Investigating the Correlation of Tectonic and Morphometric Characteristics with the Hydrological Response in a Greek River Catchment Using Earth Observation and Geospatial Analysis Techniques

Emmanouil Psomiadis,Nikos Charizopoulos,Konstantinos X Soulis,Nikolaos Efthimiou

doi:10.3390/geosciences10090377

Emmanouil Psomiadis, Nikos Charizopoulos + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences10090377

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Abstract

Morphometric analysis can be used to investigate catchment dynamics and tectonic processes responsible for the development of drainage catchments and to support flood risk assessment. In this study, a comparative GIS-based morphometric analysis between the main southern and northern sub-catchments of the Sperchios River basin, Central Greece, was performed, using geospatial and remote sensing data. The goal was to investigate their correlation with the peculiar geotectonic activity and the frequent flash-flood events that occur in the river floodplain. All sub-catchments characteristics are linked with the geological formation types of the area, in combination with ongoing tectonic activity. The results indicate that drainage network development is significantly controlled by the region’s overall tectonic activity. The morphometric characteristics—i.e., bifurcation ratio, drainage density, circularity ratio, elongation ratio and water concentration–time values, reflect the flood-prone character of the southern part of Sperchios River catchment in comparison to the northern part, especially during intense rainfall events. The study can provide valuable insight into identifying how morphometric characteristics are associated with increased flood hazard.

Highlights

Morphometric analysis is the first step towards understanding catchment dynamics, providing a quantitative description of its drainage system, topographic features and other intrinsic attributes, such as shape, dimensions, etc. [1,2,3]
Mapping 7 ETM+ images processing for the extraction of linear features, TheGeological methodology of the Landsat in order The to supplement and integrate those derived from followed the geological maps,approach, involved the geological formations and to lineaments digitization a manifold comprisingand the processing interpretation of geological maps, field visits a thorough review
The identical dynamic tectonic activity and intense geomorphological anaglyph of many watersheds of the Greek mainland depict the necessity of pursuing analogous thorough research efforts for the prevention of flash-flood phenomena

Summary

Introduction

Morphometric analysis is the first step towards understanding catchment dynamics, providing a quantitative description of its drainage system, topographic features and other intrinsic attributes, such as shape, dimensions, etc. [1,2,3]. Morphometric analysis is the first step towards understanding catchment dynamics, providing a quantitative description of its drainage system, topographic features and other intrinsic attributes, such as shape, dimensions, etc. The development of a catchment’s drainage network and the evolution of its morphological features are mainly controlled by lithology and structure [2,4]. The dynamic nature of runoff is controlled by the catchment’s geomorphologic structure (shape, steep slopes, etc.) and is responsive to its morphometric characteristics. The knowledge of such behavior, during intense rainfall events, is critical for flood hazard assessment, especially in ungauged catchments [17,18,19,20]

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