Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100271
Dagnachew Daniel Molla , Fitsum Aschnaki Haile , Tarun Kumar Lohani
The 40-spring discharge system (40SDS) in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, is significantly influenced by the complex geomorphology and tectonic activities of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. These springs are the major source of water supply for drinking, domestic use, and tourism, with historical discharge rates between 130 and 250 L per second (l/s). The study aimed to characterize the 40SDS through an integrated approach using litho-structural, hydro-geochemical, and numerical modeling techniques to understand the dynamics and continuing decline rate. The results showed that faults channelize groundwater from the western plateau through the escarpment to the rift floor, discharging into Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Hydro-geochemical analysis identified magnesium (Mg2⁺), calcium (Ca2⁺), and bicarbonate as dominant ions, reflecting interactions with silicate minerals, with concentrations increasing downstream due to water-rock contact. Numerical modeling indicated that the aquifer is highly sensitive to hydraulic conductivity, with 99.8% of groundwater outflow occurring through constant head boundaries. Recharge estimates from WetSpass ranged from 0 to 331.8 mm/year, with an average of 64.7 mm/year. A lag in rainfall-discharge correlation was noted, with a 1-month lag during wet seasons and a 2-month lag during dry seasons, linking recharge to western highland precipitation. Long-term data (1981–2015) indicates a continuous decline in mean annual flow due to reduced recharge and anthropogenic pressures. The springs exhibit a Ca-Na-HCO₃ water type, contrasting with nearby Mg-Na-HCO₃-Cl surface and groundwater. This decline threatens Arba Minch's socioeconomic stability, as these springs are the primary source of water for the community. Effective management strategies are crucial for the sustainable use of this essential resource.
{"title":"Integrated litho-structural, hydro-geochemical, and numerical modeling analysis to characterize the 40 springs discharge system, Arba Minch, Ethiopia","authors":"Dagnachew Daniel Molla , Fitsum Aschnaki Haile , Tarun Kumar Lohani","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 40-spring discharge system (40SDS) in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, is significantly influenced by the complex geomorphology and tectonic activities of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. These springs are the major source of water supply for drinking, domestic use, and tourism, with historical discharge rates between 130 and 250 L per second (l/s). The study aimed to characterize the 40SDS through an integrated approach using litho-structural, hydro-geochemical, and numerical modeling techniques to understand the dynamics and continuing decline rate. The results showed that faults channelize groundwater from the western plateau through the escarpment to the rift floor, discharging into Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Hydro-geochemical analysis identified magnesium (Mg<sup>2</sup>⁺), calcium (Ca<sup>2</sup>⁺), and bicarbonate as dominant ions, reflecting interactions with silicate minerals, with concentrations increasing downstream due to water-rock contact. Numerical modeling indicated that the aquifer is highly sensitive to hydraulic conductivity, with 99.8% of groundwater outflow occurring through constant head boundaries. Recharge estimates from WetSpass ranged from 0 to 331.8 mm/year, with an average of 64.7 mm/year. A lag in rainfall-discharge correlation was noted, with a 1-month lag during wet seasons and a 2-month lag during dry seasons, linking recharge to western highland precipitation. Long-term data (1981–2015) indicates a continuous decline in mean annual flow due to reduced recharge and anthropogenic pressures. The springs exhibit a Ca-Na-HCO₃ water type, contrasting with nearby Mg-Na-HCO₃-Cl surface and groundwater. This decline threatens Arba Minch's socioeconomic stability, as these springs are the primary source of water for the community. Effective management strategies are crucial for the sustainable use of this essential resource.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100271"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100261
Yan Hu , Peng Cheng , Jibao Dong , Haiyan Zhao , Mengyu Zang , Minwen Lan , Xuefeng Lu , Weijian Zhou
Terrestrial mollusks serve as potential radiocarbon materials for dating loess deposits in the late Quaternary. However, the reliability of gastropod shell 14C ages is complicated by two issues: open-system behavior and the limestone problem. Due to lack of assessment on the preservation status of shell fossils and factors affecting old carbon, correction for age anomalies remains an unresolved question. This study investigated two gastropod shells, Cathaicarossimontana and Succinea sp., discovered from a loess section rich in charcoal in the North Kunlun Mountains of Central Asia. By analyzing local climate condition, leaching degree, and mineral composition, we revealed that the open systems have a negligible influence on shell fossils. The values of age anomalies of Cathaicarossimontana and Succinea sp. are respectively 1788 ± 240 years and 492 ± 100 years. Furthermore, we obtained the temporal variation patterns of different carbon sources in shell fossils through a mass balance model analysis. The results indicate that the proportion of carbonate sources ranges from 17.5% to 26.8% in Cathaicarossimontana, while it ranges from 6.0% to 7.8% in Succinea sp., which may result from their size and calcium demand. Succinea sp. is recommended for stratigraphic dating for its minor age anomalies. Our study further demonstrates that snails of the same species absorb a highly consistent proportion of limestone under stable environment. This provides a theoretical basis for correcting age anomalies in fossil shells. The corrected ages of Cathaicarossimontana, based on living specimens, are consistent with reliable charcoal ages. Our findings offer a potential approach to correct the old carbon in snail fossils and facilitate the reliable dating for loess deposits in Central Asia.
{"title":"Radiocarbon age anomalies, potential carbon sources analysis and correction of terrestrial gastropods in a loess sequence from Kunlun Mountains since 3.6 ka","authors":"Yan Hu , Peng Cheng , Jibao Dong , Haiyan Zhao , Mengyu Zang , Minwen Lan , Xuefeng Lu , Weijian Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Terrestrial mollusks serve as potential radiocarbon materials for dating loess deposits in the late Quaternary. However, the reliability of gastropod shell <sup>14</sup>C ages is complicated by two issues: open-system behavior and the limestone problem. Due to lack of assessment on the preservation status of shell fossils and factors affecting old carbon, correction for age anomalies remains an unresolved question. This study investigated two gastropod shells, <em>Cathaica</em> <em>rossimontana</em> and <em>Succinea</em> sp., discovered from a loess section rich in charcoal in the North Kunlun Mountains of Central Asia. By analyzing local climate condition, leaching degree, and mineral composition, we revealed that the open systems have a negligible influence on shell fossils. The values of age anomalies of <em>Cathaica</em> <em>rossimontana</em> and <em>Succinea</em> sp. are respectively 1788 ± 240 years and 492 ± 100 years. Furthermore, we obtained the temporal variation patterns of different carbon sources in shell fossils through a mass balance model analysis. The results indicate that the proportion of carbonate sources ranges from 17.5% to 26.8% in <em>Cathaica</em> <em>rossimontana</em>, while it ranges from 6.0% to 7.8% in <em>Succinea</em> sp., which may result from their size and calcium demand. <em>Succinea</em> sp. is recommended for stratigraphic dating for its minor age anomalies. Our study further demonstrates that snails of the same species absorb a highly consistent proportion of limestone under stable environment. This provides a theoretical basis for correcting age anomalies in fossil shells. The corrected ages of <em>Cathaica</em> <em>rossimontana</em>, based on living specimens, are consistent with reliable charcoal ages. Our findings offer a potential approach to correct the old carbon in snail fossils and facilitate the reliable dating for loess deposits in Central Asia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100259
Alexandra L. Norwood , John Rowan , J. Tyler Faith
Across southern Africa, the Pleistocene-Holocene transition was associated with changes in community composition of large mammalian herbivores, which included the extinction and extirpation of numerous grazers. Past research has often linked these changes to the contraction and disappearance of grasslands; however, the relationship between faunal and pollen records spanning this transition has not been systematically analyzed. Here, we investigate changes in fossil ungulate community composition and grass pollen abundance from late Quaternary sites across southern Africa to evaluate the extent to which these communities track paleovegetation change across this interval. Our dataset draws from faunal and pollen records across southern Africa. Results from the comparison of compositional changes in both records suggest a sub-continental-scale decoupling of grass cover and ungulate community composition during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Although there is strong evidence for a regional-scale decline in grazers from the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition to the early Holocene, there is no evidence for regional-scale declines in grassy vegetation. Several potential mechanisms may account for this decoupling of grazers and grass abundance. The possible strengthening of winter rainfall systems during glacial Pleistocene may have played a role by enhancing year-round availability of grasses in the interior and by elevating moisture availability and productivity in the Cape Floristic Region. Alternatively, current paleoecological data allow for the possibility that Pleistocene ‘grazers’ consumed more dicots, such that their decline at the onset of the Holocene reflects dietary niche contraction rather than vegetation change. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence challenging the link between grass abundance and grazer diversity and complicate our understanding of the drivers of late Quaternary extinctions in southern Africa.
{"title":"Reconciling the environmental implications of late Quaternary faunal and pollen records in southern Africa","authors":"Alexandra L. Norwood , John Rowan , J. Tyler Faith","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Across southern Africa, the Pleistocene-Holocene transition was associated with changes in community composition of large mammalian herbivores, which included the extinction and extirpation of numerous grazers. Past research has often linked these changes to the contraction and disappearance of grasslands; however, the relationship between faunal and pollen records spanning this transition has not been systematically analyzed. Here, we investigate changes in fossil ungulate community composition and grass pollen abundance from late Quaternary sites across southern Africa to evaluate the extent to which these communities track paleovegetation change across this interval. Our dataset draws from faunal and pollen records across southern Africa. Results from the comparison of compositional changes in both records suggest a sub-continental-scale decoupling of grass cover and ungulate community composition during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Although there is strong evidence for a regional-scale decline in grazers from the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition to the early Holocene, there is no evidence for regional-scale declines in grassy vegetation. Several potential mechanisms may account for this decoupling of grazers and grass abundance. The possible strengthening of winter rainfall systems during glacial Pleistocene may have played a role by enhancing year-round availability of grasses in the interior and by elevating moisture availability and productivity in the Cape Floristic Region. Alternatively, current paleoecological data allow for the possibility that Pleistocene ‘grazers’ consumed more dicots, such that their decline at the onset of the Holocene reflects dietary niche contraction rather than vegetation change. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence challenging the link between grass abundance and grazer diversity and complicate our understanding of the drivers of late Quaternary extinctions in southern Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100268
Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo , Marina Vegara-Riquelme , Juan Palomeque-González , Blanca Jiménez-García , Gabriel Cifuentes-Alcobendas , Marcos Pizarro-Monzo , Elia Organista , Enrique Baquedano
Bidimensional information of tooth marks and other bone surface modifications (BSM) presents limitations, as highlighted in this study. Here, we establish a methodological comparison on a controlled experimentally-derived set of BSM generated by four different types of carnivores, using geometric morphometric (GMM) and computer vision (CV) methods. We highlight that previous generalizations of high accuracy on tooth marks using GMM are heuristically incomplete, because only a small range of allometrically-conditioned tooth pits have been used. Biased replication and exclusion of the most widely represented forms of non-oval tooth pits from such analyses have compromised the published results and their ensuing generalizations. Here, we document bidimensionally a much wider range of tooth pits, using their outlines (and not a limited set of non-reproducible idem locus semi-landmarks), through Fourier analyses. The resulting tooth mark sets show low accuracy (and resolution) in the classification of tooth marks per carnivore modifying agent. This low resolution is also reproduced when using a semi-landmark approach. In contrast, our study demonstrates that CV approaches, through Deep Learning (DL), using convolutional neural networks (DCNN), and Few-Shot Learning (FSL) models, classify experimental tooth pits with 81% and 79.52% accuracy, respectively, being equally efficient at classification. However, a limitation in CV methods occurs when applied to the fossil record, as BSM undergo dynamic transformations over time. The most impactful processes occur early in taphonomic history, altering the original BSM properties. Consequently, no objective referents exist for marks combining original and subsequent diagenetically or biostratinomically modifying processes. However, in well-preserved contexts, such as the 1.8 Ma tooth marks from some of the Olduvai sites, confidence in interpretations can be high with convergent CV models indicating high agent attribution probability. While GMM shows potential in 3D, its current bidimensional application yields limited discriminant power (<40%). Thus, future research should utilize complete 3D topographical information for more complex GMM and CV analyses, potentially resolving current interpretive challenges. Despite necessary cautions, these new methods offer an unprecedented objective means of classifying BSM to taxon-specific agency with confidence indicators. Continued research should refine these approaches, enhancing the reliability of prehistoric interpretations.
{"title":"Testing the reliability of geometric morphometric and computer vision methods to identify carnivore agency using Bi-Dimensional information","authors":"Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo , Marina Vegara-Riquelme , Juan Palomeque-González , Blanca Jiménez-García , Gabriel Cifuentes-Alcobendas , Marcos Pizarro-Monzo , Elia Organista , Enrique Baquedano","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bidimensional information of tooth marks and other bone surface modifications (BSM) presents limitations, as highlighted in this study. Here, we establish a methodological comparison on a controlled experimentally-derived set of BSM generated by four different types of carnivores, using geometric morphometric (GMM) and computer vision (CV) methods. We highlight that previous generalizations of high accuracy on tooth marks using GMM are heuristically incomplete, because only a small range of allometrically-conditioned tooth pits have been used. Biased replication and exclusion of the most widely represented forms of non-oval tooth pits from such analyses have compromised the published results and their ensuing generalizations. Here, we document bidimensionally a much wider range of tooth pits, using their outlines (and not a limited set of non-reproducible <em>idem locus</em> semi-landmarks), through Fourier analyses. The resulting tooth mark sets show low accuracy (and resolution) in the classification of tooth marks per carnivore modifying agent. This low resolution is also reproduced when using a semi-landmark approach. In contrast, our study demonstrates that CV approaches, through Deep Learning (DL), using convolutional neural networks (DCNN), and Few-Shot Learning (FSL) models, classify experimental tooth pits with 81% and 79.52% accuracy, respectively, being equally efficient at classification. However, a limitation in CV methods occurs when applied to the fossil record, as BSM undergo dynamic transformations over time. The most impactful processes occur early in taphonomic history, altering the original BSM properties. Consequently, no objective referents exist for marks combining original and subsequent diagenetically or biostratinomically modifying processes. However, in well-preserved contexts, such as the 1.8 Ma tooth marks from some of the Olduvai sites, confidence in interpretations can be high with convergent CV models indicating high agent attribution probability. While GMM shows potential in 3D, its current bidimensional application yields limited discriminant power (<40%). Thus, future research should utilize complete 3D topographical information for more complex GMM and CV analyses, potentially resolving current interpretive challenges. Despite necessary cautions, these new methods offer an unprecedented objective means of classifying BSM to taxon-specific agency with confidence indicators. Continued research should refine these approaches, enhancing the reliability of prehistoric interpretations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100269
Wenli Li , Weijian Zhou , Peng Cheng , Peixian Shu , Yikun Li , John Dodson , Yuda Chui , Yan Hu , Ling Yang , Hua Du , Xuefeng Lu
The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a hotspot for early human history research, however, there is no evidence of prehistoric human activity on the southern TP during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Thus, it remains unclear how the cold climate affected human activities and whether humans could survive such extremes on the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we present eight AMS 14C dates obtained from charcoal at a newly discovered blade site-Pengbuwuqing (PBWQ) in the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley basin, southern TP. We have also identified ochre at Paleolithic sites on the TP for the first time. Our chronological data indicate the human occupation of the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin during MIS2 (cal 29.2–27.0 kyr B.P), (cal 25.03–24.37 kyr B.P), and (cal 23.7–23.1 kyr B.P). This site represents the first evidence of human activity during the LGM in the southern TP valley and indicates that the southern TP river valley could have served as a refugium enabling prehistoric humans to survive the cold LGM on the TP.
{"title":"Human Response to Cold Climate: First Evidence from the Tibetan Plateau during the Last Glacial Maximum","authors":"Wenli Li , Weijian Zhou , Peng Cheng , Peixian Shu , Yikun Li , John Dodson , Yuda Chui , Yan Hu , Ling Yang , Hua Du , Xuefeng Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a hotspot for early human history research, however, there is no evidence of prehistoric human activity on the southern TP during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Thus, it remains unclear how the cold climate affected human activities and whether humans could survive such extremes on the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we present eight AMS <sup>14</sup>C dates obtained from charcoal at a newly discovered blade site-Pengbuwuqing (PBWQ) in the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley basin, southern TP. We have also identified ochre at Paleolithic sites on the TP for the first time. Our chronological data indicate the human occupation of the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin during MIS2 (cal 29.2–27.0 kyr B.P), (cal 25.03–24.37 kyr B.P), and (cal 23.7–23.1 kyr B.P). This site represents the first evidence of human activity during the LGM in the southern TP valley and indicates that the southern TP river valley could have served as a refugium enabling prehistoric humans to survive the cold LGM on the TP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100269"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143174874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigates landslide susceptibility and proposes potential relocation sites in the Gofa Zone of Southern Ethiopia, utilizing combined geospatial analysis techniques such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). Factors such as slope, soil type, land use, rainfall, etc., were integrated into the analysis to identify the susceptible zones. A landslide susceptibility map was developed, categorizing the region into five susceptibility classes: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The analysis revealed that 11.74% of the Gofa Zone is classified as very low susceptibility, 31.33% falls under low susceptibility, and 30.02% is categorized as moderate susceptibility. Areas of high susceptibility cover 19.89%, while very high susceptibility zones account for 7.02% of the region. The findings indicate that high-risk areas are predominantly located in steep, mountainous terrains with unstable soils and intensive agricultural activities. In contrast, moderate and low-risk regions are characterized by more stable slopes and lower levels of human impact. Additionally, the study identifies potential relocation sites with minimal landslide risk, primarily located in flatter, stable terrains with less human encroachment. This study highlights the importance of combining GIS and RS for practical landslide risk assessment and provides valuable insights for disaster risk management, urban planning, and identifying safer areas for population relocation. The results are intended to assist local authorities and planners in making informed decisions to mitigate landslide hazards and promote sustainable regional development.
{"title":"Geospatial analysis of landslide susceptibility and safe relocation zones: Insights from recent disasters in Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia","authors":"Natnael Agegnehu Ayele , Esubalew Mulugeta Engda , Taye Teshome Terefe , Eyasu Leta , Talema Moged Reda , Muralitharan Jothimani","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates landslide susceptibility and proposes potential relocation sites in the Gofa Zone of Southern Ethiopia, utilizing combined geospatial analysis techniques such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). Factors such as slope, soil type, land use, rainfall, etc., were integrated into the analysis to identify the susceptible zones. A landslide susceptibility map was developed, categorizing the region into five susceptibility classes: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The analysis revealed that 11.74% of the Gofa Zone is classified as very low susceptibility, 31.33% falls under low susceptibility, and 30.02% is categorized as moderate susceptibility. Areas of high susceptibility cover 19.89%, while very high susceptibility zones account for 7.02% of the region. The findings indicate that high-risk areas are predominantly located in steep, mountainous terrains with unstable soils and intensive agricultural activities. In contrast, moderate and low-risk regions are characterized by more stable slopes and lower levels of human impact. Additionally, the study identifies potential relocation sites with minimal landslide risk, primarily located in flatter, stable terrains with less human encroachment. This study highlights the importance of combining GIS and RS for practical landslide risk assessment and provides valuable insights for disaster risk management, urban planning, and identifying safer areas for population relocation. The results are intended to assist local authorities and planners in making informed decisions to mitigate landslide hazards and promote sustainable regional development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100272"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-02-15DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100274
Matthew R. Bennett , Thomas M. Urban , David F. Bustos , Sally C. Reynolds , Edward A. Jolie , Hannah C. Strehlau , Daniel Odess , Kathleen B. Springer , Jeffrey S. Pigati
A travois is crafted from one or more wooden poles and is one of the simplest prehistoric vehicles. Although these devices likely played vital roles in the lives of ancient peoples, they have low preservation potential in the archaeological record. Here we report linear features associated with human footprints, some of which are dated to ∼22,000 years old, preserved in fine-grained sediments at White Sands National Park (New Mexico, USA). Using a range of examples, we identify three morphological types of trace in late Pleistocene sediments. Type I features occur as single, or bifurcating, narrow (depth > width) grooves which extend in planform from 2 to 50 m in length and trace either straight, gently curved or more irregular lines. They are associated with human footprints, which are truncated longitudinally by the groove and are not associated with other animal tracks. Type II examples are broader (width > depth) and form shallow runnels that typically have straight planforms and may truncate human footprints to one side. Type III examples consist of two parallel, equidistant grooves between 250 and 350 mm apart. They trace gently curving lines that can extend for 30+ m. Human footprints are associated with these features and may occur between, and to the side of, the parallel grooves. We review a range of possible interpretations including both human and non-human explanations and conclude that the most parsimonious explanation is that they represent drag marks formed by travois consisting of a single pole or crossed poles pulled by humans, presumably during the transport of resources. As such this unique footprint record may represent one of the earliest pieces of evidence for the use of transport technology.
{"title":"The ichnology of White Sands (New Mexico): Linear traces and human footprints, evidence of transport technology?","authors":"Matthew R. Bennett , Thomas M. Urban , David F. Bustos , Sally C. Reynolds , Edward A. Jolie , Hannah C. Strehlau , Daniel Odess , Kathleen B. Springer , Jeffrey S. Pigati","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A travois is crafted from one or more wooden poles and is one of the simplest prehistoric vehicles. Although these devices likely played vital roles in the lives of ancient peoples, they have low preservation potential in the archaeological record. Here we report linear features associated with human footprints, some of which are dated to ∼22,000 years old, preserved in fine-grained sediments at White Sands National Park (New Mexico, USA). Using a range of examples, we identify three morphological types of trace in late Pleistocene sediments. Type I features occur as single, or bifurcating, narrow (depth > width) grooves which extend in planform from 2 to 50 m in length and trace either straight, gently curved or more irregular lines. They are associated with human footprints, which are truncated longitudinally by the groove and are not associated with other animal tracks. Type II examples are broader (width > depth) and form shallow runnels that typically have straight planforms and may truncate human footprints to one side. Type III examples consist of two parallel, equidistant grooves between 250 and 350 mm apart. They trace gently curving lines that can extend for 30+ m. Human footprints are associated with these features and may occur between, and to the side of, the parallel grooves. We review a range of possible interpretations including both human and non-human explanations and conclude that the most parsimonious explanation is that they represent drag marks formed by travois consisting of a single pole or crossed poles pulled by humans, presumably during the transport of resources. As such this unique footprint record may represent one of the earliest pieces of evidence for the use of transport technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143454620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100263
Pichawut Manopkawee, Niti Mankhemthong
A landslide is a significant geological hazard that impacts society, the environment, and local infrastructures. The Mae Chan River watershed, a watershed that is surrounded by high erodible mountains, is particularly vulnerable to landslides. This research aimed to assess the susceptibility of landslides in the unique watershed using the frequency ratio approach. Landslide inventory data were 173 landslide scars in the mountainous region of the watershed. The data were extracted from satellite images that captured historical landslide scars on its surface. Landslide causative factors were selected based on causative elements observed in the watershed that potentially caused the previous landslide occurrences. These inventory data and causative factors were combined to create a landslide susceptibility index and classes. The analysis indicated that around 36 % of the entire watershed was highly prone to landslides, especially in the northwestern and southern high mountains. The remaining 43% and 21% of the watershed's area were classified as moderate and low landslide susceptibility classes, respectively. The landslide susceptibility data's accuracy, reliability, and predictability were verified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis. The AUC values represented the success and prediction rates curve of 0.738 and 0.712, respectively, suggesting that the model performed reasonably well in identifying and predicting landslide susceptibility classes. The study highlights the qualification of landslide susceptibility mapping in a watershed in Thailand to other large-scale landslide hazard research.
{"title":"Landslide susceptibility assessment using the frequency ratio model in the Mae Chan River watershed, northern Thailand","authors":"Pichawut Manopkawee, Niti Mankhemthong","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>A landslide</em> is a significant geological hazard that impacts society, the environment, and local infrastructures. The Mae Chan River watershed, a watershed that is surrounded by high erodible mountains, is particularly vulnerable to landslides. This research aimed to assess the susceptibility of landslides in the unique watershed using the frequency ratio approach. Landslide inventory data were 173 landslide scars in the mountainous region of the watershed. The data were extracted from satellite images that captured historical landslide scars on its surface. Landslide causative factors were selected based on causative elements observed in the watershed that potentially caused the previous landslide occurrences. These inventory data and causative factors were combined to create a landslide susceptibility index and classes. The analysis indicated that around 36 % of the entire watershed was highly prone to landslides, especially in the northwestern and southern high mountains. The remaining 43% and 21% of the watershed's area were classified as moderate and low landslide susceptibility classes, respectively. The landslide susceptibility data's accuracy, reliability, and predictability were verified using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis. The AUC values represented the success and prediction rates curve of 0.738 and 0.712, respectively, suggesting that the model performed reasonably well in identifying and predicting landslide susceptibility classes. The study highlights the qualification of landslide susceptibility mapping in a watershed in Thailand to other large-scale landslide hazard research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100263"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2024-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100264
Antoine Chabrol , Pierre Stephan , Georges Apostolopoulos , Kosmas Pavlopoulos , Adrien Gonnet , Eric Fouache
This paper examines the mid-to-late Holocene palaeogeographical evolution of the Kalamas river delta, the second largest delta in Epirus, Greece, which had previously lacked comprehensive palaeoenvironmental investigation despite its archaeological significance. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the research integrates geomorphological field surveys, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) profiles, core drilling, sedimentological and microfaunal analyses, associated with radiocarbon dating. The findings reveal four significant phases in the delta's evolution. Initially, freshwater wetlands existed in the southeastern part of the delta until at least 7429-7280 cal. BP. Subsequently, around 6627-6402 cal. BP, a peak in marine transgression established predominantly shallow marine environments. By approximately 5590-5191 cal. BP, accelerated delta progradation led to the development of open and restricted lagoons, likely formed by extensive littoral barriers or sandy spits. From 1874 to 1719 cal. BP, during the Antiquity and particularly during the Roman period, terrestrial alluvial sedimentation became prevalent, with continued delta progradation in subsequent centuries.
These results provide crucial insights into the geomorphological processes that have shaped the Kalamas delta and emphasize the taphonomic biases induced by environmental changes and progradation processes, which may account for the apparent lack of surface archaeological remains—many sites may have been destroyed or buried under sediment.
{"title":"Mid-to late Holocene palaeogeographic evolution of the Kalamas river delta, Epirus (Thesprotia), Greece","authors":"Antoine Chabrol , Pierre Stephan , Georges Apostolopoulos , Kosmas Pavlopoulos , Adrien Gonnet , Eric Fouache","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the mid-to-late Holocene palaeogeographical evolution of the Kalamas river delta, the second largest delta in Epirus, Greece, which had previously lacked comprehensive palaeoenvironmental investigation despite its archaeological significance. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the research integrates geomorphological field surveys, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) profiles, core drilling, sedimentological and microfaunal analyses, associated with radiocarbon dating. The findings reveal four significant phases in the delta's evolution. Initially, freshwater wetlands existed in the southeastern part of the delta until at least 7429-7280 cal. BP. Subsequently, around 6627-6402 cal. BP, a peak in marine transgression established predominantly shallow marine environments. By approximately 5590-5191 cal. BP, accelerated delta progradation led to the development of open and restricted lagoons, likely formed by extensive littoral barriers or sandy spits. From 1874 to 1719 cal. BP, during the Antiquity and particularly during the Roman period, terrestrial alluvial sedimentation became prevalent, with continued delta progradation in subsequent centuries.</div><div>These results provide crucial insights into the geomorphological processes that have shaped the Kalamas delta and emphasize the taphonomic biases induced by environmental changes and progradation processes, which may account for the apparent lack of surface archaeological remains—many sites may have been destroyed or buried under sediment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100267
Joan Martí , Julia Ricci , Llorenç Planagumà , Gerardo J. Aguirre Díaz
Monogenetic volcanic fields exhibit extended periods of magmatic activity, often spanning several million to tens of millions of years. Understanding the evolution of this activity is challenging due to incomplete geological records and limited geochronological data. However, the relative volcanic stratigraphy and morphometric analysis of volcanic landforms enable the identification of temporal patterns in volcanic activity. These patterns often reveal clusters of eruptions interspersed with periods of relative inactivity, reflecting the tectonic evolution of the region, which influences magma generation and ascent.
Quantifying this temporal evolution is crucial for Quaternary monogenetic fields, as their activity may still be ongoing, posing potential risks. This is exemplified by the La Garrotxa volcanic field in the Catalan Volcanic Zone, part of the European Rift System, active from the mid-Pleistocene to the early Holocene. In this study, we present 15 new Ar-Ar ages, along with a comprehensive field review, to accurately establish the recent temporal evolution of this volcanic field, refining previous stratigraphies based solely on field relations and morphometric analysis. These new ages indicate that volcanic activity in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Field is more recent and frequent than previously believed, with significant implications for volcanic hazard assessment.
{"title":"The Quaternary La Garrotxa volcanic field (NE of Iberia): A geochronological approach","authors":"Joan Martí , Julia Ricci , Llorenç Planagumà , Gerardo J. Aguirre Díaz","doi":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.qsa.2025.100267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monogenetic volcanic fields exhibit extended periods of magmatic activity, often spanning several million to tens of millions of years. Understanding the evolution of this activity is challenging due to incomplete geological records and limited geochronological data. However, the relative volcanic stratigraphy and morphometric analysis of volcanic landforms enable the identification of temporal patterns in volcanic activity. These patterns often reveal clusters of eruptions interspersed with periods of relative inactivity, reflecting the tectonic evolution of the region, which influences magma generation and ascent.</div><div>Quantifying this temporal evolution is crucial for Quaternary monogenetic fields, as their activity may still be ongoing, posing potential risks. This is exemplified by the La Garrotxa volcanic field in the Catalan Volcanic Zone, part of the European Rift System, active from the mid-Pleistocene to the early Holocene. In this study, we present 15 new Ar-Ar ages, along with a comprehensive field review, to accurately establish the recent temporal evolution of this volcanic field, refining previous stratigraphies based solely on field relations and morphometric analysis. These new ages indicate that volcanic activity in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Field is more recent and frequent than previously believed, with significant implications for volcanic hazard assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34142,"journal":{"name":"Quaternary Science Advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100267"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号