Jan-Christoph Otto

Cartography: Design, Symbolisation and Visualisation of Geomorphological Maps

Abstract Geomorphological maps are specific kind of thematic maps that use complex and illustrative symbolisation. Many different symbol sets, also referred to as legend or mapping systems, exist, each following different cartographic principles and focusing on different geomorphological aspects. Geomorphologists commonly use one of the existing symbol sets instead of creating their own symbols. We introduce the basic principles of cartographic design and map creation before we describe several symbol sets. It is worth understanding how symbol development, arrangement and map composition work in order to produce good geomorphological maps. The chapter continues with a review of practical issues of computer-assisted map creation using graphic and geographical information systems (GIS) software. This part includes brief comments on the creation of geomorphological symbols using a GIS. We conclude the chapter with an overview of different ways of map dissemination including maps on the Internet.

DETECTION OF MOUNTAIN PERMAFROST BY COMBINING HIGH RESOLUTION SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE INFORMATION – AN EXAMPLE FROM THE GLATZBACH CATCHMENT, AUSTRIAN ALPS

Otto, J.‐C., Keuschnig, M., Götz, J., Marbach, M. and Schrott, L., 2012. Detection of mountain permafrost by combining high resolution surface and subsurface information – an example from the Glatzbach catchment, Austrian Alps. Geografiska Annaler: Series A, Physical Geography, 94, 43–57. doi:10.1111/j.1468‐0459.2012.00455.x Abstract Permafrost distribution in mid‐latitude mountains is strongly controlled by solar radiation, snow cover and surface characteristics like debris cover. With decreasing elevation these factors have to counterbalance local positive air temperatures in order to enable permafrost conditions. We combine high resolution surface data derived from terrestrial laser scanning with geophysical information on the underground conditions using ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography and ground surface temperature data in order to understand the effects of surface characteristics on permafrost distribution in an Alpine catchment, Austrian Alps (Glatzbach, 47°2′23.49″N; 12°42′33.24″E, 2700–2900 m a.s.l.). Ground ice and permafrost is found above an elevation of 2780 m a.s.l. on north‐east facing slopes in 2009, previous studies detected permafrost at the same site at 2740 m a.s.l. in 1991. Analysis of surface roughness as a proxy for grain size distribution reveals that the lower boundary of discontinuous and sporadic permafrost is lowered on rough surfaces compared to fine‐grain zones. At the same location modelled potential summer solar radiation in coarse grain zones is reduced by up to 40% compared to surfaces of fine grain sizes. The mostly patchy permafrost distribution at the Glatzbach can therefore be attributed to local surface cover characteristics, particularly regolith grain size and its influence on solar radiation. We conclude that the analysis of ground surface characteristics using very high resolution terrain data supports the assessment of permafrost in Alpine areas by identifying rough surface conditions favouring permafrost occurrence.

Landform - Structure, Evolution, Process Control

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HRSC-A data: a new high-resolution data set with multipurpose applications in physical geography

price are net prices, subject to local VAT. Prices indicated with * include VAT for books; the €(D) includes 7% for Germany, the €(A) includes 10% for Austria. Prices indicated with ** include VAT for electronic products; 19% for Germany, 20% for Austria. All prices exclusive of carriage charges. Prices and other details are subject to change without notice. All errors and omissions excepted. J.-C. Otto, R. Dikau (Eds.) Landform Structure, Evolution, Process Control

Spatial distribution of sediment storage types in two glacier landsystems (Pasterze & Obersulzbachkees, Hohe Tauern, Austria)

The analysis and interpretation of remote sensing data facilitates investigation of land surface complexity on large spatial scales. We introduce here a geometrically high-resolution data set provided by the airborne High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC-A). The sensor records digital multispectral and panchromatic stereo bands from which a very high-resolution ground elevation model can be produced. After introducing the basic principles of the HRSC technique and data, applications of HRSC data within the multidisciplinary Research Training Group 437 are presented. Applications include geomorphologic mapping, geomorphometric analysis, mapping of surficial grain-size distribution, rock glacier kinematic analysis, vegetation monitoring and three-dimensional landform visualization. A final evaluation of the HRSC data based on three years of multipurpose usage concludes this presentation. A combination of image and elevation data opens up various possibilities for visualization and three-dimensional analysis of the land surface, especially in geomorphology. Additionally, the multispectral imagery of the HRSC data has potential for land cover mapping and vegetation monitoring. We consider HRSC data a valuable source of high-resolution terrain information with high applicability in physical geography and earth system science.

PREFACE: CONCEPTS AND IMPLICATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND HUMAN IMPACT: STUDIES FROM AUSTRIAN GEOMORPHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

For the first time, geomorphological maps of the Obersulzbachkees (ca. 28 km2) and the Pasterze (ca. 39.7 km2) glacier landsystem at the catchment scale (1:10,000 and 1:12,500) are presented and the distribution of sediment storage types and (sub)recent sediment transfer processes are quantified and discussed. Special attention is drawn to the activity and function of sediment storages within the sediment cascade and on process (de)coupling of the sediment transfer systems. Glaciers cover ca. 50% of the landsystems and have retreated more than 1 km within the last six decades. The spatial distribution of sediment storage types delivers a record of the historical activity of the glaciers and the degree of sediment storage activity gives insights into the state of paraglacial landform adjustment. A typical landform assemblage is found in both landsystems. Moraine deposits are the dominant sediment storage type (coverage of ca. 3 km2 in both landsystems) and a significant source of (sub)recent sediment transfer. Deposits of reworked till account for ca. 4% of the total sediment coverage and paraglacial reworking is the main evolutionary factor for drift-mantled slopes with high activity in ice marginal and proximal locations (gully densities up to 3.7 per 100 metres of slope). With increasing distances from the glacier, the importance of paraglacial reworking decreases (gully density of 0.5 to 0.6). However, the contribution of paraglacial reworking to the overall sediment output is insignificant due to decoupling effects and till and debris are currently stored in both landsystems. The glacifluvial transport system is supply limited at the Obersulzbachkees and transport limited at the Pasterze. We consider the proglacial zone as a key control on sediment delivery from the glacier to the downstream fluvial system and hypothesize that the majority of sediment output from both landsystems is suspended load.

Sedimentary fluxes and budgets in changing cold environments: the global IAG/AIG sediment budgets in cold environments (SEDIBUD) programme

Environmental change and human impact are main drivers of change in geomorphological processes and behaviour, especially in mountain systems with a high sensitivity to change and a greater geodiversity (Slaymaker 2010), compared to most other landscapes. According to Turner II et al. (1990) global environmental change may be differentiated between systemic and cumulative environmental changes. Systemic changes take account of physically interconnected phenomena on a global scale, such as hydroclimate and sea level change. In contrast, cumulative changes consider unconnected, local to intermediate-scale processes, namely relief, land cover and land-use changes, but result in a cumulative effect on the global system. For mountain regions the important drivers of environmental change are hydroclimate, relief and land use and therefore these regions are affected by both systemic and cumulative changes (Slaymaker et al. 2009). However, the different drivers are closely connected, therefore, it is challenging to rank their relative importance (Slaymaker 2010). The inter-linkage between atmo-, bio-, hydro-, cryoand lithosphere is crucial for spatial and temporal trajectories in geomorphic systems. Climate and environmental changes are increasingly being identified in the European Alps (e.g. Keiler et al. 2010). Temperature changes in this region have increased at twice the global average rate since the late nineteenth century. Furthermore, precipitation has also increased nonlinearly, with significant regional and seasonal differences, as well as differences by elevation and aspect within the European Alps and its neighbouring regions (Auer et al. 2007; Haeberli et al. 2007; Brunetti et al. 2009). Resulting changes in snow and rainfall have implications for snow cover thickness and duration (which also affect subsurface temperatures), and catchment runoff (Beniston et al. 2003). Furthermore, temperature and precipitation changes can also be linked to changes in glacier mass balance and terminus position, in particular at high elevations (Zemp et al. 2006; Lambrecht and Kuhn 2007; Huss et al. 2008; Steiner et al. 2008). Permafrost monitoring sites throughout the Alps also show changes in alpine permafrost distribution, temperature profiles, active layer thickness and movement changes of rock glaciers (Harris et al. 2003; Delaloye et al. 2008; Noetzli and Vonder Muehll 2010). While the direct effects of the changing hydroclimate on these systems have now been monitored for several decades, the indirect effects on geomorphological processes and on sedimentary systems are less well known. Furthermore, geomorphological processes in high-relief areas are strongly influenced by various interacting factors, for example, slope angle and aspect, weathering characteristics, sediment availability, slope moisture supply and land cover. These processes evolve in a downslope direction, leading to high spatial and temporal variability in the process domain. Moreover, changes of cryospheric systems

14.2 Fundamental Classic and Modern Field Techniques in Geomorphology: An Overview

1Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), Quaternary Geology and Climate group, Trondheim, Norway 2Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Geography, Trondheim, Norway 3Queen’s University, Department of Geography, Kingston, Canada 4University of Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratory of Physical and Environmental Geography GEOLAB, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France 5Natural Research Centre of North-western Iceland, Saudarkrokur, Iceland 6University of Arkansas, Department of Geosciences, Fayetteville AR, USA 7 University of Otago, Department of Geography, Dunedin, New Zealand 8University of Salzburg, Department of Geography and Geology, Salzburg, Austria 9University of Colorado, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, Boulder, CO, USA 10Durham University, Department of Geography, Durham, UK 11Adam Mickiewicz University, Institute of Paleogeography and Geoecology, Poznan, Poland

Glaciated valleys in Europe and western Asia.

Over the past three decades field techniques in geomorphology have evolved enormously. The advent of new technologies influenced even classic techniques such as mapping, because remote sensing, in combination with high-resolution digital elevation models, has significantly enhanced digital landform mapping and analysis. High-accuracy surveys of surface and subsurface structures using light detection and ranging (LiDAR), differential global positioning systems (DGPS), and geophysical techniques offer a wide range of challenges for geomorphological studies. Besides, field geophysics has become increasingly efficient to capture quantitative subsurface data and provides a better understanding of form–process relationships. This chapter introduces some classic and modern field techniques in a geomorphological context.

GIS Applications in Geomorphology

In recent years, remote sensing, morphometric analysis, and other computational concepts and tools have invigorated the field of geomorphological mapping. Automated interpretation of digital terrain data based on impartial rules holds substantial promise for large dataset processing and objective landscape classification. However, the geomorphological realm presents tremendous complexity and challenges in the translation of qualitative descriptions into geomorphometric semantics. Here, the simple, conventional distinction of V-shaped fluvial and U-shaped glacial valleys was analyzed quantitatively using multi-scale curvature and a novel morphometric variable termed Difference of Minimum Curvature (DMC). We used this automated terrain analysis approach to produce a raster map at a scale of 1:6,000,000 showing the distribution of glaciated valleys across Europe and western Asia. The data set has a cell size of 3 arc seconds and consists of more than 40 billion grid cells. Glaciated U-shaped valleys commonly associated with erosion by warm-based glaciers are abundant in the alpine regions of mid Europe and western Asia but also occur at the margins of mountain ice sheets in Scandinavia. The high-level correspondence with field mapping and the fully transferable semantics validate this approach for automated analysis of yet unexplored terrain around the globe and qualify for potential applications on other planetary bodies like Mars.