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Vegetated terraces are becoming increasingly widespread, given their benefits in terms of regulating the building's climate and the speed of rainwater run-off. The first step in this research was to select plantations that can withstand the conditions of terraces. This involves selecting low-maintenance plants, substrates and aggregates for mineralised terraces that do not require maintenance. You'll need to take into account the local climate, the thickness of the substrate you can lay on the terrace. Terraces require the use of perennial plants, which are resistant to temperature differences and grow fairly quickly. This allows the roof surface to be covered quickly, and also protects the building from extremes of temperature, high in summer and cold in winter. Tests were carried out to compare the effects of different terrace coverings on the temperature inside the building in different seasons. The results obtained show that the 10 cm thick layer of roofing has a warming effect during the cold period (0.84°C) and a cooling effect during the warm period (0.32°C), and that the 5 cm thick layer of terrace roofing has a cooling effect during the warm period (0.64°C) and a warming effect during the cold period (1.32°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through field investigation in the Zoige Basin of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, a natural and complete sedimentary profile was found on the steep cliff of the first terrace of the right bank of the Yellow River in the Maqu reach. Careful field observation, analysis of particle size characteristics, and optically stimulated luminescence dating were conducted. The results showed that the paleo-riverbed pebble layer and the floodplain sandy silt layer at the bottom of the sedimentary profile constituted a typical binary sedimentary structure layer, in which the shallow depression bog mud layer that formed during 5.0–4.2 ka was lenticularly sandwiched in the floodplain sandy silt layer, indicating that the first terrace of the Yellow River in this reach began to form at 5.0 ka. The climate was dry and cold during 4.2–4.0 ka, and strong wind on the plateau surface transformed the floodplain sediments into aeolian sand. The paleoflood slackwater deposits sandwiched in the aeolian sand layer indicated that the source of the Yellow River has experienced several catastrophic flood events during this period, inundating the first terrace ground. During 4.0–2.8 ka, mud bogs formed in shallow depressions of the terrace under the relatively humid climate. After 2.8 ka, sandstorms drove the accumulation of coarse silt over the terrace ground, forming aeolian loess. The upper part developed into modern subalpine meadow black soil with granular structure through biological weathering since 2.0 ka. The study results revealed the formation age and its surface development process of the first terrace of the Yellow River in the Zoige Basin, which has important scientific significance for in-depth understanding of the water system evolution and environmental changes in the source area of the Yellow River. OSL dating and stratigraphic framework comparison with XCC profile and WDT profile (Chai et al., 2021) indicated that the first terrace began to form at 5.0 ka along the Maqu reach of the Yellow River in the western margin of the Zoige Basin, Eastern Tibetan Plateau. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a continuation of our previous paper (Kaneko-Matsuzawa-Yamada, Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst., 2022), where we have classified all large-time behaviors of radially symmetric solutions to a free boundary problem of reaction diffusion equation u t = Δ u + f (u) with positive bistable nonlinearity f in high space dimensions. The positive bistable nonlinearity means that f (u) = 0 has exactly two positive stable equilibria. Among the classified solutions, we are interested in a spreading solution, that is a solution (u (t , | x |) , h (t)) for x ∈ R N with free boundary | x | = h (t) such that, as t → ∞ , | x | ≤ h (t) expands to the whole space R N and u (t , ⋅) converges to a positive stable equilibrium for f (u) uniformly in any compact set of R N. When we discuss whole asymptotic profiles of spreading solutions, it has been known that they are generally described with use of a semi-wave obtained from the corresponding semi-wave problem. Our main purpose is to study precise asymptotic estimates for any spreading solution whose profile accompanies a propagating terrace with two different types of propagating speeds. Such a spreading phenomenon occurs when u (t , ⋅) converges to the largest equilibrium of f and the related semi-wave problem does not have a solution. We will prove that the propagating terrace consists of two functions; one is a semi-wave corresponding to a smaller positive equilibrium of f and the other is a traveling wave connecting two positive equilibria of f. In order to give sharp estimates for a radial terrace solution with the above properties, we need so called logarithmic shiftings, which are revealed by Uchiyama (1983) and Du-Matsuzawa-Zhou (2015) in higher dimensional cases. Moreover, we will see that two types of the logarithmic shiftings appear in the estimates. The proof for the higher dimensional case is very different from the one-dimensional case established by Kaneko-Matsuzawa-Yamada (2020). To derive exact logarithmic terms, we have to construct a series of upper and lower solutions to make estimates more and more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River terraces are significant geomorphic markers of climate and tectonics. However, the competing roles of bedrock uplift and climatic change in the formation of fluvial terraces remain uncertain. A series of well-developed terrace sequences of the Yellow River and its tributaries formed in intermontane basins and on mountains on the NE Tibetan Plateau. A flight of 10 river terraces has been preserved along the lower Huangshui River, a major tributary of the Yellow River. Based on electron spin resonance (ESR) analyses we found that the oldest river terrace of the lower Huangshui River on Alagu Mountain formed at ∼1.2 Ma. Moreover, the results of provenance analysis based on detrital zircon U–Pb dating showed that the fluvial system of the modern Huangshui River was established before ∼1.2 Ma. After comparing the ages of the oldest river terraces of major rivers on the NE Tibetan Plateau, we found that they are essentially synchronous. Then, we comprehensively analyzed the climate and tectonic conditions, and suggested that the abrupt climate change dominated the synchronous formation of the oldest terraces of major rivers at approximately 1.2 Ma on the NE Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, to assess the effects of the rock uplift rate on river terrace formation, we integrated 22 terrace sequences with long timescales on the NE Tibetan Plateau, and we found that the preservation rate of river terraces is linearly correlated with the rock uplift rate. Thus, our results suggest that the timing of terrace formation is controlled by abrupt climate change and that the amount of terrace formation/preservation is controlled by the rock uplift rate on the NE Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alto Douro Demarcated Region in Portugal is the oldest and most regulated wine-growing region in the world, formed by an ecosystem of unique value allowing the cultivation of vines on its characteristics terraces vineyards. The detection of vine rows in terrace vineyards constitutes an essential task regarding the achievement of important goals such as multi-temporal crop evaluation and production estimation. Despite the advances and research in this field, most studies are limited to flat vineyards with straight vine rows. In this study an exploratory approach in the precision agriculture for automatic detection of vine rows in terrace vineyards is presented with remote sensing techniques associated with artificial intelligence such as Machine Learning and Deep learning. At the current stage the preliminary results are encouraging for the detection of vine rows in straight and curved lines considering the complexity of the terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ages of uplifted marine terraces in western Japan are determined. • Tephrochronology based age determinations confirm the age of TCN derived terraces. • Combined multi-nuclides and depth profile cosmogenic radiometric dating is effective. The southern coasts of Shikoku Island and the Kii Peninsula are located along the Nankai Trough where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting under the Eurasian plate in Japan. Relatively well-preserved marine terraces along the coast, with elevations ranging between ca. 50 and 100 m, are suitable counterparts to reconstruct the uplift history of the southwestern coast of Japan due to the unique tectonic setting. In this study, we attempt to determine the age of the marine terraces by employing in-situ terrestrial cosmogenic radionuclides (TCN), 10Be and 26Al. TCN depth profiles provide information on the timing of terrace formation. General agreement between our TCN chronology and the existing tephrochronology show that the TCN method can be applicable to a mid-latitude coastal setting where erosion must also be considered. Thus, measuring TCN on uplifted terraces around Japan can be a promising technique for clarifying uplift rates and the seismic history of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel method for curved grapevine row detection in steep slope vineyards. • Methodology tested across diverse vineyard layouts. • Grapevine and inter-row vegetation differentiation and detection of row voids. • Scalable for other vineyard applications, including multispectral and TIR data. Accurate detection and differentiation of grapevine canopies from other vegetation, along with individual grapevine row identification, pose significant challenges in precision viticulture (PV), especially within irregularly structured vineyards shaped by natural terrain slopes. This study employs aerial imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and introduces an image processing methodology that relies on the orthorectified raster data obtained through UAVs. The proposed method adopts a data-driven approach that combines visible indices and elevation data to achieve precise grapevine row detection. Thoroughly tested across various vineyard configurations, including irregular and terraced landscapes, the findings underscore the method's effectiveness in identifying grapevine rows of diverse shapes and configurations. This capability is crucial for accurate vineyard monitoring and management. Furthermore, the method enables clear differentiation between inter-row spaces and grapevine vegetation, representing a fundamental advancement for comprehensive vineyard analysis and PV planning. This study contributes to the field of PV by providing a reliable tool for grapevine row detection and vineyard feature classification. The proposed methodology is applicable to vineyards with varying layouts, offering a versatile solution for enhancing precision viticulture practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrainment is a key factor that often alters the mobility of landslides, particularly in rapid flow-like loess landslides (RFLL). Despite its significance, the entrainment process in RFLL is not well understood due to the scarcity of detailed field data. This study employs an enhanced material point method (MPM) model to investigate the entrainment process of RFLL. The model's accuracy was first validated through granular column collapse experiments conducted on an erodible bed. Subsequently, three-dimensional (3D) simulations were performed to analyze the run-out behavior of a real RFLL, specifically focusing on the entrainment phenomenon. The simulation results indicate that plowing is the main entrainment pattern of the RFLL. During the entrainment process, the loess landslide remains largely distinct from the disturbed terrace material. Momentum from the loess landslide is transferred to the terrace material, leading to significant upheaval deformation within the terrace. Three deformation structures are formed in the disturbed terrace. In the rear part of the disturbed terrace, an anti-dip zone is formed under the loess-terrace interface, where the strata rotate and dip in the opposite direction to the landslide's motion. A shear zone is formed in the middle part of the disturbed terrace, where the strata bend due to the horizontal compression from the landslide. Shear failure occurs in this zone, leading to undulations in the terrace surface. In the front part, a titling zone is generated, where the strata dip towards the sliding direction, but shear failure has not yet formed. Furthermore, the combined effects of lateral spreading and shear failure result in the formation of multiple arc-shaped ridges within the shear zone of the disturbed terrace. The MPM model can satisfactorily reproduce these geomorphic characteristics of the deformed terrace caused by entrainment, and the simulation results agree reasonably well with field observations. This research sheds light on the entrainment mechanism of the RFLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River channel profiles and river terraces are two typical landscape features to investigate river incision history. However, incision history inferred from the two markers can be inconsistent. For example, along the Jinshan Gorge in the middle Yellow River, pseudo-terraces (a virtual metric derived from channel profile modelling) suggest a recent acceleration in incision rates only in the southern gorge, and the northern keeps steady, while river terraces in the trunk channel indicate recently increased incision rates all along the gorge. To mitigate these discrepancies, we investigate six tributaries along the Jinshan Gorge by mapping and dating several strath terraces at various distances from the confluence to the trunk channel. By comparing tributary terraces of similar age, we find generally increasing incision rates towards the confluence with the trunk river in the southern Jinshan Gorge. North to south increasing incision rates along the gorge are also observed from coeval tributary terraces. In addition, two different landscapes between the southern and northern tributaries near the confluence are recognized, one with a deeply incised gorge and another one with floodplains, suggesting incision rate in the northern gorge is steady through time. Integrating the new infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) 14C data from tributaries with the abundant literature data of terrace samples mostly in the Jinshan Gorge dated with various methods, we suggest published ages from optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) might be too young. The methodological limitation associated to the dating method can explain the observed mismatch of incision history in the northern gorge inferred from pseudo-terraces and from river terraces in the trunk channel, and reconcile some contradicting patterns in published trunk terrace data. • Tributaries along the Jinshan Gorge are studied to constrain incision history. • Tributary terraces and landscapes suggest steady incision in the northern gorge. • Mismatch in pseudo-terraces and trunk river terraces is from dating uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important evidence related to sea-level fluctuation, human evolution and dispersal that took place onshore during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene eras, are currently found underwater due to the sea-level rise. In this study, we present submarine relative paleo sea-level indicators found offshore the Lebanese coastline, at large from the prominent ancient city of Byblos. Two different submarine erosional terrace sequences were identified at depths ranging from −40 to −25m ("distant" sequence) and −11 to 0m ("nearshore" sequence) below present sea level, by using a combination of high-resolution geophysical means and terrain data analysis techniques. In the absence of datings, a model that uses relative sea-level curves for different uplift rates and examines the terraces' formation for various cliff retreat rates (derived from literature and on-field GPS measurements) was built. This model indicates the most possible time frames of the submarine terraces' (STs) formation. The "nearshore" terrace sequence is suggested to have originally been formed during Marine Isotope Stage 5a (MIS5a) sea-level highstand, while it was possibly re-flattened during the first MIS1 sea-level slowdown (8–6 ka BP). The "distant" sequence formation is placed between the MIS4 to MIS3 transition (∼62–50 ka BP), and during MIS3 sea-level highstands within 45–35 ka BP. It was also found that a long-term uplift rate of 0.28–0.37 mm/a and cliff retreat rate of 0.03–0.09 m/a best fit our data and existing onshore relative sea-level indicators. The formation of the STs at this time was further supported by chronologically intercurrent uplifting events that facilitated their formation and preservation. Finally, our model supports recent ice-sheet reconstructions related to higher MIS3 values since sea-level curves that were tested for this scenario (eustatically reaching up to −37/−38m depth), proved more successful in the formation of the "distant" sequence. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maltese Archipelago is a microcosm of long-term Anthropocene human manipulation of the environment spanning the last 8000 years. Despite their apparent fragility, the islands continue to sustain an increasing population. This paper summarises the geoarchaeological methods employed by the ERC-funded FRAGSUS Project and an associated PhD project which explored the terraced landscapes of these islands. Our projects employed archaeological excavation, sediment coring, palynology, soil survey, micromorphology, geochemistry, and absolute dating to obtain a new understanding of long-term landscape change. These scientific analyses are combined with historical data in the form of 19th Century land value assessments which offer new insights into folk concepts of agricultural viability. Landscape changes in the islands began with Neolithic agricultural activities from 5500 cal BC. These caused soil thinning which was further exacerbated by increasingly arid climatic conditions. Soil management strategies are then evident from the late 2nd millennium BC, persisting through medieval times, when the protection of red soils became enshrined in law, and into the present day, when agricultural terraces are the dominant landform in the rural landscape. The combined efforts of these projects exemplify the value of geoarchaeology in providing an environmental narrative that contextualizes the human history of landscapes. Our account of longue durée landscape use, abuse, and change is a fitting case history for the present state of the environment in Malta and beyond. Persistent development is now expanding urban sprawl into the managed, yet still fragile, rural landscape, resulting in a piecewise erasing of valuable historic agriscapes in the Mediterranean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanization and industrialization surge in China, the problem of land abandonment intensifies. However, the situation of terrace abandonment in China remains unclear. We conducted the first-ever remote sensing monitoring of terrace abandonment in China with full space coverage by combining high-precision terrace data with land use datasets to reveal the abandonment pattern. By fully considering natural and socio-economic factors, the XGBoost-SHAP framework was used to investigate the driving factors of terrace abandonment. The results show that approximately 2.42 % of terraces were abandoned from 2019 to 2021, mainly distributed in the Southwest and Loess Plateau regions. Agricultural regions with more terraces exhibited higher abandonment rates. The ratio of the population with pension insurance, cropland quality, slope, and land parcel size were prime drivers of terrace abandonment. There were significant spatial differences in the contribution of each factor. It is noteworthy that there was a significant deceleration in terrace abandonment trends in 2021, potentially ascribed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a substantial decrease in non-agricultural employment opportunities, thereby slowing down rural-to-urban emigration and even prompting a return migration of migrant workers. Grasping this critical post-pandemic period is crucial and should support returning migrant workers in engaging in agricultural activities by establishing diverse new agricultural entities and providing agricultural technical guidance. • China's terrace abandonment pattern was monitored with full space coverage. • About 2.42 % of terraces were abandoned from 2019 to 2021. • Driving forces vary significantly across various regions and types of cropland. • The post-pandemic is a critical period for promoting cropland reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the processes of fluvial geomorphic evolution is based on thorough evaluation of how rivers respond to tectonic activity and climatic change, with river terraces representing a key archive of alternating deposition and incision in response to such forcing, enabling an excellent means for correlation with tectonic and climatic records. An example presented here points to a difference in fluvial response to climate fluctuations along a trunk river and its tributary: the Yellow River and its tributary the Xike River, which has incised the Lajia Gorge to pirate the Zoige Basin, in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Based on Accelerator Mass Spectrometry 14C dating, the chronological sequence of basin fill top and fluvial terraces below has been established, defining the drainage reorganization of the Yellow River excavation through the Zoige Basin since the Last Glacial Maximum. Spatial and stratigraphic comparison between the two fluvial sequences, combined with correlation with high-resolution climatic records, indicates that the tributary Xike River formed more terraces in response to trunk incision (base-level variation), climatic fluctuations, and underlying weak bedrock than the Yellow River. Thus, our results not only demonstrate a combined archive of climatic fluctuation and tectonic uplift recorded in the fluvial terrace sequences, but also suggest that the generation of fluvial terraces may be influenced by the underlying bedrock within the same tectonic and climatic settings. • The Yellow River excavating through the Zoige Basin is constrained before 19 ka. • Fast uplift drives a sensitive fluvial response to sub-orbital climatic cycles. • Drainage scale affects the sensitivity of fluvial response to climate change. • Fluvial terrace is archive of the coupling between uplift and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay of tectonics, climate and topography shapes the river dynamics that give rise to terrace formation in mountainous regions. Unraveling the distinct influences of these factors on fluvial processes is a complex challenge due to their intricate interactions. By combining field observations with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, we have discerned and examined the sedimentary and geomorphological attributes of terraces, as well as the distinctive event sediments linked to recurrent mass movement across four varied reaches of the Upper Yangtze River. Each reach exhibits distinct tectonic settings, such as subsidence depressions, uplift gorges, or relict planation topography, which have imparted varied responses of river processes since the penultimate glacial period. Evidence from all study reaches indicates the presence of two cycles of fluvial aggradation-incision, yet the differentiated tectonic activities, precipitation patterns, and topographic reliefs have elicited divergent river behaviors across different reaches. In the subsidence depression, a single set of terraces has been formed, whereas in the most upstream region, characterized by relict planation topography, two superimposed sets of terraces have developed. In contrast, two separate sets of terraces have emerged in the uplifted gorge since the post-penultimate glacial period. The striking differences in terrace configurations across the valley reaches suggest that the magnitude of environment perturbations has exceeded critical thresholds of the different equilibrium conditions. One transition in equilibrium conditions relates to the minimum riverbed sediment thickness required to supply abrasive agents necessary for riverbed armoring. Another transition triggers a shift from fluvial-dominated processes to those dominated by extreme events, with critical sediment inputs modulating this transition, particularly within the gorge setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on 10Be dating of offset terraces at two sites, fieldwork, and high-resolution topographic analysis, we obtained the Holocene slip rates along the central section of the Altyn Tagh fault (ATF). At the Alesayi site, the minimum slip rate is confined to 6.4–11.6 mm/yr since 6.0 ± 1.4 ka. At the Suman site, the slip rate is confined to 5.6–9.2 mm/yr since 7.6 ± 0.7 ka. Eventually, the slip rate is tightly bracketed from 6.4 to 9.2 mm/yr, which implies that the microplate model with localized deformation between rigid blocks should be abandoned. Synthesis of late Quaternary slip rates along the fault indicates that the central section, except for restraining bends, maintains a constant slip rate of ∼10 mm/yr. The long elapsed time, ∼400 years, since the most recent earthquake and a significant stress increase resulting from the 2014 Ms7.3 Yutian earthquake led to a high seismic risk along the central fault section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioengineering approaches to slope stabilization involve biological and mechanical methods with low impact on the environment and landscape. Slope stabilization using vegetation patches or islands can greatly decrease runoff and soil erosion on an eroded lake shore. While vegetation islands showed promise for forest and grassland reclamation, they have rarely been used on eroded lake shores. A study was conducted to determine whether bioengineering using native vegetation islands and terraces could successfully revegetate and stabilize a severely eroded lake shore slope in the central aspen parkland, Alberta, Canada. Three gullies and three slopes were terraced using pressure treated planks, then transplanted with non-dormant (mid-August) and dormant (mid-October) 20 cm diameter vegetation islands in a soil amended with 25% (by volume) compost. Volumetric water content was significantly less in lower slope positions than upper slope positions, and sediment transport to lower slope positions was much reduced. After one year, both non-dormant and dormant transplanted islands survived and established on the terraced slope, under relatively inhospitable growing conditions. Although non-dormant islands had significantly lower vegetation mortality (10% or less) than dormant islands on both slopes and gullies, no differences in health and vigour were found by the end of the study. Overall plant species number on the site increased during the study. Graminoid species densities increased, while those of forbs, shrub and tree species declined in the transplanted vegetation islands. Non-dormant islands had greater graminoid density than dormant islands, where Poa pratensis was the dominant species in the islands. Bioengineering with vegetation islands and terraces can assist in trapping runoff and sediment, and accelerate establishment of a diversity of plant species and groups relative to traditional revegetation methods. • Eroded lakeshore slopes can be reclaimed with terraces and small vegetation islands. • Non-dormant and dormant transplanted islands survived on terraced lakeshore slopes. • Vegetation mortality was significantly lower with non-dormant than dormant islands. • Non-dormant islands had greater graminoid density than dormant islands. • Vegetation islands can trap runoff and sediment, and accelerate plant establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Quaternary is characterized by pronounced alterations between cold and warm climatic states, with the Mid-Pleistocene Transition marking a strong increase in the intensity of cold-climate conditions. River systems are sensitive to environmental perturbation (e.g., climate, tectonics, base level) and are expected to respond to such profound changes. This study uses a combination of terrace mapping and analysis of a dense borehole database to investigate the Meuse terrace staircase (and its deposits), and gain insight on how it reflects climatic and tectonic perturbations during the Quaternary. The lower reaches of the Meuse river, which has both its main water and sediment source in the Ardennes displays a well-developed terrace staircase that was sculpted mainly throughout the Quaternary. The staircase is located near the cities of Maastricht (southern Netherlands) and Liège (northwestern Belgium). About 30 terrace levels reflect signals of environmental perturbations in the lithological composition, gradients, thicknesses, and spatial distribution. The terraces are organized in groups, based on their morphological position, from old to young; these are the East Meuse terrace group and West Meuse High-, Middle- and Low terrace groups. Our findings show a consistent increase in the gravel content from older to younger terraces. The sandier composition of the deposits of the oldest terraces (Early Pleistocene) is closely related to the supply of the Miocene-Pliocene weathered material from the Ardennes. Younger terraces (Middle and Late Pleistocene) are much richer in gravel, evidencing sediment input from fresh or partially weathered bedrock. These changes point to a downstream migration of the gravel front throughout the Quaternary. The mean thickness of the terrace groups shows a slight increase, even though the same trend is not clear when each terrace is analyzed on an individual basis. The anomalous thickness of the Caberg 1 terrace suggests increased sediment input during the cold climatic conditions of the Elsterian (MIS 12), the first Quaternary glacial during which an ice sheet extended into the northern Netherlands. Reconstruction of terrace gradients reveals that older East Meuse terraces show a (reversed) gradient opposite to reconstructed palaeo flow directions, which is attributed to a combination of low gradients during terrace formation and footwall back-tilting of the Feldbiss Fault Zone. In our analysis we do not see clear evidence for the imprint of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, which suggests that due to its gradual nature, its signal is either buffered or assimilated by the overall climatic signal of the Quaternary. This study offers a first complete temporal analysis of the Meuse terrace staircase, providing an important basis for better understanding the effects of Quaternary climatic change and tectonics, and their resulting effects in other river systems worldwide. • Complete temporal analysis of the Quaternary Meuse terrace staircase • Compositional and geometrical parameters done via bootstrapping of borehole data • Increasing gravel content marks Quaternary trend of enhanced physical weathering. • Changes in terrace gradients reveal tectonic influence. • Gravel front downstream migration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chaochou Fault in southern Taiwan has long been recognized as an active fault, but its exact location is still uncertain. In this study, we focused on the middle part of the Chaochou Fault, where a flight of fluvial terraces was deformed and preserved. High-resolution aerial photos were first used to observe and map these terraces and their vicinity, followed by comprehensive field investigations including RTK-GPS surveys for high-resolution topographic profiles of the deformed terraces and OSL sample collections for obtaining the ages of the terraces. A series of active faults, consisting of Fault A ("FA"), Fault B ("FB"), and Fault Bb ("FBb"), are collectively named the Chaochou Active Fault Zone. The fault zone is recognized and characterized by range-facing scarps, frontal flexural scarps, and discontinuous slopes deformed by FA, FB, and FBb, respectively. The repeated activities of FA were recorded by the incremental fault scarp heights from young to old terraces. Considering the highest fault scarp height of 65.9 ± 6 m observed in T1 and its OSL age of 35.3 ± 4.3 ka, the long-term fault slip rate of FA is about 2 mm/yr. • Detailed air photo mapping and fieldwork reveal the Chaochou Active Fault Zone. • A subsidiary fault of the Chaochou Fault is first identified in this study. • High-resolution topo profiles confirm repeated activities of the back thrust. • The Chaochou Fault is undoubtedly active and maybe even moved in the Holocene. • The long-term fault slip rate of FA ranges from 0.5 to 2 mm/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In situ visualization of structural evolution of O/Cu(1 0 0) during growth and reaction. • The extremely high reactivity of disordered c(2 × 2) structure (DCS) surrounding single-atom-high islands (SAHIs) towards CO. • The crucial role of microscopic coordination, geometric matching and trigger effect in determining the reactivities of materials. As the reactivities of materials originate essentially from the microstructures presenting on surface, the microscopic insight of structure-sensitive reactivity is crucial to understanding the nature of catalytic reactions. Herein, we have shown that both the structural evolution and the reactivity towards CO of O/Cu(1 0 0) exhibit remarkable structural sensitivity. Oxygen adsorbed on Cu(1 0 0) readily dissociate to oxygen dimers with gradually transforming to disordered c(2 × 2) structure (DCS). The DCS is further crystallized to missing-row reconstruction (MRR) structure preferentially at step edges prior to the presence of MRR and single-atom-high islands (SAHIs) on terraces. The DCS surrounding SAHI exhibits the highest reactivity towards CO through the enhanced CO adsorption and suitable geometric matching. At higher CO pressure, DCS and MRR react preferentially from step edges, followed by the DCS on terraces. Comparatively, isolated MRR shows unusual inertness due to the lack of microstructure that can trigger an initial reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluvial deposits in piedmont environments are usually enriched by cobbles, which can be used for luminescence dating, as an alternative to the conventionally employed sand-sized minerals. In this study, a modified multi-elevated-temperature post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (MET-pIRIR) procedure was employed to establish luminescence-depth profiles of upper and lower sides of fluvial cobbles and obtain the burial ages of cobbles from high terrace of the Manas River in northern Chinese Tian Shan. The age-stimulation temperature (A-T) plateau was combined with the conventional age-depth (A-D) plateau in luminescence-depth profile to evaluate the reliability of burial ages of cobble luminescence dating from the aspects of fading and bleaching of signals. When the signal was only bleached to a limited depth given rise to no A-D plateau, the A-T plateau could serve as an internal-check to evaluate the degree of bleaching of the luminescence signal just through a single rock slice. Our results showed that self-evidenced and reliable buried ages of fluvial cobbles could be determined by only using first sub-surface rock slice in the presence of A-T plateau. Thereafter, the deposition age of cobble from top of T6 terrace and bottom of T5 terrace were ∼23.6–24.0 ka and ∼22.7 ka, respectively, inferring a very fast incision rate of ∼20 mm/a. The observed variability in bleaching depth between upper and lower sides across different cobble samples suggested complex transport dynamics. • MET-pIRIR measurement has advantages in judgement of fading and bleaching just through a single rock slice. • Constraining the terrace ages using fluvial cobbles has great potential and prospects. • It is potential to provide a new perspective for the study of river transport mechanics through luminescence-depth profiles of cobbles. • Recalculating incision rate of the Manas River during abandonment period of T6 terrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of lake terraces were discovered on unconsolidated Cambrian siltstones in Al-Tayan Wadi along the eastern escarpment of the Dead Sea Rift (DSR). Altitudes were studied with DGPS and calcareous stromatolitic crusts were U/Th-dated and analysed for microstructure, mineral composition and Mg/Ca ratios. These terraces represent high stands of the glacial Lake Lisan, ~100 m higher than previously known. Terraces up to −19 m (with respect to present sea level) were discovered and dated to the early MIS 5a. At 79.2 ± 3.3 to 76.5 ± 5.6 ka, Lake Lisan stood at −56 to −66 m, indicating extraordinary humid conditions in the Levant during MIS 5a. Then the lake level dropped dramatically to −350 m at ~63.6 ± 0.56 ka, implying drier conditions during H6 and MIS 4. Just before 32 ka the lake recovered to > −137 m, suggesting a higher water input to Lake Lisan during MIS 3. At ~30 ka, during early MIS 2, the lake receded to −148 m associated with H3, further dropping to −152 m at ~27 ka BP and to −154 m at ~23 ka. Afterward, the lake receded sharply to −200 m at ~22.5 ka, consistent with dry conditions of H2. During LGM, Lake Lisan recovered to −160 m at ~19 ka, which implies a return to a positive water balance. Correspondence of Lisan regressions to MIS 4 and 2, and to Heinrich events of the North Atlantic 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2 indicates a dry climate of the Levant during these periods. Otherwise, the highest lake stands during MIS 5a and the sharp transgression of the lake during MIS 3 suggest wet climate of the Eastern Mediterranean during aforementioned periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a full synthesis of recent work on the fluvial terraces of the middle section of the Loire River, between its exit from the "Massif Central" montane area and its entry into the Touraine region, with the aim of better understanding of the evolution of the river during the Pleistocene period. New fieldwork and topographic analyses (including a predictive geomorphology approach) permit updating the spatial extent and geometry of the different Quaternary alluvial sedimentary formations in this area. In addition, new analytical data were acquired both by X-ray diffraction (XRD) on heavy minerals and by gamma spectrometry measurements on alluvial sandy sediments. These analyses allow us to characterize and distinguish the alluvial formations. This work has identified three distinct periods in the history of the Loire: the oldest, corresponding to the deposition of sediments characterised by an abundance of metamorphic minerals, originating from the Massif Central; an intermediate period, corresponding to the deposition of the high terraces of the Loire system, not characterised by mineralogical analyses but by the approach of the predicted geomorphology showing different terrace geometries; lastly, a recent period comprising the low and medium altitude terraces, characterised by an abundance of volcanic minerals also originating from the Massif Central. • A predictive geomorphology approach was used for a new mapping of the Loire terraces. • XRD and gamma-ray analyses were performed for the fluvial sediment characterisation. • Three depositional episodes were discriminated between recent and ancient formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau (TP), often known as the "Asia Water Tower", is the source region of several continental-scale rivers. However, due to the extremely difficult access and harsh living conditions in the interior plateau, fluvial processes in the headwaters of these large rivers and their connections to global climate changes remain unknown. In this study, the luminescence (using both quartz and K-feldspar) and AMS 14C dating techniques were employed to date the four terraces of the Zado Basin in order to elucidate the aggradation and incision history of the initial intermontane basin in the headwater of the Mekong River. One sample from the upper part of T4 terrace (which features a 12 m thick gravel layer, the base of which is unexposed) provides a K-feldspar pIR 50 IR 225 age of 125 ± 10 ka, indicating that the initial deposition of this terrace could predate marine isotope stage (MIS) 5. Considering the margin of error, this age also suggests that the onset of incision on T4 terrace during the climate transition from MIS 6 (glacial) to early MIS 5 (interglacial). This incision likely occurred due to increased meltwater and precipitation, causing the Mekong carving into the bedrock for more than 50 m. Eight luminescence samples are collected from T3 terrace (26.5 m in thickness) with ages ranging from 83 ± 7.6 ka to 22.3 ± 1 0.2 ka, indicating T3 formation/aggradation from late MIS 5 to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), possibly owing to reduced precipitation and enhanced sediment supply from intensive glacial activities. At around 22 ka, the Mekong once again shifted towards incision, crafting the T3 terrace, situated roughly 28 m above the current floodplain. This incision event was recorded by two luminescence samples from a sandy lens located at the top of gravel layer of T3, with OSL ages of about 22 ka. Floodplain samples from T2 and T1, dated at 16 ka and 2.8 ka respectively, demonstrate that from the last deglaciation to the Holocene, the Mekong continued its downward incision. This erosion developed two cut and fill terraces at elevations of 22 m and 11 m above the present floodplain, likely due to increased precipitation and enhanced vegetation at that time. Overall, the glacial–interglacial climate changes were the most likely driving force behind fluvial processes in the upper Mekong basin since the Late Pleistocene, with aggradation occurring during the glacial period while incision in deglacial and interglacial periods, suggesting a close link between the fluvial geomorphic evolution and orbital-scale climate changes. • Four Mekong River terraces in the Zado Basin of Tibet were dated by luminescence. • At c. 125 ± 10 ka T4 incision (into bedrock by > 50 m) initiated due to global warming. • T3 has been deposited since 83 ka and began downcutting at ∼22 ka in deglacial. • These terraces generally accumulate during glacial and cut down since deglacial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on the distribution and migration of 90Sr in the Longji terrace environment, the activity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs were determined. The activity concentration ranges of 90Sr and 137Cs in surface soil were 0.15–1.04 Bq/kg and 2.16–6.94 Bq/kg, respectively. These results showed that there was a similar trend between the activity concentration of 90Sr and 137Cs in the surface soil along the runoff path and their activity concentration were influenced by the slope of the terraced terrain. On the other hand, the activity ranges of 90Sr and 137Cs in soil cores were 0.01–2.74 Bq/kg and 0.43–7.19 Bq/kg, respectively. These results indicate that the migration mechanism of 90Sr is different from that of 137Cs. As compared with 137Cs, 90Sr is significantly influenced by the moisture content. In addition, high span of 137Cs/90Sr activity ratios were found in this study, which were attributed to the characteristics of cultivated land and frequent artificial disturbances that intensified the migration of 90Sr. • The first research of 90Sr in the terraces. • Runoff and slope are key factors driving 90Sr and 137Cs levels in terraced soil. • Compared with 137Cs, the migration trend of 90Sr in the core of terraced soil is more affected by moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as an innovative model for the delivery of infrastructure and public services on a global scale. These collaborations, which unite businesses, governmental bodies, and civil society stakeholders, are actively advocated for their capacity to pool essential financial resources. Simultaneously, they offer a strategic approach to mitigating risks associated with sector-specific operations and addressing intricate developmental challenges. PPPs leverages wider resources and capabilities and could have greater impacts, which have been widely adopted in various sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and environment. In recent years, PPPs have also emerged as a promising tool to promote the development of aquaculture sector, which is the fastest growing food production sector in the world. However, PPPs in aquaculture sector have yet not to be widely adopted or well understood. We address this research gap by describing a successful PPP model in aquaculture sector based on a case study of Hani Terrace integrated rice-fish farming system in China. This research analyzes the type, structures, partner roles and partnership of the Hani Terrace PPP model, and it also examines the major challenges encountered and the development outcomes achieved by these projects. The results showed that the Aquaculture PPP created positive outcomes for different parterners and stimulated increased economic, social and environmental benefits from targeted interventions. This research intends to offer valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and local communities keen on advancing the PPP model within the aquaculture sector. Additionally, the research identifies gaps and outlines directions for future studies in PPP development in the aquaculture sector. The research results seek to enhance the comprehension of all stakeholders involved in crafting successful PPP initiatives and improving service delivery. • Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as an innovative model and a promising tool to promote the development of aquaculture sector, involving government entities, private companies, research institutes, and farmers, contributes financial resources, expertise, innovation, and proficiency in managing intricate social processes. • Forming a successful partnership necessitates the establishment of shared objectives and the development of robust business cases. • This case study aligns with global research on aquaculture PPPs and highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships, financing structures, and equitable resource distribution for success in aquaculture development. They need to set common goals and strong business cases aiming to align the interests and risks of public and private partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Morphotectonic parameters indicate the eastern Himalaya is tectonically active. • Field observation of cross-cutting faults does reflect active tectonics in the Himalayan front. • The studied basins are asymmetric and tilted. • The V-shaped valley profile, and low valley floor width to height ratio, indicate fast uplift. The frontal part of the easternmost zone of the Himalayas is tectonically active, which can be ascertained from different quaternary deformation features like tilted terraces, differential upliftment of terraces, and steep scarps. Along the mountain front, four and three levels of terraces are present on the right and left bank of the Siang River respectively with a maximum elevation of 303 m. Different levels of Quaternary terraces indicate episodic upliftment of the area. On the left bank of the Siang River, 300 m upstream from Dhobighat, the terrace deposits are present at an elevation of 150 m above the Siwalik Group, and 100 m downstream, tilted quaternary deposits are observed. Steep scarps near Mairam, indicate the presence of Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), and based on convincing field evidence, HFT can be categorized into HFT-1 and HFT-2. Total eighteen basins are mapped which are elongated and aligned along the NW-SE direction, parallel to the trend of cross faults present in the area along the Siang River course. The mountain front sinuosity index, SL value, and elongation ratio reflect further that the area is tectonically active. Furthermore, the asymmetry factor and transverse topographic symmetry factor illustrate that all the basins are asymmetric and tilted. Most of the valley profiles are V-shaped, and the valley floor width-to-height ratio is low, indicating rapid upliftment of the area. Lineament maps show a similar trend of the orientation with the major structural features of the area and further, confirm that the area is tectonically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper by E. Méndez-Quintas et al. (2020) aims to give an interdisciplinary overview of the lower Miño River terrace record in NW Iberia by combining geological and archaeological data. The authors also pretend to re-interpret the geological-geomorphological evolution of this river by presenting new data and by comparing them to data published in our five related papers. However, a wrong interpretation of the data they present as well as incorrect and selective citations of ours lead to the production of a publication containing numerous errors. The most flagrant ones are the mapping of fluvial terraces on one side of the river only and an incorrect interpretation of the sedimentological information used to correlate terrace remnants along-river. This results in incorrect longitudinal profile reconstructions and an improper proposal of the evolution of the Miño terraces that is even contradicted by the data they present. On the upside, the ages of the Porto Maior terrace site published by these authors confirm our previously published longitudinal profile reconstructions and evolutionary model of the Miño valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil coral reef terraces at the northern coast of Cuba in the vicinity of the Bay of Matanzas are forming a prominent flight of terraces. These terraces were already studied by several investigators, but a chronological classification based on numerical dating is still missing. In this study we focus on the lowest unit, the Seboruco terrace, which is assumed to be of MIS 5e age. The morphology of the Seboruco terrace and associated sea-level markers (reef crests and notches) were mapped and their altitude was measured over the whole study area in the field and by using remote sensing. The fossil corals building up the terrace were surveyed in numerous natural outcrops. The species of the fossil coral reefs were determined and subdivided in different facies zones. Fossil corals were taken for numerical dating by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Uranium-series (U-Th) to establish a chronology of the MIS 5e coral reef formation. Both dating techniques yielded age results in good agreement with each other and the stratigraphic context. Corresponding to the field evidence, the age data indicates one MIS 5e sea-level highstand around 126 ka. Some younger ESR ages may be explained by the recrystallization of aragonitic corals and/or by U leaching. At one locality east of Matanzas, the radiometric results for an underlying coral reef body suggest an MIS 7 age. The sea-level markers for the MIS 5e highstand range from 5.5 m a.s.l. (reef crest) to a maximum of 7 m (notches) west of the Bay of Matanzas resulting in relatively low uplift rates of 0.003 m/ka and 0.036 m/ka when applying early MIS 5e sea-level estimates from tectonically stable coasts in the Caribbean between +2.5 m and +6.6 m. Inside the Bay of Matanzas itself, the elevation of sea-level markers increases to more than 10 m a.s.l. indicating a stronger uplift rate of 0.027 m/ka to 0.060 m/ka here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, a great effort was made to determine relative sea level changes along the Mediterranean coastlines through the integration of geophysical modelling and direct measuring of paleo-shoreline related to Late-Holocene and the Last Interglacial events. In this paper, we show the potential use and limitations of additional marine geomorphic markers of past and deeper sea levels. These markers are submarine depositional terraces (SDTs), i.e., deposits formed by a set of small prograding sedimentary wedges, having a terraced shape and found at variable shallow-water depths (mainly the first −150 m) on continental and insular shelves in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The shallowest terraces (near-shore) have their edges at depths of −10/−30 m, compatible with the present-day, local storm-wave base level. Their formation has been associated to present-day/highstand environmental conditions, and as such they can be used to interpret the genesis of deeper terraces formed during earlier sea levels on the middle and outer shelf. Mid-shelf terraces have their edges at variable depths between −40 and −90 m and likely formed during the last sea level rise. They show a patchy distribution and a large variability in their internal structure, so that they are not suitable for correlations at regional scale. Shelf-edge terraces have their edges at depths mainly comprised between −120 and −170 m, compatible or deeper than the sea-level depth reached during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). They show an overall similar prograding internal structure and have a remarkable lateral continuity, thus representing a good proxy of sea level position at ≈20 ka. However, the edge's depth of SDTs is not a direct measurement of paleo sea level at that time, since their depth depends on a complex interplay of different factors, such as storm-wave base level and its variation in response to coastal physiography, as well as the occurrence of later erosive-depositional processes. Depending on the geophysical and mapping methods used to determine their depth, the associated error range can also differ. Based on the analysis of these complexities and a wide range of settings from the Italian Seas, a rough estimate of these error ranges is discussed to determine the potential use and the limitations of the SDTs to assess the vertical mobility of an area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data obtained from mapping, topographic analysis and radiometric dating completed in the epicentral region of the 23 October 2011 Van earthquake reveals the role of tectonic processes on the terrace formation. An investigation of seven terraces between Bardakçı and Yeşilsu villages on the hanging wall of the Van Fault Zone indicates changes in the Holocene coastline of Lake Van and provides information regarding the relationships between the changes and tectonic uplift in the region. Taking note of the elevation of the terraces, seven terrace levels appeared within the last 30 ka. Three of them are interpreted as tectonic origin. According to the dates and heights of the tectonic terrace levels, the mean annual uplift rate is calculated to be ≥ 2 mm/year on the hanging wall of the Van Fault Zone. Additionally, mapping occurred of folds with generally E-W direction, occasionally NE and NW orientation, developed within the Quaternary deposits. Assessment of the obtained data shows uplifting of the area, with the effect of reverse faults/thrusts and folds developed by the N–S compression during the Plio-Quaternary an important factor in terrace development in the region. • Lake Van basin has a topography tectonically deformed by many faults with thrust component. • Not only the climate but also the tectonics is an important factor in the formation of terraces in Lake Van region. • The study area was uplifted by reverse faults/thrusts and folds with N–S compressional regime in the Plio-Quaternary. • Seven terrace levels were distinguished within the last 30 ka on the hanging wall of the Van Fault zone. • According to the tectonic terrace levels, the mean annual uplift rate is calculated as ≥2 mm/year on the hanging wall of the Van Fault Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of cosmogenic nuclides in rocks at the Earth's surface are routinely measured by AMS (accelerator mass spectrometry) to obtain exposure ages. One particular application of this technique has been to derive ages for the formation of marine terraces, thus allowing constraints to be placed on rates of tectonic uplift. However, multiple rock samples from the same terrace surface have typically shown an amount of scatter in cosmogenic nuclide concentrations in excess of analytical uncertainties, potentially undermining the confidence in the resulting uplift rates. In addition, earlier works have considered the application of bedrock samples for exposure age dating marine terraces, but little attention has been directed towards the validity of sampling clasts exposed on terrace surfaces. Here, we use 10Be and 26Al measurements from a flight of marine terraces in northern Chile to compare the results from pebbles with those from bedrock samples and to investigate assumptions that sample pre-exposure and burial are negligible. We examine the influence that processes of surface deflation and pebble erosion will have on cosmogenic nuclide concentrations using a Monte Carlo model, the results of which are compared to our 10Be measurements. We find good agreement of 10Be concentrations between bedrock and pebble samples. At the sampled location, sample burial is rare and 10Be inheritance in pebble samples is low relative to the age of the terraces. Our modelling suggests that in arid environments, such as northern Chile, pebble erosion will be a secondary effect compared to surface deflation and that multiple periods of deflation will result in multimodal distributions of 10Be concentrations. More broadly, our findings show that measuring multiple surface clasts from a single marine terrace reveals the geomorphological processes influencing exposure ages, and may also be used to help identify the operation of past surface processes such as episodic deflation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Land use types determined deep soil water redistribution. • Soil moisture in abandoned land was strongly affected by rainfall. • Decreased rainfall and soil drying reduced the growth of forage and shrubs. • Farmland in terraces and abandoned land on slopes were the ideal use types. The land-use change affects soil hydrological processes in semi-arid areas. Investigating the impact of precipitation change on soil moisture in different land use types (LUTs) is conducive to water resource management and ecological restoration. The volumetric water content (VWC) at 0–300 cm soil profile, meteorology data, and vegetation aboveground biomass were continuously observed from 2018 to 2022 in five terraced and three sloped LUTs. The results showed that soil moisture was affected by precipitation, vegetation, antecedent soil water, soil properties, and artificial management measures. There were significant differences in soil moisture among these land use types (P < 0.05), with the priority order of multi-year profile average VWC at 0–300 cm depth was farmland in the slope (FAS) (0.22 ± 0.01 cm3 cm−3) > bare land in the terrace (BAT) and farmland in the terrace (FAT) (0.19 ± 0.01 cm3 cm−3) > abandoned land in the slope (ABS) (0.18 ± 0.02 cm3 cm−3) > abandoned land in the terrace (ABT) (0.13 ± 0.02 cm3 cm−3) > forage land in the slope (FOS) (0.12 ± 0.02 cm3 cm−3) > forage land in the terrace (FOT) and shrubland in the terrace (SHT) (0.10 ± 0.01 cm3 cm−3). Except for BAT, soil water storage (SWS) in other LUTs decreased in 0–300 cm soil profile from 2018 to 2022. There were no or slight soil desiccations in FAS, BAT, ABS, and FAT, moderate soil desiccation in ABT, and serious soil desiccation in FOS, FOT, and SHT. The VWC, SWS, and soil desiccation index (SDI) of all LUTs were positively correlated with precipitation, especially at 0–100 cm depth. Precipitation threshold response to soil desiccation alleviation was determined to be 98–116 mm month−1. Moreover, aboveground biomass of FOT, ABT, and SHT exhibited a significant correlation with both soil moisture and precipitation (P < 0.05). Therefore, forage lands and shrublands have adverse effects on the mitigation of deep soil desiccation with decreasing rainfall. This study recommended farmland in the terrace and abandoned land in the slope for soil and water conservation and sustainable ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BiFeO 3 nanostructure can be modulated by substrate terrace morphology. • Wide and straight terrace favor the step-flow growth mode and nano-stripe structure formation. • Nano-maze structure and nanoisland structure perfer to grow on bunched terrace and narrow/rough terrace, respectively. • Tail-to-tail domain wall with enhanced conduction formed on nano-stripe structure. Topological domain structures, such as vortex and center domain have been found in BiFeO 3 nanoislands fabricated by self-assemble approaches, which exhibit great application potential in nonvolatile storage. However, how to control the self-assembled nanostructure during preparation process is still an open question. Here, we successfully grew BiFeO 3 films with nano-stripe, nano-maze and dense nanoisland structures on LaAlO 3 (0 0 1) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. We found the formation of different nanostructures is related to the terrace morphology of the substrate. Nano-stripe structure with strip domain and high conduction tail-to-tail domain wall preferred to form on wide terrace, nano-maze structure with three-fold or four-fold center-type domain usually form on bunched terrace, while dense nanoisland structure with two/three-fold domain preferred to from on the narrow or rough terrace LaAlO 3 substrate. These findings provide guidance for manipulating the ferroelectric topological domain structure during film preparation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le site de Nanposhan est un Préhistorique de plein air, situé sur la quatrième terrasse (T4, Bassin de Bose) de la rive gauche du Youjiang affluent, de la rivière Bose, dans la Province autonome du Guangxi Zhuang (Chine). Ce site a livré une abondante industrie lithique (516 pièces). Cet assemblage lithique est formé principalement par un abondant outillage sur galet, dont des choppers , de rares pics et des bifaces. Les autres outils sur éclat, de petites dimensions, que nous appelons « petits outils », sont rares et peu retouchés. Les différentes analyses typo-technologiques réalisées sur l'industrie de Nanposhan, montrent qu'elle appartient au Paléolithique inférieur. The Nanposhan site Nanposhan is an open-air prehistoric site, located on the fourth terrace (T4, Bose Basin) of the left bank of the Youjiang tributary of the Bose River, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Province (China). This site yielded an abundant lithic industry (516 pieces). This lithic assemblage is mainly formed by abundant pebble tools, including choppers, rare picks and bifaces. The other flake tools, of small dimensions, which we call "small tools", are rare and little retouched. According to the various typo-technological analyzes carried out on the Nanposhan industry, it belongs to the Lower Paleolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern Gulf of Mexico is facing high rates of wetland loss due to subsidence and sea level–rise, which has encouraged the application of various wetland restoration techniques. Marsh terracing is a restoration technique that has been implemented since the early 1990 s in Texas and Louisiana, yet few studies have been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness. Marsh terraces are segmented berms of soil built in coastal ponds that were once vegetated marshes. Marsh terracing is hypothesized to dissipate wind waves, encourage marsh expansion, and reduce shoreline erosion. This study (1) assessed the effectiveness of the most common terrace shapes (linear, chevron, and square) and spacing (100, 110, and 120 m) at reducing significant wave height (Hs), (2) assessed the effectiveness of alternative terrace designs for reducing Hs during different wind conditions, and 3) estimated the construction costs of alternative terrace designs. The Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model was used to simulate wind–driven waves in ponds with real and hypothetical terrace designs. Results revealed that: (1) The chevron shape provided the greatest reduction in Hs during all wind conditions, reducing Hs by up to 54%. (2) Hs reduction was not affected by terrace spacings. (3) Based on wave attenuation, the chevron design with a 120 m terrace spacing provided the optimal outcome with an estimated construction cost/ha of $6332 in a 250,000 m2 site compared to the terrace shapes and spacings evaluated in this study. This study will help coastal managers design marsh terraces to address wetland erosion in the Gulf of Mexico and other coastal areas facing similar environmental problems. [Display omitted] • This study investigates the optimal design for marsh terraces at reducing waves. • Chevron terraces provided the greatest reduction in significant wave height (Hs). • The chevron terrace shape reduced Hs up to 54%. • Chevron terraces with a 120 m terrace spacing provided the most optimal outcome. • The estimated cost of a chevron terrace with 120 m spacing was $6332/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphological analyses of a wide coastal belt between northern Calabria and Puglia, where a well-exposed staircase of marine terraces extensively crops out, were performed in order to unravel the uplift history of this key-area. As a matter of fact, the Ionian coast of southern Italy represents a strategic sector for investigating the middle-late Quaternary morphotectonic evolution of the orogenic system of southern Italy. The main goal of our research was the reconstruction of a detailed uplift history using spatial distribution of marine terraces and river profile inversion. This was achieved by producing a new, detailed and complete map of the sequence of marine terraces and associated palaeoshorelines along the entire coastal sector. A critical review of the literature related to geochronological data from the study area, integrated with a modeling of the interaction between eustatic changes and tectonic uplift allowed demonstrating that the different terraces are correlated to many highstand peaks, dating the highest/oldest terrace to mid-Pleistocene times. Additional constraints on the spatio-temporal variation of tectonic uplift (or base-level fall) have been derived from the inversion of longitudinal river profiles. Such an approach adopts an independent geomorphic marker than the marine terraces and allowed us to obtain an additional estimation of the uplift history of the area. The uplift values from the two methods differ in some cases by an order of magnitude, which could be attributed to the rigorous assumption of the river profile inversion or a limitation related to the chronological scheme of marine terraces. Our results highlight a spatial and temporal variation in the uplift rates, which can be only explained with a morphotectonic framework in which the study area and likely the whole chain-foredeep-foreland system, remained under a prevailingly compressional tectonic regime during the Quaternary, with significant consequences for the seismic hazard of the region. • Marine terraces and river profiles of a wide sector of the south-Italian Apennine were investigated. • Uplift history was derived from marine terraces and river profile inversion. • Our analysis furnished clear morphotectonic evidence of differential uplift. • Morphotectonic evolution is controlled by the recent activity of blind thrusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • To achieve the detection of heterogeneity in breast transmission images. • Solve segmentation difficulties caused by low grayscale, low contrast, etc. • A new clustering method based on terrace compression method and window function. • This method can achieve better clustering results and higher segmentation accuracy. Multispectral transmission imaging has a great potential for the early screening of breast cancer due to the low cost, safety and ease in operation. Accurate detection of heterogeneity is important for the diagnosis of breast disease. The low contrast and unclear heterogeneity boundaries of transmission images can lead to difficulties in recognition and segmentation. Therefore, we propose a clustering segmentation method of multispectral transmission images based on "terrace compression method" and window transformation. The images are preprocessed by the frame accumulation to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. After that, the "terrace compression method" is used to compress the images nonlinearly, to reduce data redundancy and then to improve the edge information of heterogeneities. Afterwards, the window function is used to eliminate the redundant information of the background and to reduce the influence of background noise on clustering. Finally, the processed images at each wavelength are transformed into multidimensional data for cluster analysis. The multispectral transmission images of breast phantom are acquired for experimental validation. Then, compared the method with common clustering segmentation methods (including K-means, K-means++, Mean-shift, Gaussian Mixture). The results showed that this processing method can effectively segment and classify the three heterogeneities in the breast phantom. Among these methods, the method proposed in the paper has the best segmentation and classification results for the three types of heterogeneities in the breast phantom. The Dice coefficients of all the heterogeneities segmentation reached more than 0.84 and increased by a maximum of 1.08 times as compared to the common clustering methods. The applications of the terrace compression method and the grayscale window transformation improved the effect of image clustering segmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leadership and social networks substantially influence the collective actions in rural communities. It is important to understand how village elites influence villagers through social networks and facilitate collective actions, especially for indigenous communities. This paper takes the rice terrace social-ecological system (SES) of the Hani ethnic minority in China as a case and adopts a mixed methodology to explore the diversified roles of various types of village elites in the collective actions of managing four social-ecological sub-systems: forests, villages, terraces, and water. Results reveal that institutional and non-institutional elites play different roles in coordinating the collective actions of managing four sub-systems. Social network analysis shows that village elites have high degree centrality and play bridging roles between different sub-groups, but differences exist between the network patterns of managing forests and water and managing villages and terraces. Contagion models show that both friendship and advice networks contribute to the social influence among villagers, but advice networks have larger influences in managing villages, terraces, and water than friendship networks. This study provides insights into the heterogeneity and dynamics of village leadership and social networks in managing rural SESs that are experiencing rapid socio-economic changes, and the results contribute to making integrative and adaptive planning and development policies for indigenous communities. • Social network analysis is used to study indigenous natural resource management. • Institutional and non-institutional elites play different roles in managing Hani rice terrace system. • Elites have high centrality and play bridging roles in collective actions. • Friendship networks and advice networks have different roles in behavioral contagion. • Heterogeneity and dynamics of leadership and social networks in governing rural SES are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Quaternary most of the coastal areas along the Andes were uplifted due to subduction related processes. At 23°S, along the Mejillones Peninsula and the shoreline of the Coastal Cordillera, there is an abundance of Quaternary marine terraces, coastal cliffs, eroded dikes, alluvial fans, and fault scarps which preserve evidence of this uplift. The hyper-arid conditions have minimised subaerial erosion to the extent that the Quaternary marine terraces (QMT) can be carefully studied to understand the amount of permanent deformation in the forearc and the variability of uplift rates along the coast. A morpho-metric analysis using remotely sensed imagery from ALOS-PALSAR, drone survey and local differential GPS data allowed us to define the best-preserved QMT sequences and the elevation at which they were found with respect to the modern mean sea level. We propose a correlation between the individual paleo-shorelines of each marine terrace with a Quaternary Marine Isotope Stage (MIS). We determined two representative areas with well-preserved marine terraces: Morro Mejillones, in the western zone of the Mejillones Peninsula (∼12 × 10 km2) and the combined Hornitos – Punta Chacaya zone (∼16 × 7 km2), in the northern part of the Mejillones Bay. Within these areas we identified 12 QMT's in Morro Mejillones with estimated uplift rates between 0.31 and 0.76 m/ka over the last 600 ka, 3 QMT's In Hornitos with uplift rates between 0.28 and 0.4 m/ka over the last 220 ka, and 4 QMT's in Punta Chacaya with uplift rates between 0.25 and 0.39 m/ka over the last 330 ka. We link differences in uplift rates as related primarily to the distance from the coastal zone to the subduction trench and, locally, to their variable location with respect to faults active during the Quaternary. • Estimation of uplift rates in subduction coastal areas closer to the trench. • A cyclic behavior in uplift rates variation is evidenced in coastal Andes area. • A tilt in a NW direction is inferred along Mejillones Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active diapirism has received very limited attention from the geomorphological and Quaternary Science perspective, despite the role played by this ground deformation process in the development of landforms and sedimentary environments, and the important practical implications associated with mobile salt structures (e,g., mining, hydrocarbon production, geostorage). The Cardona salt extrusion (NE Spain) was initiated in late Quaternary times from the post-shortening unroofing of the crest of a salt anticline by the entrenchment of the transverse Cardener River. Detailed mapping, outcrop analysis, geophysical data and trenching indicate that the diapir-flanking deposits show halokinetic complexes comprising two types of morpho-stratigraphic units: (1) an older flap of coarse-grained drapefolded colluvial deposits; and (2) younger lacustrine and fluvial deposits in peripheral depressions confined between the upturned colluvial flaps and the country rock slope. These synkinematic units record an overall relief inversion and correspond to the so-called wedge and hook halokinetic sequences, recording ratios between diapir rise rate and sedimentation rate lower and greater than 1, respectively. The radiocarbon ages obtained from several raised late Holocene strath terraces carved in the salt indicate uplift rates within the range of 36.5–12.1 mm/yr, consistent with geodetic data. The spatial variability of the uplift rates can be related to increasing flow rates towards the axis of the salt wall and potential along-strike variations. The relatively high diapir rise rates observed at Cardona diapir, unaffected by contractional displacement loading (tectonic squeezing), is attributed to the youthful stage of the salt extrusion and the low dynamic viscosity of the Cardona Saline Formation, with a low proportion of impurities and a significant amount of potash salts. • Salt extrusion initiated by fluvial entrenchment at the crest of a salt anticline. • Late Quaternary halokinetic sequences in an erosional continental environment. • Lake and fluvial environments created by diapiric rise. • Rotation and uplift rates calculated from radiocarbon-dated deformed deposits. • Raised strath terraces carved in salt bedrock indicate uplift rates of ca. 2 cm/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Terrace changes and its ESs across diverse landforms for an extended duration were explored. • 81.34 % of Gansu's counties feature terraced fields, mainly in hilly and gully areas. • Terraces change were characterized by significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity. • Terraces conserved 1.82 × 109 t soil and 2.36 × 1010 m3 water. • Terraces increased ESV by 815.10 million $, mainly in regulating services. The exploration of terrace change and its associated ecosystem services (ESs) provides invaluable insights into the intricate interplay between engineering initiatives and environmental conditions. This understanding is crucial in designing strategic plans for environmental management. However, how terraced fields area change and influence ESs over an extended period at a regional scale remain relatively unknown. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study focused on terraces in Gansu Province (a typical inland mountain province), Northwestern China, by dividing the study area into seven regions, the quality and value benefits of unit area, the overall and cumulative of terraces were calculated for each region in Gansu province based on remote-sensing data, meteorological data, terraced area and benefits data. In this regard, the distribution, spatiotemporal changes and ESs associated with terraced fields in Gansu were examined from 1990 to 2020. The results show that: (i) terraces with the area of 2.20 × 104 km2 accounts for 81.34 % of counties(districts) of Gansu province in 2020, mainly located in the loess hilly and gully region (82.72 %). (ii) From 1990 to 2020, the terrace area in Gansu expanded from 8.13 × 103 to 2.20 × 104 km2, peaking at 636.73 km2/yr during 1990–2000, with notable spatial heterogeneity. (iii) In terms of ESs' quality benefits, soil conservation benefits of terraces were the most significant, reaching 91.30–98.32 % per unit area, the cumulative benefits (1990–2020) were 1.82 × 109 t, followed by water conservation benefits (42.12–89.20 % and 2.36 × 1010 m3). (iv) Terraces expansion have increased the ecosystem service value by 815.10 million Dollar ($), with regulating services and habitat services accounting for 34.92 % and 31.92 %, respectively. These results indicate that the enormous potential value of terraces in ecological environment governance and ecological economic benefits, and provide a scientific support for understanding terraces and leveraging their ecosystem functions, while also offering valuable insights for the conservation of global mountain ecosystems and the improvement of human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observe large-scale surface terraces in tungsten oxidised at high temperature and in high vacuum. Their formation is highly dependent on crystal orientation, with only {111} grains showing prominent terraces. Terrace facets are aligned with {100} crystallographic planes, leading to an increase in total surface energy, making a diffusion-driven formation mechanism unlikely. Instead we hypothesize that preferential oxidation of {100} crystal planes controls terrace formation. Grain height profiles after oxidation and the morphology of samples heat treated with limited oxygen supply are consistent with this hypothesis. Our observations have important implications for the use of tungsten in extreme environments. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a geomorphological, stratigraphical and geochronological study reconstructing a suite of paleo-surfaces in a 200 km-long coastal sector of the central Tyrrhenian Sea between Argentario and Circeo promontories. Identification of the near-shore deposits associated with these paleo-surfaces allow us to define corresponding marine terraces and paleo sea-levels. 40Ar/39Ar and ESR/U-Th geochronologic constraints on key deposits provide correlation with the terraces previously recognized in the coast of central Latium, refining their correlation with the Marine Isotopic Stages. Results of this study enable us to: Propose a re-assessment of the ages for the sea-level markers of MIS 5.5, 5.3, 5.1 in the central Tyrrhenian Sea; Suggest that a continuous tectonic uplift with an average rate of 0.224 mm/yr affects the Latium coast since 200 ka; Provide new evidence for a MIS 5.5 paleo-sea level marker occurring at ~35 m a.s.l. on the coastal sector extending from Montalto di Castro to Latina, while it possibly drops down and connects to a paleo sea-level ranging 10 - 5 m between Monte Circeo and Gaeta, previously attributed to this interglacial; Discussing possible evidence of similar elevation of the sea level during MIS 5.5, 5.3 and 5.1 interglacials in the Tyrrhenian Sea; Compare this datum with those from the western Pacific and several coral reefs, where the differences with respect to tectonically stable regions were attributed either to tectonics or to the Glacial Isostatic Adjustment, showing that the presented record of sea-level markers may have a strong impact on modeling the post-glacial effects in the Mediterranean Sea and on the paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic studies in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Mountains (QLM) form the climatic boundary between the temperate north and subtropical south of China. Many important Paleolithic archaeological sites located on fluvial terraces in this area have been reported in recent decades. Abundant artifacts have been excavated in silt layers overlying fluvial gravels and coarse sands. These silt layers have thus far been interpreted as aeolian deposits. However, in principle they could also represent (in part) fluvial (floodplain) deposits, especially near the base of fine-grained sequences. Reconstruction of fluvial terrace formation is crucial for the correct interpretation of the environment of hominin occupation. In this paper, two sediment sequences from two Paleolithic sites, located on different terrace levels of the Hanjiang River in the Hanzhong basin, are studied mainly using grain-size and grain-shape analyses. In addition, grain-size distributions have been unraveled by applying end-member modelling to distinguish different sedimentary environments. The results show that three different units can be discriminated in each section. The lower unit, consisting of gravelly sand mixed with fine silt, is interpreted as shallow-channel-fill sediment deposited during the start of the transition from a channel to a floodplain environment. The middle unit comprises a fine-grained, gradually fining-upward sequence, representative a floodplain environment. At its base, it reflects a high-energy floodplain situation; at its top, the sequence is interpreted as a low-energy floodplain environment with aeolian input (settling in static water). The third, uppermost unit consists of aeolian loess interbedded with paleosol(s) and sediments that are interpreted as the results of episodic surface runoff. The gradual transition between the 3 units and the gradual fining upward trend of the middle unit indicates that there is no considerable age gap (no hiatus) between the fluvial- and aeolian sedimentary environments. Stone artifacts have been found in all 3 units, with difference abundance, indicating that both the aeolian and floodplain depositional environments provided favorable living conditions. For the floodplain environment, the resources of water and raw materials (fluvial gravels) for tool making may have offered fundamental resources for hominin settlement. • The depositional environments of the artifact-bearing sediment have been determined. • Both aeolian dust deposit on terrace surface and floodplain environment were occupied by hominins in central China. • The transition from fluvial to aeolian sedimentary environment during incision is gradual. • Combined grain size and grain shape analysis allows for the distinction of aeolian and fluvial sedimentary environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensional fault-related folding has been widely observed in rift systems that are characterised by basement-involved fault reactivation. On the Enderby Terrace, NW Shelf of Australia, oblique reactivation of a basement structure resulted in a depth-branched fault system that consists of six splay faults in the cover stratigraphy. Extensional fault-related folding is obvious and predominantly developed in the hangingwall of reactivated basement fault. The mechanically weak Locker Shale not only plays an important role in displacement accommodation at the basement fault tip but also exerts a strong impact on 'flat' development of the 'ramp–flat–ramp' fault, thereby controlling the location and geometry of the hangingwall anticline. The kinematic evolution of these structures can be determined based on the well-preserved stratigraphy of the hangingwall basins. Faults and folds deformation exhibits systematic lateral changes which provides clues for the kinematic evolution of the hangingwall folds, that is (i) hangingwall synclines and anticlines formed as a result of fault propagation and linkage, (ii) partial truncation of the anticline by adjacent fault segments due to lateral fault lengthening and interaction, and (iii) complete truncation of the anticline by a planar fault that results in the abandonment of the curved fault plane in the footwall. Results of this study are applicable to other extensional fault and fold systems of similar origin and provide models for partially preserved outcrop deformation and poorly imaged seismic data interpretation. • The structural style is a basement fault that systematically branches upward into fault splays, with fault-parallel anticline and syncline deformations predominantly occurred in the hangingwall. • Fault displacement decreases upward and fault-fold activation timing is documented by stratigraphic architecture in the hangingwall basins. • Numerical modelling of the fault geometrical evolution was conducted to validate the interpreted deformation process, and comparison and contrast with existing models provide guideline for better assessment of the evolution process and controlling factors of the fault-fold system. • 3D fault-fold architecture demonstrates the geometrical and kinematic relationship of fault and fold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used tephra and phytolith stratigraphy to refine Pleistocene marine terrace chronology, with reference to reported eustatic sea levels associated with the dated marine terraces, and estimated uplift rates along the northern part of the northeast (NE) Japan forearc (the overriding plate in the northeast Japan subduction zone) by using elevation measurements of the buried shoreline angle beneath well-dated marine terrace surfaces to derive more accurate paleo-sea levels. On the Kamikita Plain, northernmost Honshu Island, the T4 and T3 marine terraces were correlated to marine isotope stage (MIS) 5e and MIS 7c or 7e, respectively, by the stratigraphic positions of the tephras Toya (MIS 5d) and WP (MIS 7b). The T2 terrace surface, which had previously been assigned to MIS 7, is buried by loess correlated to MIS 8 by its phytolith assemblage; therefore, this terrace can be reasonably re-correlated to MIS 9. The reported optically stimulated luminescence ages for Middle Pleistocene terrace deposits tend to be younger than these refined terrace ages. We used the buried shoreline angle elevation, determined from the reconstructed profile of the marine terrace deposits and paleo-sea cliff, to refine the uplift rate of T4 since MIS 5e. The accurate rate thus determined, 0.18–0.26 m/ky, is slower than the rates initially inferred from the inner edge of T4, but faster than the reported rate (0.14–0.19 m/ky, as recalculated here) inferred from the assumed MIS 5e shoreline elevation. In addition, it is roughly compatible with the rate inferred by using the top of T2 lagoon deposits to determine the shoreline elevation during MIS 9. Therefore, during the last 300 ka, the uplift rate of the Kamikita Plain has been constant at about 0.2 m/ky. This Pleistocene uplift is probably attributable to a combination of moment release on the megathrust, isostatic uplift driven by crustal thickening, and reverse faulting of the upper crust. • The Pleistocene tephra and phytolith stratigraphy of northernmost Honshu was refined. • Then the Pleistocene marine terrace chronology on the Kamikita Plain was refined. • Buried shoreline angles were reconstructed by using data from arrayed borings. • Inferred uplift rates since MIS 5e and MIS 9 are 0.18–0.26 m/ky and about 0.2 m/ky. • The uplift mechanism is dissimilar to that in other subduction zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Understanding the evolution of sediment connectivity associated with different land use and topographic changes is a prerequisite for a better understanding of sediment budgets and sediment transport processes. We used the Index of Sediment Connectivity (IC) developed by Cavalli et al. (2013) based on the original approach by Borselli et al. (2008) to study the effects of decadal-scale land use and topographic changes on sediment connectivity in mountain catchments. The input variables of the IC (i.e. land cover and topography) were derived from historical aerial photos using Structure from Motion-Multi View Stereo algorithms (SfM-MVS). The method was applied in different sub-catchments of the Upper River Cinca Catchment (Central Pyrenees), representative of three scenarios: (a) Land cover changes; (b) Topographic changes in agricultural fields (terracing); and (c) Topographic changes associated with infrastructure (road construction). In terms of land cover changes, results show that although connectivity is increased in some areas due to the establishment of new field crops, for most of the study area connectivity decreased due to afforestation caused by rural abandonment. Topographic changes due to the establishment of agricultural terraces affected connectivity to a larger degree than land cover changes. Terracing generally reduced connectivity due to the formation of flat areas in step-slopes, but in certain points, an increase in connectivity caused by the topographic convergence produced by terraces was observed. Finally, topographic changes associated with road construction greatly modified surface flow directions and the drainage network, resulting in changes in connectivity that may affect erosional processes nearby. The methodology used in this paper allows to study the effects of real decadal-scale land use and topographic changes on sediment connectivity and also evaluating and disentangling those changes. Furthermore, this approach can be a useful tool to identify potential risks associated with morphological and land use changes, involving road infrastructures. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Land cover changes have a direct effect on sediment connectivity. • Changes caused by terraces are inferred from the recreation of the terrain without these structures. • Terraces had a larger impact on sediment connectivity than land use change. • The Index of Connectivity is a useful tool to map hot spots in areas where roads are constructed. • Changes on historical sediment connectivity may help understanding catchment-scale sediment supply dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Burial dating with terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides and luminescence dating techniques have become two powerful tools to temporally constrain Quaternary deposits. A combination of both methods at the same geological setting has rarely been realized to date, although their viable time frames overlap by several tens of thousands of years. When Middle Pleistocene sediments with depositional ages ranging around ca. 120 ka to ca. 300 ka are targeted, both methods are employed, but come towards their lower and upper limits, respectively. A combined dating approach can be worthwhile at this age range and allows not only exploring the edges of both methods, but holds the opportunity to do a cross-check of results at an age spectrum, where both dating techniques are at risk to become fuzzy. Here we present a case study where numerical ages of two Middle Pleistocene terraces located in the Vienna Basin were generated by combining burial and luminescence dating. A variety of processes, such as changing sediment input rates, erosion, and tectonics controlled the formation of fluvial terraces in the basin and shaped its complex modern surface. Age correlation of the evolved mosaic of blocks and dislocated sediment bodies is challenging and requires quantitative geochronological information in order to establish a coherent terrace stratigraphy. Luminescence and burial samples originating from two fluvial terraces, the lower Gaenserndorf terrace (GDT) and the higher Schlosshof terrace (SHT), were analyzed and evaluated. Luminescence and burial ages at the GDT site are in good agreement and suggest a depositional age of 140 ± 170 ka bracketed by pIRIR225 luminescence ages ranging from 120 ± 10 ka to 260 ± 30 ka. Luminescence samples at the SHT site are in saturation, but provide minimum ages, which are coherent with the burial dating result of 340 ± 170 ka. The new numerical ages indicate that the vertical offset between the GDT site and the SHT site was not purely caused by fault activity, but suggest two independent episodes of sediment accumulation. Besides providing new insights into the stratigraphic and morphological configuration of the central Vienna Basin area, the cosmogenic nuclide data set is compelling from a methodological point of view. At the GDT site, several samples exhibited 26Al/10Be nuclide ratios exceeding the surface production ratio of 6.75. Even though affected samples were excluded from burial age calculations, a detailed investigation on possible scenarios, which could have caused an upwards shift of 26Al/10Be ratios, was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Northwestern Caucasus has been developing at the periphery of the collision zone of the Scythian Plate and Georgian Massif. Study of the Quaternary terraces of the largest mountain rivers, flowing across the folded ridges and depressions, is one of the main sources for the estimation of the uplift rate of active tectonic structures. Remote sensing, field geodesy, tectonophysics, palaeontological and archaeological studies, as well as the correlation of river terraces with known and well-dated marine terraces, have provided new data on the age of river terraces. These data have made it possible to estimate the age of tectonic deformation and the uplift rate of active folded and faulted structures. These deformations are directly expressed in the topography of the area, and continue to evolve under conditions of contemporary lateral compression predominating in the Northwestern Caucasus. The field data provide evidence of the beginning of deformation and uplift, which started at the end of the Middle Pleistocene and later accelerated during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]