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This paper presents new data on Oligocene–Quaternary deposits, recent (Neogene–Quaternary) structures, and active faults of the northern side of the Ubsunur Basin at its boundary with the Tannu-Ola Ridge, based on structural interpretation of remote sensing (RSD) and field data (2020–2021), including trenching of active faults. Two parageneses of faults of different geological natures and structural and relief-forming significance were identified in the north of the Ubsunur Basin. The first paragenesis presented by the covered North Ubsunur thrust and related deformations that developed during Neogene–Quaternary and which formed the boundary of the depression and the mountain uplift. The second paragenesis includes the South Tannuol and Erzin-Agardag faults, which cut structures of the first paragenesis; these faults were being active in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acoustic basement of the Knipovich Ridge southeastern flank was interpreted on the time-domain CDP seismic sections and calibration of Bouguer gravity anomalies to depth was done with construction of basement structural map for the area with an oceanic crust type. On this map, to the east from Knipovich Ridge, there is a longitudinal uplift, which is the northern continuation of the Senja fracture zone and interpreted as a transverse ridge on the transform fault board. This uplift is framed by linear clusters of the off-axis seismicity epicenters, indicating the activation of this area structures. The CDP seismic data above the identified uplift show deformations of the Pliocene‒Quaternary sedimentary cover with reverse fault and shear kinematics. Physical modeling of structure formation in the area of the Knipovich Ridge clearly demonstrated the features of the main tectonic elements during oblique spreading. The result, which is especially close to reality, was obtained by conducting combined experiments with bending the weakened zone to large angles between the direction of stretching and perpendicular to the axis of the weakened zone. At the same time, the appearance of typical accretion swells and nontransform axis displacements simulating the structures of the southeastern flank of the Knipovich Ridge is close to reality. The series of experiments conducted to study the possible formation of the spreading axis jump in an easterly direction to the continuation of the Senja fracture zone showed the fundamental possibility of this structure activation, which we consider as one of the reasons for the formation of features observed in geophysical data. The current position of the active zones of the region, seismicity, the structure of the basement and the structure of the sedimentary cover indicate a shift in the activity of the main tectonic elements in the eastern direction relative to the current position of the extension axis. A likely scenario for further development of the region is the transformation of the Knipovich Ridge into one or the series of transform faults parallel to the western edge of the Barents Sea shelf and the series of short spreading segments between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with geologic adaptation of Wadi Kharit shear zone based on field, petrographic, remote sensing and structural data. Neoproterozoic basement cover of Wadi Kharit includes, island arc metasedimentary association, metagabbro-diorite complex, syn-late to post-tectonized granites, and Nubian sandstone. The major structural orientation of the area is 270°‒ 280° N. The microstructure and paleostress analyses reveal a dextral sense of the shear zone. Such orientation indicates either the greater Najd-related Wadi Kharit–Hodein shear zone was overprinted by a dextral event subsequent to the main sinistral sense shear, or that Wadi Kharit shear can be considered as a separate high strain zone showing neither geometric nor kinematic relations with Wadi Hodein shear zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Playa lakes developed in closed watersheds have been used as environmental impact indicators (global warming, water extractions, etc.), but they could be also sensitive to active tectonics. Our study area is located in the main watershed in the western Betics, the northern branch of the Gibraltar arc, which is within the fold‐and‐thrust belt. This area is characterized by an endorheic zone that includes some playa lakes floored by low‐permeable rocks. Our study shows the reduction or disappearance of playa‐lake flooded surfaces due to the reduction in their watershed area. This area reduction is favoured by stream catchments related to knickpoints, which seem to be generated by the quaternary activity of a dextral‐transpressive band within the Betics fold‐and‐thrust belt. χ map also shows the higher erosion power of Mediterranean streams, which will likely catch this endorheic area in tectonics quiescence. Statement of significance: Playa lakes developed in closed watersheds are commonly used to study environmental impacts such as global warming or water extractions. In this work, we analyse how these endorheic systems are sensitive to small water balance variations due to active tectonics. The endorheic area we chose to apply this new approach is located in the main Atlantic‐Mediterranean water divide of the western Betics (northern branch of the Gibraltar arc). The recent tectonics in this fold‐and‐thrust belt segment provoked the Atlantic‐Mediterranean gateway closure and the Messinian Salinity Crisis at 5.6 My. Our study of playa‐lake flooded surface and watershed modifications, together with structural and other geomorphic analyses such as the χ index, never before has it been made to detect active structures. Active tectonics likely influenced in the medium‐term evolution of the studied watersheds and this study is useful to predict both landscape and drainage network evolution in the future. In fact, the possible effect of active tectonic should be taken into account when using closed watersheds to monitor the impacts of climate change and/or local stressors such as water pumping activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of TanDEM‐X and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data reveals geomorphic evidence for 292 fault‐propagation fold scarps across the Miocene Nullarbor and Pliocene Roe Plains in south‐central Australia. Vertical displacements (VD) are determined using topographic profiling of a subset (n = 48) of the fold traces. Fault dips (mean = 44 +16/−14° at 1σ) are estimated from seismic reflection data; the mean dip is assigned to faults with unknown dip and combined with VD to estimate net displacements (ND) and average net displacements (AD) for each fault. AD exceeds single‐event displacements estimated from fault‐length scaling regressions, indicating the identified faults have hosted multiple earthquakes. Combining AD with (i) faulted surface ages (Nullarbor ~10–5 Ma, Roe ~2.5 Ma), (ii) ages of faulted erosional–depositional features (e.g. relic Late Miocene dune fields and Pliocene paleochannels), and (iii) onset of the neotectonic regime in Australia at ~10 Ma yields average slip rates from <0.1 m Myr−1 to >17 m Myr−1 (mean = 1.1 m Myr−1). Summation of displacements across faults yields crustal horizontal shortening rates lower than geodetically detectable resolution (≤0.01 mm yr−1) since the Late Miocene. The ca. 10 Myr‐long record of neotectonic faulting on the Nullarbor Plain provides important insights into earthquake spatial–temporal behaviours in a slowly deforming intraplate continental region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the morphological characteristics of the largest canyons in the Southern and Central Basins of Lake Baikal, we analysed a digital relief model based on high-resolution multibeam bathymetric surveying. We evaluate the role of tectonic, lithological and climatic controlling factors in the formation and evolution of canyons. Tectonic activity and seismicity act as a catalyst for canyon formation and for the development of sublacustrine gravity flows and turbidity currents, and alter the morphological appearance of already existing canyons. The influence of tectonics on the formation of the Baikal canyons is particularly noticeable on the western slope of Lake Baikal, where canyons are mainly located along faults and follow their directions. Gravity flows and turbidity currents become more important during earthquakes and periods of lower lake level. When canyon heads are located close to river mouths, riverine processes have a significant impact on the evolution of the canyon. The topography of the original surface and the lithology of the substrate also play a significant role in the evolution of canyons and in shaping the canyon morphology. During periods of lower lake level (during Pleistocene glacial periods) riverine processes were responsible for initiating the formation of many canyons in Lake Baikal. The canyons developed under the complex influence of the factors considered. One or another factor could be dominant at different stages of their evolution, while the role of the other factors became secondary. These roles could interchange over time. The Baikal canyons show a great deal of resemblance to canyons in marine environments, in terms of morphological characteristics as well as of canyon-forming processes. We propose a morphogenetic classification of the underwater valleys and canyons of Lake Baikal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare region of interest (ROI)-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measurements and Ki-67 proliferation index before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for breast cancer. 55 women were enrolled in this prospective single-center study, with a final population of 47 women (49 cases of invasive breast cancer). ROI-ADC measurements were obtained on MRI before and after NACT and were compared to histological findings, including the Ki-67 index in the whole study population and in subgroups of "pathologic complete response" (pCR) and non-pCR. Nineteen percent of women experienced pCR. There was a significant inverse correlation between Ki-67 index and ROI-ADC before NACT (r = − 0.443, p = 0.001) and after NACT (r = − 0.614, p < 0.001). The mean Ki-67 index decreased from 45.8% before NACT to 18.0% after NACT (p < 0.001), whereas the mean ROI-ADC increased from 0.883 × 10–3 mm2/s before NACT to 1.533 × 10–3 mm2/s after NACT (p < 0.001). The model for the prediction of Ki67 index variations included patient age, hormonal receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade 2, and ROI-ADC variations (p = 0.006). After NACT, a significant increase in breast cancer ROI-ADC on diffusion-weighted imaging was observed and a significant decrease in the Ki-67 index was predicted. Clinical trial registration number: clinicaltrial.gov NCT02798484, date: 14/06/2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aquatic invertebrate species that have broad salinity tolerances may be pre-adapted for invasion success and biogeographic distributional range expansions, facilitated by human-mediated dispersal (HMD), leading to a trend to become neocosmopolitan across many regions of the world. This pattern appears to characterize many Ponto-Caspian (P-C) aquatic invertebrates, which have a > 100-year history as aquatic invasive species (AIS), spreading throughout much of Eurasia and for some, in North America and beyond. Our study compiles comparative salinity conditions and distributional data for AIS invertebrate species globally versus those originating from the P-C region, to test whether they statistically differ. Results: Our investigation discerns that a total of 1861 invertebrate AIS taxa have been recorded worldwide, with (A) 70.5% exclusively living in the saline adaptive zone of brackish (0.5–30 ppt; A1) and/or marine waters (> 30 ppt; A2), (B) 20% in the freshwater adaptive zone alone (0–0.5 ppt), (C) 7.5% being euryhaline (across both A and B), and (D) 2% being semi-aquatic in either (D1) freshwater/terrestrial or (D2) saline/terrestrial environments. In contrast, our results indicate the following proportions for AIS invertebrates of P-C origins: (A) 27% exclusively inhabit the saline adaptive zone, (B) 25% are entirely freshwater, (C) 45% are euryhaline, and (D) 3% are semi-aquatic, significantly differing from the global pattern. Euryhaline AIS native to the P-C region thus markedly outnumber (45%) those originating from other regions (7.5%), likely pre-adapting them for widespread establishment in harbors, estuaries, and coastal areas. Moreover, most P-C invertebrate AIS (70%) contain freshwater-tolerant populations (B + C), rendering them very successful invaders of inland water bodies. These broad salinity tolerances of P-C AIS underlie their tremendous invasion successes and growing neocosmopolitan distributions with HMD. Conclusions: An evolutionary and recent history of broad salinity tolerances of a large proportion of P-C invertebrates appears to enhance their ability to invade, establish, and spread in new regions, especially harbors, estuaries, and freshwaters, leading to their increasing neocosmopolitan distributions. This trend likely will continue—accelerating with climate change and increased global transportation—meriting worldwide conservation agency focus and cooperation, along with public education programs aimed to rapidly identify and circumvent new introductions and spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphometric characterization of a watershed is important for understanding the dynamics of water processes and relief forms. The present work aims to characterize the morphometry of the Pirapetinga river basin, Resende - RJ, to better understand the evolution of the relief of the northern edge of the sedimentary basin of Resende. Being the largest tributary of the Paraíba do Sul River in Sul-Fluminense, draining an area of 218.43 km², the river is born in the Itatiaia National Park, draining in its upper course two conservation units: the Pedra Selada State Park, in left bank and the APA of Serrinha do Alambari, on its right bank. Its medium course cuts through a succession of high hills, low mountains, hills until it enters the board of the Resende Sedimentary Basin where it flows into the Paraíba do Sul River, at approximately 400 m altitude. This sixth-order, T-shaped, asymmetrical basin has strong tectonic control as indicated by the longitudinal profile, the real RDE, the asymmetry of sections of its valley and the parallelism of the drainage, among other indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach of this research is based on the methodological proposals in tectonic geomorphology, present in the work developed by Keller and Pinter (1996). Tectonic geomorphology seeks to elucidate aspects of the geological history of terrestrial landscapes and how tectonic processes have influenced the framing of the relief. In view of this, the objective of this research is to identify the tectonic efforts in the drainage network of the Mantiqueira mountain range and to evaluate the neotectonic implications in the drainage network of Southern and Northern Mantiqueira. The Caparaó river basin (Northern Mantiqueira) and the Bananal river basin (Southern Mantiqueira) were selected for investigation and application of three geomorphometric indexes: Transverse Symmetry Factor - T (COX, 1994), Hypsometric Integral and Curve - HI (KELLER and PINTER, 1996) and Drainage Basin Asymmetry - AF (HARE and GARDNER, 1985). In general, the selected basins present a distinct configuration of the drainage network, a minor asymmetry was observed in the Caparaó river basin, which presented punctual deformations in the drainage network for the T index; in contrast, the Bananal river basin presented a set of anomalies and asymmetries more pronounced to a picture of more recent deformations, gathering high values of T and AF. In this context, it was possible to register how the drainage of the Meridional segment of the Serra da Mantiqueira has strong links with the efforts coming from the Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive analysis of the morphometric attribute "general curvature" for the Barents Sea bathymetry and reports on the seismic and seismoacoustic data on tectonic dislocations in a wave field, the fault network of the sedimentary cover, and seismotomographic data on the heterogeneous deep pattern of the distribution of seismic wave velocities in the upper mantle are provided. The analysis showed that mobile blocks of the upper mantle, exhibiting heterogeneous rheological properties, are associated with the consolidated part of the Earth's crust fault network of deep-seated origin. The fault network emerges on the seafloor and, becoming a relief-forming factor, forms specific domains with different textures displayed in the morphometric attribute "general curvature." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to analyze and relate lineament patterns to the occurrence of mass movements in the municipality of Vitória (Espírito Santo, Brazil). The methodology used consists of cabinet and field analyses. In a cabinet, Lineament Maps were made from the manual extraction technique, using ArcGIS 10.5 tools, on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with different artificial lighting (scale 1:110000) and Digital Orthophotos (scale 1:25000) and orientation rosettes generated. In the field, the geological structures were identified and analyzed from the lineaments identified in the cabinet, and their orientations were measured (Brunton compass). These data were integrated and analyzed from the Municipal Civil Defense mass movements records, referring to the period between 2006 and 2020. It was possible to verify the orientation patterns of dominant geological structures in the area (NNW-SSE and NW-SE, followed by NE-SW), including all measured fractures. At the regional scale, more mass movements occurred near NNW-SSE, NW-SE, and NE-SW orientation lineaments. At the local scale, these processes occurred more frequently in the vicinity of NNW-SSE, NNE-SSW, and NE-SW orientation lineaments. Data analysis demonstrates the important relationship between lineaments and occurrences of mass movements with regional geological structures and neotectonic events of the Espírito Santo in altered rocks of the Precambrian basement and Cenozoic deposits. The data revealed an association between the density of geological structures and the occurrence of mass movements since the increase in density is directly proportional to these processes, except for the Very High -density class, which presented little area representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study used remote sensing, GIS, and seismic data to determine the geological and morphometric parameters of the Wadi Beda Basin area, which is located in the northwestern part of the Gulf of Suez Province. The geomorphic parameters related with the development of neotectonics are deduced using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), DEM-derived catchments, and drainage networks of the research area. The most important geomorphic parameters applied to the current study area are valley floor width to height ratio (Vf), stream length gradient index (Sl), transverse topographic symmetry index (T), hypsometric curve and integral (HI), and drainage basin shape (Bs). Based on the obtained geomorphic parameter results, the Wadi El-Noqra and Wadi Umm Athala basins exhibit moderate tectonic activity and moderate symmetry and are considered to be at their mature stage. The main basins of Wadi Umm Elda and Wadi Beda are moderately symmetrical and reflect the youth stage. However, the Bs index suggests that the Beda main basin has moderate tectonic activity, whereas Wadi Umm Elda has strong tectonic activity. By integrating the geomorphic and geological data, it is possible to determine that the majority of the study area (83.4%) is categorized by a moderate risk. Low-risk and high-risk zones, on the other hand, make up 11.1% and 5.5%, respectively, of the study area. The majority of the wadis in the Wadi Beda Main Basin are controlled by NW-trending faults, and the perturbation sites are concentrated there where these faults cross with E-W-trending faults, making them high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a critical and complex reading of the configuration and reconfiguration of the neighbourhood (barrio) based on a comparative analysis of two case studies in Spain and Chile. Neighbourhood life is assumed to be organised around complex, open and dynamic relationships articulated in different relational geographies and not limited to a restricted space–time frame. We propose the concept of 'relational neighbourhood geographies', understanding it as an expansive and malleable socio-spatial field. In both case studies we observe that relational neighbourhood geographies exist beyond the limits of geographically narrow territories and can be expanded by constructing new geographies and territorialities. Consequently, the configuration of the neighbourhood is relationally conditioned by the forms and dynamics that weak and strong ties adopt in given spaces and times. The historical analysis of our case studies shows ways in which relationality is context-sensitive and how bottom-up resistance produces relationality. Although the importance of the relational is observed in both cases, their characterisation, intensity and complexity are different, which creates distinct capacities to produce territorialities and engage and impact city politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphological and sedimentological indicators are often used to reconstruct not only coastal evolution, but also relative sea level changes. In this work, we studied the coastal sediments of Psatha bay (Alkyonides Gulf, Greece) and beachrock outcrops in order to reconstruct the coastal evolution of the area. The drillings analysis included stratigraphy, sediment texture and radiocarbon dating. Detailed mapping of the beachrocks was accomplished using DGPS-GNSS, as well as mineralogical analysis and OSL dating of beachrock samples. The new beachrock index points indicate a sea level that fell by 0.64 ± 0.13 m since 2200 ± 210 years BP and by 0.95 ± 0.13 m since 4160 ± 320 years BP, as a direct result of its location near the uplifting footwall of Psatha fault, suggesting further a rate of tectonic uplift of ~0.26 mm/yr for the late Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loess–palaeosol sequences (LPSs) remain poorly investigated in the southern part of the Upper Rhine Graben but represent an important element to understand the environmental context controlling sediment dynamics in the area. A multi-method approach applied to the LPS at Köndringen reveals that its formation occurred during several glacial–interglacial cycles. Field observations, as well as colour, grain size, magnetic susceptibility, organic carbon, and carbonate content measured in three profiles at 5 cm resolution, provide detailed stratigraphical information. Only minor parts of the LPS are made up of loess sediment, whereas the major parts are polygenetic palaeosols and pedosediments of varying development that are partly intersected, testifying to a complex local geomorphic evolution. The geochronological framework is based on 10 cm resolution infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL) screening combined with 18 multi-elevated-temperature post-IR IRSL ages. The luminescence ages indicate that two polygenetic, truncated Luvisols formed during marine isotope stages (MISs) 9(–7?) and MIS 5e, whereas unaltered loess units correspond to the last glacial (MISs 5d–2) and MIS 8. The channel-like structure containing the two truncated Luvisols cuts into > 2 m thick pedosediments apparently deposited during MIS 12. At the bottom of the LPS, a horizon with massive carbonate concretions (loess dolls) occurs, which may correspond to at least one older interglacial. Kurzfassung: Löss-Paläoboden-Sequenzen (LPS) sind im südlichen Teil des Oberrheingrabens bisher nur unzureichend untersucht, obwohl sie ein wichtiges Element für das Verständnis der Umweltbedingungen darstellen, welche die Sedimentdynamik in diesem Gebiet gesteuert haben. Die Anwendung eines Multi-Methoden-Ansatzes auf die LPS in Köndringen enthüllt, dass diese während mehrerer glazial-interglazialer Zyklen entstanden ist. Die Feldansprache dreier Profile und Laboranalysen in 5 cm Auflösung (Farbe, Korngröße, magnetische Suszeptibilität, organischer Kohlenstoff- und Karbonatgehalt), geben detaillierte Informationen über deren stratigraphischen Aufbau. Nur geringe Teile des LPS bestehen aus Löß, der teilweise durch Hangabschwemmungen geschichtet ist, während der größte Teil aus polygenetischen Paläoböden und Pedosedimenten unterschiedlicher Ausprägung besteht, die sich teilweise überschneiden und von einer komplexen lokalen geomorphologischen Entwicklung zeugen. Der geochronologische Rahmen basiert auf Screening mittels Infrarot-Stimulierter Lumineszenz (IRSL) mit einer Auflösung von 10 cm in Kombination mit 18 Altern, die mit dem Multi-Elevated-Temperature post-IR IRSL Verfahren bestimmt wurden. Die Lumineszenzalter deuten darauf hin, dass die beiden polygenetischen, gekappten Luvisole während der marinen Isotopenstadien (MIS) 9(–7?) und MIS 5e entstanden sind, während die Lösseinheiten dem letzten Glazial (MIS 5d-2) und MIS 8 entsprechen. Die rinnenartige Struktur, welche die beiden gekappten Luvisole enthält, schneidet in > 2 m mächtige Pedosedimente ein, die offenbar während MIS 12 abgelagert wurden. An der Basis des LPS findet sich ein Horizont mit großen Karbonatkonkretionen (Lößkindl), die mindestens einem älteren Interglazial entsprechen könnten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition zone between the North and the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt has been investigated using airborne magnetic and radiometric data to better characterize the subsurface structures, the tectonic framework, and mineral occurrences in the area. The magnetic data were subjected to several filtering and depth estimation techniques including edge detectors, Euler deconvolution, 2D forward modeling and 3D inversion. Statistical trend analysis of the lineaments obtained from geological and filtered magnetic maps shows that the major tectonic trends are NNE–SSW, NE–SW, and NW–SE, in addition to less predominant ENE–WSW and N–S trends. Two parallel shear zones trending NE–SW were detected. The causative magnetic structures were imaged at depths varying from the surface down to 2200 m. A number of strong uranium anomalies associated with Younger Granites and Dakhla, Duwi, and Quseir formations were identified which are worth being considered for further ground investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become one of the important means for advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. So far, there is no effective index to predict the curative effect. To investigate the value of iodine map of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. A total of 54 hypopharyngeal carcinomapatients who underwent two courses of TPF neoadjuvant chemotherapy were recruited in this study. Three cases had a complete response (CR), thirty-six cases had a partial response (PR), eleven cases had stable disease (SD), and four cases had a progressive disease (PD) after the chemotherapy. All patients underwent a dual-source CT scan before chemotherapy and rescanned after chemotherapy. The normalized iodine-related attenuation (NIRA) of the mean of maximum slice and most enhanced region of lesion at arterial and parenchymal phase were measured: NIRAmean-A, NIRAmax-A, NIRAmean-P, and NIRAmax-P, respectively. Correlation analysis was conducted between different metrics of NIRA and the diameter change rate of lesions, and the curative effect was evaluated based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. There were a significant correlation between NIRAmean-A, NIRAmax-A, NIRAmean-P, NIRAmax-P and the change rate of lesion's maximum diameter (ΔD%) (all P < 0.01). The NIRAmax-A, NIRAmean-P, NIRAmax-P had significant differences between CR, PR, SD, PD groups, but NIRAmean-A did not reach a significant difference. All NIRAmean-A, NIRAmax-A, NIRAmean-P, NIRAmax-P had significant differences between effective (CR + PR) and ineffective (SD + PD) groups. The ROC analysis revealed that NIRAmean-P had the largest AUC and prediction efficacy (AUC = 0.809). Dual-energy CT iodine map could predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and provides imaging evidence to assist in treatment decisions for hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphostructures and paleoseismicity of the southern slope of the Kungei Ala-Too Range (Northern Tien Shan) have been studied. It has been found that the main seismogenic structures in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene were adyr (foothill) faults, that is, thrusts, strike-slips, and normal dips. With a general thrusting of block folds of the basement southwards (toward the Issyk-Kul Basin), there are also northward-moving underthrusts. The past seismic activity along the adyr faults is expressed by single seismogenic scarps, as well as by stair-like series of alluvial-proluvial and fluvioglacial surfaces, upthrown in the hanging walls of faults. In addition to the easily identifiable vertical component of slips along the faults, we have also identified significant horizontal slips, which often greatly exceed the vertical ones. In addition, a unique structure, that is, a neotectonic ramp graben bounded from the south and north by oppositely directed thrusts, was studied on the slope of the Kungei Range. The mentioned faults were also studied by trenching. It was found that in the middle–second half of the Holocene three strong morphogenetic seismic events occurred on the South Tegerek adyr fault and three strong earthquakes occurred on the North Tegerek adyr fault. The ages of four strong earthquakes were determined by the radiocarbon method. The maximum ages of the first three events are 3970–3755 BC, 220–405 AD, and 1380–1450 AD, while the minimum age of the last event is 1720–1815 AD. The magnitudes of historical and paleoearthquakes that occurred on the studied adyr faults range from M = 6.6–6.9 ± 0.5 (South Tegerek fault) to M = 6.8–7.4 ± 0.5 (Kultor adyr fault). Seismic events of similar magnitudes lead to deformations of the earth's surface and in building constructions, which can be estimated on a macroseismic scale at I ≥ IX. Our data obtained in this study can be used for a comparative analysis of similar post-platform orogens in Russia (e.g., Altay and Sayan mountains), as well as in compiling the new general seismic zoning map for the Kyrgyz Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of tectonophysical methods has been applied to reconstruct the neotectonic stresses of the southeastern Altai Mountains within the Chuya–Kurai depression and its framing structures. It is suggested that at the neotectonic stage, the tectonic structures of the Altai Mountains underwent a transformation of geodynamic conditions—a situation of sublatitudinal horizontal compression with predominant reverse-fault and transpressional movements along faults that existed up to the Neogene was replaced by horizontal shear conditions with a NNE and NE subhorizontal compression axis and WNW and NW extension axis. With such a stress field, the dominant NW-trending faults in this territory are mainly characterized by dextral strike-slip displacements, and NE-trending faults, by sinistral. Submeridionally trending faults that formed at the neotectonic stage show clear signs of extensional structures. A feature of the faults of the Chuya–Kurai depression according to these studies is a fairly small number of megafractures (indicators of shear displacements) in shear zones. This indicates dominant reverse-fault and transpressional movements over large disjunctive structures in the region in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic versus neotectonic shear movements. The results of the research are of practical importance in studying the regional seismicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Deccan basalts have been undergoing intense weathering in the tropical conditions since the passage of India through the equator. This study is on the basalts' weathering from central India's present-day semiarid climate. Two weathering profiles from the districts of Indore and Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, have been studied using mineralogy and geochemistry. The profiles show incipient weathering with low to medium Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Mafic Index of Alteration-oxidising (MIA(O)) values. The presence of smectite in weathered zones, mineralogically attests to incipient weathering. The pyroxene and plagioclase-rich zones have produced smectite clays in the basalts. The rare earth elements (REE) and, to a greater extent, the heavy (H) REE show mobility during incipient weathering, which appears to be due to differential retention of REE in the clay minerals. The smectites seem to retain light (L) REE more significantly than HREE. The ancient terrain showing currently incipient weathering indicates recent exposure of the profiles by the erosion under neotectonic activity. In this fashion, the frequent exposures of new weathering surfaces on the basalts may have played a significant role in the uninterrupted consumption of CO2 by silicate weathering since around 50 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transverse canyon is a V-shaped, fluvial-genetic canyon, a secondary valley formed by transverse drainage crossing a tectonically uplifted mountain. Paleotopography of the transverse canyon is vital to drainage connection and river capture, offering insight into the processes that link large-scale river systems, analyzing paleodrainage patterns, and recreating headward erosion. Notably, modern paleotopographic reconstruction methods are usually limited to reconstructions of paleotopography in vast sedimentary basins and denuded hills in orogenic belts. When applied to transverse canyons, a specific secondary valley found in tiny locations, these techniques are difficult, expensive, and ineffective. This paper proposes an automated method for reconstructing the paleotopography of the transverse canyon using the digital elevation model (DEM) and river. (1) Restore the ridgeline above the transverse canyon based on the ridgelines of the mountains on both sides; (2) create a buffer zone based on the river centerline with unequal buffer distances on each side; (3) construct a mesh surface by interpolating transition curves from the morphing method, using the three-edge type; (4) apply a spatial interpolation method to the elevation points on the mesh surface to construct the DEM above the transverse canyon and stitch it to the input DEM to obtain the paleotopographic DEM; (5) calculate the spatial attributes. The objective of this study is to reconstruct the paleotopography of eight typical transverse canyons in the comb-like fold belt of northern Chongqing. As part of the paleotopographic reconstruction of the transverse canyon, we address the effects of dislocated mountains, erosion gullies, and different morphing techniques, as well as the applicability of the proposed method to reconstructing other secondary valleys. In conclusion, we reconstruct paleotopographic DEMs of transverse canyons to replicate headward erosion processes, assess paleodrainage patterns, and build three-dimensional solid models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of buried landforms during engineering–geological surveys is considered. The necessity of tracing and comprehensively studying Quaternary channels, troughs, and other cuttings, which may inherit lineament zones, is shown by the example of the Balakovo NPP site, which belongs to especially hazardous and complicated engineering objects. These zones show high water permeability and weak physicomechanical properties of soils. The structural geomorphological, geological, and hydrogeological conditions at the Balakovo NPP site were investigated. Most of the data were obtained from borehole cores. Ten lineament zones, following paleocuttings in the buried relief, were identified. On the Earth's surface, they are marked by small depressions, which are interpreted as lineaments on satellite images. The long-term geodetic observations over deformations of ground bases of NPP buildings revealed uneven deformations and tilts at the compartment units 1–4 of the reactor. The tilting direction more or less fits the location of paleocuttings filled with deposits of different composition and structure. The groundwater and confined aquifers are redistributed there, and subsurface erosion may also occur. Thus, to predict the behavior of ground bases of buildings and engineering structures, it is necessary to consider buried landforms related to the specific structure of the Quaternary alluvial soils and local variability of their physical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interpretation of high-resolution satellite images (0.5–3 m) of three time slices (1964, 2009, and 2017) allowed us to identify the areas of activation of modern relief-forming processes. The outlines of outcrops were made by visual analysis of multi-temporal images, by brightness quantization, and by calculation of the vegetation index. The results were compared with the thermal survey data and verified in the course of geomorphological field studies and UAV surveys. The methodology for mapping the dynamics of slope processes based on the interpretation of multi-temporal images over a time interval of more than 50 years was tested in two key areas characterized by diverse and different-scale manifestations of exogenous geological processes. Calculations made on the basis of the image interpretation made it possible to determine that the last two large landslide collapses in 2007 and 2014 sharply reduced the area covered by vegetation: from 70 to 7% and from 60 to 4%, respectively. It was established that the ratio of the area with traces of activation of slope processes at the Northern key site has increased in the last 53 years from 20.9 to 30.2%; at the Southern site, from 12 to 30%. An asymmetry in the distribution of slope processes was revealed: all large modern displacements are observed on the left-hand side of the river valley, which, apparently, is due to the confinement of this side of the valley to the active ring fault outlining the Uzon–Geysernaya caldera, as well as the presence of numerous thermal manifestations and the neotectonic uplift area, recorded by interferometry data. At the same time, more ancient large gravitational displacements associated with collapses of the margins of the extrusive massifs occupy large areas on the right-hand side of the valley. The modern slope processes are predominantly demonstrated by small landslides and erosion in ground-water discharge areas. An analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution of sites of modern activation of slope processes has shown that, in addition to well-known triggers (heavy rainfall and earthquakes), a wider range of endogenous processes (gas-hydrothermal activity, uplift of the valley sides, the presence of active fault zones, and excessive rock fracturing) obviously has an impact on the displacement of the stone material on the slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mat Fault situated in the Eastern Himalayan Fold Belt was mapped around Mizoram and is oriented NNW to SSE. This region has experienced a number of earthquakes in the recent past that damaged settlements and triggered numerous landslides. A set of geomorphic parameters were analysed on both sides of the Mat Fault to understand the tectonic setting. The six geomorphic parameters include: elongation ratio, hypsometric analysis, asymmetry factor, transverse topographic symmetry factor, stream length‐gradient index, and valley floor‐to‐width ratio, and they were calculated for 20 fourth‐order sub‐watersheds. Out of 20 sub‐watersheds, 10 sub‐watersheds were selected from the northern block and 10 from the southern block. Hypsometric analyses show that all the sub‐watersheds have attained a mature stage of geomorphic cycle of erosion; and from the analysis of hypsometric curves, it is found that 16 of the sub‐watersheds might have been uplifted due to tectonic activity. The asymmetry and transverse topographic symmetry factor values also suggest tilting in different directions possibly due to obstruction by faulting. The anomaly of high stream length index values is also observed in different sub‐watersheds indicating neotectonic activity. Low values of the valley floor‐to‐width ratio (<0.5) suggest V‐shaped valley topography, which indicate vertical incision due to tectonic activity. On evaluating relative tectonic activity among 20 sub‐watersheds, it is found that 80% of sub‐watersheds in the northern block show relatively stronger tectonic activity than the southern block. The present work suggests that the study area is tectonically active, and the possibility that they were produced by seismic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of brittle deformation of the collisional mountains can explain its shallow crustal tectonic evolution and the palaeostress regime. The Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) zone in the western Arunachal Himalaya displays imbrication in the Permian Gondwana sequence between the MBT‐1 (/Bome Thrust/MBT‐Upper) in the north and MBT‐2 (/MBT‐Lower) in the south with consistent northerly dip. The Lower Gondwana rocks occur in the footwall of the MBT‐1 with the Proterozoic Bomdila Group in the hangingwall. The upper Gondwana rocks constitute the hangingwall sequence for the MBT‐2 with Neogene Siwalik rocks in the footwall. This article analyses palaeostress using brittle fractures in the Gondwana rocks that crop out for ~120 km2 in the study area. The fault‐bounded imbricate zone depicts eight brittle shear indicators and four sets of joints (J1 and J2: inclined and J3 and J4: subvertical). The signatures of the inherited pre‐Himalayan extensional deformation are preserved in the Lower Gondwana Miri Formation. The Bichom and Bhareli rocks exhibit brittle deformation features of the Himalayan Orogeny under strong ~N‐S compression. The palaeostress analysis of all joint sets indicates three phases of brittle deformation in the Gondwana and Siwalik rocks of the area. The subvertical joint sets and normal faults in the Miri Formation indicate a north‐northwest (NNW)‐directed extensional phase of the pre‐Himalayan origin. The inclined joint sets of the Bichom and Bhareli formations of the Gondwana sequence depict Himalayan orogeny with ~N‐S compressional phases. The third phase of brittle deformation in the Siwalik sequence depicts an east‐west (~E‐W) extension. The arc‐parallel extension in the frontal fold belt of the Arunachal Himalaya may be due to oblique India‐Asia collisional tectonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent scientific studies in the context of earthquake precursors reveal some processes connected to seismic activity including thermal anomaly before earthquakes which is a great help for making a better decision making regarding this disastrous phenomenon and reducing its casualty to a minimum. This paper presents a method for grouping the objective input data for different thermal anomaly detection methods using the land surface temperature (LST) mean in multiple distances from the corresponding fault during the 40 days (i.e. 30 days before and 10 days after the impending earthquake) of investigation. Six strong earthquakes with Ms > 6 that have occurred in Iran have been investigated in this study. We used two different approaches for detecting thermal anomalies: the mean-standard deviation method and the interquartile method. Results show that the proposed input data produces fewer false alarms in each of the thermal anomaly detection methods compared to the ordinary input data making this method much more accurate and stable regarding the easy accessibility of thermal data and their less complicated algorithms for processing. In the final step, the detected anomalies are used for estimating earthquake intensity using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results show that the estimated intensities of most earthquakes are very close to the actual intensities. Since the locations of the active faults are known a priori, using fault distance-based approach may be regarded as a superior method in predicting the impending earthquakes for vulnerable faults. In spite of the previous investigations that the studies were only possible aftermath, the fault distance-based approach can be used as a tool for future unknown earthquakes prediction. However, it is recommended to use thermal anomaly detection as an initial process to be jointly used with other precursors to reduce the number of investigations that require more complicated algorithms and data processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lower stream of the Yarlung Zangbo River is in the front zone of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates with active neotectonics movements and many high mountains in this region. It is a typical mountain-valley area. Due to the unique geological structure and the influence of climate change, geohazards such as collapses, landslides, and mudslides frequently happen in this area. We used Sentinel-1 and ALOS/ PALSAR-2 images to identify the high-elevation geohazards in the region from 2014 to 2020 by combining multiple time-series InSAR techniques and SAR offset-tracking techniques. The identification results show that there are 260 geohazard-induced deformed areas in the study area, and most of them are located in gullies and peaks at higher elevations. The rock avalanche deformations in the Zebalongba glacier gully have formed several large tension cracks, and once the avalanche falls, they are most likely to form a dam. The back edge of the Dabo landslide, which was reactivated by the Milin earthquake, has completely been detached, and the cracks fully penetrate the left and right sides. Once the landslide destabilizes, it will completely block the Yarlung Zangbo River. This study provides a general method for identifying high-elevation geohazards in high mountain-valley areas and a reference for similar geohazards identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern structure of the Zagros fold-thrust structure was formed under the influence of collision processes on the eastern flank of the collision zone of Eurasia and Arabia. The work considers the features of the latest and modern geodynamic development of the Zagros as a classical collision orogen on the basis of structural-geomorphological analysis and the spatial–temporal distribution of seismicity. It is noted that the orogen is at the stage of con-erosion development. The Zagros seismic activation is associated with a greater extent with local deformations within individual blocks and is transformed in response to intense human activities in connection with extraction of hydrocarbons within the Mesopotamian lowland and the Persian Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structurally, the North Almora Thrust (NAT), is placed in the northern proximity of the Almora Nappe (AN) in the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya. The NAT is characterized by the presence of a zone of mylonitic rocks of basal Saryu Formation (1800 ± 100 Ma) in the hanging wall and the metasedimentaries of Inner Lesser Himalayan rocks as the footwall block. The NAT has been dextrally offset by two estabilished major faults i.e. Saryu River Fault (SRF) in Saryu Valley and Dwarahat-Chaukhutia Fault (DCF) in Ramganga valley. In present study, we identified four new faults, based on field study, geomorphic landform and magnetic fabric analysis. These faults are N–S trending Pancheshwar Fault, NE–SW Rameshwer Fault, NNE-SSW trending Kosi Fault, and NNE-SSW trending Gagas Fault (GF). Our results show that the zone is bound by cross cutting relation with NAT and these fault zones are comparatively more active than other regions. Furthermore, we suggest that the steep and NW–SE orientation of magnetic foliation within the NAT zone is a result of NE–SW oriented progressive regional compression. The magnetic foliations represent the unseen internal foliations in the rocks developed due to preferred alignment of magnetic minerals and can be found through the Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) study. Variation in the alignment of the field and magnetic foliations are developed due to superimposed brittle deformation along the faults over the pre-existing field foliations. Magnetic foliations represent the impact of last stage deformation and significant to find brittle deformation and finite strain in the rocks of the study area. The lowering of anisotropy (Pj) away from the fault zone represents distribution of strain across the NAT zone. AMS fabric confirms the presence of faults developed across the NAT zone and also explains the deformation pattern along these faults. The geomorphic anomalies and steepness changes across the NAT zone are correlated with active deformation along the NAT and associated transverse faults.

This paper aims to present a new neotectonic perspective concordant with the seismic activities in Turkey and surrounding regions. The neotectonic structures have been re-evaluated mainly by using focal mechanism solutions and high-resolution satellite (Google Earth) images. The Southeast Anatolian Wedge explains thrust/blind thrust and asymmetrical folding relationship in SE Turkey, Syria, and Northern Iraq. The neotectonic structures of the Turkish-Iranian Plateau are enlightened by the rhomboidal cell model which creates a base to determine multiple intersection points between the region-wide left- and right-lateral shear zones. The releasing stepover between the North Anatolian Fault Zone and Southeast Anatolian-Zagros Fault Zone plus their connections with the Northeast Anatolian Fault Zone and the East Anatolian Fault Zone are described in a more meaningful way with the Anatolian Diagonal concept. It also clarifies the role of left-lateral shear zone in the west-southwest movement of Anatolian plate and its relationship with the Aegean and Cyprus arcs. A neotectonic region under the influence of NW-SE contraction is determined between the North Anatolian, Eskişehir, and Kırıkkale-Erbaa fault zones in which the Elmadağ-Eldivan and Abdüsselam pinched crustal wedges and the Beypazarı Blind Thrust Zone are developed. A new route for the southern branch of the North Anatolian Fault Zone is determined between Bolu and Değirmenlik (Milos) Island in the Aegean Sea via Mudurnu, Bursa, Balıkesir, and İzmir. All main neotectonic structures mentioned in this paper are evaluated by the elastic dislocation modelling and new neotectonic provinces are suggested.

Raised shorelines and associated lacustrine sediments in the central Estrecho de Magallanes (Strait of Magellan) have been interpreted as products of cordilleran glaciers impounding a large proglacial lake and preventing drainage to the South Pacific and Southern Ocean during the Late glacial between c. 15.0 and 12.0 cal ka BP. However, a growing body of glacial geological evidence points towards an earlier retreat of the Magellan cordilleran ice dome, insufficient to dam lakes at that time. We critically re-evaluate the extant evidence for the c. 15.0–12.0 cal ka BP lake, here named 'Lago Kawésqar', and provide further sedimentological and chronological evidence for its existence. We also provide new cosmogenic surface nuclide dating of erratic and bedrock samples collected from extensive field campaigns that confirm the rapid and widespread retreat of the Magellan ice fields to the inner fjords of the Fuegian archipelago by c. 16.0 ka. To resolve the apparent paradox between these two lines of evidence we propose that glacial isostatic adjustment led to a topographic barrier to lake drainage rather than an ice dam. We use Glacial Isostatic Adjustment modelling to demonstrate that rapid isostatic recovery following the early deglaciation after c. 17.0 cal ka BP likely led to elevation of the present shallow south-western coastal margin of the Fuegian archipelago. Final drainage of Lago Kawésqar was probably caused by neotectonic subsidence of the same margin along the boundary of the South American – Scotia tectonic plates at c. 12.0 cal ka BP. • Evidence for a large Late glacial lake in the Strait of Magellan is confirmed. • New ages for deglaciation of the Magellan ice dome after the LGM are presented. • An alternative theory for the damming of the Late glacial Magellan lake is discussed. • Glacial isostatic adjustment modelling supports bedrock uplift damming the lake. • A neotectonic event likely led to final drainage of the Magellan lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphotectonic parameters are sensitive to crustal and/or mantle dynamics, especially in young convergent margins and contractional orogenic systems. In northwest Africa, the High Atlas orogen is a natural example where tectonics interact with mantle dynamics to shape the orogen's topography. The High Atlas Mountains are an intracontinental segment of the peri-Mediterranean belt in northwest Africa, formed during the Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic period as part of the Alpine orogeny. An important aspect in the evolutionary history of the High Atlas belt is the presence of uplifted asthenosphere beneath the range, overlaying the Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic crustal shortening. This study aims to investigate the geomorphic and topographic features that reflect the influence of tectonics and mantle dynamics in the High Atlas orogen. A morphotectonic approach is employed, utilizing analysis of geomorphic indices such as relief, slope, channel steepness index, and stream length gradient. Additionally, eleven 30 km wide and 150 to 230 km long swath profiles are constructed to illustrate the variations in topography and geomorphology along the range. The geomorphic indices display a similar pattern of evolution across the High Atlas, with higher values of these indices associated with the primary faults that control the structure of the range. By combining the geomorphic indices and swath profiles, it is evident that the eastern part of the orogen exhibits geomorphic asymmetry, with the northern border experiencing greater neotectonic activity and surface uplift. The central part of the range displays more geomorphic symmetry, while the western part is asymmetrical, characterized by higher elevations and elevated values of geomorphic indices along the southern border. This variation in geomorphology is attributed to the oblique intersection of the High Atlas orogen and a region of thinned lithosphere, which facilitated increased neotectonic activity and surface uplift in the northern part of the Eastern High Atlas and the southern part of the Western High Atlas. In the westernmost portion of the range, the role of structural inheritance is critical in the neotectonic activity. At a local scale, the role of lithology in the drainage reorganization is evident especially in basement exposures such as Mougueur inlier, Skoura inlier and Ouzellarh salient. This study underscores the robustness of tectonic geomorphology as a tool to understand the complex interplay between crustal processes and mantle dynamics, together with surface processes, in young orogenic belts like the High Atlas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dataset consisting of 1233 10Be measurements of fluvial sediment samples across the Asian mountain belts is used to constrain the influence of climate, tectonics and topography on Earth-surface denudation processes. 10Be-derived basin-wide denudation rates were recalculated using a Monte Carlo simulation approach that relied on pixel-by-pixel production rates. The rates derived span four orders of magnitude, from 7.4±0.7 mm kyr-1 (1σ; Central Tibetan Plateau) to 9,646744+777 mm kyr-1 (1σ; Southern Tibetan Plateau), with a median of 186 mm kyr-1. Comparing our results with the traditional basin-wide production rate scaling model using a centroid coordinate and mean elevation, suggests that 96.6% of production rates will be underestimated using the latter method, especially for basins with a large relief. The bias between both methods reaches as large as 40%, caused by basin hypsometry and the nonlinear scaling of production rate with elevation and latitude. Quantification of the correlations between uniformly recalculated denudation rates and tectonics, climate, topography, and rock lithology will facilitate the extrapolation of denudation rates in unknown basins using available data. From the perspective of local scales, precipitation coupled with neotectonics-driven landslides is likely the most influential factor in subtropical Taiwan Island, while topography primarily constrains surface denudation rates in the eastern Tibetan Plateau within a narrow range of precipitation. In highland regions with glacier coverage, such as the Pamir, central and southern Tibetan Plateau, high denudation rates are affected by glaciation, whereas lower precipitation and high erosion base level may limit river incision and evolving relief in the Central Tibetan Plateau. In contrast to local-scale findings highlighting a dominant factor constraining denudation rate, our large-scale quantitative analyses across the Asian mountain belts finds that (1) topographic metrics including slope, relief and normalized channel steepness index show similar, first-order, power-law relationships with denudation rates over millennial timescales, as opposed to the linear relationships suggested to control the surface denudation rate; (2) precipitation, temperature, and vegetation cover relative to elevation and a modern tectonic metric of neotectonic activity based on the kernel density distribution of earthquakes, subordinately constrain the surface denudation, approximating a first-order power-law correlation with denudation rate; and (3) the lithology, as represented by an erodibility index, appears not to correlate with denudation rates at the macro-scale of the Asian mountain belts, possibly due to the complex mixture of different types of rocks and the relative low resolution of erodibility index database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Magallanes–Fagnano Fault System (MFFS), located at the southern tip of Patagonia, is part of the transform plate boundary between the Scotia and South American plates. Modern deformation along the fault system has been mostly studied on land, such as in the eastern region of Lago Fagnano. Furthermore, previous studies have primarily focused on the analysis of co-seismic deformation, while the long-term landscape response to neotectonics has not been addressed in detail. This work aims to identify and characterize active fault segments within the lake sediments and investigate the imprint of deformation in the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, we integrate high-resolution seismic profiles acquired in Lago Fagnano with a morphometric analysis of the hydrographic basin. These segments show subaqueous ruptures affecting the lacustrine sediments reaching the lake floor, indicating recent deformation episodes. Most of the recognized faults are sub-vertical or dip steeply (> 60°) to the south and show vertical offsets that range from 4 to 17 m. The morphometric analysis is consistent with the overall southward dip of the MFFS and indicates a hydrographic rejuvenation towards the north of the lake. In addition, the ruptures of the fault system can be correlated with the deformation observed on land, resulting in a ~ 150 km long segmented surface rupture zone that might be consistent with the rupture length estimated for the 1949 M7.5 earthquake doublet.Transversal seismic line of the central basin of the lake showing the existence of a norhtern and southern subbasin separated by a morainic ridge. Vertical displacements corresponding to the Knokeke and Catamarca faults were identifiedGraphical abstract: The Magallanes–Fagnano Fault System (MFFS), located at the southern tip of Patagonia, is part of the transform plate boundary between the Scotia and South American plates. Modern deformation along the fault system has been mostly studied on land, such as in the eastern region of Lago Fagnano. Furthermore, previous studies have primarily focused on the analysis of co-seismic deformation, while the long-term landscape response to neotectonics has not been addressed in detail. This work aims to identify and characterize active fault segments within the lake sediments and investigate the imprint of deformation in the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, we integrate high-resolution seismic profiles acquired in Lago Fagnano with a morphometric analysis of the hydrographic basin. These segments show subaqueous ruptures affecting the lacustrine sediments reaching the lake floor, indicating recent deformation episodes. Most of the recognized faults are sub-vertical or dip steeply (> 60°) to the south and show vertical offsets that range from 4 to 17 m. The morphometric analysis is consistent with the overall southward dip of the MFFS and indicates a hydrographic rejuvenation towards the north of the lake. In addition, the ruptures of the fault system can be correlated with the deformation observed on land, resulting in a ~ 150 km long segmented surface rupture zone that might be consistent with the rupture length estimated for the 1949 M7.5 earthquake doublet.Transversal seismic line of the central basin of the lake showing the existence of a norhtern and southern subbasin separated by a morainic ridge. Vertical displacements corresponding to the Knokeke and Catamarca faults were identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical and instrumental seismicity from 1845 to the present was compiled for the Pampean regions of Argentina and Uruguay and the adjacent continental platform. These data were analyzed using the Gapped Wavelet Transform (GWT) with the aim of investigating recurrence patterns in the time series. The GWT analysis reveals the existence of periods of seismic activity and periods of seismic silence within the considered area. A 22-year period was determined as the main pattern of seismic activity, during which earthquakes are registered only in 11 years. Based on these results, a probabilistic earthquake forecasting model was created using the Bayesian Machine Learning method, which suggests that the current seismically active period spans from 2011 to 2023 ± 1, with a cessation until 2034 ± 1, while the next seismically active period would begin in 2034 ± 2 ending in 2046 ± 2. These periods or recurrence patterns are interpreted as intervals during which stress accumulates throughout intracrustal faults in the studied area, being then released through various events within the established temporal interval. The accumulation and release mechanisms are still a subject of debate. However, the earthquakes distribution suggests a sublatitudinal arrangement that tends to confirm some correspondence with the controlling faulting of the Quilmes Trough and others transtensional regional lineaments. • A 22-year period was determined as the main pattern of seismic activity. • Recurrence patterns are interpreted as intervals during which stress accumulates throughout intracrustal faults. • The accumulation and release mechanisms are still a subject of debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drainage network systems are responsive elements to recent active tectonics from among all the topographic features. In geodynamically active areas, fluvial landscapes can record different processes through the formation and current presence of features related to spatial-temporal variation in base-level fall and vertical incision of stream channels. This study focuses on the tectonic evolution of the Alessandria Basin, a synorogenic tectonic basin located at the junction between the Alps and the Apennines, that experienced progressive subsidence during the overthrusting of the Monferrato Thrust Front (the westernmost outer arc of the Apennine belt) onto the Po Foreland Basin. Even though several studies have assessed the Neogene tectonic evolution at a regional scale, rates and timing of the Quaternary activity are still poorly understood in terms of both Alps/Apennines uplift and activity of the compressive front of the Monferrato Arc. In this paper, we applied the method of the river profile linear inversions to reconstruct the base-level fall history of 6 catchments that drain into the Alessandria Basin. We used nine 10Be-derived basin-average denudation rates to constrain the erodibility parameter needed to infer base-level fall rates from χ-transformed river profiles. The results describe the tectonic history of the area in the last ∼5 Ma, documenting increases in base-level fall rate with an initial peak between 3 and 2.5 Ma, and a second between 2 and 1.5 Ma. While the first peak is coeval with the uplift phase that involved most of the northern-central Apennine, the second one suggests an acceleration in subsidence of the Alessandria Basin concurrently with the uplift of the Monferrato Thrust Front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenic processes have greatly affected the Martian surface, especially concentrating at several volcano-tectonic centers. The formation of Tharsis, a vast volcanic bulge, significantly influenced the western hemisphere of Mars. The associated loading stresses caused the formation of various sets of tectonic structures that might have remained active until today. However, surface evidence for very recent endogenic processes in Tharsis is sparse. Here, using the Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) images, we report the presence of fresh-appearing systems of local-scale scarps mostly developed at the southern edge of Tharsis, specifically at Claritas Rupes scarp. These scarps are spatially associated with depression centers situated at the base of Claritas Rupes, inside the Thaumasia Graben which is partially filled by volcanic deposits. The relationships between the studied scarps and present-day surficial processes and its deposits such as rockfalls indicate a young age of the scarps' development, namely, in the range of <1 Ma. The pristine topography (sharp and thin ridges), spatial distribution (association with depression centers), and regional geological context of Claritas Fossae lead us to interpret these scarps as surficial expressions of tectonic activity attributed to normal faulting. This could be related to Deep-seated Gravitational Slope Deformations (DGSDs) released by seismic activity related to ongoing subsidence of depression centers and/or reactivation of the listric normal Claritas Rupes fault. These observations imply that this region experienced long-lasting and multiple volcano-tectonic events and the formation of the youngest deformations could represent neotectonic activity, which has been active until recently, and possibly might be still ongoing. • The Claritas Rupes displays pristine-looking uphill-facing scarps • The scarps reveal cross-cutting relationships with deposits from present-day surface processes • Morphological observations indicate a young formation age of the scarps (< 1 Ma) • Scarp formations could be attributed to recent neotectonics • Our results indicate very recent endogenic activity in southeastern Tharsis [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]

Precambrian paleosols provide important evidence for deciphering ancient atmospheric conditions; however, reconstruction using the Archean–Early Proterozoic weathering crusts is challenging due to reworking by later superimposed events. In this paper, we describe 2.6 Ga paleoweathering crusts developed on ultramafic rocks recognized in the Eastern Fennoscandian Shield of northwest Karelia, Russia. Mafic index of alteration shows an increasing trend from parent rock to the paleosol and indicates moderate weathering. Geochemical and mineralogical data provide evidence for paleosol formation under anoxic acidic conditions. The results allow reconstruction of palaeoatmospheric p O 2 and p CO 2 levels estimated to be 1 × 10−4 PAL and 22 PAL, respectively. Analysis of the paleosols in the Eastern Fennoscandian Shield reveals that the anoxic weathering seems to have prevailed over Archean–Early Proterozoic interval. The study contributes to understanding of evolution of atmospheric oxygen levels and paleoenvironmental conditions prior to the Great Oxidation Event. • Neoarchean paleosols have been recognized in the Eastern Fennoscandian Shield • Pitkilampi paleosols developed under a cool to temperate and humid climate • Anoxic weathering in the Eastern Fennoscandian Shield during pre-GOE timeframe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precambrian Algoma-type banded iron formations (BIFs) are biochemical metasedimentary rocks formed in the deep water environment relatively close to centers of volcanic expansion and can be characterized on the basis of their paleodepositional environment and the associated rock types. These rocks may contain geochemical signatures indicative of changes in the redox conditions of the Archean ocean. Such variations in the Meso- and Neoarchean are crucial in understanding the processes that led to the gradual increase of oxygen in the early atmosphere, culminating in the Great Oxidation Event (2.4–2.3 Ga). Oxide- and carbonate-facies BIFs were intercepted by drill cores in the Pilar gold deposit in the NE sector of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF), Brazil, located in the Neoarchean Rio das Velhas greenstone belt. These rocks are interbedded with mafic and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks and carbonaceous phyllites. In light of the potential to reconstruct paleodepositional evidence indicative of the Earth's atmospheric redox history based on this stratigraphy, we have considered specific proxies from geological and geochemical observations. Pilar BIFs geochemistry exhibits positive anomalies of La, Eu, and Y, indicating characteristics inherited from seawater and high-temperature hydrothermal fluids. In addition, a superchondritic Y/Ho ratio further supports the influence of seawater. The signatures of the major elements Al 2 O 3 and other immobile elements typical of detrital sediments corroborate the interpretation that these rocks were deposited in a deep marine environment with low clastic influence. Furthermore, negative Ce/Ce* SN anomalies in some sections of the Pilar BIF indicate limited oxygen availability which, together with Mo, U, V, and Zn trace-element enrichment factors, indicate deposition under suboxic/euxinic conditions. This research, together with other similar BIF data from the NW QF provide new insights into the paleoenvironmental conditions prevailing during the formation of the Archean volcano sedimentary basins that compose the southern São Francisco craton (SFC). • PAAS normalized REE + Y from BIFs of the Pilar gold deposit reflect Fe chemical sedimentation under the carbonate stability field with minor detrital contribution. • Evidence of negative (Ce/Ce*)SN anomalies supports oxygen whiffs in the Neoarchean preceding the Great Oxygenation Event. • Trace metals (Mo, U, V and Zn) indicate deposition under suboxic/euxinic conditions. • Pilar BIFs suggest that the sedimentary registry of the QF result from highly evolved crust and basins with higher O 2 levels if compared to other neoarchean records worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Adriatic is recognized as one of the most seismically active regions of the Central Mediterranean. It hosted the strongest historically known and instrumentally recorded earthquakes in Croatia and Montenegro. We conducted a detailed study of algal rims and tidal notches along the Dubrovnik–Konavle coastal area, aimed to contribute in reconstruction of relative sea level (RSL) change, palaeoearthquakes and neotectonics during the last 4500 years. The RSL reconstruction based on high-resolution geochronology showed that the spatial variability of RSL change is largely controlled by local tectonics, leading generally to an alternation of periods of RSL rise and rapid falls caused by coseismic uplift events. During the interseismic periods RSL rose at rates from 1.03 to 0.7 mm/yr before AD, followed by a slowdown to ~0.43 mm/yr, and reaching ~1.3 mm/yr after 1850s. The only exception relates to a period of slow RSL drop probably related to the 3.2 ka cold event. Rapid RSL falls caused by coseismic uplift indicate the occurrence of several large-scale events during the 4th–6th centuries AD, the 800–1360 cal AD period, and in 1395, with hints of earlier events between 1395 cal BC and 565 cal AD. These instances correspond to either unknown or insufficiently documented earthquakes. Conversely, the earthquakes in 1520 and 1667 have been clearly identified. The most compelling evidence of coseismic uplift is associated with the 1667 Dubrovnik earthquake, with an estimated uplift of 40–60 ± 15 cm documented along 40 km of coastline. Analyses of multiple sites with the same high-resolution marker show that Holocene tectonic deformations vary along different fault segments with minimum uplift rates ranging from ~0.3 to ~0.9 mm/yr over ~1.5 ka. The main seismogenic source responsible for coseismic uplifts is attributed to the Dalmatian unit basal thrust and its NE-dipping splays at the Adria-Dinarides boundary. • We provide the relative sea-level reconstruction based on 66 new sea-level index points. • We show significant variability of relative sea-level change due to local tectonic contributions. • New evidence of spatial effects of 1667 AD Dubrovnik earthquake is presented. • The Dalmatian unit basal thrust is a composite seismogenic source responsible for coastal uplifts. • Our data show relative sea-level drop related to 3.2 ka cold event well marked in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of deformations in Quaternary deposits holds primary importance in understanding recent geological history and natural hazards in highly populated areas, such as the Po Plain. While civil excavations and trenches possess the potential to be pivotal in identifying and characterizing these deformations, they often remain underused due to the stringent regulation framework and timetables governing civil construction works. In this study, we demonstrate how digital photogrammetry and digital outcrop modelling (DOM) are useful techniques for obtaining a permanent digital representation of a trench situated in Castelletto Ticino (Po Plain–Southern Alps transition). This trench exhibits Holocene deformational structures: (i) an overall tilting of sedimentary deposits towards the SW; (ii) folds with a NE–SW trend; (iii) slumping and other soft-sediment deformations structures; and (iv) reverse faults with NE–SW and NW–SE directions. Using radiocarbon and archeological dating, we are able to confidently constrain the age of these deformations to between 8760 and 400 years BC, suggesting recent tectonic activity related to buried thrust faults.

The Iraqi Kurdistan Region's landscapes are the product of a complex merging of the effects of the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates and various geomorphic processes. A study of the Khrmallan drainage basin in the west of Dokan Lake, based on a morphotectonic study is a significant contribution to our understanding of the Neotectonic activity in the High Folded Zone. This study investigated an integrated method of detail morphotectonic mapping and geomorphic indices' analysis for determining the signal of Neotectonic activity, using the digital elevation model (DEM) and satellite images. The detailed morphotectonic map, along with extensive field data, revealed considerable variation in the relief and morphology of the study area, and eight morphotectonic zones were recognized. The presence of a high anomalous value in stream length gradient (SL) ranges from 19 to 769, increasing the channel sinuosity index (SI) reaching 1.5, and the tendency of basin shifting through the transverse topographic index (T) ranging from 0.02 to 0.5, conclude that the study area is tectonically active. The strong relationship between the growth of the Khalakan anticline and the activation of faulting is concurrent with the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. A hypothesis of an antecedent can be applied to the Khrmallan valley.

The paper presents the results of comparative neogeodynamic analysis of the Baltic syneclise and northern Voronezh anteclise based on structural-geomorphological interpretation, digital elevation model (DEM) processing procedure using LESSA program [Zlatopolsky, 2011], seismic analysis, and computer geodynamic modeling. Both regions are seismically active areas of the East European Platform. The automated DEM analysis showed that they are dominated by NW-striking lineaments oriented across the strike of the neoextension axis. Computational neogeodynamic models imply that the areas under consideration develop in shear environment, with the compression axis oriented northwest. Another important result of modeling is numerical correlation between earthquake energy, interpolated over the Baltic syneclise, and the probability of occurrence of ruptures: the Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.58 for the sedimentary cover and 0.42 for the basement. For the northern Voronezh anteclise, a correlation was found between the epicentral density of earthquakes and "Fracture regions" parameter, with reference to which there were distinguished the areas with the probable occurrence of new short-extension ruptures (the Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.41). This parameter is informative for contouring seismically active parts since the areas with probable occurrence of new ruptures, occupying 39 % of the northern Voronezh anteclise, account for 71 % of earthquake epicenters. Structuralgeomorphological interpretation yielded a high degree of correlation between relief and active faults identified as "weak" zones to which the earthquake epicenters are largely confined. Therefore, both regions considered are characterized by high sedimentary-cover seismic activity, develop in shear stress field, with the stress axis oriented northwest, and have similar orientations of linear elements of relief and "weak" zones.The analysis of the earthquake recurrence curves shows considerable differences between seismic regimes of the northern Voronezh anteclise and the Baltic syneclise, and those between the sedimentary-cover and basement seismicity of the latter. These differences may be due the fact that the stressed state of the Voronezh anteclise is affected by active structures of the Urals and Caucasus, and that the upwarping Fennoscandian shield is largely responsible for neodeformations of the Baltic syneclise. Practical significance of the study is concerned with the identification of earthquake source zones.

Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease. For locally advanced patients, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is the standard of care. Risk stratification relies heavily on clinicopathologic features, particularly pathologic response, which is inadequate, therefore establishing the need for new and reliable biomarkers for risk stratification. Methods: Thirty four patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma were analyzed, of which 21 received a CROSS regimen with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and radiation. Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on the paired baseline and post-treatment samples. Differentially mutated gene analysis between responders and non-responders of treatment was performed to determine predictors of response. A univariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine associations between gene mutation status and overall survival. Results: A 3-gene signature, based on mutations in EPHA5, BCL6, and ERBB2, was identified that robustly predicts response to the CROSS regimen. For this model, sensitivity was 84.6% and specificity was 100%. Independently, a 9 gene signature was created using APC, MAP3K6, ETS1, CSF3R, PDGFRB, GATA2, ARID1A, PML, and FGF6, which significantly stratifies patients into risk categories, prognosticating for improved relapse-free (p = 4.73E-03) and overall survival (p = 3.325E-06). The sensitivity for this model was 73.33% and the specificity was 94.74%. Conclusion: We have identified a 3-gene signature (EPHA5, BCL6, and ERBB2) that is predictive of response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and a separate prognostic 9-gene classifier that predicts survival outcomes. These panels provide significant potential for personalized management of locally advanced esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquake surface deformation provides key constraints on the geometry, kinematics, and displacements of fault rupture. However, deriving these characteristics from past earthquakes is complicated by insufficient knowledge of the pre‐event landscape and its post‐event modification. The 1987 Mw 6.5 Edgecumbe earthquake in the northern Taupō volcanic zone (TVZ) in New Zealand represents a moderate‐magnitude earthquake with distributed surface rupture that occurred before widespread high‐resolution topographic data were available. We use historical aerial photos to build pre‐ and post‐earthquake digital surface models (DSMs) using structure‐from‐motion techniques. We measured discrete and distributed deformation from differenced DSMs and compared the effectiveness of the technique to traditional field‐ and lidar‐based studies. We identified most fault traces recognized by 1987 field mapping, mapped newly identified traces, and made dense remote slip measurements with a vertical separation resolution of ∼0.3 m. Our maximum and average vertical separation measurements on the Edgecumbe fault trace (2.5 ± 0.3 and 1.2 m, respectively), are similar to field‐based values of 2.4 and 1.1 m, respectively. Importantly, this technique can discern between new and pre‐existing fault scarps better than field techniques or post‐earthquake lidar‐based measurements alone. Our surface displacement results are used to refine subsurface fault geometries and slip distributions at depth, which are further used to investigate potential magmatic‐tectonic stress interactions in the northern TVZ. Our results suggest the Edgecumbe fault dips more gently at depth than at the surface, hosted shallow slip in 1987, and may be advanced toward failure by interactions with nearby magma bodies. Plain Language Summary: Understanding earthquake behavior relies heavily on information about how past earthquakes changed the landscape. Detailed information about the surface topography before the earthquake is often limited, creating challenges for accurately measuring earthquake surface deformation. Aerial photos are widely available and can be used to create 3D digital surface models in places where other topographic information is lacking. We use historical aerial photos to make 3D datasets of the surface topography before and after the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake in New Zealand. We calculated the difference between the two 3D datasets to identify and measure how the earthquake changed the landscape, and compared our results to previous measurements. We found that this method generally works as well as field methods for identifying and measuring fault movement, and has some advantages over other techniques. In particular, this approach can separate deformation from individual earthquakes, which had previously been a challenge. The results refine our understanding of the faults below the surface, provide insight into the earthquake's relationship to surrounding faults and volcanic systems, and allow us to better characterize seismic hazard both here and in other similar geologic settings. Key Points: Historical aerial photos can be used to generate pre‐ and post‐earthquake digital surface models for measuring displacementThis method performs at least as well as field surveys, and better captures single‐event displacements to constrain earthquake behaviorThe Edgecumbe earthquake is important for understanding low dip‐angle normal fault ruptures and possibly magma‐tectonic interactions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The engineering construction often faces the problem of active fault disasters and related risks because of the complex active fault system developed during the Neotectonic period in mainland China. The reasonable use of the definition and classification of active faults is helpful for scientific prevention of the hazards related to active faults in engineering construction. The research status and progress in domestic and overseas related fields were systematically summarized and analyzed, as well as the application situation and existing problems in engineering and other fields. Finally, combined with the active tectonic environment and the characteristics of active faults in China, three main conclusions and suggestions were formed for the actual requirements in the hazard assessment of active fault and related hazards in engineering application. (1) The essence of the definition of active fault is “the possibility of fault activity in the future of human interest”. It is suggested that the definition of “engineering active fault”. “The active faults with surface faulting or M≥5.0 destructive earthquakes maybe occur during the engineering lifetime (about 100 years), especially those that have been active several times since about 800 000 years ago (since the Middle Pleistocene) or since 130 000 years ago (from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene) ”, should be adopted in the engineering field, and that engineers should be careful to distinguish between “surface active faults” and “seismic faults” and focus on the relatively dangerous surface active faults during the engineering life. (2) The classification of active faults in engineering field is suitable for the latest age and active intensity scheme of fault. According to the active tectonic environment and the developed characteristics of active faults in China, it is suggested that faults in the engineering site area can be divided into five categories according to the latest age of faulting, including “historical, Late Quaternary (contains Late Pleistocene and Holocene) faults, Early-Middle Pleistocene, Neotectonic and inactive faults”; and according to the activity, the fault is divided into three categories including five levels, which are strong, moderate (contains 3 subcategories: moderate-strong, moderate and moderate-weak) and weak activity faults. (3) The relationship between the activity and risk of active faults should be properly handled in the impact assessment of active fault in engineering construction. A highly slip-rate or Holocene fault does not mean a high risk during the engineering lifetime. Therefore, the risk of surface active faults in the engineering site area should be graded, and the high and medium risk surface active faults in the engineering lifetime should be the focus of engineering circumvention or prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]