Abstract
Excessive streambank erosion is a significant source of fine sediments and associated nutrients in many river systems as well as poses risk to infrastructure. Geomorphic change detection using high-resolution topographic data is a useful method for monitoring the extent of bank erosion along river corridors. Recent advances in an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques allow acquisition of high-resolution topographic data, which are the methods used in this study. To evaluate the effectiveness of UAS-based photogrammetry for monitoring bank erosion, a fixed-wing UAS was deployed to survey 20 km of river corridors in central Vermont, in the northeastern United States multiple times over a two-year period. Digital elevation models (DEMs) and DEMs of difference allowed quantification of volumetric changes along selected portions of the survey area where notable erosion occurred. Results showed that UAS was capable of collecting high-quality topographic data at fine resolutions even along vegetated river corridors provided that the surveys were conducted in early spring, after snowmelt but prior to summer vegetation growth. Longer term estimates of streambank movements using the UAS showed good comparison to previously collected airborne lidar surveys and allowed reliable quantification of significant geomorphic changes along rivers.
Highlights
Estimates of geomorphic change along river corridors guide watershed and surface water management strategies
Streambank erosion can represent a large portion of overall sediment and nutrient loading to river systems (Bauer et al 2002; Walling et al 2008; Langendoen et al 2012; Foucher et al 2017) and is important to quantify as part of comprehensive catchment water quality studies
While accuracy depended on the density of vegetation, we captured high-quality Digital elevation models (DEMs) along river corridors with significant tree canopy and vegetation, provided surveys were conducted in early spring when optimal ground conditions occur
Summary
Estimates of geomorphic change along river corridors guide watershed and surface water management strategies. Streambank erosion can represent a large portion of overall sediment and nutrient (e.g. phosphorus) loading to river systems (Bauer et al 2002; Walling et al 2008; Langendoen et al 2012; Foucher et al 2017) and is important to quantify as part of comprehensive catchment water quality studies. Measurement of bank erosion and channel change is critical in understanding the geomorphic condition of river systems (Piegay et al 2005; Kline and Cahoon 2010). Bank erosion monitoring informs assessment of risk to infrastructure and stream habitat posed by fluvial erosion (Kline and Dolan 2008; Thakur et al 2012)
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