Person:
Martín Duque, José Francisco

First Name

José Francisco

Last Name

Martín Duque

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/75232

Affiliation

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Faculty / Institute

Ciencias Geológicas

Department

Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología

Area

Geodinámica Externa

Identifiers

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Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

Baseline to evaluate off-sitesuspended sediment-related mining effects in the Alto Tajo Natural Park, Spain
(Land Degradation and Development, 2017) Zapico Alonso, Ignacio; Laronne, Jonathan; Martín Moreno, Cristina; Martín Duque, José Francisco; Ortega, Ana; Sánchez Castillo,Lázaro
Mining is a human activity with considerable environmental impact. To evaluate such impacts, international laws require undertaking local studies based on direct sampling to establish baseline conditions of parameters modified by human activities. Mining takes place near the Alto Tajo Natural Park, where a suspended sediment concentration (SSC) baseline is required to determine whether mining affects water quality. To this end, we have monitored the Tajo River and its tributary the Tajuelo following Before–After Control-Impact (BACI) techniques, recommended by Australian and New Zealand laws, requiring a specific method based on continuous monitoring and sampling to enable evaluation of SSCs. An SSC baseline has been defined at stations situated upstream of the mining area and compared with those downstream. The highest detected SSC upstream of the Tajuelo mines was 24 g l−1 whereas the highest simultaneous downstream value was 391 g l−1, more than one order of magnitude higher than the supposed baseline (24 g l−1). Additionally, this value is 1000 times more than the average concentration of 25 mg l−1, used by the European Union until 2015, to guarantee the quality of salmonid waters. Following a BACI approach, a statistically significant SSC impact has been identified. The mined areas are the only source that can explain this increase. This is the first instance that such an increase and baseline have been found using this method. BACI is a simple and reliable method recommended for studying degraded areas rather than an irrelevant, fixed standard as included in most international laws.
Continuous monitoring of bedload discharge in a small, steep sandy channel
(Journal of hydrology, 2013) Lucía Vela, Ana; Recking, Alain; Martín Duque, José Francisco; Storz Peretz, Yael; Laronne, Jonathan
This paper reports on bedload flux and texture monitored in a natural, steep, sandy ephemeral channel draining a small gullied sandy watershed, the Barranca de los Pinos (1.32 ha), Spain. Bedload flux was continuously monitored with two independent Reid-type slot samplers; bedload texture was determined from the sediment collected in the samplers. Channel morphology was surveyed with a high spatial resolution with a Terrestrial Laser Scanner. The monitored instantaneous bedload fluxes are among the highest measured in natural rivers, characterized by high temporal and spatial variability related to the presence of bedforms, shallow bars and sand sheets, and to the reworking of the dry bed between and at the end of individual flow events. The grain size distribution of the bedload indicates equal mobility; but bedload texture fluctuates, depicting the transport of coarser bar surfaces and of finer-grained anabranch surfaces as well as of the overall bed subsurface.
The Ribagorda sand gully (east-central Spain): Sediment yield and human-induced origin
(Geomorphology, 2014) Martín Moreno, Cristina; Fidalgo Hijano, C.; Martín Duque, José Francisco; González Martín, J.A.; Zapico Alonso, Ignacio; Laronne, Jonathan
Gullies are developed under different climatic conditions and lithologies; however, those formed on sands have been scarcely described. This paper reports the study of the Ribagorda sand gully, 2.57 ha in area (east-central Spain). The main objectives were to characterize and quantify its geomorphic dynamics and to trace its origin. We described the landforms of the gully and measured the surface strength of the sand. We monitored, for six years, the filling of the storage areas of three check dams built downstream from the gully, and related it with rainfall characteristics. We also described the nature of the sediments trapped by the dams and estimated the amount of sediment eroded since the gully formation. Finally, we consulted historical records and maps to determine past land uses and transformations that may have affected the origin of the gully. The study shows a high diversity of landforms, denoting active processes, consistent with a measured mean annual sediment yield of 114 Mg ha−1 yr−1. A statistically significant relationship exists between the mass of sediment (Mg) and: 1) the total rainfall (mm) (P = 0.0007) or 2) the analysed rainfall intensities. Among five identified facies in the sedimentarywedge, the sandy ones are predominant. The total amount of sediment eroded by the Ribagorda gully since its originwas 962,800Mg. The results are unequivocal signs of an intense geomorphic activity within the gully, with an alluvial-fan type deposition in the dams.We interpret that the Ribagorda gully was initiated by deforestation after the 13th century, when forests began to be intensively logged, and before the 18th century,when the gullywas first indirectly described in print. The age, origin, evolution and dynamics of this gully indicate that this landscape is currently evolving towards a new steady state, after human disturbances over centuries. Given the gully evolution and local extent, we suggest that no correction measures are needed for its management.
Geodynamic processes on sandy slope gullies in central Spain field observations, methods and measurements in a singular system
(Geodinámica acta, 2011) Lucía Vela, Ana; Laronne, Jonathan; Martín Duque, José Francisco
Gullies developed on sandy lithologies are scarce and few studies have been reported on these landscapes. This paper presents an approach to study such singular landforms. The studied gullies appear on the slopes of a group of mesas and cuestas of Upper Cretaceous sediments located in the Northern piedmont of the Guadarrama Mountains, Spain. Landforms of these gullied areas were catalogued, characterized and quantified with reconnaissance methods, providing information about the most active geomorphic processes. These are being monitored in a 1.32 ha representative gullied catchment, the Barranca de los Pinos. In its high gradient slopes, where mass movements occur, high resolution topographical surveys are being carried out by Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). On low gradient slopes, runoff and rain splash are being monitored in micro plots; and in the main channel, sediment transport and water discharge are being measured. This ensemble of methods, some of them novel, is providing patterns of sediment movement within the gully system, and a hypothesis of high activity rates has been confirmed. High gradient sand slopes without carbonate caprock erode fourfold compared to the capped slopes. In the low gradient slopes, those ungullied produce more runoff while exposed sands yield more sediment; sands covered by litter produce the least runoff and sediment. Notably, this catchment yields mainly bedload.
Morpho-textural implications to bedload flux and texture in the sand-gravel ephemeral Poveda Gully
(Geomorphology, 2018) Zapico Alonso, Ignacio; Laronne, Jonathan; Lucía Vela, Ana; Martín Duque, José Francisco
We report on channel morpho-texture and bedload transport in a natural, steep, sand-gravel ephemeral channel draining the small Poveda Gully watershed in the mining area of the Alto Tajo Natural Park, Spain. First-ever continuous bedload flux and texture monitoring in a transitional sand-gravel environment was undertaken by two independent Reid-type slot samplers. Morphological changes in the feeder reach have been quantified by TLS (terrestrial laser scanning) and SfM (structure from motion) technologies. We identified a pattern in channel-bed morphology and texture (morpho-texture): when the channel is incised its texture is coarser, otherwise sand-filling occurs. These changes determine bedload flux and texture: sand fill brings rise to high fluxes and fine-grained bedload, whereas incision caused by evacuation of sand leaves a sandy-gravel surface with lower bedload fluxes and coarser texture. A video camera recording during events allowed identification of dramatic changes in bedload flux and texture owing to the appearance and erosion of bars, supplying field evidence to explain the difficulty in the prediction of bedload flux at short time intervals.
Drainage network evolution and reconstruction in an open pit kaolin mine at the edge of the Alto Tajo natural Park
(Catena, 2021) Zapico, Ignacio; Laronne, Jonathan; Sánchez Castillo, Lázaro; Martín Duque, José Francisco
Landform instability of the abandoned Nuria kaolin mine, surrounding the Alto Tajo Natural Park in Spain, has caused frequent and severe environmental impacts due to deficient mining practices, environmental mismanagement and closure planning. Geomorphic instability has caused widespread soil erosion and elevated sediment yields with off-site effects. We quantified such land instability, the evolution of the resulting drainage networks and catchments, and ensuing gully processes. High Resolution Topography sources were compared with historic maps and photos. The current mine rehabilitation practices are depicted based on a geomorphic approach that introduces a sustainable drainage system designed to avoid detected risks. Our aim is reconstructing fluvial channels and related hillslopes that mimic their natural counterparts adapted to a rehabilitation of pre-existing gradient terraces. We demonstrate that: i) mining activity produced a 31–58% decrease in the original site drainage network ii) a post-mining active advancing gully is an indicator of drainage network redevelopment advancing toward an upstream pond with flash-flooding risk; iii) a geomorphic designed and constructed fluvial network and proper drainage density adapted to pre-existing gradient-terraces seeks reestablishing stability; and iv) in absence of sufficient funding for rehabilitation, public/private collaboration agreements play an important role to reinstate landscape stability of abandoned or erroneously restored mines.
Improvement of Workflow for Topographic Surveys in Long Highwalls of Open Pit Mines with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Structure from Motion
(Remote Sensing, 2021) Zapico, Ignacio; Laronne, Jonathan; Sánchez Castillo, Lázaro; Martín Duque, José Francisco
Conducting topographic surveys in active mines is challenging due ongoing operations and hazards, particularly in highwalls subject to constant and active mass movements (rock and earth falls, slides and flows). These vertical and long surfaces are the core of most mines, as the mineral feeding mining production originates there. They often lack easy and safe access paths. This framework highlights the importance of accomplishing non-contact high-accuracy and detailed topographies to detect instabilities prior to their occurrence. We have conducted drone flights in search of the best settings in terms of altitude mode and camera angle, to produce digital representation of topographies using Structure from Motion. Identification of discontinuities was evaluated, as they are a reliable indicator of potential failure areas. Natural shapes were used as control/check points and were surveyed using a robotic total station with a coaxial camera. The study was conducted in an active kaolin mine near the Alto Tajo Natural Park of East-Central Spain. Here the 140 m highwall is formed by layers of limestone, marls and sands. We demonstrate that for this vertical landscape, a facade drone flight mode combined with a nadir camera angle, and automatically programmed with a computer-based mission planning software, provides the most accurate and detailed topographies, in the shortest time and with increased flight safety. Contrary to previous reports, adding oblique images does not improve accuracy for this configuration. Moreover, neither extra sets of images nor an expert pilot are required. These topographies allowed the detection of 93.5% more discontinuities than the Above Mean Sea Level surveys, the common approach used in mining areas. Our findings improve the present SfM-UAV survey workflows in long highwalls. The versatile topographies are useful for the management and stabilization of highwalls during phases of operation, as well closure-reclamation.
Evaluation of sedimentation pond performance for a cleaner water production from an open pit mine at the edge of the Alto Tajo Natural Park
(Journal of Cleaner Production, 2021) Zapico, Ignacio; Laronne, Jonathan; Meixide, Carmen; Sánchez Castillo, Lázaro; Martín Duque, José Francisco
Controlling sediment produced by water erosion is the highest environmental challenge in steep, open pit sand mines located in erosive climates. Although restoration is impractical in active mine areas, sedimentation ponds are the Best Available Technique by the European Union to reduce sediment spillages from these environments. Few studies have described and supported such a solution with high resolution data. The María José mine is one of two active kaolin mines in the mining area of the Alto Tajo Natural Park, a highly erosive setting. It has a complex maintained pond system as a hydrologic and sedimentary control measure. In this landscape, mining can only be sustainable if clean water from production is ensured. The pond system retains sediment and water during a rain event, deposits the sediment, and eventually spills the water under controlled events. The María José spillages have been continuously monitored for suspended sediment concentration and water discharge at the mine outlet since 2012. During four years the efficiency of the pond system varied (96.7–99%), producing an average annual sediment yield of 5.6 Mg ha−1 y−1, a reduction of 98.4% compared with the sediment yield reported for similar local mines having no ponds. A quarter of this sediment was produced under controlled spillages allowing runoff management; the rest during large rainfall events when runoff decreased pond efficiency gives rise to an increase in suspended sediment concentration, as is typical of local natural rivers. Provided continuous maintenance, sediment ponds are shown to be a successful method to produce clean water. Successful pond efficiency implies that a mine produces water and sediment during baseflow conditions, allowing sufficient sediment volume to accumulate during rainstorms.