Dynamics of fluvial and slope processes in the changing geomorphic environment of singapore

Abstract

AbstractThe nature and rates of fluvial and slope processes change over time and space as urbanized areas replace forested land in Singapore. Storm‐based and time‐based data, from undisturbed rainforests, heavily disturbed construction sites, urban grass‐covered slopes and an experimental plot, are collected to observe the impact of rainwater on the soil moisture conditions, surface microtopography, runoff generation, sediment movement, and ground lowering in the three different categories of land use.The undisturbed forested environment is characterized by high throughfall (58% of total rainfall) and frequent negative soil moisture suctions. The slow and unconcentrated overland flow during heavy storms is restricted by the forest floor microtopography. No rills develop. Ground lowering is recorded as 3·2–3·4 mm a−1. But sediment movement is episodic and suspended sediment concentrations in overland flow are 172–222 mg l−1. During urban construction, gully development is rapid on the bare slopes, runoff generation, voluminous, and sediment‐laden discharges (5200–75498 mg l−1) lead to sediment plumes at channel mouths. Ground lowering rates are measured at 132·4 mm a−1. Once grass‐covered, runoff carries less suspended sediment (800 mg l−1) and ground lowering rates are reduced, but depend on the condition of the cover, ranging from 0·2 to 8·2 mm a−1.As urban development continues, environments are altered both in time as well as spatially.