GIS morphometric indicators for the analysis of sediment dynamics in mountain basins

Abstract

Watershed management and headwater reconstruction pro- grams require a reliable knowledge of sediment dynamics. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide the framework for the implementa- tion of different complex techniques for the assessment of shallow land- sliding and erosion processes in mountain basins. This paper pre- sents some morphometric indicators aimed at erosion and sediment delivery analysis. The proposed indicators can be easily derived from medium to fine resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEM). Applica- tions conducted in Eastern Italian. Alps have shownAlps have shown the adequatenessof the proposed approach to address erosion and sediment-related prob- lems. The analysis considered the classification of sediment source areas with regard to their activity, the comparison between drainage basins having different morphologi- cal characteristics and the topo- graphic control on sediment transport capacity, with a particular attention to the identification of channel reaches characterised by a low sediment transport capacity