An analysis of channel morphology at Walnut Gulch linking field research with GIS applications.

Abstract

Geographic information systems (GIS) have improved our ability to accurately model and assess landscape parameters and processes. These systems offer a significant improvement in time and manpower needed to complete landscape studies. Too often, however, GIS projects have relied heavily on data that has not been integrated with field work or represents an abstraction of reality. A high-resolution database was constructed for the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed. New methods for delineating channels and acquiring data were developed to promote field integration. Simultaneously, a field measurement program of over 200 channel cross-sections was undertaken on the same area. The results from the GIS analysis and field research were integrated using statistical analysis. Strong deterministic relationships were derived between channel shape variables and watershed parameters. Channel shape was found to be influenced strongly by channel order and several watershed parameters, principally watershed size and the maximum flow length within a watershed.