Abstract
Abstract. Geomorphic classification of wetlands relies on information regarding landform and hydroperiod. Additional attributes of wetland size, vegetation cover and salinity can be collected for lower order classification. Hydroperiod is important in determining features that characterize the ecological function of the wetland. This study examines how Landsat time series imagery was used to describe the hydroperiod of wetlands along the coastal zone between Cervantes to Coolimba in Western Australia. Inundation extent maps were derived using 17, Landsat Band 5 images captured between 1988 and 2011. The number of times a wetland basin was more than 10 % inundated was then calculated. This inundation frequency dataset was then the basis for hydroperiod classification. Wetlands were classified as being permanently inundated if they had more than 10% inundation in 12 or more of the 17 images available (approximately 70%). A Landsat image captured 2 weeks prior to field work was used to determine Band 5 thresholds to identify areas of inundation and assess classification accuracy. Field measurements of surface water cover, depth, secchi depth, vegetation cover and salinity were taken across 16 plots located close to inundation boundaries. The accuracy of the inundation maps was highly dependent on the degree of vegetation cover. Mapping accuracy was heavily influenced by vegetation cover and achieved an overall accuracy of 87.5%. The resulting hydroperiod datasets provides an accurate record of inundation frequency which can be used to aid classification of wetlands and also allows changes to inundation frequency over time to be assessed.
Highlights
Landsat series of satellites has an extensive archive, with data available from 1972, and has been used for mapping and monitoring long term environmental processes (Kuhnell et al, 1998; Caccetta et al, 2007)
In this study the Landsat time series was used to assess the hydroperiod of wetlands along a coastal zone in Western Australia
To determine an appropriate Band 5 threshold for separating inundated from not inundated areas Band 5 values were regressed against field measures of percentage surface water coverage
Summary
Landsat series of satellites has an extensive archive, with data available from 1972, and has been used for mapping and monitoring long term environmental processes (Kuhnell et al, 1998; Caccetta et al, 2007). Indices can be derived from a combination of Landsat spectral bands to provide quantitative information on land cover (Furby et al, 2008). For direct comparison of index values over time, to facilitate land cover monitoring, consistent image processing techniques are required. In the of the south west of WA, consistently processed Landsat data, captured at one and two year intervals, is available from the Land Monitor Project (Furby, 2009). In this study the Landsat time series was used to assess the hydroperiod of wetlands along a coastal zone in Western Australia. In that study the hydroperiod of wetlands in adjacent catchments was assessed as part of a wetland evaluation program
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
