and sand aggregates. However, these cemented bonds are susceptible to disintegration under the influences of loading and wetting, ultimately triggering collapse in the soil matrix. After the collapse, soil particle re-arrangement occurs, and the initial open structure in soil lumps transforms into a dense structure. Microstructural change is dependent on stress levels. With increasing stress levels, higher inter-aggregate pores or macro-pores evolve into small sized intra-aggregate pores or micro-pores. This study contributes to the literature by providing both qualitative and quantitative insights into soil collapse and valuable guidelines for comprehending the intricate microstructural alterations that occur within alluvial sand containing these unique lumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain (MRDP) has experienced the highest rates of wetland loss in the USA. Although the process of vertical drowning has been heavily studied in coastal wetlands, less is known about the relationship between elevation change and land loss in wetlands that are experiencing lateral erosion and the contribution of erosion to land loss in the MRDP. We quantified relationships of elevation change and land change in ten submerging tidal wetlands and found that, despite significant land loss, elevation trajectories in seven of the land loss study sites were positive. Furthermore, we observed an acceleration in elevation gain preceding the conversion from vegetated marsh to open water. To identify regional contributions of lateral erosion to land loss, we quantified the relationship of elevation change and land change in 159 tidal marsh sites in the MRDP. Approximately half the sites were persistently losing land, and 82% of these sites were vulnerable to erosion, identifying erosion as a dominant mechanism of coastal wetland loss in this region. Notably, the sites that were vulnerable to erosion were experiencing land loss while also gaining elevation, and sites with the highest land loss exhibited accelerating elevation gain. Together, these data illustrate that (1) erosion is a dominant mechanism of wetland loss in the MRDP, (2) accelerated elevation gain is an indicator of erosion, and (3) consideration of elevation change trajectories within the context of land change is critical for providing accurate coastal wetland vulnerability assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esh-Shaheinab is a landmark in the African Neolithic. This site gave the name Shaheinab Neolithic to the Neolithic period in central Sudan, becoming its archetype. Excavated in the late 1940s by A.J. Arkell, it bears witness to the processes of domestic animal introduction from the Middle East into North and East Africa. Its excavation also uncovered the remains of an earlier Mesolithic or Early Khartoum (ca. ninth-sixth millennia BC) and a Late Neolithic occupation (ca. fourth millennium BC), providing essential insights into the Neolithic's premises and sequels. Although the influence of Esh-Shaheinab has been recognized for more than seventy years, our knowledge of its material culture has remained as it was then. In 2001, one of the present authors (EAAG) had permission to restudy the ceramic collection at the National Museum in Khartoum and subsequently export samples for laboratory analyses. Here, for the first time, we provide a multi-scale analysis of the Esh-Shaheinab ceramic material from the Early Khartoum to the Late Neolithic periods by integrating the chaîne opératoire approach into the local landscape. By combining the results of macroscopic and microscopic analyses, we performed petrographic investigations on the composition and manufacturing technology of the ceramic pastes using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). Organic residue analysis (ORA) was also carried out, to provide information on diet, vessel use, and subsistence practices. The results of our combined analyses showed that the inhabitants of Esh-Shaheinab developed an adaptation specific to the ecological niche they inhabited. They lived in the western valley of the Nile, which was narrower and offered different environmental conditions than the eastern bank. This resulted in partial continuity in manufacturing traditions and ceramic recipes, including more mixed wadi materials and a strong emphasis on wild meat consumption as the narrower alluvial plain restricted animal herding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mountainous region of central Shandong Province in eastern China is renowned for its high frequency of rainstorms, which often result in devastating flood disasters and have profoundly affected the evolution of local ancient civilizations. To identify ancient flood disaster events, recognizing sediment signatures via multiple indices is important. Here, we investigated the 2018 flood deposits in the Danhe River Basin and sampled short core DH2, on which the grain size, total organic matter (TOM) content, carbonate content, magnetic susceptibility (MS) and pollen were measured. The fine grain size of the flood sedimentary layer reveals that the flood energy in the alluvial plain area is usually weak. The pollen species and concentration and the tree pollen content in the flood layer are significantly greater than those in the soil layer, suggesting that the flood sediment mainly originates from the mountainous areas in the upper reaches of the river, which provides more forest vegetation information. The MS of flood deposits is lower than that of the soil layer, which is mainly related to the intensity of pedogenesis. The research results indicate that the flood sediments in the downstream floodplain areas of small watersheds are predominantly composed of fine-grained components, with characteristics of high loss on ignition, low magnetic susceptibility, high pollen abundance and diverse species. These findings establish a multi-index identification system for paleoflood sedimentation, which has important reference significance for the study of paleoflood sedimentology and hydrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological drought and river disconnectivity worsen from dams and human activities. This research investigates how dam constructions exacerbate hydrological drought and river disconnectivity in Apalachicola River system. Data from two hydrological stations (1928-2022), a hydrographic survey, high-resolution LiDAR, and a triangular irregular network (TIN) were used to identify three connectivity flow (141.5 m3/s, 169.8 m3/s, and 226.4 m3/s) categories, each impacting floodplain differently. A relative elevation model (REM) was also developed for floodplain connectivity assessment. Findings show a significant increase in the frequency, duration, and magnitude of connectivity low flow events from pre-dam to post-dam periods, especially at the 169.8 m³/s connectivity flow threshold. A 20th percentile variable threshold shows increasing hydrological drought. Drought increases have led to decreased connectivity between tributaries and the main river system, and an increase in the moderately disconnected floodplain area from 37.1% to 46.0%. Adaptive management strategies are needed to address drought-induced floodplain disconnectivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land subsidence is an environmental hazard occurring gradually over time, potentially posing significant threats to the structural stability of civilian buildings and essential infrastructures. This study presented a workflow using the SBAS-PSInSAR approach to analyze surface deformation in the Choushui River Fluvial Plain (CRFP) based on Sentinel-1 SAR images and validated against precise leveling. Integrating the InSAR results with hydrogeological data, such as groundwater levels (GWLS), multilayer compactions, and borehole loggings, a straightforward model was proposed to estimate appropriate groundwater level drops to minimize further subsidence. The results showed a huge subsidence bowl centered in Yunlin, with maximal sinking at an average 60 mm/year rate. High-resolution subsidence maps enable the quantitative analyses of safety issues for Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) across the areas with considerable subsidence. In addition, the analysis of hydrogeological data revealed that half of the major compaction in the study area occurred at shallow depths that mainly included the first and second aquifers. Based on a maximal subsidence control rate of 40 mm/year specified in the CRFP, the model results indicated that the groundwater level drops from wet to dry seasons needed to be maintained from 3 to 5 m for the shallowest aquifer and 4–6 m for Aquifers 3 and 4. The workflow demonstrated the compatibility of InSAR with traditional geodetic methods and the effectiveness of integrating multiple data sources to assess the complex nature of land subsidence in the CRFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The northern continental margin of the South China Sea (SCS) is an important component of deep‐water circulation, providing excellent conditions for studying bottom currents in a marginal sea. Seismic data were employed to discern the sedimentary patterns prevalent in the deep‐water continental slope sediments on the northern continental margin of the SCS, encompassing gravity flow, contourite and mixed depositional systems. The contourite depositional system includes various types of deposits (such as separated mounded drifts, patch or channel‐related drifts, deformed sheeted drifts, composite drifts, bottom current sediment waves, plastered contourite drifts) and various morphologic erosional features eroded by the bottom current (such as moats, non‐depositional surfaces, troughs and scarps). These contourite features are related to the continental slope's morphology and its sources. The Dongsha slope exhibits distinctive characteristics marked by intense bottom current erosion and deposition, featuring separated mounded drifts and deformed sheeted drifts along its lower slope. The lower slope of the Pearl River showcases a spectrum of bottom current‐induced features, including sediment wave fields, erosion fields and contourite drifts. The southern flank of the Shenhu slope is characterised by a bottom current erosion field, a non‐depositional surface, a sediment wave field and isolated mounded drifts. On the Yingqiong slope, the contourite drifts are limited to its southern flank where gravity flow action is absent, and the complex geomorphology interacts with the bottom current, forming a complex contourite depositional system. The results of this study serve as a foundational framework for further global research on bottom current circulation and hydrodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoreconstructions of coastal and near-coastal areas have always served as a tool towards better understanding of past, present and future geological and geomorphological processes. The reliability of paleocoastline and sea-land extent modelling is controlled by input data. Here the difference between paleoreconstructions based on present-day bathymetry and a paleotopographic elevation model are examined on the example of the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic sea) - a low-gradient submerged Last Glacial Maximum alluvial plain with fairly well-resolved bathymetry and pre-transgressional paleotopography. Results presented in this study show striking differences between the spatial extent of the two modelled sets of paleocoastlines which in places exceeds tens of kilometers. These results demonstrate the importance of using an appropriate geologically-supported elevation model for paleoreconstruction as unsuitable models can result in significant errors and unreliable reconstructions. This is especially noteworthy for low-gradient settings where even a slight variation in sea level can affect vast areas. Finally, the results of this study provide insight into the Early Holocene evolution of the present-day area of the Gulf of Trieste as an abrupt and predominant northeasterly oriented transgression direction is indicated from the paleocoastline reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is crucial for water resource renewal, but climate change alters their frequency and amounts, challenging societies for correct and effective water management. However, modifications of precipitation dynamics appear to be not uniformly distributed, both in space and time. Even in relatively small areas, precipitation shows the coexistence of positive and negative trends. Local topography seems to be a strong driver of precipitation changes. Understanding precipitation changes and their relationship with local topography is crucial for society's resilience. Taking advantage of a dense and long-lasting (1920–2019) meteorological monitoring network, we analyzed the precipitation changes over the last century in a sensitive and strategic area in the Mediterranean hotspot. The study area corresponds to northern Tuscany (Italy), where its topography comprises mountain ridges and coastal and river plains. Forty-eight rain gauges were selected with continuous annual precipitation time series. These were analyzed for trends and differences in mean annual precipitation between the stable period of 1921–1970 and the last 30-year 1990–2019. The relationship between precipitation changes and local topography was also examined. The results show the following highlights: (i) A general decrease in precipitation was found through the century, even if variability is marked. (ii) The mountain ridges show the largest decrease in mean annual precipitation. (iii) The precipitation change entity over the last century was not homogenous and was dependent on topography and geographical setting. (iv) A decrease in annual precipitation of up to 400 mm was found for the mountainous sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding groundwater–surface water interaction is essential for water resource management and watershed ecological protection. However, the existing studies often emphasize the tracer role of hydrogeochemical methods (including hydrochemistry and isotopes) while underestimating the importance of analyzing watershed hydraulic characteristics, thus neglecting the indications of the driving mechanisms (hydraulic head difference) for the water exchange. Taking the Songhua River in the Sanjiang Plain as an example, this study combines hydraulic, hydrochemical, and isotopic methods to clarify the groundwater–surface water interactions from both a driving mechanism perspective and a hydrogeochemical characterization perspective within the water cycle. The results indicate that human exploitation has caused river water to infiltrate into groundwater, converting the section into a losing river, where surface water consistently exhibits a hydraulic tendency to recharge the aquifer. The influence zone of the river extends up to 3.5 km from the riverbank, with an average recharge rate from the river reaching 78.04% within this area. This recharge mixes and dilutes the adjacent groundwater, impacting its hydrogeochemical characteristics. This study enhances the understanding of combined methods for groundwater–surface water interaction and provides a scientific basis for water resource management and pollution control strategies in the local agricultural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of ancient settlements and their relationship with the environment in the Sichuan Basin can enhance our understanding of the evolution of the regional human–land relationship. Utilizing kernel density analysis by GIS, this paper obtained the spatial distribution characteristics of 1100 settlements in the Neolithic, Shang–Zhou, and Qin to Southern Dynasties periods. Subsequently, a GIS spatial analysis was performed to examine the distribution of these settlements in relation to the natural environment, focusing on four aspects: elevation, slope, aspect, and water buffer zone. The results demonstrate that: (1) The distribution of settlements from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties has expanded from the Chengdu Plain in the west and the Xiajiang Area in the east to the hilly areas in the center. (2) The settlements in the Neolithic and Shang–Zhou periods are predominantly located at elevations between 300–600 m, slopes between 0–3°, aspects between 135–225°, distances to rivers between 0–1000 m, and soil choice on Luvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, and Anthrosols. The influence of aspect on settlements during the Qin–Southern Dynasties period was notably reduced. The settlements mainly grow in the Chengdu Plain and the smaller plains along the river from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties in the Sichuan Basin. (3) The emergence and advancement of primitive agriculture, the construction of early water conservancy facilities, commercial and trade exchanges, and the establishment of regimes led to a shift from a double core to a more dispersed distribution in the Sichuan Basin from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties periods. The evolution of settlements reflects the adaption and competition of the residents to the natural environment in the Sichuan Basin. Furthermore, it provides insights into the complex social development in the region, ranging from the formation of early states to the establishment of the Qin and Han Empires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affected by human activities, the naturally occurring river network in the southeastern plain of Yinzhou has gradually evolved into a natural–artificial composite water system, and changes in river connectivity due to changes in river network systems have caused water security problems, including urban flooding. To clarify the river connectivity change and its relationship with the urbanization process, this paper discusses an evaluation method for river connectivity based on complex networks and cellular automata (CA) from the perspective of complex systems, quantitatively analyzes the spatial–temporal characteristics of the structural and functional river connectivity in the study area during the 1990s–2020s, and reveals the impact of river nodes and chains on the connectivity level under the disturbance of natural or human factors. The results contained the following revelations: ① River connectivity showed a decreasing trend in the initial and rapid development stages of urbanization from the 1990s to the 2010s and a limited increasing trend in the optimization and upgrading stages from the 2010s to the 2020s. ② River network degradation and ongoing connectivity decline are found in the northeastern part of the study area. The highest river connectivity exists in Dongqianhukaifaqu. ③ The number of river nodes and chains should be maintained at approximately 80% for normal river connectivity. The nodes of high degree in the inflow area are listed in the key protection areas. ④ Changes in river connectivity are significantly correlated with the urbanization process. Changes in the functional connectivity level affect the magnitude of a flood. This study provides a theoretical basis for river network connectivity improvement and flood prevention in plain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, sedimentological and geochemical data from six cores are presented and discussed in order to better understand the Holocene palaeoenvironmental evolution of the coastal plains of the Pecora and Cornia Rivers (southern Tuscany, Italy). Overall, the stratigraphies show a general upward trend in the evolution of the sedimentary succession of lagoonal environments (low Zr/Rb, high EC values) connected or partially connected to the sea (low EC values), to a seaward progradation of marshy-swampy environments (Mn/Ti, high TOC values) and finally to continental environments with the progradation of distal alluvial plains (high Zr/Rb, low EC values) influenced by runoff phenomena or local water stagnation. This trend is closely related to the increasing input of sediments from inland due to soil erosion processes and, especially in the last two centuries, land reclamation works. In the Cornia coastal plain, the chronologies indicate that lagoonal environments were already present before ca. 8.2ka BC and started receding seaward at around 3.7ka BC. On the other hand, chronologies from ca. 0.5ka BC to ca. 0.6ka AD point to a persistence of lagoonal environments only in areas very close to those already identified as such in historical cartography. In the Pecora coastal plain, the chronologies show that the lagoon environments had already disappeared before ca. 3.3ka BC, whilst the peripheral environments were characterised by abundant vegetation. The latter gradually degraded in favour of the development of shallow to very deep, unvegetated marshlands, which persisted until ca. 1ka AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water environment of plain river networks can be self-cleaning to a certain extent, but if the wastewater load exceeds a certain threshold, it can disturb the natural balance and cause water pollution. This underlines the importance of water pollution control measures. However, the development of water pollution control measures requires a large number of hydrological and hydrodynamic parameters and the establishment of corresponding relationships through modelling. Therefore, this study mainly used the Infoworks ICM model to construct a detailed hydrological–hydrodynamic water environment analysis model for the Yundong area of Baoying County, Yangzhou City, China, screened the main pollution source areas and pollution time periods of the typical rivers in the study area, and proposed effective improvement measures according to the actual situation of the study area. The results show that after the synergistic effect of multiple measures, the water quality can reach the Class III standard (GB3838-2002). This study can provide a reference for the water environment management and improvement of the plain river network and has good application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution sedimentological and geochronological investigations of paleochannel systems in the Ried Central d'Alsace (northeastern France) allow for the reconstruction of the late glacial and Holocene fluvial evolution of this section of the Upper Rhine alluvial plain. During the Oldest Dryas, the landscape featured a dominant braided Rhine system and, to a lesser extent, a braided Fecht system. The shift to the Bølling-Allerød saw a narrowing of the Rhine's active channel belt, the development of a complex channel pattern, and the genesis of the Ill River. The river channel patterns remained unchanged during the Younger Dryas. In the Early Holocene, the Rhine's active belt narrowed further, and the Rhine and Ill Rivers developed braided-anastomosing and anastomosing channel patterns, respectively. Throughout the Holocene, both rivers maintained their channel patterns while migrating east and west across the alluvial plain, respectively. In the late glacial, fluvial dynamics in this section of the Upper Rhine plain were primarily influenced by climate-related environmental and hydrogeomorphological changes. Conversely, during the Holocene, the evolution of the fluvial hydrosystems was driven by a complex interaction of climatic and non-climatic factors, including human activity at the catchment scale, alluvial plain architecture, and local neotectonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern area of Jinan City, along the banks of the Yellow River, there was a layer of silty soil approximately 6 to 8 meters below the surface. A large number of landslides were observed in nearby excavations at this depth, demonstrating a different overall failure mode from the conventional circular sliding method for excavations. Based on extensive engineering landslide characteristics, a specific case analysis indicated that the slopes of excavations containing weak interlayers were subjected to a combined circular-plane overall failure mode. This conclusion was validated through numerical analysis using Plaxis finite element software. An analytical solution for the overall stability analysis of excavation slopes with weak interlayers was derived based on statics and moment equilibrium equations. The optimal support scheme was proposed and validated through numerical and monitoring data. The findings suggested that excavation slopes in geological units of the Yellow River alluvial plain in northern Jinan City were influenced by weak interlayers, exhibiting an overall failure mode of circular-plane sliding. The conventional circular sliding calculation method for excavation design posed safety risks. Therefore, the selection of excavation support structures should incorporate shear-resistant elements penetrating the weak interlayers to transform the circular-plane failure mode into circular sliding mode, thus ensuring excavation safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alluvial parent material soil is an important soil type found on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) in China. However, due to the limited age data for alluvial soils, the relationship between alluvial geomorphological processes and soil pedogenic processes remains unclear. In this study, three representative alluvial parent material profiles on the Buha River alluvial plain in the Qinghai Lake Basin, northeast QTP, were analyzed using the optical luminescence (OSL) dating method. Combined with physical and chemical analyses of the soil, we further analyzed the pedogenic process of alluvial soil. The alluvial parent material of the Buha alluvial plain predominately yielded ages between 11.9 and 9.1 ka, indicating that the alluvial soil began to form during the early Holocene. The development of the alluvial soil on the first-order terrace presents characteristics of entisol with multiple burial episodes, mainly between 8.5 and 4.0 ka, responding to the warm and humid middle Holocene and high lake levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timescales over which fractional crystallization and recharge work in mafic volcano-plutonic provinces is subject to great uncertainty. Currently modeled processes are subject to the scale of measurement: monogenetic basaltic fields accumulate over hundreds of thousands of years, consistent with U-Th-Ra isotopic variations that imply 50% crystallization of basic magmas on timescales of 100,000 years or more, whereas crystal diffusion modeling implies phenocryst residence times of ∼1–1000 years. Monogenetic basalts of the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho, USA, are up to 2 km thick and postdate passage over the Yellow-stone–Snake River Plain hotspot. Detailed lithologic and geophysical logging of core from deep drill holes, along with chemical stratigraphy and high-resolution paleomagnetic inclination measurements, document individual eruptive units, compound lava flows, and basaltic flow groups that accumulated over 1–6 m.y. Hiatuses are commonly marked by loess or fluvial interbeds that vary from ∼0.1 m thick to 20 m thick. Radio-metric (40Ar-39Ar, detrital zircon U-Pb) and paleomagnetic timescale ages show that the deepest hole (Kimama drill hole, 1912 m total depth) accumulated over ∼6 m.y. Cycles of fractional crystallization and recharge are recognized in the chemical stratigraphy as up-section shifts in major and trace elements; these fractionation cycles commonly represent 40%–50% fractionation. Individual fractionation cycles may comprise 20–40 eruptive units (8–17 lava flows) with little to no change in paleomagnetic inclination (0°– 1°), whereas adjacent cycles may differ by several degrees from one another or reflect changes in polarity. Rates of paleosecular variation in Holocene lavas and sediments dated using 14C document significant shifts in magnetic inclination over short timescales, ranging from ∼0.05° to 2°/decade, with an average of ∼0.5°/decade and a minimum rate of 0.05°/ decade. This implies that fractionation cycles with ≤1° variation in magnetic inclination formed on timescales of a few decades up to a few centuries (20–200 years). Thus, the lavas collectively represent only a few thousand years of eruptive activity, with major flow groups separated in time by tens to hundreds of thousands of years. We suggest that the rates defined by paleosecular variation capture the timescales of magmatic chamber evolution (fractionation/recharge) in the seismically imaged mid-crustal sill complex; in contrast, we suggest that crystal diffusion modeling captures the residence times in shallow subvolcanic magmatic chambers that underlie individual monogenetic volcanoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silty lacustrine and paludal records spanning from the penultimate deglaciation (late Illinois Episode) to the present are preserved in kettles formed during marine isotope stage (MIS) 6 that lie adjacent to the MIS 2 Manito terrace along the valleys of the Sangamon and Illinois Rivers. Geochemical, mineralogical, particle-size, and chronological records from two basins, Smith Lake and Lake Ben, provide a unique opportunity to assess loess age and provenance of the southcentral Laurentide ice sheet. Here, I focused on deposits of redeposited loess of the last glaciation (Wisconsin Episode). Other than subtle laminations and fossils of emergent and aquatic plants and animals, the silty texture, chemical composition, and mineralogy of the lake sediment closely resemble Peoria Silt (loess). Sediment-core records sampled from Smith Lake and Lake Ben in Mason County, Illinois, confirm rapid deposition of proximal loess derived from the nearby outwash plain of the Illinois River from ca. 30.9–18.0 calibrated (cal) k.y. B.P. From 18.0–14.7 cal k.y. B.P., deposition of proximal loess was gradually replaced by far-traveled (distal) loess chiefly derived from Superior lobe provenance and global dust. The succession is capped by a cumulic gleysol that was truncated by recent plowing. Proximal loess deposits in lakes Smith and Ben are composed primarily of very fine sand, coarse silt, and medium silt (125– 16 µm) compared to the distal facies (fine silt and finer sediment: <16 µm). Proximal loess that originated from outwash of the Lake Michigan lobe contains abundant Ca, Zr, Sr, illite, and magnetic minerals. The distal facies contains relatively abundant Rb, Al, K, Si, Cu, and Pb, and it is enriched in smectite (relative to illite) and depleted in magnetic minerals. Radiocarbon ages on terrestrial gastropod aragonite in loess from the nearby New Cottonwood School and Thomas Quarry sites indicate that Peoria Silt deposition ended between 18 cal k.y. B.P. and 16 cal k.y. B.P. At these localities, the upper part of the record is complicated by the modern soil, which has altered soil organic matter and leached carbonate. At Lake Ben, the radiocarbon record of emergent aquatic vegetation indicates that sediment accumulation rates and the ratio of proximal to distal loess decreased at the correlative interval that yielded the youngest snail shell ages at Cottonwood School. The upward increase in element concentrations such as Al and decrease in coarse/fine silt ratios in the modern soil are prominent features in the Lake Ben record dating from 18–14 cal k.y. B.P. This correlation strongly suggests that many of the features of the modern soil were not developed into uniform parent material but, rather, were inherited from incremental addition of distal loess to proximal loess, collectively identified as Peoria Silt. The paucity of key elements (Cd, Hg, Se, Ag, Au) in this transition zone suggests limited contributions from western lobes (i.e., Des Moines and James lobes), but abundant Ti and Cu suggest a contribution from the Superior lobe. A new wrinkle in this interpretation is that the rise in elements such as Al, Rb, and Si suggests significant additions from generic dust from unknown sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of liquefaction susceptibility of sediments in alluvial plains is considered one of the first step for infrastructure planning, hazard mitigation, and land use management in seismically active regions. Subtle geomorphological features resulting from depositional processes could greatly contribute to estimating the liquefaction likelihood since they also dictate the type and distribution of sediments. Our case study is from the Piniada Valley (Greece), where widespread liquefaction phenomena were triggered by the 2021 Mw 6.3, Damasi earthquake. As we compiled a detailed geological map for the purposes of this investigation and correlated it to the spatial distribution of the earthquake-induced liquefaction phenomena, we observed that most of liquefaction surface evidence are related to point bars and abandoned river channels formed the last century. In particular, the areal liquefaction density was estimated at 60.7 and 67.1 manifestations per km2, for the point bars and abandoned channels, respectively. Following this outcome, we propose a refinement of the existing liquefaction susceptibility classifications by including point bar bodies as a distinct category, characterized by a very high susceptibility to liquefaction. In addition, we discuss the correlation between the observed liquefaction manifestations and the shallow lithofacies, sand or mud prone areas, within point bars. The outcome arisen by this research is that most of liquefaction phenomena (> 70%) occurred on the area covered by coarser materials deposited on the upstream part of high sinuosity meanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon basin, spanning approximately 540,000 km2, exhibits distinct fluviometric surfaces that differentiate between the dry and rainy seasons. This seasonality, along with hydrological connectivity and the creation of new habitats during the rainy season, significantly promotes the migration, reproduction, and feeding of potamodromous fishes. To estimate the realized niches of species, species distribution models (SDMs) employ the extrapolation of environmental predictors and species occurrence data. Our objective was to compare the spatial distribution of migratory fish species in the Amazon basin using SDMs based on variables characterizing the dry season, rainy season, and a combination of both. All evaluated treatments demonstrated high performance and exhibited different distribution ranges in the applied SDMs, particularly when combining environmental variables with occurrence data during the rainy season. These findings support the hypothesis that spatial distribution is influenced by seasonality. The increased fluviometric surface and enhanced connectivity of the rainy season favor both longitudinal and lateral migrations of Amazonian migratory catfishes. Moreover, the spatial distribution reveals four critical spatial overlap (CSO) regions with higher population densities regardless of the season. These CSOs primarily coincide with the Amazon alluvial plain, which exhibits the highest rates of endemism, species richness, and abundance of organisms. Considering the discontinuous and heterogeneous nature of fluviometry when performing niche modeling processes is pivotal, although SDMs applied in the Amazon generally ignore such regional seasonality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the HVSR (Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio) method on single-station microtremor measurements is well documented in small alluvial plains for bedrock mapping. In large sedimentary basins, like the Po Plain, its application is still debated. To shed some light on this issue, we investigated two seismogenic structures buried below the Po Plain Quaternary deposits: the Mirandola and Casaglia anticlines. We acquired and analysed a dense distribution of HVSR data covering the two areas and mapped the frequency and amplitude values of the observed resonance peaks. The top of both anticlines is highlighted by high amplitude peaks picturing E-W elongated sectors with high-impedance contrast, where Quaternary deposits are reduced in thickness to about 60–130 m and directly overlay the Pliocene (Mirandola) and Miocene (Casaglia) marine units. In Mirandola, the high-amplitude peaks also correspond to higher resonance frequencies, while in Casaglia, the distribution of resonance frequencies is relatively uniform suggesting a flatter crestal region and the lateral continuity of the resonance surface. The combination of peak frequency and amplitude information on a dense grid of measurement points is thus confirmed to be useful for identifying and mapping buried geological structures such as structural highs. Further modelling is being carried out to estimate the depth of the surface responsible for the observed resonances, through calibration with borehole information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River bank erosion is a serious problem in the riparian inhabitants of the alluvial plain. The study attempts to develop an integrated vulnerability index for bank erosion in the lower Ganga basin of India, employing a socio-spatial approach. The methodology for the assessment of the vulnerability index is comprised of three dimensions such as exposure, sensitivity and capacity which include 34 indicators covering social, economic, physical and environmental dimensions. A comprehensive survey encompassing 600 households across 30 villages was conducted to gather socio-economic indicators. These indicators include exposure, sensitivity, and capacity data for each village, which were aggregated to formulate an integrated vulnerability index. Subsequently, this index was exported to a geographic information system for the visualization of spatial patterns. The result shows that more than 60% of the villages are highly exposed to river bank erosion in the study area whereas 66.6% of villages have a high to very high sensitivity level and 50% have a low capacity index. The result also revealed that the east bank of the river is more vulnerable to river bank erosion in terms of vulnerability as compared to the west bank. This comprehensive methodology yields valuable insights into vulnerability to river bank erosion, providing decision-makers with essential tools for effectively managing disaster risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The operation of hydraulic projects within plain river networks to mitigate floods can alter river network connectivity patterns, subsequently affecting flood processes. This study employed the MIKE 11 model to simulate flood processes under three different river network connectivity scenarios. Based on the simulations, we propose a method to evaluate flood intensity severity by integrating three flood characteristic indices: Slope of the Flow Duration Curve (SFDC), Rising Climb Index (RCI), and Flashiness Index (FI). These indices assess the overall magnitude of change, the rate of rise, and process fluctuations, respectively. Results indicate that changes in river network connectivity significantly impact RCI and SFDC, more than FI. Compared to the natural river network connectivity mode, changes in urban or watershed river network connectivity resulted in a significant decrease in RCI values by 3–37% or 18–38% across various return periods, with the rate of change in RCI values increasing as the return period lengthened. The impact of urban river network connectivity changes on SFDC within the Changzhou urban area was more pronounced under high-magnitude storm conditions, causing a 61% reduction. Furthermore, changes in watershed river network connectivity had a larger effect on SFDC under low-magnitude storm conditions than under high-intensity storms. Over 80% of the rivers under natural connectivity conditions exhibited flood intensity severity of Level III or higher, particularly in the Chenshu–Qingyang area. The alterations in connectivity significantly decreased flood intensity severity, with 85% to 91% of rivers showing the lowest flood intensity severity of Level I. Under a 100-year rainstorm scenario, flood risk shifted from within the flood protection envelope to outside it in the Changzhou urban area. The results will provide an important scientific basis for regional flood management in plains with dense rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater plays a vital role in water resources and a key process of watershed water cycle. Baiyangdian basin was taken as the typical area to analyze the major ion sources and influence factors by using Piper diagram, ion ratio coefficient method, and forward succession model. The results show that the major cation in groundwater in the Baiyangdian Basin is Na+, and the major anion is ... . The hydrochemical types of shallow groundwater are mainly Ca · Mg-HCO3 and Ca · Mg-HCO3 · NO3, while deep groundwater types are mainly Na-HCO3 and Na · Mg-HCO3. Rock weathering is the main source of ions in groundwater, with carbonate rock weathering contributing the most (47.83%), followed by silicate rock (29.65%) and evaporite rock (13.52%). The major ions are influenced by rock weathering, dissolution-filtration processes, cation exchange, and human activities. In the piedmont alluvial plain area, agricultural activities have a significant impact on shallow groundwater, while shallow groundwater near Baiyangdian is more influenced by industrial activities. These research findings can provide valuable insights and guidance for the protection and improvement of the water ecological environment in the Baiyangdian Basin and Xiong'an New Area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the feasibility of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for southwestern Kansas was investigated. Multiple sources of water for MAR were investigated, including rainfall-runoff from fields, use of low-flow or ephemeral rivers and streams, and use of a large regional river. Use of the Arkansas River was found to be the most viable source of water. Construction of infiltration basins in existing sand mines was found to be the best MAR alternative in this region. The requirement for the reclamation of sand mines set out by the State of Kansas fits the requirements of infiltration basins, and there exists a local ditch system that can convey Arkansas River flows to the basins with little need of new construction. The salinity of the Arkansas River is of concern. The negative impact of this could be reduced by selecting salt-tolerant crops. This investigation is relevant throughout the State of Kansas, leading to the possibility that another region would have more suitable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the effect of sclerotial density on tubers, and the method vis-a-vis timing of dehaulming on the development of black scurf, field studies were conducted under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Infection levels of up to 10% tuber coverage by scurf sclerotia (grades 0,1 or 2) did not affect yield, but tubers with more than 10% sclerotial coverage (grade 3 or higher) resulted in significantly lower yields compared to apparently healthy tubers (grade 0). The severity of the scurf was significantly higher when the tubers having up to 5% sclerotial coverage (grade 1) were used for sowing compared to sclerotia-free seeds. Seed tubers with more than 5% sclerotial coverage corresponding to grades 2, 3, and 4 of scurf severity were statistically at par with respect to scurf severity, but these had higher scurf intensity compared to grades 0 and 1 (sclerotial coverage 0–5%). The three test methods of dehaulming viz., cutting the tops, herbicide desiccation, and vine pulling didn't impact the overall tuber yield, but the timing of dehaulming i.e., 7,14,21, and 28 days before harvesting did impact the yield. There was a significant effect of the time gap between vine kill and harvest on the development of black scurf. Dehaulming conducted at 7 days before harvesting produced significantly higher yields than 14, 21, and 28 days before harvesting. The longer the time gap, the more severe was scurf infection. Using herbicide as a method of dehaulming led to more sclerotial formation compared to cutting and pulling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global warming, the accelerated degradation of circum-Arctic permafrost is releasing a significant amount of carbon. InSAR can indirectly reflect the degradation of permafrost by monitoring its deformation. This study selected three typical permafrost regions in North America: Alaskan North Slope, Northern Great Bear Lake, and Southern Angikuni Lake. These regions encompass a range of permafrost landscapes, from tundra to needleleaf forests and lichen-moss, and we used Sentinel-1 SAR data from 2018 to 2021 to determine their deformation. In the InSAR process, due to the prolonged snow cover in the circum-Arctic permafrost, we used only SAR data collected during the summer and applied a two-stage interferogram selection strategy to mitigate the resulting temporal decorrelation. The Alaskan North Slope showed pronounced subsidence along the coastal alluvial plains and uplift in areas with drained thermokarst lake basins. Northern Great Bear Lake, which was impacted by wildfires, exhibited accelerated subsidence rates, revealing the profound and lasting impact of wildfires on permafrost degradation. Southern Angikuni Lake's lichen and moss terrains displayed mild subsidence. Our InSAR results indicate that more than one-third of the permafrost in the North American study area is degrading and that permafrost in diverse landscapes has different deformation patterns. When monitoring the degradation of large-scale permafrost, it is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of each landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large rivers are characterized by large water discharges, high suspended sediment fluxes and low slope, and typically display multiple channels that are separated by large complex bars. The most common channel style found in these rivers is characterized by the alternating presence of single and multiple channel threads. Mid‐channel compound bars separate a main deeper channel from shallower secondary channels, leading to low‐order braiding and low to moderate sinuosity. Despite the importance of this type of river for global terrestrial sediment transport and the interpretation of ancient fluvial successions, integrated depositional models for large multi‐channel rivers are still not fully developed. This paper interprets the channel morphodynamics and depositional architecture of such large rivers by investigating the distinctive features of their laterally‐accreting mid‐channel bars in the Solimões–Amazonas River. This is achieved by examination of temporal series of satellite images, quantification of bedforms using multibeam echosounding surveys, analysis of shallow seismic and ground penetrating radar surveys of selected areas, and on‐site field observations and sample collections. Such mid‐channel bars produce directional variability in planform scroll bar accretion of up to 180°. As these bars – and their associated channels – evolve, they become progressively shallower, due to the bifurcation of the two channels and the resultant partitioning of discharge that leads to a gradual reduction in transport capacity within the outer channel. The preserved successions of this process in the alluvial plain are characterized by fining‐upward trends, with larger cross‐strata sets at mid‐depths and internal erosional surfaces marking distinct cycles of bar development with potentially differing palaeocurrent trends. The new depositional models proposed for these mid‐channel bars and channels constitute a basis for the recognition of large multi‐channel river deposits in the ancient rock record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic suitability rationalization indicators based on meteorological data were collected from 20 national meteorological observation stations in and around the Ili River Valley from 1991 to 2020 to optimize agricultural planting structures, improve the utilization of climate resources, and effectively regionalize suitable planting areas for Shushanggan apricot in the Ili river valley. Additionally, the biological characteristics of the Shushanggan apricot and the key meteorological factors were influencd its growth and development. Subsequently, to develope a spatial distribution model for these climatic suitability indicators. By reclassifying and overlaying the four regionalization indicators, a comprehensive climate-appropriate regionalization for Shushanggan apricot was obtained cultivation in the Ili river valley. The analysis revealed that the cultivation of Shushanggan apricots in the Ili River Valley can be categorized into four distinct areas: most suitable, suitable, sub-suitable, and unsuitable. The most suitable planting areas are predominantly situated in the river valley plains and low mountainous regions, with altitudes ranging between 700 and 1200 m, particularly in the northern part of the Ili River Valley, the north segment of Wusun mountain, and the east segment of Xinyuan county. Sub-optimal planting areas are found in river valley plains and low mountainous regions, with altitudes below 700 m and between 1200 and 1500 m. Conversely, unsuitable planting areas are in mid-low mountainous regions above 1,500 m. These findings provide valuable insights for governmental bodies seeking to optimize agricultural cultivation structures in the Ili River Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Curculio davidi (Curculionidae, Coleoptera) is distributed throughout all chestnut-producing regions in China. Its hosts include almost all species of the genus Castanea, as well as hazel and oak trees. The weevil primarily damages chestnuts during its larval stage, with infestation rates exceeding 80%. It poses a significant threat to the production and storage of chestnuts. In this study, the MaxEnt model (version 3.3.4) and ArcGIS software (version 10.8) were used to map the current and future suitable habitat distribution of C. davidi under climate change, considering known geographical data and environmental factors. The results indicated that under current climate conditions, the high-suitability areas of C. davidi are predominantly concentrated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Plain and eastern Sichuan in China. Predictions based on future climate scenarios showed a reduction in the area of high- and low-suitability zones for C. davidi, with only moderate suitability zones expanding in size. This study provides data support for the management strategies of C. davidi and offers new insights into the dynamic changes of similar forestry pests. Curculio davidi is a major pest in chestnut-producing regions in China, and there have been many studies on its occurrence, biological characteristics, and management strategies. However, few of them have focused on the distribution changes of the pest under climate change. In this study, the MaxEnt model (version 3.3.4) and ArcGIS software (version 10.8) were first employed to map the current and future (2050 s and 2080 s) suitable habitat distribution of the weevil under climate change (CMIP 6: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). The results indicate that the highly suitable areas for C. davidi are mainly concentrated in Hubei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, the coastal areas of Shandong, and eastern Guizhou, northwestern Hunan, and northeastern Sichuan provinces in China. Through the Jackknife test of 19 climate factors, six climate factors affecting the distribution of C. davidi were identified, with precipitation from July (Prec7), precipitation of warmest quarter (Bio18), and temperature seasonality (standard deviation × 100) (Bio4) contributing a combined percentage of 86.3%. Under three different climate scenarios (CMIP 6: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5), the area of moderately suitable regions is projected to increase by 22.12–27.33% in the 2050 s and by 17.80–38.22% in the 2080 s compared to the current distribution, while the area of highly suitable regions shows a shrinking trend. This study provides data support for the management strategies of C. davidi and offers new insights into the dynamic changes of similar forestry pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal backwater effects on low-gradient coastal plain rivers extend well upstream of the head of the estuary and propagate upstream as sea-level rises. Hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological indicators can serve as sentinels of the upriver encroachment. Analyzing the along-river spatial distribution of these indicators as a space-for-time substitution allows the prediction of sequential changes. Interpretation of results from 20 rivers in Virginia and the Carolinas shows that backwater effects at the leading edge result in higher river stages, increasing floodplain inundation, and raising water tables. Lower slopes and flow velocities reduce sediment transport, reducing river sediment input and floodplain deposition. This inhibits natural levee development, reducing bank heights. These factors combine to increase the frequency and duration of inundation, resulting in semi-permanently flooded wetlands. Anaerobic conditions limit organic decomposition, and ponding allows transported and suspended organic matter to settle, leading to organic muck and peat floodplain soils. This accumulation, coupled with general valley-filling, buries alluvial terrace remnants. Finally, vegetation changes driven by salinity increases occur, resulting in swamp conversions to brackish marsh. Backwater encroachment is strongly controlled by channel bed slope, with relatively steeper channels experiencing slower rates of tidal extension. With accelerating sea-level rise (SLR), the lowest-sloping channels could experience encroachment rates of >1 km yr−1. Hydrological changes associated with SLR are most rapid at the leading, upriver end—averaging 71 km upstream of the head of the estuary in the study rivers at present—and at the lowermost, downstream end of the fluvial-estuarine transition zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabian Peninsula, with its rugged mountains, wadis, alluvial plains, sand dune deserts, and diverse coastlines, spans over 3 million km2. The Peninsula is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and is a meeting point for diverse biogeographic realms, including the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. This convergence of biogeographic zones has resulted in a remarkably diverse flora and fauna, which is adapted to the harsh and varied climates found throughout the Peninsula. Each of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are biologically diverse and unique in their own right, but Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are the most diverse in terms of their landforms and biological diversity. The mountainous regions support a cooler and more moderate climate compared to the surrounding lowlands, thus forming unique ecosystems that function as refugia for plant and animal species, and have a high endemism of plant species. The desert ecosystems support a variety of lifeforms that are specially adapted to an extreme arid climate. Due to its long history of human habitation and subsistence agriculture, particularly in the mountainous areas, the Arabian Peninsula possesses unique crop varieties adapted to extreme arid climates, making them important genetic resources for the future in the face of climate change. The Arabian Peninsula, though rich and diverse in its biological diversity, has been greatly affected by human activities, especially in the last 50 years, including urbanization, habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change, which pose significant threats to the biodiversity of the region. This review presents the biogeography and background of conservation efforts made in the countries in the Arabian Peninsula and gives the progress made in botanical research and conservation practices throughout the Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a vital resource in the Chuoshui River alluvial plain (CSAP), a key agricultural area in Taiwan. Understanding groundwater recharge is crucial for sustainable water management amidst changing climatic conditions and increasing water demand. This study investigates the major ion composition, solute Sr concentrations, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in groundwater and stream water from the Choushui River (CSR) to trace groundwater recharge sources. The Piper diagram reveals that most groundwater samples are of the freshwater Ca–HCO3 type, aligning with the total dissolved solids (TDS) classification. TDS and major ion compositions indicate that groundwater near Baguashan Terrace (BGT) and Douliu Hill (DLH) primarily derives from stream water and rainwater. Na+ and Cl− enrichment in some aquifers of BGT and DLH is attributed to the dissolution of paleo-sea salt and mixing with paleo-seawater from sedimentary porewater. Elevated dissolved Sr concentrations and lower 87Sr/86Sr ratios in these aquifers further support the intrusion of paleo-seawater. Groundwater in the proximal fan shows high TDS due to intensive weathering, complicating the use of TDS as a tracer. Sr isotopic compositions and solute Sr2+ concentrations effectively distinguish recharge sources, revealing that the CSR mainstream primarily recharges the proximal fan and BGT region, while CSR tributaries and rainwater mainly recharge the DLH region. This study concludes that Sr isotopic compositions and solute Sr2+ concentrations are more reliable than TDS and major ion compositions in identifying groundwater recharge sources, enhancing our understanding of groundwater origins and the processes affecting water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not long after the Colonia Copia Felix Munatia Lugdunum, in present day Lyon, France, was founded in 43 BCE by Lucius Munantius Plancus on the 300 m high Fourvière hill overlooking the Saone and Rhône rivers and the plains to the north and east, it became the capital of the Gallia provinces, growing to be with some 50,000 inhabitants the largest town in Gaul. In the early days, the colonia on the west valleys surrounded Fourvière hill and depended on local springs, wells, and rain cisterns for its water provision, which soon became insufficient for the growing city. A first aqueduct was constructed in 20 BCE, bringing waters from a spring some 10 km north of the town. In the decades to follow, another three aqueducts were added. All of the aqueducts were equipped with one or more pressure lines and installations of (inverted) siphons, totaling nine, to cross valleys that were thought too deep or too wide for a bridge. Today, the Métropole de Lyon counts over a million inhabitants; it is after Paris and Marseille the third largest town in France. Since 1998, Lyon has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, among others, because of the historic architecture in its urban settlements over 2000 years of age. This manuscript recounts the history and present remains of the four aqueducts and their nine extraordinary siphons, and is dedicated to Dr. Jean Burdy, who, with his team over many years of research of earlier literature and of investigations and discoveries of the physical remains of valley sites, produced a great number of publications saving the Lyon aqueducts from oblivion and leading to restorations in recent times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multidisciplinary study, including geomorphological, stratigraphic, paleontological and archaeological methods and techniques, allowed for a detailed exploration of coastal landforms and environments in front of the ancient city of Pompeii (southern Italy). The famous site of Pompeii sits on a small volcanic hill in the alluvial-coastal plain of the Sarno River, very close to the ancient paleoshoreline. When the Roman city was buried during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE, pyroclastic fall and flow deposits covered the urban centres and ancient coastal landforms. In this study, 83 new boreholes were carried out up to a depth of 10 m. Some of them (15) were analysed for their sedimentological, stratigraphical and paleontological characterisation, in order to reconstruct the sedimentary environments in 79 CE. The data collected allow for new hypotheses to be formulated regarding the paleoshorelines, as well as the 79 CE coastal landforms and environments. In particular, litho-stratigraphic and fossil assemblages highlight the presence of shallow marine environments in a large back-ridge depression, named Masseria Curati, that is located just outside the city walls. This hypothesis opens new insights on the unknown location of the harbour of the Roman city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of coastal areas in Japan for various land uses since the 1960s has contributed to industrial upgrades and improved the efficiency of transportation networks. However, there are concerns about the vulnerability of developments on alluvial plains and reclaimed lands to geological events, like ground subsidence due to liquefaction during large earthquakes. Realistic assessment of earthquake and tsunami hazards and evaluation of possible countermeasures require accurate estimation of the amount of subsidence that can be expected from liquefaction at coastal and riverside sites supporting various structures. In this study, to evaluate the amount a river embankment structure might be expected to settle as a result of strong motion from an assumed Nankai Trough great earthquake, we conducted a numerical simulation using the soil–water coupled finite deformation analysis code GEOASIA. We then investigated the effect of the estimated embankment subsidence on tsunami inundation, which was simulated by using nonlinear shallow-water equations and a grid spacing as fine as 3.3 m. The influence of urban structures on the inundated area was taken into account by using a structure-embedded elevation model (SEM). The results showed that subsidence of river embankments and the collapse of parapet walls on top of them would increase both the depth and area of inundation caused by a tsunami triggered by a Nankai Trough scenario earthquake. Our findings underscore the importance of evaluating not only earthquake resistance but also vulnerability of coastal and riverside structures to strong motion in tsunami hazard analyses. Furthermore, the importance of tsunami inundation analysis using a SEM for predicting the behavior of tsunami flotsam in urban areas was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding past and present hydrosystem feedbacks to global ocean–atmospheric interactions represents one of the main challenges to preventing droughts, extreme events, and related human catastrophes in the face of global warming, especially in arid and semiarid environments. In eastern Africa, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was identified as one of the primary drivers of precipitation variability affecting water availability. However, the northern East African Rift System (EARS) still suffers from the underrepresentation of predictive and ENSO teleconnection models because of the scarcity of local to regional historical or palaeo-data. In this paper, we provide a 50-year seasonal flood and drought chronicle of the Awash River catchment from the study of laminated sediment from Gemeri and Afambo lakes (central Afar region, Ethiopia) with the aim of reconstructing the magnitude of regional hydroclimatic events. Pluricentimetric micro-laminated lithogenic facies alternating with plurimillimetric carbonate-enriched facies are investigated in both lakes. We couple dating methods including radiocarbon, short-lived radionuclides, palaeomagnetic field variations, and varve counting on both lake deposits to build a high-resolution age model and to discuss the regional hydrosedimentary dynamics of the Awash River over the last ∼ 700 years with a focus on the last 50 years. Using a multiproxy approach, we observe that following a multicentennial enhanced hydrological period, the two lakes have experienced a gradual decrease in river load inflow since 1979 CE, attaining extreme drought and high evaporative conditions between 1991 and 1997 CE. In 2014, the construction of a dam and increased agricultural water management in the lower Awash River plain impacted the erodibility of local soils and the hydrosedimentary balance of the lake basins, as evidenced by a disproportionate sediment accumulation rate. Comparison of our quantitative reconstruction with (i) lake water surface evolution, (ii) the interannual Awash River flow rates, and (iii) the El Niño 3.4 model highlights the intermittent connections between ENSO sea surface temperature anomalies, regional droughts, and hydrological conditions in the northern EARS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are the industrial “Vitamins” because of the high-technology based modern uses and their anthropogenic inputs in natural environment, this study mainly focused on Geogenic variability and anthropogenic imprints of Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE), in the recently deposited sediments of the Ganga Alluvial Plain. All the Sediment samples were analyzed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). LREE comprises about ~91% of total REE in the Gomati River Sediments and Cerium (300 µg/g) was the most abundant LREE in the bedload sediments. Average LREE concentrations in bedload (170 µg/g) and suspended load (184 µg/g) sediments of the Gomati River were observed higher than the Average Sediments and the World Major Rivers Suspended Sediments and therefore, characterizing the LREE contamination in sediments. This contamination level assessed on the basis of Potential Ecological Risk Assessment (PERI), Contamination Factors (CF), Degree of Contamination (CD) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), the trend of element contamination showed that Sm>La>Pr>Ce>Nd and PERI shows that LREE pose moderate to strong ecological risk, mostly by Pr and Sm in the study area. The spatial and temporal enrichment of LREE in sediments were observed in the Basin since last two decades. This paper mainly highlights the effects of socio-economic development linked modern high-tech processes on LREE contamination in the river sediments and cycling by the sub-tropical fluvial environment of southern Asia; where rivers supply ~30% of the global sediment input to the world’s ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate change and extension of human activities are shedding more stresses on ecosystems. Ecological zoning could help manage the ecosystem and deal with environmental problems more effectively. Geology and topography could affect the ecology primarily and are vital perspectives on ecological zoning. It is worth preliminarily understanding the spatial-temporal patterns of ecologicalenvironmental attributes within various geological-topographical ecological zones (GTEZs). The objective of this study was to delineate GTEZs and present a spatial-temporal analysis on soil and land surface parameters within GTEZs. Firstly, Landsat imageries, high resolution satellite imagery products, digital elevation model, regional geological map, black soil thickness, soil bulk density, meteorological data, and ground survey were collected and conducted. Secondly, GTEZs in Hailun District were delineated according to geological and topographical background. Thirdly, soil composition, and monthly land surface temperature (LST), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), net primary productivity (NPP) were derived from ground survey and Landsat imageries. Finally, spatialtemporal patterns of various ecological-environmental attributes within different GTEZs were preliminarily revealed and analyzed. Results show that sand alluvial plain zone and silt-clay undulating plain zone mainly possess thick soil with finemedium granule and higher bulk density, and are mainly covered by crops and grass, vegetation flourish the most in August with the highest monthly EVI and NPP. While the sand-conglomerate hill zone, sandstone hill zone, and granite hill zone possess relatively thin soil with medium-coarse granule and lower bulk density, and are mainly covered by forest, vegetation flourish the most in June and July, and has the highest yearly total NPP. With thinner soil thickness and higher NPP, hill zones tend to have more vulnerability to disturbance and more contribution to carbon neutrality target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important ecosystems, the water body is losing water during the rapid development of the city. To understand the impacts on water body change during the rapid urbanization period, this study combines data from the OpenStreetMap platform with Landsat 5/Thematic Mapper images to effectively and accurately identify small urban water bodies. The findings indicate that the trained U-net convolutional neural network (U-Net) water body extraction model and loss function combining Focal Loss and Dice Loss adopted in this study demonstrate high precision in identifying water bodies within the main urban area of Hangzhou, with an accuracy rate of 94.3%. Trends of decrease in water areas with a continuous increase in landscape fragmentation, particularly for the plain river network, were observed from 1985 to 2010, indicating a weaker connection between water bodies resulting from rapid urbanization. Large patches of water bodies, such as natural lakes and big rivers, located at divisions at the edge of the city are susceptible to disappearing during the rapid outward expansion. However, due to the limitations and strict control of development, water bodies, referring to as wetland, slender canals, and plain river networks, in the traditional center division of the city, are preserved well. Combined with the random forest classification method and the U-Net water body extraction model, land use changes from 1985 to 2010 are calculated. Reclamation along the Qiantang River accounts for the largest conversion area between water bodies and cultivated land, constituting more than 90% of the total land use change area, followed by the conversion of water bodies into construction land, particularly in the northeast of Xixi Wetland. Notably, the conversion of various land use types within Xixi Wetland into construction land plays a significant role in the rise of the carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saltwater intrusion (SWI) is a critical concern affecting coastal groundwater sources due to natural and anthropogenic activities. The health of coastal aquifers is deteriorated by excessive SWI, mainly caused by the disturbance of the freshwater–saltwater equilibrium due to the escalating population, climate change, and the rising demand for freshwater resources for human activities. Therefore, gaining insight into the dynamics of SWI is crucial, particularly concerning the various factors that influence the intrusion mechanism. The present study focuses on the experimental simulation of saltwater in freshwater aquifers, considering boundary conditions and density-dependent effects. Two geological scenarios within coastal environments were investigated: First, a uniform, homogeneous case consisting of only sand, and second, a heterogeneous case in which layers of sand, clay, and sand mixed with pebbles are used. During the experiment, DC resistivity sounding data, as part of a widely recognized geophysical method, were collected and subsequently inverted to determine the depth of the freshwater–saltwater interface (FSWI). A finite element analysis was employed to generate numerical models based on experimental feedback. Further, for validation purposes, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data were collected from two distinct locations: near the seacoast and an aquaculture area. The ERT results show the presence of salinity intrusion in the study area, attributed mainly to groundwater overpumping and fish farming practices. The experimental findings indicate that the advancement of saltwater is affected by the geological properties of the media they traverse. The porosity (ϕ) and permeability (k) of the geological layer play a crucial role during the passage of saltwater flux into freshwater aquifers. The FSWI deviated along the clay boundary and hindered the easy passage of saltwater into surrounding layers. The alignment of experimental, numerical, and geophysical data suggests that this integrated approach could be valuable for studying SWI and can be applied in different geological settings, including tidal flats and alluvial plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oncomelania hupensis is the exclusive intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. Snail control is an essential component of schistosomiasis elimination programme. With 70 years of continuous efforts, the range of O. hupensis had reduced significantly, but slowed down in last decades. A large number of levees against flooding were constructed along Yangtze River and its affiliated lakes in the middle and lower reaches, which influenced the hydrology and ecology in the alluvial plains. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of levees on the distribution of O. hupensis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Methods: The snail habitats were digitalised by hand-held GPS system. The years for discovery and elimination of snail habitats were extracted from historical records. The accumulated snail-infested range for each habitat was calculated on the basis of annual reports. The current distribution of O. hupensis was determined by systematic and environmental sampling. The geographical distribution of levees was obtained from satellite imagery. To assess the impact of levees, the data pertaining to O. hupensis were divided into two parts: inside and outside the Yangtze River. Joinpoint regression was utilised to divide the study time span and further characterise the regression in each period. The 5-year-period moving averages of eliminated area infested by snails were calculated for the habitats inside and outside Yangtze River. The moving routes of corresponding geographical median centres were simulated in ArcGIS. Hotspot analysis was used to determine the areas with statistical significance clustering of O. hupensis density. Results: Three periods were identified according to Joinpoint regression both inside and outside Yangtze River. The area infested by O. hupensis increased in the first two periods. It decreased rapidly outside Yangtze River year over year after 1970, while that inside the Yangtze River did not change significantly. Furthermore, the latter was significantly higher than the former. It was observed that the present density of O. hupensis inside Yangtze River was lower than outside the Yangtze River. The median centre for eliminated ranges inside Yangtze River wavered between the east (lower reach) and the west (middle reach). In contrast, the median centre for eliminated ranges continuously moved from the east to the west. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the levees had a considerable negative impact on the distribution of O. hupensis outside Yangtze River. Some hotspots observed in the irrigation areas need a sluice system at the inlet of branch for snail control. The major distribution of O. hupensis located in Hubei might be caused by severe waterlogging. The intensive surveillance should be implemented there. The biggest two freshwater lakes, the major endemic regions historically, were identified as cold spots. The long-term impact of Three Gorges Dam on the distribution of O. hupensis in the lakes should be monitored and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plain in front of the north foothills of the Taiyi mountain range in northern Shandong is the area where agriculture first appeared in the Haidai Cultural Area. In multiple sites of the Houli culture, remnants of early Neolithic crops such as millet, broomcorn millet, and rice, as well as agricultural tools for cultivation and harvesting, and tools for hulling and processing crops, have been found. The discovery of ground stone tools, pottery, and fire relics in the Zhaojiaxuyao village and Bianbian cave sites, which predated the Houli culture, provides clues for tracing the origin of agriculture in the Houli culture. The crops such as millet and broomcorn millet planted in the northern region of Shandong may have local origins, which were jointly related to the food shortage caused by climate fluctuations during the transition period from the Late Pleistocene to the Early Holocene, the reduction of activity space caused by the Holocene marine invasion, the survival pressure brought by population growth, and the relatively superior natural conditions of the mountain front alluvial plain. The development of agriculture has brought a series of economic and social changes to the northern region of Shandong, being the driving force behind the emergence and development of the Haidai civilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contextualization: The aquatic-terrestrial transition zone (ZTAT) in the floodplain (alluvial plain) Ramsar Ayapel (Colombia) remains flooded for more than half of the year, and its coastal strip generates a strong influence on the ecosystem. An approach to the spatial and temporal characterization of this zone is crucial for further functional analysis, especially when tropical floodplains are little explored except for some Amazonian ecosystems. Knowledge gap: Floodplain dynamics are mainly regulated by flood pulses, directly influencing he physical and chemical conditions of water and sediment. Therefore, the biota is adapted to the flooding and waterlogging conditions of the ecosystem. However, research has addressed the terrestrial and aquatic phases as separate systems, making it necessary to resort to methodologies that demonstrate connectivity in the system and facilitate the interpretation of key factors in the ecological functioning of tropical wetlands. Purpose: The research analyzed the structure and functioning of the ZTAT through physical and chemical variables at different times of the flood pulse. Methodology: In two wetlands of the muddy complex, sensitive to the flood pulse, three samplings were carried out: rising water (July 2021), high water (September/2021), and declining water (March/2022). The ZTAT was monitored by delimiting it into four subzones: water, sediments, floodable soil, and soil. Results and conclusions: Significant changes in time associated with water level and nitrogen concentrations were revealed; while in space, assisted by the contrast of the ZTAT at the two sites, differences were reflected through in situ variables and soil characteristics. It was detected that depth, transparency, and a higher concentration of nitrogen forms, and some ions such as aluminum and magnesium generated differences on a time level. On the contrary, conductivity, calcium concentration, and variables associated with soil characteristics expressed it at the spatial level due to exploring the ZTAT. Therefore, the physicochemical dynamics of moments and sites in a wetland require a sampling design that, using the ZTAT, facilitates the scale of physicochemical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long, J.H.; Hanebuth, T.J.J.; Durica, J.T., and Hawkes, A.D., 2024. Late Holocene stratigraphy and sedimentary facies distribution of an anthropogenically modified delta plain (Santee River Delta, South Carolina, U.S.A.). Journal of Coastal Research, 40(4), 623–646. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The Santee River of South Carolina has the second largest watershed in the eastern United States and forms the largest river-fed delta along the U.S. east coast. Anthropogenic modifications to the delta plain of the Santee River, and in many coastal environments within the region, have significantly altered the natural configurations of floodplains, channels, and shorelines. This study incorporated historic and modern state-of-the-art data sets and methods to evaluate the sediment distribution within the modern delta plain as well as the record of environmental change throughout the late Holocene as it is preserved within the subsurface stratigraphy. The study incorporated high-resolution seismo-acoustic and bathymetric data, detailed sediment core analysis, accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating, micropaleontological analysis, and surface sediment samples to define geomorphic zones based on dominant depositional processes related to fluvial discharge, tides, and waves. Tidal- and wave-influenced conditions were established in the delta plain by around 3 kyr BP and continued into historic times, when the construction of rice fields across most of the delta plain fixed channel positions and isolated floodplains from flood-related sedimentation. Sediment distribution in the modern delta plain is significantly influenced by the maintained network of artificial canals and embankments associated with these historic fields. The influence of these modifications can also be seen within the stratigraphy beneath the delta plain, recording local changes in deposition and erosion that resulted from a modification in water circulation and sediment supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]