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Estimation of drainage density from topological variables
Author(s) -
Gardiner V.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr015i004p00909
Subject(s) - regression , mathematics , grid , sampling (signal processing) , drainage , polynomial , drainage density , statistics , principal component analysis , regression analysis , density estimation , sample (material) , polynomial regression , algorithm , computer science , ecology , geometry , mathematical analysis , estimator , biology , chemistry , filter (signal processing) , chromatography , computer vision
Existing methods for the estimation of drainage density are generally inadequate, being either laborious or expensive or of low effectiveness. Methods are examined by which grid square drainage density may be estimated from topological variables, a sample of 400 grid squares from Devon, England, being used in the study. Principal components analysis of these data yields interpretable components that allow prediction of 82% of the total variation in stream length, employing a multiple relationship. A simple regression relationship affords prediction of 68% of the variation in stream length. The mode of sampling employed and the use of polynomial regression do not markedly change the effectiveness of these relationships, and sufficient published work exists to suggest that the method may be widely applicable.