Soil-Water Conservation, Erosion, and Landslide

The predicted climate change is likely to cause extreme storm events and, subsequently, catastrophic disasters, including soil erosion, debris and landslide formation, loss of life, etc. In the decade from 1976, natural disasters affected less than a billion lives. These numbers have surged in the last decade alone. It is said that natural disasters have affected over 3 billion lives, killed on average 750,000 people, and cost more than 600 billion US dollars. Of these numbers, a greater proportion are due to sediment-related disasters, and these numbers are an indication of the amount of work still to be done in the field of soil erosion, conservation, and landslides. Scientists, engineers, and planners are all under immense pressure to develop and improve existing scientific tools to model erosion and landslides and, in the process, better conserve the soil. Therefore, the purpose of this Special Issue is to improve our knowledge on the processes and mechanics of soil erosion and landslides. In turn, these will be crucial in developing the right tools and models for soil and water conservation, disaster mitigation, and early warning systems

Pavement Surface Distress Detection, Assessment, and Modeling Using Geospatial Techniques

Roadway pavement surface distress information is essential for effective pavement asset management, and subsequently, transportation agencies at all levels dedicate a large amount of time and money to routinely collect data on pavement surface distress conditions as the core of their asset management programs. These data are used by these agencies to make maintenance and repair decisions. Current methods for pavement surface distress evaluation are time-consuming and expensive. Geospatial technologies provide new methods for evaluating pavement surface distress condition that can supplement or substitute for currently-adopted evaluation methods. However, few previous studies have explored the utility of geospatial technologies for pavement surface distress evaluation. The primary scope of this research is to evaluate the potential of three geospatial techniques to improve the efficiency of pavement surface distress evaluation, including empirical analysis of high-spatial resolution natural color digital aerial photography (HiSR-DAP), empirical analysis of hyper-spatial resolution natural color digital aerial photography (HySR-DAP), and inferential geospatial modeling based on traffic volume, environmental conditions, and topographic factors. Pavement surface distress rates estimated from the aforementioned geospatial technologies are validated against distress data manually collected using standard protocols. Research results reveal that straightforward analysis of the spectral response extracted from HiSR-DAP can permit assessment of overall pavement surface conditions. In addition, HySR-DAP acquired from S-UAS can provide accurate and reliable information to characterize detailed pavement surface distress conditions. Research results also show that overall pavement surface distress condition can be effectively estimated based on the extent of geospatial data and inferential modeling techniques. In the near term, these proposed methods could be used to rapidly and cost-effectively evaluate pavement surface distress condition for roadway sections where field inspectors or survey vehicles cannot gain access. In the long term, these proposed methods are capable of being automated to routinely evaluate pavement surface distress condition and, ultimately, to provide a cost-effective, rapid, and safer alternative to currently-adopted evaluation methods with substantially reduced sampling density

Management and protection of Mediterranean groundwater-related coastal wetlands and their service

In the framework of the GEF/UNEP-MAP Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem, UNESCO-IHP executed a component on “Management of coastal aquifers and groundwater”, which included an activity on “Implementation of eco-hydrogeology applications for management and protection of coastal wetlands”. The aim of the activity was to reverse degradation trends in coastal aquifers and groundwater-related coastal wetlands and enhance human wellbeing, namely by providing appropriate capacities for the integration of an ecosystem services approach into groundwater and wetlands assessment and management. To this end, UNESCO-IHP sought the cooperation of experts in order to design and carry out actions aiming to generate a new conceptual framework integrating hydrogeological, ecosystem, and management considerations in the management of Mediterranean groundwater-related coastal wetlands. Among key actions, a background document was prepared, detailing the basic aspects to be considered for an improved management of Mediterranean groundwater-related coastal wetlands through the assessment of the interlinkages between groundwater ows, wetlands services, and human wellbeing. This book sets forth the conceptual and empirical aspects that must be examined and followed to better understand the relationships between groundwater-associated wetlands, geology, hydrology, and services to human well-being. It also presents methods for inventorying the basic information needed to characterize wetlands and aquifer functioning and to assess wetlands’ contribution to human well-being. Finally, it proposes guidelines and recommendations for the evaluation and integrated management of Mediterranean groundwater-related coastal wetlands in order to preserve the sustaining role of groundwater in relation the many environmental services that wetlands provide.Global Environmental Facility (GEF) United Nations Environmental Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP

D6.6: 7 conference papers

The Deliverable 6.6 with the title “7 conference papers”, is part of WP6 “Dissemination and Exploitation” of Athena project with a basic aim to knowledge sharing, network development and exposure to an international environment. Three conference attendances were foreseen (e.g. CAA; SPIE; EARSeL) within the project duration whereas more than 30 posters and oral presentations were presented during the project in the conferences such as: SPIE 2016, SPIE 2018, EUROMED 2016, EUROMED 2018, EGU 2016, EGU 2017, EGU 2018, RSCy2016, RSCy 2017, RSCy 2018, etc

Earth resources, a continuing bibliography with indexes

This bibliography lists 541 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system. Emphasis is placed on the use of remote sensing and geophysical instrumentation in spacecraft and aircraft to survey and inventory natural resources and urban areas. Subject matter is grouped according to agriculture and forestry, environmental changes and cultural resources, geodesy and cartography, geology and mineral resources, hydrology and water management, data processing and distribution systems, instrumentation and sensors, and economic analysis

Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology

This book collects more than 20 papers, written by renowned experts and scientists from across the globe, that showcase the state-of-the-art and forefront research in archaeological remote sensing and the use of geoscientific techniques to investigate archaeological records and cultural heritage. Very high resolution satellite images from optical and radar space-borne sensors, airborne multi-spectral images, ground penetrating radar, terrestrial laser scanning, 3D modelling, Geographyc Information Systems (GIS) are among the techniques used in the archaeological studies published in this book. The reader can learn how to use these instruments and sensors, also in combination, to investigate cultural landscapes, discover new sites, reconstruct paleo-landscapes, augment the knowledge of monuments, and assess the condition of heritage at risk. Case studies scattered across Europe, Asia and America are presented: from the World UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa to heritage under threat in the Middle East and North Africa, from coastal heritage in the intertidal flats of the German North Sea to Early and Neolithic settlements in Thessaly. Beginners will learn robust research methodologies and take inspiration; mature scholars will for sure derive inputs for new research and applications

Comparative study of the diachronic evolution of the geological and volcanological environments of the earth with the saturnian satellites Titan and Enceladus.

This thesis presents on the study of the environment of Titan and Enceladus, Saturn’s satellites observed by the Cassini-Huygens mission. Various aspects of the geology of Titan are presented focusing on the characteristics of the surface geological features and processes,the internal structure and the correlation with the atmosphere. The morphotectonic features are presented on the basis of terrestrial models. Moreover, Titan areas probably correlated with the interior are tested against a geophysical model of tidal distortion and found to conform with localisation and internal dynamics. We then study the surface albedo and composition of specific Titan areas (Hotei Regio, Tui Regio, Sotra Patera) –determined by the PCA method- based on data from Cassini/VIMS (0.4–5 μm) on which a radiative transfer code is applied with the most updated spectroscopic parameters. Monitoring of these areas showed surface albedo changes in the course of 1-3.5 yrs, implying dynamic exogenic-endogenic processes that affect the surface and compatible with cryovolcanism in the case of Sotra Patera. Processes that form the surface of Enceladus are also discussed. In addition, the analogies with the Earth's surface and possible internal processes on the icy satellites are being explored. The astrobiological implications of this work are discussed within the framework of the quest for habitable environments in our outer Solar system. These studies are related to the preparation of future space missions to the systems of Jupiter and Saturn and payload capability. Finally, public awareness and perspectives of this research are discussed

Comparative study of the diachronic evolution of the geological and volcanological environments of the Earth and the Saturnian satellites, Titan and Enceladus

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αφορά τη μελέτη των περιβαλλόντων του Τιτάνα και του Εγκέλαδου, δορυφόρων του Κρόνου, μέσω της ανάλυσης δεδομένων που ανακτήθηκαν από τη διαστημική αποστολή Cassini-Huygens. Αρχικά παρουσιάζεται η επισκόπηση της γεωλογίας του Τιτάνα, με επίκεντρο τις γεωλογικές δομές και διεργασίες και το συσχετισμό μεταξύ της ατμόσφαιρας, της επιφάνειας και του εσωτερικού του δορυφόρου. Οι μορφοτεκτονικές δομές κατατάσσονται σε συγκεκριμένες κατηγορίες βάσει γήινων μοντέλων σχηματισμού. Επιφανειακές περιοχές του Τιτάνα, οι οποίες θεωρούνται συνδεδεμένες με το εσωτερικό, συγκρίθηκαν με γεωφυσικά μοντέλα παλιρροιακής στρέβλωσης και διαπιστώθηκε ότι συμπίπτουν σε σχέση με τη θέση, την επιφάνεια και την εσωτερική ενεργότητα. Ένα δεύτερο μέρος της διδακτορικής διατριβής παρουσιάζει την ενδελεχή ανάλυση συγκεκριμένων περιοχών του Τιτάνα –όπως αυτές καθορίζονται μέσω μιας στατιστικής μεθόδου– με επίκεντρο την επιφανειακή ανακλαστικότητα που παρουσιάζουν και τη χημική σύνθεση από την επεξεργασία δεδομένων του φασματογράφου Cassini/VIMS (εγγύς υπέρυθρη περιοχή του φάσματος από 0,4 έως 5 micron). Η εφαρμογή ενός εκσυγχρονισμένου και state-of-the-art κώδικα μεταφοράς ακτινοβολίας, επέδειξε τη φασματική συμπεριφορά και το εύρος της φωτεινότητας αυτών των περιοχών. Η έρευνα τριών σημαντικών περιοχών, που έχουν προταθεί ως υποψήφιες κρυοηφαιστειακές (Hotei Regio, Tui Regio και Sotra Patera), παρουσίασε ενδείξεις χρονικής μεταβολής της επιφανειακής ανακλαστικότητας για δύο από αυτές σε μια χρονική περίοδο από 1-3,5 χρόνια, υποδεικνύοντας δυναμικές εξωγενείς - ενδογενείς διεργασίες, οι οποίες επηρεάζουν την επιφάνεια και είναι συμβατές με φαινόμενα κρυοηφαιστεότητας στην περίπτωση της Sotra Patera. Επίσης, οι διαδικασίες που σχηματίζουν την επιφάνεια του Εγκέλαδου περιγράφονται λεπτομερειακά στη διατριβή. Σε ένα τρίτο μέρος, γήινα ανάλογα επιφανειακών εμφανίσεων καθώς και διεργασιών παρουσιάζονται εκτεταμένα, επισημαίνοντας ενδιαφέρουσες ομοιότητες και διαφορές μεταξύ της πυριτικής Γης και των παγωμένων δορυφόρων. Οι αστροβιολογικές συσχετίσεις αυτής της εργασίας διεξάγονται στο πλαίσιο της αναζήτησης περιβαλλόντων κατοικησιμότητας στο εξωτερικό ηλιακό σύστημα. Όλες οι προαναφερθείσες μελέτες συνδέονται με την προετοιμα σία των μελλοντικών διαστημικών αποστολών και των οργάνων τους στα συστήματα του Κρόνου και του Δία. Τέλος, συζητούνται οι δυνατότητες εκλαΐκευσης της επιστήμης και οι προοπτικές που παρουσιάζει η συγκεκριμένη έρευνα.This thesis presents on the study of the environment of Titan and Enceladus, Saturn’s satellites observed by the Cassini-Huygens mission. Various aspects of the geology of Titan are presented focusing on the characteristics of the surface geological features and processes,the internal structure and the correlation with the atmosphere. The morphotectonic features are presented on the basis of terrestrial models. Moreover, Titan areas probably correlated with the interior are tested against a geophysical model of tidal distortion and found to conform with localisation and internal dynamics. We then study the surface albedo and composition of specific Titan areas (Hotei Regio, Tui Regio, Sotra Patera) –determined by the PCA method- based on data from Cassini/VIMS (0.4–5 μm) on which a radiative transfer code is applied with the most updated spectroscopic parameters. Monitoring of these areas showed surface albedo changes in the course of 1-3.5 yrs, implying dynamic exogenic-endogenic processes that affect the surface and compatible with cryovolcanism in the case of Sotra Patera. Processes that form the surface of Enceladus are also discussed. In addition, the analogies with the Earth's surface and possible internal processes on the icy satellites are being explored. The astrobiological implications of this work are discussed within the framework of the quest for habitable environments in our outer Solar system. These studies are related to the preparation of future space missions to the systems of Jupiter and Saturn and payload capability. Finally, public awareness and perspectives of this research are discussed

Geotechnical Engineering for the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites III

The conservation of monuments and historic sites is one of the most challenging problems facing modern civilization. It involves, in inextricable patterns, factors belonging to different fields (cultural, humanistic, social, technical, economical, administrative) and the requirements of safety and use appear to be (or often are) in conflict with the respect of the integrity of the monuments. The complexity of the topic is such that a shared framework of reference is still lacking among art historians, architects, structural and geotechnical engineers. The complexity of the subject is such that a shared frame of reference is still lacking among art historians, architects, architectural and geotechnical engineers. And while there are exemplary cases of an integral approach to each building element with its static and architectural function, as a material witness to the culture and construction techniques of the original historical period, there are still examples of uncritical reliance on modern technology leading to the substitution from earlier structures to new ones, preserving only the iconic look of the original monument. Geotechnical Engineering for the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites III collects the contributions to the eponymous 3rd International ISSMGE TC301 Symposium (Naples, Italy, 22-24 June 2022). The papers cover a wide range of topics, which include: 　 - Principles of conservation, maintenance strategies, case histories - The knowledge: investigations and monitoring - Seismic risk, site effects, soil structure interaction - Effects of urban development and tunnelling on built heritage - Preservation of diffuse heritage: soil instability, subsidence, environmental damages The present volume aims at geotechnical engineers and academics involved in the preservation of monuments and historic sites worldwide