Launched in 2014, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission aimed at ensuring the continuity with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) launched in 1997 that has provided unprecedented accuracy in Satellite Precipitation Estimates (SPEs) on the near-global scale. Since then, various SPE versions have been successively made available from the GPM mission. The present study assesses the potential benefits of the successive GPM based SPEs product versions that include the Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) version 3 to 5 (-v03, -v04, -v05) and the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) version 6 to 7 (-v06, -v07). Additionally, the most effective TRMM based SPEs products are also considered to provide a first insight into the GPM effectiveness in ensuring TRMM continuity. The analysis is conducted over different geomorphic and meteorological regions of Pakistan while using 88 precipitations gauges as the reference. Results show a clear enhancement in precipitation estimates that were derived from the very last IMERG-v05 in comparison to its two previous versions IMERG-v03 and -v04. Interestingly, based on the considered statistical metrics, IMERG-v03 provides more consistent precipitation estimate than IMERG-v04, which should be considered as a transition IMERG version. As expected, GSMaP-v07 precipitation estimates are more accurate than the previous GSMaP-v06. However, the enhancement from the old to the new version is very low. More generally, the transition from TRMM to GPM is successful with an overall better performance of GPM based SPEs than TRMM ones. Finally, all of the considered SPEs have presented a strong spatial variability in terms of accuracy with none of them outperforming the others, for all of the gauges locations over the considered regions. to ensure the continuity of the TRMM mission. From the GPM mission, two new SPEs were made available: the Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) [14] and a new version of GSMaP product. Available at a 0.1 • and half-hourly and hourly temporal scales, respectively, they offer the opportunity of capturing finer local precipitation variations in space and time [15]. Due to their recent release, few studies report on GPM based SPEs.A first attempt was made by, [16] while comparing IMERG to its predecessor TMPA at the monthly timescale. The study highlighted the differences in both precipitation datasets, which vary according to surfaces and precipitations rates. Since then, numerous studies were dedicated to provide more insights into this discrepancy and highlighted the potential IMERG benefits over its predecessor TMPA at a more local scale. For example, in India, IMERG was found more accurate in the estimation of mean monsoon precipitation than TMPA [17]. In China, IMERG precipitation estimates were compared with the gauges observation at the national level considering daily [18] and monthly temporal scales [19], and a local level study reported on IMERG precipitation estimates over the Chinese Bei...
The use of geophysical characterization of karst systems can provide an economical and non-invasive alternative for extracting information about cavities, sinkholes, pathways for water infiltration as well as the degree of karstification of underlying carbonate rocks. In the present study, three geophysical techniques, namely, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLFEM) methods were applied at three different locations in relation to fluvial karst, which is listed as an environmentally sensitive area in Rio Vermelho, Mambaí, Goiás, Brazil. In the data acquisition phase, the GPR, direct-current (DC) resistivity and VLFEM profiles were obtained at the three locations in the area. Data were analyzed using commonly adopted processing workflows. The GPR results showed a well-defined lithology of the site based on the amplitude of the signal and radar typologies. On the other hand, the inverted resistivity cross-sections showed a three-layered stratigraphy, pathways of water infiltration and the weathered structures in carbonate (Bambui group). The interpretation of VLFEM as contours of current density resulted from Fraser and Karous–Hjelt filters, indicated the presence of conductive structures (high apparent current density) that might be linked to the weathered carbonate and other conductive and resistive anomalies associated with the water-filled and dry cavities (cave), respectively. The results encourage the integrated application of geophysical techniques such as the reconnaissance for further detailed characterization of the karst areas.
Geophysical methods have a varying degree of potential for detailed characterization of landslides and their dynamics. In this study, the application of four well-established seismic-based geophysical techniques, namely Ambient Noise Interferometry (ANI), Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR), Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and Nanoseismic Monitoring (NM), were considered to examine their suitability for landslide characterization and monitoring the effect of seasonal variation on slope mass. Furthermore, other methods such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and DC Resistivity through Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) were also used for comparison purpose. The advantages and limitations of these multiple techniques were exemplified by a case study conducted on Sobradinho landslide in Brazil. The study revealed that the geophysical characterization of the landslide using traditional techniques (i.e., GPR, ERT and MASW) were successful in (i) the differentiation between landslide debris and other Quaternary deposits, and (ii) the delineation of the landslide sliding surface. However, the innovative seismic based techniques, particularly ambient noise based (HVSR and ANI) and emitted seismic based (NM), were not very effective for the dynamic monitoring of landslide, which might be attributed to the short-time duration of the data acquisition campaigns. The HVSR was also unsuccessful in landslide site characterization i.e., identification of geometry and sliding surface. In particular, there was no clear evidence of the light seasonal variations, which could have been potentially detected from the physical parameters during the (short-time) ambient noise and microseismic acquisition campaigns. Nevertheless, the experienced integration of these geophysical techniques may provide a promising tool for future applications.
Reactivation of a landslide is usually accompanied by microseismic signals emitted from the deforming soil mass. The reproduction of similar signals in a physical model test conducted under control conditions can allow researchers to explore and test such complicated signals to improve the prediction of full-scale failure. The present study investigates the similarity between the slidequakes (microseismicity) naturally emitted from an existing colluvial landslide (Sobradinho, Brazil) in response to rainfalls and the emissions generated by a pullout test of an expander body (EB) pile in tropical soil under controlled conditions. The microseismic signals emitted from both experimental sites (i.e. the landslide and the EB pile test) were recorded and compared. Data were acquired by mini-arrays of four short-period seismometers. For the signal nomenclature, a typological scheme was adopted, in which sonograms/spectral contents of the signals were used. As a result, short duration microseismic signals were observed during the pullout test. In contrast, at the Sobradinho landslide, the testing detected signals of different characteristics whose source mechanisms have remained ambiguous, mainly because of the short duration of the data campaigns. However, at the landslide, propagating events were observed that might be attributed to the energies generated by the river bedload during the heavy rains. The present study offers some insight into the pre-collapse dynamic behavior of unstable slopes in clayey formations.
The application of geophysical monitoring technologies may offer an opportunity to understand the dynamic of slopes in response to factors triggering their instability. In this study, Ambient Noise Interferometry was used as a monitoring approach on a man-made reduced-scale vertical slope and on a natural-scale landslide in Sobradinho (Brazil), under the influence of mechanical stress and rainfall, respectively. For both experiments, we adopted similar data acquisition system and processing workflow. After preprocessing of ambient seismic noise, the time-lapse changes were determined in terms of relative velocity changes using the moving window cross spectral technique. For the vertical slope, terrestrial laser scanning was also performed to detect crack or fissure generation. The prototype experiment results showed a decreasing trend of relative velocity changes and reached a minimum value of -0.6% at the end of the experiment. No change was detected on the digital elevation model that was computed from terrestrial laser scanning images, due to the absence of centimeter scale superficial fissures. At natural scale (Sobradinho landslide), no significant variation in relative velocity changes was detected for the rainy and non-rainy days, mainly because of the inadequate change in the degree of saturation, which was found within a relatively short period of data acquisition.
Due to the high rainfall erosivity and highly erodible soils, water erosion is severe in Brazil. Soil and ecosystem degradation occurs when erosion exceeds on‐ and off‐site soil loss tolerances, with significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts. In the last 50 years, the Brazilian Cerrado had 53% of its original vegetation converted to agriculture and pastureland. Although erosion plot studies exist in the region, the data are fragmented and unexplored, hindering the development of soil conservation policies. The objective of the present research was to compile, systematize, and statistically analyze the existing erosion plot data in the Brazilian Cerrado, correlating the observed results with different environmental and management factors, and with the corresponding soil loss tolerances. Twenty runoff plot datasets of the Brazilian Cerrado, encompassing 5 states, 10 sites, 108 plots, and 360 plot·years were compiled and thoroughly analyzed. Mean annual rainfall, runoff, and soil loss were 1443.5 mm year−1, 83.1 mm year−1, and 8.9 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively. After the data were normalized with respect to plot length, steepness, and climate, runoff and soil loss were found to be significantly higher in soils with impermeable horizons and in land uses without permanent soil cover (p < 0.05). Erosion under permanently covered plots was below the on‐ and off‐site soil loss tolerances. A power equation provided the best fit between plot runoff and soil loss (R2 = 0.71; p < 0.05), indicating that runoff volume, easier to estimate, could be used as a proxy for upslope erosion. Although erosion plot data cannot be extrapolated to the whole landscape, the research results provide useful elements for the development of sound conservation policies in the Cerrado and in other similar savannas of the world.
Reliable characterization of the karst system is essential for risk assessment where many associated hazards (e.g., cover-collapse dolines and groundwater pollution) can affect natural and built environments, threatening public safety. The use of multiple geophysical approaches may offer an improved way to investigate such cover-collapse sinkholes and aid in geohazard risk assessments. In this paper, covered karst, which has two types of shallow caves (vadose and fluvial) located in Tarimba (Goias, Brazil), was investigated using various geophysical methods to evaluate their efficiency in the delineation of the geometry of sediments filled sinkhole. The methods used for the investigation were Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Seismic Refraction Survey (SRS), Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) and the Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) method. The study developed several (2D) sections of the measured physical properties, including P-wave velocity and electrical resistivity, as well as the induced current (because of local bodies). For the analysis and processing of the data obtained from these methods, the following approaches were adopted: ERT inversion using a least-square scheme, Karous-Hjelt filter for VLF-EM data and time-distance curves and Vp cross-sections for the SRS. The refraction data analysis showed three-layered stratigraphy topsoil, claystone and carbonate bedrock, respectively. The findings obtained from ERT (three-layered stratigraphy and sediment-filled doline), as well as VLF-EM (fractured or filled caves as a positive anomaly), were found to be consistent with the actual field conditions. However, the SRS and SRT methods did not show the collapsed material and reached the limited the depth because of shorter profile lengths. The study provides a reasonable basis for the development of an integrated geophysical approach for site characterization of karst systems, particularly the perched tank and collapse doline.
Brazilian landslides are characterized as shallow, clay rich and are commonly triggered by the summer rainfalls. Therefore, the landslide geological information, such as shear surface location, has a paramount importance in their mechanism comprehension. The most adapted methods for the estimation of shear wave velocity profile are borehole stratigraphic logs or Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Cone Penetration Test (CPT). However, the present study applied shear wave velocity estimation of Sobradinho landslide (SLS) by a joint inversion of horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) curve and dispersion curve (DC) extracted from frequency-wavenumber (f-k) analysis of ambient noise records. HVSR curves at all the stations in the area exhibit the ubiquitous resonance frequency peak at 2 Hz indicates that at these stations the substratum is common. The f-k results for E-W component let us obtain an acceptable DC between 5 and 7 Hz range. Finally, joint inversion was interpreted based on the diffuse field assumption. The initial model was proposed to be a three-layered over a half-space. Results of joint inversion indicate that the substratum is at 24 m depth, with Vs values close to 1500 m/s. DC defines two layers overlaying the substratum: superficial layer with velocities near to 200 m/s (7m thick), and the second layer with Vs value of 1000 m/s. We think that abrupt rheology (stiffness) change between the first and the second layer could provide an evidence of the landslide re-activation during moderate to strong rainfall events. The proposed methodology will prove a reconnaissance survey for the detailed geotechnical investigations that will confirm the obtained results.
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