A landscape scale valley confinement algorithm: Delineating unconfined valley bottoms for geomorphic, aquatic, and riparian applications | Zendy

David E. Nagel | Zendy; John M. Buffington | Zendy; Sharon Parkes | Zendy; Seth J. Wenger | Zendy; Jaime R. Goode | Zendy

Open Access

A landscape scale valley confinement algorithm: Delineating unconfined valley bottoms for geomorphic, aquatic, and riparian applications

Author(s) -

David E. Nagel,

John M. Buffington,

Sharon Parkes,

Seth J. Wenger,

Jaime R. Goode

Publication year - 2014

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Reports

DOI - 10.2737/rmrs-gtr-321

Subject(s) - digital elevation model , riparian zone , scale (ratio) , elevation (ballistics) , remote sensing , hydrology (agriculture) , habitat , geology , geography , cartography , ecology , geotechnical engineering , engineering , structural engineering , biology

Valley confinement is an important landscape characteristic linked to aquatic habitat, riparian diversity, and geomorphic processes. This report describes a GIS program called the Valley Confinement Algorithm (VCA), which identifies unconfined valleys in montane landscapes. The algorithm uses nationally available digital elevation models (DEMs) at 10-30 m resolution to generate results at subbasin scales (8 digit hydrologic unit). User-defined parameters allow results to be tailored to specific applications and landscapes. Field data were sampled to verify geomorphic characteristics of valley types identified by the program, and a detailed accuracy assessment was conducted to quantify the reliability of the algorithm output.

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