The impact of different gridding methods on catchment geomorphology and soil erosion over long timescales using a landscape evolution model

Abstract

AbstractMany digital elevation models are gridded from irregularly spaced data. This study examines differences in catchment geomorphology and hydrology as a result of kriging and Delaunay triangulation gridding methods. Both methods have been widely used as tools for placing irregularly spaced data onto a regular grid. In the past, numerical modelling has been performed with little assessment of model input variability and the variability produced by different gridding methods has not been fully assessed. Given the importance of the impact of digital elevation model error and potential impact on model output, little work has been done to understand the impact of this type of potential error. Examination of the different catchment realizations demonstrates that when using kriging (point or block) or Delaunay triangulation there are subtle differences in catchment area and elevation as well as networking properties. Subtle differences also exist in hillslope profile. Nevertheless, when comparing catchment descriptors such as the hypsometric curve, area–slope relationship and cumulative area distribution there is little hydrological and geomorphological difference between these catchments. Further, when these digital elevation models are used as landscape input in a long‐term landscape evolution model (i.e. SIBERIA) there is little geomorphological difference or hydrological difference between the two digital elevation models after a 50 000 year modelled period. Consequently either method is appropriate for the study catchment. These findings provide confidence in the conversion of irregularly spaced data onto a regular grid using kriging or Delaunay triangulation and that either method can be used. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.