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A geomatics‐based approach for the derivation of the spatial distribution of sediment transport processes in periglacial mountain environments
Author(s) -
Bartsch A.,
Gude M.,
Gurney S. D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.1696
Subject(s) - geomatics , digital elevation model , sediment transport , scale (ratio) , land cover , solifluction , remote sensing , geology , sediment , geographic information system , process (computing) , geomorphology , computer science , hydrology (agriculture) , land use , cartography , civil engineering , geography , geotechnical engineering , engineering , glacial period , operating system
Within this paper modern techniques such as satellite image analysis and tools provided by geographic information systems (GIS) are exploited in order to extend and improve existing techniques for mapping the spatial distribution of sediment transport processes. The processes of interest comprise mass movements such as solifluction, slope wash, dirty avalanches and rock‐ and boulder falls. They differ considerably in nature and therefore different approaches for the derivation of their spatial extent are required. A major challenge is addressing the differences between the comparably coarse resolution of the available satellite data (Landsat TM/ETM+, 30 m × 30 m) and the actual scale of sediment transport in this environment. A three‐stepped approach has been developed which is based on the concept of Geomorphic Process Units (GPUs): parameterization, process area delineation and combination. Parameters include land cover from satellite data and digital elevation model derivatives. Process areas are identified using a hierarchical classification scheme utilizing thresholds and definition of topology. The approach has been developed for the Kärkevagge in Sweden and could be successfully transferred to the Rabotsbekken catchment at Okstindan, Norway using similar input data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.