Geomorphology

GeoSciences Column: Forests in flux – log-jams in the Amazon

Robert Emberson October 25, 2017

The impact of log jams on river geomorphology is varied. Unravelling the untouched . Credit: Amajida Roslim (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu).

Collapsing dams are a staple of disaster films, but the form that these take in natural systems is also surprisingly varied. Streams and rivers can be blocked by a range of rapid and gradual inputs. One of the lesser-known causes of stream blockage is through the accumulation of large woody debris – tree trunks and large branches – to form a log jam. The impact of these jams on river geomorphology ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Mondays: Ice forming on Chesapeake Bay

Laura Roberts-Artal October 23, 2017

Ice forming on Chesapeake Bay. Credit: Melissa Bukovsky (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

Sandwiched between the U.S states of Mayland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York State, the District of Columbia and Virginia, lies Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in North America. It is of huge ecological importance: “the bay, its rivers, wetlands and forests provide homes, food and protection for countless animals and plants”, says the Chesapeake Bay Program. Up to 150 major rivers and stream ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Mondays: Isolated atoll

Laura Roberts-Artal September 25, 2017

Isolated . Credit: Fulvia Favaro (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

Covering a total area of 298 km², the idylic natural atolls and reefs of the Maldives stretch across the Indian Ocean. The tropical nation is famous for it’s crystal clear waters and picture perfect white sand beaches, but how did the 26 ring-shaped atolls and over 1000 coral islands form? Coral reefs commonly form immediately around an island, creating a fringe which projects seawards from the sh ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Mondays: A prehistoric forest

Laura Roberts-Artal September 11, 2017

1.6 hectares of wilderness. Give me more . Credit: Vytas Huth (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

This stunning vista encompasses the south-western wilderness of Tasmania as seen from the Tahune air walk 60 m above the Huon river valley. In front lies the beginning of a huge UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering almost a fourth of the area of Tasmania. The site mostly consists of a pristine, temperate rainforest of Gondwanan origin that is home to the tallest flowering trees in the world; Eucal ...[Read More]