Geomorphology最新文献

{"title":"Ongoing geological processes on the flanks of active volcanoes. A multi-scale geomorphological approach applied to the La Fossa Caldera (Vulcano Island, Italy)","authors":"Denise Petronelli ,&nbsp;Claudia Romagnoli ,&nbsp;Martina Pierdomenico ,&nbsp;Alessandro Bosman ,&nbsp;Francesco Latino Chiocci ,&nbsp;Daniele Casalbore","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integrated analysis of successive multibeam bathymetry surveys and seafloor videos acquired from 2005 to 2023 provides crucial insights into the recent morphological evolution of the submerged part of La Fossa Caldera (Vulcano Island). The caldera floor is carved by a network of gullies and channels that often incise a coastal platform and submarine depositional terrace. Gullies are short (~15–430 m) and steep (~30°) erosional features characterized by their V-shaped cross-sections. In contrast, channels are relatively long (~350–1180 m) and flat-bottomed features. Channels show average slope gradients of ~15° and often host upper-flow regime bedforms along their thalweg, most of which have wavelengths of ~10–80 and heights of ~0.5–2 m. Despite the geologically-active setting of the study area, repeated multibeam surveys shows only minor morphological changes on the seafloor over the last 20 years. Seafloor erosion is dominant and often associated with small-scale retrogressive slope failures at the channel head, likely triggered by earthquakes or storm-waves that frequently hit the area. Seafloor erosion due to sediment-laden flows is observed offshore the Rio Grande creek, where coarse-grained deposits mixed with accumulation of plant debris are common. Small-scale rock-falls dominate the evolution of a steep escarpment that bounds the coastal platform, as testified by accumulation of squared metric blocks at their base. This study highlights the importance of multi-temporal and multi-scale geomorphological approaches to understand erosional processes that shape submarine volcanic flanks. Our results have key implications for geohazard assessments in such areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"497 ","pages":"Article 110178"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Frequency-magnitude analysis of megafloods: Quantifying sediment transport and geomorphic effectiveness in the Tsangpo Gorge, eastern Himalaya","authors":"Xiaolu Dong ,&nbsp;Xianyan Wang ,&nbsp;Elad Dente ,&nbsp;Long Yang ,&nbsp;Baotian Pan ,&nbsp;Huayu Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110187","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110187","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extreme outburst floods are among the most powerful agents of landscape evolution in steep, tectonically active terrains. While evidence of such megafloods is widespread across the eastern Himalaya, their frequency-magnitude relationship remains poorly constrained, limiting our understanding of their cumulative role in long-term landscape evolution. Here, we integrate paleoflood chronostratigraphy record, 2D hydraulic simulations, and sediment transport analysis to reconstruct the timing, magnitude, and geomorphic effectiveness of megafloods (1–5 × 10⁶ m³/s) in the Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge since the Last Glacial period. A meta-analysis of 85 reported outburst flood deposits reveals at least nine discrete megaflood events, which cluster during intervals of global climate warming and intensified monsoon precipitation. Our results demonstrate an inverse correlation between flood magnitude and recurrence frequency. Intermediate-magnitude events (discharge of 2–3 × 10⁶ m³/s; <em>n</em> = 5) were the most geomorphologically effective due to their higher recurrence rate, accounting for ∼64% of the total sediment volume (∼13 km³) transported by megafloods (∼13 km³). In comparison, the largest recorded event (discharge of 4 × 10⁶ m³/s) mobilized a substantial volume of sediment (∼3.4 km³), which comprises only ∼25% of the cumulative megaflood sediment transport in this gorge. These findings emphasize the critical role of relatively frequent, intermediate-magnitude mega-events in driving long-term landscape evolution in high-energy mountainous settings. Furthermore, we show that post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the recurrence interval of megafloods shortened from 1-in-10,000 to 1-in-4,000 years, indicating an accelerated fluvial geomorphic processes in the eastern Himalaya during the late Quaternary. Our findings highlight the frequency-magnitude dynamics of megafloods and their nonlinear control on landscape evolution, providing a quantitative framework for assessing future outburst flood hazards and informing risk mitigation strategies in vulnerable mountainous regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"497 ","pages":"Article 110187"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding aeolian processes across sand dunes with varying stoss slope: Wind tunnel experiments","authors":"Sumaja Kolli ,&nbsp;Hassan Hemida ,&nbsp;Pradeep Kumar Dammala","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aeolian erosion (wind-led) is highly influenced by the morphology of sand dunes and wind flow patterns in the vicinity. In this paper, the influence of sand dune geometry on the flow dynamics and associated dune morphology is investigated. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted on scaled sand dune models to measure the velocity and pressure fields around three dune geometries of varying stoss slope (32^o, 20^o and sinusoidal shape) with identical lee slope (32^o). The obtained velocity profile, shear stress profile and surface pressure distribution represent the strategic wind flow characteristics around the dunes and provide insights into potential erosion patterns. Experimental results revealed that steeper slopes recorded lower wind speeds at crest, offering relatively higher erosion resistance. Nevertheless, erosion is expected at crest of all slopes which had higher wind speed and similar shear stress profile. Surface pressure data revealed the flow separation ahead of crest for sinusoidal dunes unlike 32^o and 20^o dunes with flow separation expected at crest. Furthermore, potential sand settlement is likely within observed low shear stress zones and preceding flow separation points. Spectral analysis represented through power spectral plots and integral length scale values revealed isotropic turbulence matching the Kolmogorov -5/3 spectrum and variation of eddy characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"497 ","pages":"Article 110177"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of geomorphic indices and seismotectonic insights for assessing the role of relative active tectonics in the evolution of the Noa-Dihing and Burhi-Dihing River Basins in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India","authors":"Anwesha Dutta Hazarika ,&nbsp;Devika Maisnam ,&nbsp;Santanu Baruah ,&nbsp;Manoj Kr. Phukan","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a thorough geomorphological and seismotectonic investigation of the Noa-Dihing and Burhi-Dihing catchments, which drain the alluvial plains of the Brahmaputra River in Upper Assam and adjacent regions of Northeast (NE) India. In this study, we attempt to assess how the active tectonic processes have influenced the landform evolution of the river basins during the Quaternary. In the present research, we employ remotely sensed data and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques to identify geomorphic signatures of active tectonics. Given the area's history of significant seismic activity, it presents a natural laboratory to examine the impact of neotectonic processes on drainage morphology and to quantify deformation during the Quaternary. To evaluate spatial variations in relative tectonic activity across the catchments, five geomorphic indices are analysed at the micro sub-basin scale, culminating in the calculation of the Index of Relative Active Tectonics (<em>IRAT</em>). The <em>IRAT</em> results suggest that both basins are highly influenced by active tectonic structures. High values of Channel Steepness Index (<em>K</em>_<em>sn</em>) were observed in the upstream area across the major regional thrusts, signifying active tectonics influencing the studied basins. Earthquake waveform inversion indicates dominance of strike-slip to oblique-reverse faulting. Within the Mishmi Range (MR), the overall principal compressive stress axis (P-axis) is oriented normal to its trend while inconsistent orientation is observed within the Naga-Patkai Range (NPR). Stress tensor inversion shows that the regional stress acting along NW-SE, is in conformity with the Indo-Burma subduction tectonics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"497 ","pages":"Article 110175"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gully erosion susceptibility assessment and SHAP interpretability analysis in sloping farmland of soil-rock dual structure area: A case study of Yimeng Mountain area, China","authors":"Ziming Zheng ,&nbsp;Tingting Yan ,&nbsp;Weijun Zhao ,&nbsp;Wei Qin ,&nbsp;Chunyang Huang ,&nbsp;Yi Wang ,&nbsp;Zhen Li","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.110146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.110146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gully erosion, as a typical form of hydraulic erosion, is a major driver of soil degradation on sloping farmland and poses a serious threat to agricultural production and food security. Accurate and automated identification of gully erosion susceptibility (GES) therefore remains an urgent challenge. In regions with a soil-rock dual structure, soils are thin, heterogeneous, and weakly developed, and gully erosion is highly prevalent. Thus, it is essential to incorporate underlying-surface factors such as rock fragment content and soil thickness into susceptibility assessment. With the Yimeng Mountain area of northern China as a case study, five modelling approaches were developed including machine learning (Random Forest, RF and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, XGBoost), multivariate regression (Logistic Regression, LR), and deep learning (Transformer and Convolutional Neural Network, CNN). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was applied for model interpretability. The results showed that: (1) The RF model achieved the highest prediction accuracy (ACC = 0.9534, AUC = 0.9809), outperforming LR, XGBoost, CNN, and Transformer. (2) In the susceptibility map produced by integrating RF, XGBoost, and LR, high and very high susceptibility zones account for 47 % of the study area. (3) 15 influencing factors contribute to gully erosion, among which topographic wetness index (TWI), slope, and distance to rivers are the most significant drivers. Areas with high wetness (TWI &gt; 8–10), gentle slopes (10–15°), and proximity to rivers (&lt;2000 m) exhibit a high likelihood of gully initiation and development. Under deep soil conditions, the combination of high TWI and short distances to rivers strongly promotes gully erosion, whereas higher rock fragment content on steep slopes helps to inhibit it. By automatically generating gully erosion susceptibility maps (GESMs), this study effectively identifies high-risk zones for gully initiation and expansion, providing robust scientific support for gully erosion control, farmland protection, land-use management, and sustainable agricultural development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"496 ","pages":"Article 110146"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating long-term geomorphic responses and sediment budget impacts of threshold-based floods and sediment replenishment in the Naka River, Japan","authors":"Cheng Wei ,&nbsp;Sameh A. Kantoush ,&nbsp;Binh Quang Nguyen ,&nbsp;Sohei Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Jia Qi Lin ,&nbsp;Tetsuya Sumi","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.110150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.110150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quantifying the geomorphic effectiveness of sediment replenishment (SR) in restoring riverine sediment continuity remains challenging under variable flow regimes in dam-regulated systems. This study investigates downstream sediment dynamics in the Naka River, Japan, by integrating threshold-based flood frequency analysis (Peak-Over-Threshold, POT), sediment grain size measurements for tracking the sediment source from the SR site, and multitemporal geomorphic change detection (GCD) between 2010 and 2015. An optimal discharge threshold of 357.55 m³/s was identified to delineate geomorphically significant flows, including the extreme 2014 event (5411 m³/s; 134-year return period), which drove substantial geomorphic change. Difference of Digital Elevation Models (DoD) of the bathymetric channel (period 2010–2011, 2011–2012, …, 2014–2015, and 2010–2015) revealed incision at the SR site (up to −0.89 m) and downstream aggradation (up to +0.65 m) in the meandering mid-reach (7–14 km), evidencing sediment dispersal from the replenishment site. Sediment budgets indicated peak gross erosion (27.98 Mm³) during 2013–2014, followed by stabilization. Cross-sectional analyses confirmed outer-bend erosion and inner-bend deposition, reflecting natural meander dynamics, while episodic reappearance of coarse grains in 2013 and 2017 suggested localized re-exposure or flood-driven remobilization. Sediment transport and deposition were strongly influenced by local channel curvature and typhoon-induced flows, with limited morphological change beyond 14 km due to Kawaguchi Dam backwater effects. This integrated POT–GCD approach effectively identifies geomorphically significant floods and quantifies their spatial influence, demonstrating that SR enhances downstream sediment delivery and channel adjustment, emphasizing the role of hydrology and sediment connectivity in restoring riverine sediment budgets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"496 ","pages":"Article 110150"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145903960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Field measurements of Phragmites australis root reinforcement and traits along a riparian zone","authors":"Abhijith Kamath ,&nbsp;Jan-willem van de Kuilen","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phragmites australis L.</em>, a widespread vegetation in riparian zones such as rivers and canals, is extensively studied for its ecological benefits such as nutrient removal and hydraulic retention. However, its direct contribution to bank stability through root reinforcement, a key factor for its use in soil bioengineering techniques, has received limited attention. This study investigated the root reinforcement provided by <em>P. australis</em> and its root traits at a soil bioengineering test site on a canal bank in the Province of North-Holland in the Netherlands.</div><div>Direct measurements of root-soil composite strength were performed using a corkscrew extraction technique at two distinct distances from the canal. Concurrently, root distribution parameters, including Root Area Ratio (RAR) and Root Length Density (RLD), were quantified from extracted soil plugs. Root reinforcement was also indirectly estimated using biomechanical models, incorporating measured root tensile strength and root distribution parameters as inputs. A total of 12 excavations, each 0.25 m², were conducted for comprehensive root trait analysis at both locations.</div><div>Direct measurements revealed substantial root reinforcement (max 36 kPa; avg 6–19 kPa). RAR showed effective stabilization values between 0.03 and 0.65 %, peaking at 0.65 % in the area close to canal. Root systems were dominated by fine roots (&lt;0.5 mm diameter), comprising &gt;80 % of total root length and creating dense reinforcing networks. Corkscrew measurements yielded conservative values. Modeled estimates significantly exceeded these field measurements, which is consistent with conventional shear testing. The extensive root surface area (&gt;3.9 m² m⁻²) further demonstrates the species' soil-binding capacity, with higher values occurring in hydrologically favorable zones.</div><div>While the ecological implications of using this widespread species must be contextually considered, its pronounced mechanical reinforcement makes it a highly effective biotechnical tool, particularly in managed environments like canals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"496 ","pages":"Article 110159"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Constraints on the spatial distribution model of rock uplift in the eastern Tibetan Plateau by hypsometry analysis","authors":"Chongjian Shao ,&nbsp;Mingxing Gao ,&nbsp;Zhaokun Yan ,&nbsp;Yong Li ,&nbsp;Shao Liu ,&nbsp;Mei Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spatial patterns of rock uplift derived from geomorphic analysis provide important constraints on uplift models for the Longmen Shan (LMS), eastern Tibetan Plateau. Based on channel steepness indices defining three zones of distinct rock uplift intensity—high, moderate, and low, earlier work found the spatial distribution of uplift correlates poorly with surface main faults, and hence favored lower crustal flow as the dominant uplift model. However, such geomorphic indices are subject to multi-interpretability. High channel steepness indexes, for instance, may reflect either localized rapid uplift, knickpoint retreat, or contrasts in bedrock erodibility. To reduce this uncertainty, we refine the evolution models of hypsometric integral (HI) and relief in weak uplift regions, regional overall uplift regions and active orogenic belts, and propose a new method to identify weak uplift regions or regional overall uplift regions based on two geomorphic criteria: (1) a negative correlation between HI and relief, and (2) the presence of interfluvial platforms exhibiting high positive values of normalized HI minus normalized relief. Application of this method, combined with previous findings, allows us to delineate the regional overall uplift regions and reduce the multi-interpretability of similar geomorphic indices across the study area. Based on these findings, we reconstruct the spatial distribution of rock uplift intensity, unlike earlier steepness-based interpretations, it is closely associated with main faults. This finding supports upper crustal shortening as a more viable model for LMS uplift than lower crustal flow.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"496 ","pages":"Article 110169"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decoding bed armoring: A predictive method for grain size distribution in sand–gravel bed rivers","authors":"Zhiyi Feng ,&nbsp;Chunhong Hu ,&nbsp;Anjun Deng ,&nbsp;Chenge An ,&nbsp;Maohua Le ,&nbsp;Ruiru Lv","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.110152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.110152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sand–gravel riverbeds downstream of hydraulic projects frequently undergo significant bed armoring. Accurately predicting the grain-size distribution of the armored layer remains a critical yet complex challenge within the field of fluvial dynamics. This study focuses on the response mechanism that connects the progressive reduction in fine sediment content with the evolution of hiding–exposure effects, the consequent alterations in sediment state transition probability, and the subsequent adjustment of the armoring rate during the process of riverbed armoring. An expression for sediment entrainment probability is derived under dynamically varying conditions, which include armoring intensity and the hiding–exposure effects of non-uniform sediments. A three-state exchange mechanism among suspended load, bed load, and bed surface material is integrated into the armoring calculation process. A sediment mass conservation relation under depositional conditions is also formulated, leading to the proposal of a novel stability criterion for bed armoring. Building on these advancements, a predictive method for determining the grain-size distribution of armored layers is developed, explicitly considering sediment exchange processes. Application of this method to the downstream reaches of the Danjiangkou and Three Gorges Reservoirs in China reveals that the predicted grain-size distribution of the armored layer deviates from field measurements by only 2.9 % on average, and from flume experiments by 4.1 %. The findings indicate that the proposed method effectively replicates gradation trends, grain-size distributions of armor layer, and scour depths under clear-water conditions. Furthermore, within the research framework of multi-stage armoring, characterized by the cyclic “formation–destruction–reformation” of armor layers, the method demonstrates considerable potential for applicability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"496 ","pages":"Article 110152"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interpretable machine learning-based analysis of driving factors for inverted channel morphology in the Qaidam Basin","authors":"Xuhua Weng ,&nbsp;Ninghua Chen ,&nbsp;Bowen Gao ,&nbsp;Xinhao Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.geomorph.2026.110160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inverted fluvial channels serve as important paleoenvironmental indicators and are extensively distributed in arid regions of Earth and on other terrestrial planets such as Mars. The Qaidam Basin, which is considered an important analogue environment for Mars, contains abundant inverted channels. However, a comprehensive understanding of their distribution characteristics and the influence of environmental factors on their development is still lacking. This study focuses on revealing the driving factors of the inverted channels and their implications for paleoenvironments. The morphological characteristics of inverted channels in the Qaidam Basin show spatial heterogeneity. To unravel the governing mechanisms behind this spatial pattern, this study employed an integrated machine learning and SHAP interpretation approach with statistical techniques, including Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and a Geographical Detector model. Our analysis reveals a multi-stage evolution governed by shifting environmental controls. The initial formation of inverted channels is predicated on substrate contrast that the differential erodibility between competent channel-fill deposits and the surrounding weaker substrate. After the inverted channels are formed, the preserved length of channel segments is determined by a balance between initial fluvial scale and subsequent aeolian destruction, with topographic complexity providing critical shielding against erosional forces. High channel sinuosity is a well-preserved relic of meandering systems from wetter paleoclimates, while low sinuosity is a feature imposed by intense aeolian erosion that straightens the channel. This framework of controls directly explains the spatial patterns. This study enhances our understanding of inverted channel formation and evolution under multi-factor control, providing insights for paleo-hydrological reconstruction in the Qaidam Basin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55115,"journal":{"name":"Geomorphology","volume":"496 ","pages":"Article 110160"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}