Publications
69 results found
Mason PJ, Ghail RC, Bischoff C, et al., 2015, Detecting and monitoring small-scale discrete ground movements across London, using Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PSI), XVI ECSMGE, Publisher: ICE Publishing
The geology of London is surprisingly poorly understood and, until recently, has been accepted as that of an unfaulted subsidingintraplate basin. The detection of deformation in such quiescent intraplate regions is, however, rather difficult since the movementrates are at least an order of magnitude less than those at plate margins. Growing evidence from across the capital indicates that London'sground conditions are considerably more complex than expected and that faulting is almost always involved.PSInSAR is a developing technique widely used to detect and monitor ground subsidence, especially in urban settings, the movements ofwhich may be up to tens of millimetres. This work focuses on the detection of smaller scale ground movements (of a few millimetres),which we believe are caused by fault-controlled intraplate adjustments, using PSInSAR.The London PSInSAR dataset derives from an imaging SAR archive spanning 18 years (1992 - 2000 and 2001 to 2010). Our preliminaryfindings have revealed systematic patterns of both vertical and horizontal ground displacement. These displacements appear to be faultconstrained and fit the predicted framework of Caledonian, Variscan/Alpine structures known to exist across southern Britain. More detailedanalysis has revealed some surprising patterns, which hint at discrete movements rather than continuous 'creep' over the 18 year period;we believe these are driven by basement faults beneath an inverting London basin.
Ghail RC, Mason PJ, Skipper JA, 2015, The geological context and evidence for incipient inversion of the London Basin, XVI ECSMGE 2015, Pages: 3523-3528
A reappraisal of ground investigation data across London reveal that a range of unexpected ground conditions, encountered in engineering works since Victorian times, may result from the effects of ongoing inversion of the London Basin. Site investigation borehole data and the distribution of river terrace deposits of the Thames and its tributaries reveal a complex pattern of block movements, tilting and dextral transcurrent displacement. Significant displacements (~10 m) observed in Thames terrace gravels in borehole TQ38SE1565 at the Lower Lea Crossing, showing that movement has occurred within the last ~100 ka. Restraining bends on reactivated transcurrent faults may ex-plain the occurrence of drift filled hollows, previously identified as fluvially scoured pingos, by faulting and upward migration of water on a flower structure under periglacial conditions. Mapping the location of these features constrains the location of active transcurrent faults and so helps predict the likelihood of encountering hazardous ground conditions during tunnelling and ground engineering.
Turconi L, Tropeano D, Savio G, et al., 2015, Landscape analysis for multi-hazard prevention in Orco and Soana valleys, North-Western Italy, Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences Discussions, Vol: 3, Pages: 2221-2246, ISSN: 2195-9269
A Civil Protection Plan has been drafted for a 600 km2 mountainous region in NWItaly Consisting of Orco and Soana Valleys. It is a part of the oldest natural park inItaly and attracts several thousand tourists every year. The work is concerned with the analysis of relevant physiographic characteristics of this Alpine landscapehavingextremely variable geomorphology and possess a long history of instability. Thousandsof records as well as digital maps (involving overlay and comparison of up to 90 GISlayers) have been analyzed and cross-correlated to find out the details of the events.The study area experienced different types of natural hazards, typical of the whole Alpine environment. Thus, the present area has been selected for such multi-hazardresearch in which several natural processes have been investigated, concerning theirdamaging effects over the land. Due to 36 different severe hazardous events at least250 deaths have been recorded in the area since 18th Century, in the occasion of.
Singh A, Gupta S, Sinha R, et al., 2015, Large–scale avulsion of the late Quaternary Sutlej river in the NW Indo–Gangetic foreland basin, European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2015
River avulsions are important processes in the spatial evolution of river systems in tectonically active sedimentary basins as they govern large–scale patterns of sediment routing. However, the pattern and timing of avulsions in large river systems are poorly documented and not well understood. Here we document late Quaternary paleo– river channel changes in the Indo–Gangetic basin of northwest India. Using a combination of satellite remote sensing and detailed sediment coring, we analyse the large–scale planform geometry, and detailed sedimentary andstratigraphic nature of a major fluvial sedimentary deposit in the shallow subsurface. This sediment body records aggradation of multiple fluvial channel fills. Satellite remote sensing analysis indicates the trace of the buried channel complex and demonstrates that it exists in region of the Himalayan foreland where no major rivers are currently present. Thus it records the former drainage pathway of a major river, which has since been diverted. We use optically stimulated luminescence dating techniques to develop an age model for the stratigraphic succession and hence constrain the timing of river channel existence and diversion. Provenance analysis based on U–Pb dating of detrital zircons and detrital mica Ar–Ar ages indicate sediment sources in the Higher Himalayan Crystalline andLesser Himalayan Crystalline Series indicating that this paleo–river channel system formed a major perennial river derived from the main body of the Himalaya. Specifically we are able to fingerprint bedrock sources in thecatchment of the present–day Sutlej river indicating that the paleo–fluvial system represents the former course of the Sutlej river prior to a major nodal avulsion to its present day course. Our results indicate that on geologically relatively short time–scales, we observe dramatic along strike shifts in the location of major Himalayan rivers. Our sediment records
Turconi L, Tropeano D, Savio G, et al., 2015, Landscape analysis for multi-hazard prevention in Orco and Soana valleys, Northwest Italy, NATURAL HAZARDS AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES, Vol: 15, Pages: 1963-1972, ISSN: 1561-8633
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- Citations: 6
Ghail RC, Skipper J, Mason PJ, 2014, Identification of Ground Engineering Hazards in London Through the Use of Predictive 4D Geomodelling Tools, Switzerland, Engineering Geology for Society and Territory, Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Pages: 907-911
Unexpected ground conditions are responsible for a number of engineering problems and hazards across London. A major reason for the unexpected nature of these events is the historical proprietary approach to site investigation, which has restricted knowledge transfer and inhibited the development of a London-wide geological context. Recent changes mean that much of these data are now accessible in the public domain for site investigation and useful in predicting the engineering hazards resulting from complex and variable geology. We advocate applying predictive 4D modelling to better constrain geological structures, facies, fissures and groundwater flow, and adopting an iterative approach that both informs local site models and updates the regional context. Reverse normal faulting, indicative of basin inversion, pull-apart structures and periglacial scour/pingo features are identified in a pilot study regional model. Applying this model to a small site investigation predicted otherwise unexpected faulting, generating horizontal fissuring that causes water to flow along the length of the fault system. Widely adopting this approach in London and other urban areas may substantially reduce the risk of unexpected ground hazards.
Wu M-C, Liu J, Cosgrove J, et al., 2014, Modelling of Yingxiu-Seichuan fault zone based on refined DInSAR data of 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, TECTONOPHYSICS, Vol: 630, Pages: 193-207, ISSN: 0040-1951
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- Citations: 5
Barrott JJ, Dudeney AWL, Mason PJ, 2014, Spatial and temporal relationships between Eocene sand horizons and iron contamination in stream water in the Thames Basin west of London, UK, Geochemistry-Exploration Environment Analysis, Vol: 14, Pages: 33-44, ISSN: 1467-7873
Analyses of stream water samples associated with Tertiary (Eocene) sands of the Bracklesham Formation 30–60 km west of London showed numerous occurrences of groundwater containing elevated iron(II) concentrations (1–15 mg/l Fe), which oxidise to red-brown ferrihydrite in localised wetlands and streams and join onward flows towards the River Thames. GIS mapping of iron concentrations in relation to topographical and geological data within a 20×30 km project area indicated some 168 km of iron-contaminated water.The results are consistent with downward permeation of groundwater through contained Camberley, Windlesham and Bagshot sand horizons and predominant W-E groundwater flow of up to 35 km in the Bagshot horizon, which rests on impermeable London Clay. Glauconite, comprising up to 70% of the sand near the base of the Windlesham horizon, apparently provides the main source of soluble iron in the near-anoxic, near-neutral, conditions normally prevailing. Pyrite is also a possible source, especially where quarrying or other excavation releases water from previously isolated volumes, simultaneously causing elevated sulphate and acidity levels via relatively rapid sulphide oxidation. Mechanisms proposed are underpinned through comparison with reports on analogous systems in the UK and abroad.Streams and lakes in the vicinity of seepages are highly visible and of decreased biodiversity. However, because of their natural origin, they are not subject to the same public concern and environmental control as compositionally similar near-neutral water from many former coal mines elsewhere - where iron derives primarily from pyrite. Also, while comparatively persistent, they appear destined for rapid depletion in geological terms: the unusual isolation of the sands until the Quaternary indicates a short leaching period and suggests a reason why iron-rich water from natural ferruginous sands is seldom of sufficient significanc
Wu M-C, Liu JG, Mason PJ, 2013, Adaptive local kriging to retrieve slant-range surface motion maps of the Wenchuan earthquake, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING, Vol: 34, Pages: 7589-7606, ISSN: 0143-1161
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- Citations: 5
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Yu E, et al., 2013, Earthquake damage zone GIS modelling: A modulation between co-seismic deformation and landslide susceptibility, Pages: 269-277
In mountainous regions, earthquake events are typical of naturally-occurring multiple hazards and are frequently the trigger for cascade effects which range from the destruction of the initial shock, to extensive and complex slope failures in the immediate, short and very long-term. The conventional seismic intensity zonationmethod cannot adequately characterise both the current damage level and long-term geohazards, while detailed information is critical in guiding postdisastermitigation and regional development. In studying themost severely damagedBeichuan area by the Mw7.9Wenchuan earthquake, we proceeded with a qualitative numerical method for earthquake damage zonemapping which is novel in its integration of the multi-variable GIS modelling of geohazard susceptibility with co-seismic deformation via amodulation. This new model, we call it earthquake damage, characterise not only the destruction immediately after an earthquake but also the potential for future damage as the consequences of the earthquake. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Yu E, et al., 2013, Earthquake Damage Zone GIS Modelling: A Modulation Between Co-Seismic Deformation and Landslide Susceptibility, Landslide Science and Practice, Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Pages: 269-277, ISBN: 9783642314261
Wu M-C, Liu J-G, Yan H, et al., 2012, Three-Dimensional Surface Displacement Map of The 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake Derived From Phase Correlation Sub-pixel Offset Method and Adaptive Local Kriging DInSAR Data, 2012 IEEE International Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium, Pages: 3899-3902
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Yu E, et al., 2012, GIS modelling of earthquake damage zones using satellite remote sensing and DEM data, GEOMORPHOLOGY, Vol: 139, Pages: 518-535, ISSN: 0169-555X
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- Citations: 20
Ghail RC, Wilson C, Galand M, et al., 2011, EnVision: taking the pulse of our twin planet, Experimental Astronomy: an international journal on astronomical instrumentation and data analysis
EnVision is an ambitious but low-risk response to ESA’s call for a medium-size mission opportunity for a launch in 2022. Venus is the planet most similar to Earth in mass, bulk properties and orbital distance, but has evolved to become extremely hostile to life. EnVision’s 5-year mission objectives are to determine the nature of and rate of change caused by geological and atmospheric processes, to distinguish between competing theories about its evolution and to help predict the habitability of extrasolar planets. Three instrument suites will address specific surface, atmosphere and ionosphere science goals. The Surface Science Suite consists of a 2.2 m2 radar antenna with Interferometer, Radiometer and Altimeter operating modes, supported by a complementary IR surface emissivity mapper and an advanced accelerometer for orbit control and gravity mapping. This suite will determine topographic changes caused by volcanic, tectonic and atmospheric processes at rates as low as 1 mm a − 1. The Atmosphere Science Suite consists of a Doppler LIDAR for cloud top altitude, wind speed and mesospheric structure mapping, complemented by IR and UV spectrometers and a spectrophotopolarimeter, all designed to map the dynamic features and compositions of the clouds and middle atmosphere to identify the effects of volcanic and solar processes. The Ionosphere Science Suite uses a double Langmiur probe and vector magnetometer to understand the behaviour and long-term evolution of the ionosphere and induced magnetosphere. The suite also includes an interplanetary particle analyser to determine the delivery rate of water and other components to the atmosphere.
Bishop CA, Liu JG, Mason PJ, 2011, Hyperspectral remote sensing for mineral exploration in Pulang, Yunnan Province, China, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING, Vol: 32, Pages: 2409-2426, ISSN: 0143-1161
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- Citations: 124
Ismail NAFB, Kamarudin SN, Rahim MSBM, et al., 2010, Visualisation of Earth Deformation in 2D, 2nd International Conference on Computational Intelligence Communication Systems and Networks (CICSyN), Publisher: IEEE COMPUTER SOC, Pages: 320-325
Liu JG, Mason P, 2009, Essential Image Processing and GIS for Remote Sensing, UK 9780470510322, Publisher: Wiley, ISBN: 9780470510322
Essential Image Processing and GIS for Remote Sensing is an accessible overview of the subject and successfully draws together these three key areas in a ...
Fourniadis IG, Liu JG, Mason PJ, 2007, Regional assessment of landslide impact in the Three Gorges area, China, using ASTER data: Wushan-Zigui, LANDSLIDES, Vol: 4, Pages: 267-278, ISSN: 1612-510X
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- Citations: 31
Fourniadis IG, Liu JG, Mason PJ, 2007, Landslide hazard assessment in the Three Gorges area, China, using ASTER imagery: Wushan-Badong, GEOMORPHOLOGY, Vol: 84, Pages: 126-144, ISSN: 0169-555X
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- Citations: 86
Fourniadis IG, Liu JG, Mason PJ, 2007, Regional assessment of landslide impact in the Three Gorges area, China, using ASTER data: Wushan-Zigui, Landslides: Journal of the International Consortium of Landslides, Vol: 4, Pages: 267-278
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Ma JM, 2006, Measurement of the left-lateral displacement of Ms 8.1 Kunlun earthquake on 14 November 2001 using Landsat-7 ETM + imagery, International Journal of Remote Sensing, Vol: 27, Pages: 1875-1891, ISSN: 0143-1161
An imageodesy study has been carried out, using pre‐ and post‐event Landsat‐7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images, to reveal regional co‐seismic displacement caused by the Ms 8.1 Kunlun earthquake in November 2001. The two Landsat scenes, Kusai Lake and Buka Daban, cover an area of some 57 600 km2 (320 km W–E and about 180 km N–S), which includes most of the fault rupture zone. The co‐seismic displacement measured in the Kusai Lake scene shows that the average left‐lateral shift along the Kunlun fault is 4.8 m (ranging from 1.5 to 8.1 m) and the maximum shift appears west of the Kusai Lake. The splayed nature of the fault to the west of Buka Daban, where the fault splits into three branches, causes the displacement pattern to become complicated. Here the average left‐lateral shift, between the south side of the southern branch and the north side of the northern branch, is 4.6 m (ranging from 1.0 to 8.2 m). Our results also illustrate that the south side of the fault is the ‘active’ block, moving significantly in an east–south‐easterly direction, relative to the largely ‘stable’ northern block.
Mason PJ, 2005, REMOTE SENSING, Encyclopedia of Geology, Five Volume Set, ISBN: 9780123693969
Philippa J Mason, 2004, Geographic Information Systems, Encyclopaedia of Geology, Editors: Selley, Cocks, Plimer, Publisher: Academic Press Inc.,U.S., ISBN: 9780126363807
Liu JG, Mason P, Hilton F, et al., 2004, Detection of Rapid Erosion in SE Spain, Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, Vol: 70, Pages: 1179-1185, ISSN: 0099-1112
Liu JG, Mason P, Hilton F, et al., 2004, Detection of rapid erosion in SE Spain: A GIS approach based on ERS SAR coherence imagery, PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING AND REMOTE SENSING, Vol: 70, Pages: 1179-1185, ISSN: 0099-1112
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- Citations: 25
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Clerici N, et al., 2004, Landslide hazard assessment in the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze river using ASTER imagery: Zigui-Badong, GEOMORPHOLOGY, Vol: 61, Pages: 171-187, ISSN: 0169-555X
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- Citations: 135
Mason PJ, 2004, Remote Sensing: Gis, Encyclopedia of Geology, Pages: 420-431, ISBN: 9780123693969
Geological phenomena vary in space and time and this basic trait makes geology a particularly suitable application field for Geographical Information Systems (GIS). A GIS is a computer-based tool for the mapping and analysis of things that exist on, and events that happen on Earth. It is, therefore, a sophisticated but general-purpose tool and one which can be applied in many ways to many problems, and especially so in geosciences. There have been a number of technological advances, including the development of GIS, which have transformed the work of the geoscientist over the last 15–20 years. Until the 1980s, GIS was used and developed mainly by the geographical community and generally in government organizations and research institutions. The wider geological community has been, until relatively recently, a little sceptical about its operational success in solving complex geological problems. The first GIS systems were pretty cumbersome hardware and software suites, with high-end functionality that required programming skills to operate. These have evolved into highly functional desktop systems, which anyone can learn to use, and which are part of a growing, multibillion dollar, worldwide industry. GIS functionality developed very quickly, with the advanced statistical and 3D analytical modules, which had been considered requirements only of the advanced GIS community, becoming the selling points for desktop GIS. Multivariate and geo-statistical methods laid the foundations of the geological application of GIS. Specialized exploration software, in the late 1970s and 1980s, had many features present in current GIS suites, such as those of Zycor....
JG Liu, PJ Mason, N Clerici, et al., 2004, Landslide hazard assessment in the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze river using ASTER imagery: Zigui–Badong, Geomorphology, Vol: 61, Pages: 171-187
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Hilton F, et al., 2004, Detection of Rapid Erosion in SE Spain: a GIS Approach Based on ERS SAR Coherence Imagery., Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, Vol: 70, Pages: 1179-1185
Liu JG, Mason PJ, Clerici N, et al., 2003, Landslide hazard assessment in the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze River using ASTER imagery, 23rd International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS 2003), Publisher: IEEE, Pages: 1302-1304
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- Citations: 4
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