Abstract
Euclidean distance analysis of simulated Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) data is used to distinguish among geomorphic units that influence surface hydrology, erosion potential, and landscape stability in a semiarid portion of the San Juan Basin, northwestern New Mexico. Geomorphic units are distinguished on the ground by landscape position, geomorphic process type and rate, soil type, vegetation cover, and slope. Level III (Anderson et al., 1976) land cover classification (Level IV classification in two classes) of geomorphic units that are important in inferring landscape stability is attainable with the high spatial resolution of the data (20 m in the multispectral bands and 10 m in the panchromatic band). Classification accuracy is directly related to geomorphic feature homogeneity. Euclidean distance analysis of the multispectral bands identifies eolian-mantled uplands, surface exposures of B-horizon, coppice dunes, poorly vegetated silty and fine sandy areas, salt pans, sandy areas vegetated with shrubbery, and well-vegetated fine-grained areas. Landscape stability maps are generated from landscape component age and rates of fluvial or eolian processes on each spectrally distinct geomorphic unit. The panchromatic band discriminates among a 7–13 m wide arroyo, active and inactive tributary headcuts, and the stable portions of the valley floor.
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