The spatio-temporal analysis of the rockfall activity of the past two centuries through dendrogeomorphic reconstruction in Cozia Massif (Southern Carpathians, Romania)

Ovreiu, Adriana Bianca; Pop, Olimpiu Traian; Oprea, Constantin Razvan; Andra-Toparceanu, Andreea; Cruceru, Nicolae

doi:10.1007/s11069-023-06168-7

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The average diameter of the trees examined was 26.85 cm, with a minimum of 8.5 cm and a maximum of 92 cm. The growth rings of the trees revealed 1137 GDs caused by rockfalls, and these were further categorized into 457 GSs (40%), 431 CWs (38%), 206 TRDs (18%), and 43 SCs (4%) [24]. We noticed that some of the 1137 GDs recorded are simultaneously located in the same tree's growth ring or were recorded during the first 10 years of the tree's life.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 86%

“…In our approach, we investigated 40 trees, which is the minimum necessary stipulated from previous works but distributed over only 20% of the minimum area required (0.19 ha representing 1 tree/47 sqm). We did not identify any periods of forest exploitation or significant tree mortality [24]. Regardless of the forest stand's historical evolution, we ensured that the sample's depth met the literature's recommended conditions during the analysis.…”

Section: Dendrogeomorphic Sampling and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dendrogeomorphological Reconstruction of Rockfall Activity in a Forest Stand, in the Cozia Massif (Southern Carpathians, Romania)

Ovreiu,

Oprea,

Andra-Topârceanu

et al. 2024

Forests

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Determining the spatio-temporal patterns of rockfalls, such as the zonation of hazards and the assessment of associated risks, can be challenging due to poor historical archives. Dendrogeomorphological methods cover this lack of data and provide reliable reconstructions of rockfall activities over several centuries. These methods are based on the signals recorded in the tree rings that are affected by the mechanical impact of falling rock fragments. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of rockfalls in a 0.19 ha forest area in the Southern Carpathians. We collected 170 samples (100 increment cores and 70 stem discs) from all 40 Picea abies (L.) Karst trees identified in the study area (1 tree/47 m2). This allowed us to date 945 events between 1817 and 2021, which we then compared with available weather records. Our results show the main trajectory of falling rock fragments from the source area, as well as significant temporal variations in process activity. These variations correlate only slightly with fluctuations in meteorological parameters. Despite the expected intensification of natural hazards due to climate warming, our study area shows a general trend towards a slight decrease in rockfall activity at present.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 86%

Section: Dendrogeomorphic Sampling and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%