Flusskorridore und Auenstrukturen im schweizerischen Mittelland (nördliches Alpenvorland) | River corridors and alluvial structures in Central Switzerland (northern sub-alpine area)
Long-term spatial variation of river channel distribution in this alluvial valley zone is described for two examples by analysing historical maps covering a period of over 300 years. Such a time series enables the identification of the occupied river corridor or «Pendelband». Two river sections in northern Switzerland were chosen, one of the Aare river and one of the Reuss river to analyse the spatial evolution of the river channels over time, as well as alluvial structures. Knowledge of the river corridor as an historical reference give us an important guideline when developing appropriate regional measures for river restoration projects.
Ableitung und Analyse flussmorphologisch relevanter Parameter von historischen Karten
Increasing morphological problems are being encountered with watercourses in central Europe, related to impacts on sediment regime with lack and surplus of material, higher bed shear stresses due to narrowing of river beds, and subsequent river bed degradation. Ecological deficits result from the lack of gravel bars, a missing of dynamic river morphology and a lowering of the groundwater table. Up to now, practical studies have generally used descriptive analyses of historical conditions of rivers and their morphology (e.g. defining the morphology as braiding or meandering). This paper deals with the qualitative and especially the quantitative analysis of parameters derived from historical maps. Parameters such as river bed width, radius, slope and sinuosity are first described in a scaling context and then derived from two historical and the present situation at the river Mur in Austria. It is shown that this approach improves the quality of results based on historical maps and gives first ideas about the solution of morphological problems.
Geographic And Environmental Influence On Maya Settlement Patterns Of The Northwest Yucatan: An Explanation For The Sparsely Settled Western Cenote Zone
Most settlement pattern research and GIS analysis of the ancient Maya of the Northern Yucatan have focused on water availability in a dry landscape where cenotes are often the only water source. While water is of paramount importance, permanent settlement secondarily requires farmable soil, a resource often as precious as water in many parts of the Yucatan. The dynamics between these resources reveal areas of ideal settlement and more challenging landscapes for which the Maya developed strategies to overcome environmental conditions. A region of the southwest "Cenote Zone", however, appears to have presented the ancient Maya with insurmountably poor environmental conditions despite abundant water resources. The lack of dense population and stone architecture in this area emphasizes the lack of a simple correlation between cenotes and settlement. This thesis uses GIS analysis to identify and explore such problematic settlement areas to better understand the factors and complexities involved in the more successful settlements of neighboring regions. iv This work is dedicated to my late father, who first introduced me to the Mundo Maya through a visit to the ruins of Tikal at the age of nine, and who instilled in me strength, curiosity, and a love for exploring the world. v ACKLOWLEDGEMENTS I'd like to acknowledge Dr. Arlen Chase and Dr. Diane Chase for providing such outstanding opportunities and instruction, and for leading by example both in the field and in the classroom. Dr. John Walker for his eye-opening perspectives, GIS instruction, inspiring hard-working attitude, and patience in the field. Dr. Clifford Brown and Dr. Walter Witschey for their invaluable correspondence and for their contributions to mapping and GIS data of Maya sites.