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MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS:
A step‐by‐step guide
Authored by:
ESS2222 Fall 2013 Participants
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Basemap Construction – Lindsay Schoenbohm
p. 2‐11
2. Watershed Delineation – Lindsay Schoenbohm
p. 12‐17
3. Plotting Axis – Lindsay Schoenbohm
p. 18‐19
4. Swath Profiles – Phil Greene and Mark Higgins
p. 20‐21
5. Catchment Area, Outlet Spacing, Relief, Elongation and Basin Relief Ratio – April Dalton and Tassos
Venetikidis
p. 22‐29
6. Hypsometry – Neil Krystopowicz and Sara Mazrouei
p. 30‐37
7. Volume/Area Ratio – Luke Nicholson and Renjie Zhou
p. 38‐43
8. Vf Ratio – James McCarthy and Maria Tibbo
p. 44‐50
9. Mountain Front Sinuosity – Magdalena Sobel and Shawn Vanderkerkhove
p. 51‐57
10. Range Asymmetry – Magdalena Sobel and Shawn Vanderkerkhove
p. 58
There are
resolution
SRTM dat
details ab
after you
USGS site
http://ear
Note that
HydroSHE
coastlines
useful, bu
especially
http://hyd
Most of th
Japanese
created th
available
here:
http://gde
1.1 Get st
Log in and
Search in
e a number of
n of ~90 m, an
ta can be obta
bout SRTM da
download th
is here:
rthexplorer.u
t you can also
EDS. You’ll ha
s and other p
ut they’re also
y since what w
drosheds.cr.u
he time I end
Ministry of E
hrough stacki
in 1 degree ti
em.ersdac.jsp
tarted
d/or register w
the same me
1
f sources for D
nd ASTER‐bas
ained for free
ta – you may
e data the pr
sgs.gov/
o get “hydrolo
ve to read th
roblems with
o changing th
we’re interest
usgs.gov/inde
up using AST
conomy, Trad
ng a number
iles. These ar
pacesystems.
with the site
enu.
. BASEMA
DEM data, bu
sed, with a re
e from the US
y run into a fe
ocedure is th
ogically correc
rough the sit
h the DEMs so
e DEMs in wa
ted in is the s
ex.php
TER‐based DE
de and Indust
of overlappin
e the data I w
or.jp/
using the me
2
P CONSTR
ut two commo
esolution of ~3
SGS using thei
ew snags, but
he same as fo
cted” SRTM‐b
e to get all th
o that they ar
ays that you d
tream netwo
EMs called GD
try, although
ng ASTER ima
will describe in
enu options o
RUCTION
only‐used, fre
30 m.
ir EarthExplo
it’s basically
r ASTER‐base
based data fro
he details, but
e hydrologica
don’t control,
ork. More info
DEM, which is
it’s affiliated
ages with diff
n the process
n the left side
ee sources ar
rer site. I won
pretty straigh
ed data descri
om the USGS
t basically the
ally connecte
, which can b
o here:
s actually ava
with NASA. T
ferent look di
sing steps bel
e of the page
e SRTM, with
n’t go into mo
htforward an
ibed below. T
S, called
ey fix the sink
d. This can be
be dangerous,
ilable throug
The DEMs are
rections. The
ow. Basic info
. Then click o
h a
ore
d
The
ks,
e
,
h the
e
ey’re
o
on
1.2 Choos
This will o
one‐degre
generous
later.
Click next
purpose o
of them, p
Once the
about how
se and downl
open a map‐b
ee grid. Click
here… if you
t. This will tak
on the next pa
presumably),
tiles have do
w you want to
load data
based tool. Na
start, then cli
’re not sure y
ke you to anot
age and click
then click do
wnloaded, un
o structure yo
avigate to you
ick on all tiles
you’ll need a t
ther page wh
agree. On th
ownload.
nzip them and
our files. It’s a
3
ur area of inte
s you are inte
tile or not, do
here you can v
e next page, c
d put them in
a pain to mov
erest. Availab
erested in dow
ownload it an
view the tiles
click on the t
n the right pla
ve them once
ble data will b
wnloading. It’
nyway as it wi
s. Click next. S
iles you wish
ace. Think pre
e you’ve start
be indicated b
’s better to be
ill be a pain to
Select your
to download
etty carefully
ed a project.
by
e
o add
d (all
I
usually wo
level in th
1.3 Merge
Open Arc
Add your
Add the d
Navigatin
project –
Once you
next step
the top to
This will o
ould create a
hat folder.
e tiles in ArcG
MAP.
tiles to the p
dem.tif for eac
g in ArcMAP
using this but
r tiles are add
is to merge t
oolbar:
open a window
GIS folder un
GIS.
roject by eith
ch tile.
is annoying. Y
tton.
ded you shou
the tiles into o
w packed wit
nder whateve
her clicking on
You’ll probab
uld see black a
one DEM. To
th useful tool
4
er project I’m
n the “Add Da
bly need to ad
and white DE
do this you’ll
s that looks li
working on a
ata…” button
dd a folder – t
M tiles whos
l need to ope
ike this:
and save the
and navigati
the top level f
e edges do no
en ArcToolbox
tiles at the to
ng to the file
folder of you
ot match up.
x using this ic
op
s.
r
The
on in
To mosaic
Data M
This will o
Output Lo
in the Ras
so I usual
feature, I
some ann
a geodata
tool. It wi
should loo
1.4 Repro
Next, you
if you don
doesn’t h
c the tiles, na
Management
open a new w
ocation where
ster Dataset N
ly name it like
guess), you’r
noying reason
abase. Specify
ll automatica
ok like this:
oject raster
need to repr
n’t do this righ
ave the right
vigate within
Tools ‐> Rast
window. Drag
e you want th
Name with Ex
e this: Range_
re working on
n. Don’t add a
y the Number
ally add the m
roject the ras
ht you’ll run i
length scale
the toolbox
ter ‐> Raster D
and drop all o
he file saved.
xtension field.
_geog. Range
n. But the tota
an extension –
r of Bands as
merged DEM t
ter from geog
nto problems
set for some
5
as follows an
Dataset ‐> Mo
of your tiles i
This will usua
. At this point
e will correspo
al length of th
– you want th
1. All other fi
to your projec
graphic to UT
s later with th
reason.
d double clic
osaic to New
nto the Input
ally be your to
t your data ar
ond to whate
he name can’
he default, wh
elds can be le
ct. The Mosai
TM coordinat
he hillshade a
k on the last
Raster
t Raster Field
op level folde
re in a geogra
ever mountain
t exceed 13 c
hich will give
eft alone. Hit
ic to New Ras
es. I’m not re
and slope rast
entry:
. Specify in th
er. Give the n
aphic projecti
n range (or ot
characters for
save the rast
OK to run th
ster window
eally sure why
ters. I think it
he
ame
ion,
ther
r
ter as
e
y, but
t
Start by d
works fine
http://ww
Open ArcT
Data M
This will o
Input Coo
Navigate t
typically n
right of th
Projec
And then
Technique
around 30
etermining th
e:
ww.dmap.co.u
Toolbox again
Management
open a new w
ordinate Syste
to the right fo
name this one
hat field and n
ted Coordina
follow throug
e to Bilinear. T
0 m for GDEM
he correct UT
uk/utmworld
n and navigat
Tools ‐> Proj
window. Drag
em window au
older and give
e Range_utm
navigating as
te System ‐>
gh with the a
This is key!! T
M data. Hit OK
TM zone. The
.htm
te as follows:
ections and T
the merged D
utomatically w
e the output
. Specify the
follows:
UTM ‐> WGS
ppropriate H
The Output Ce
K to run. The
6
re are lots of
Transformatio
DEM into the
with GCS_WG
DEM a name
Output Coord
1984 ‐>
emisphere an
ell Size should
completed w
google‐able
on ‐> Raster ‐>
Input Raster
GS_1984 if yo
e in the Outpu
dinate System
nd UTM zone
d be automat
window should
ways to do th
> Project Ras
r field. This sh
ou’re using GD
ut Raster Data
m by clicking o
e. Click OK. Se
tically popula
d look like thi
his, but this o
ster
hould populat
DEM data.
aset field. I
on the icon to
et the Resamp
ted and shou
is:
one
te the
o the
pling
uld be
1.5 Clip R
You now w
anything)
notice tha
projection
grid to a s
shapefile
First, crea
this, first o
this symb
From ArcC
level folde
>Shapefile
case), and
This will a
need to e
Make sure
>Toolbars
aster
want to work
and reopen a
at the bounda
n. Your DEM m
smaller area.
of the dimen
ate the shape
open ArcCata
ol in the tool
Catalog, right
er, or create a
e. A new wind
d choose the
automatically
dit the shape
e your Editor
s to turn it on
k in a differen
a new, empty
aries are no lo
may also be l
There are dif
sions I want a
file. A shapef
alog. You can
bar at the to
t click on the f
a “shapefiles”
dow will open
same UTM zo
add a new sh
efile to create
is running an
. In the drop‐
t projection s
y project. Add
onger rectang
arger than yo
fferent ways o
and then use
file is just vect
do this using
op of the proje
folder in whic
” folder unde
n. Name your
one as your p
hapefile to yo
e the polygon
nd available to
‐down menu
7
system, so clo
d your new UT
gular and N‐S
ou need. You
of doing this,
it as a stamp
tor data that’
g the tap on th
ect window t
ch you want t
er the top leve
r Shapefile, ch
rojected rast
our project. T
.
o you as a too
in the Editor
ose the arc pr
TM project D
S or E‐W beca
can fix both t
but my meth
p to clip out th
’s either poin
he right side o
hat looks like
to create the
el). In the righ
hoose the fea
ter. The windo
his is just a b
olbar. If you d
toolbar, sele
roject (don’t
DEM to the pr
ause of the ch
these problem
hod is to draw
he same area
nts, lines or po
of the project
e this:
shapefile (ca
ht‐click windo
ature type (po
ow should loo
lank feature t
don’t see it, g
ct Start Editin
bother to sav
roject. You’ll
hange in
ms by clipping
w a “polygon”
a from the DE
olygons. To d
t or by clickin
an be your top
ow, go to New
olygon in this
ok like this:
though – you
go to Customi
ng. This will b
ve
g the
”
EM.
o
ng on
p
w‐
s
’ll
ize‐
bring
up a new
double‐cl
To draw t
Click on th
Rectangle
you can d
while you
back to th
Now, use
‐> Data
Your DEM
the DEM a
The new D
window in w
icking on it.
he polygon, o
he shapefile a
e should work
elete it by hit
drag your cu
he Editor tool
the polygon
a Manageme
M is the Input
an appropriat
DEM will be a
which you nee
open the Crea
and then sele
k well for this
tting delete o
ursor should m
bar, select th
to clip the DE
ent Tools ‐> Ra
Raster. Drag
te name such
added to your
d to choose t
ate Features w
ect a tool in th
application.
on your keybo
make your bo
he drop‐down
EM. Go to Arc
aster ‐> Raste
and drop you
h as Range_cl
r project. You
8
the layer or w
window by cl
he Constructio
Draw the pol
oard while the
oundaries ver
n menu and c
c Toolbox and
er Processing
ur polygon sh
ip. Hit OK. Th
u can now del
workspace to
licking on this
on Tools at th
ygon. If you d
e polygon is s
rtical/horizon
hoose Save E
d navigate as
‐> Clip
apefile into t
he window sh
lete the shap
edit. Choose
s icon in the E
he bottom of
don’t like you
selected. Hold
tal. Once you
Edits and then
follows:
the Output Ex
ould look like
efile and unc
your polygon
Editor Toolba
the window.
ur first attemp
ding down ta
u’re happy, go
n Stop Editing
xtent field and
e this:
lipped DEM.
n by
r:
pt
b
o
g.
d give
1.6 Make
This is the
create a h
adding sh
Start with
up your w
Customize
show up i
know, eith
Navigate
Spatia
Double‐cl
particular
Clicking o
folder and
Azimuth a
to run. Th
the raster lo
e fun part. Yo
hillshade map
adows.
h the hillshade
work environm
e‐> Extension
n your ArcTo
her can be us
in ArcToolbox
l Analyst Too
ick on Hillsha
r. Please explo
n Hillshade w
d give your H
and Altitude (
he completed
ook nice
u can add col
p which you ca
e map. This w
ment before,
s… and clickin
olbox window
sed.
x to:
ls ‐> Surface
ade. Note tha
ore these on
will bring up a
illshade raste
(the sun angle
window will
lor to the DEM
an layer unde
will make use
you may nee
ng the boxes
w. I’ll go with
t there are ot
your own!
new window
er an appropr
e) or the Z fac
look like this
9
M to show ele
er the DEM. T
of either 3D A
d to turn the
beside 3D An
Spatial Analy
ther really us
w. Your Input
iate name, lik
ctor if you wa
:
evation. It’s a
This will make
Analyst or Sp
se “extension
nalyst and Spa
yst Tools in th
eful tools in h
Raster is you
ke Range_hill
ant, but the d
also useful at
e the DEM ea
patial Analyst.
ns” on by nav
atial Analyst.
he following,
here – contou
r DEM. Navig
. You can pla
default values
this point to
sier to read b
. If you haven
vigating throu
Both options
but as far as
ur and slope i
gate to the rig
y around with
s are fine. Hit
by
n’t set
ugh
s will
I
in
ght
h
OK
In the me
transpare
Next, we’
will open
It should l
Next, go t
Also note
nu on the lef
ent next so th
ll work on the
a new windo
look like this:
to the Symbol
that you can
t, drag the hi
e hillshade ca
e DEM. In the
ow. Go to the
logy tab. Click
invert the co
llshade layer
an be seen th
e menu on the
Display tab a
k on the Colo
olor ramps. M
10
and place it b
rough it.
e left, right cl
and look for T
or Ramp drop
My preferred c
below the DE
lick on the DE
Transparency.
down menu
color scheme
EM. We’ll mak
EM and select
. Start with 50
and set it to
e looks like th
ke the DEM
t Properties. T
0% in this fiel
what you wa
is:
This
ld.
nt.
11
Hit Apply to preview and OK once you’re happy. There are millions of things to play around with in these
tabs. Feel free to explore!
You should now have a nice‐looking DEM.
1.7 Other things you might want to add to the project
1. Slope maps are great and very useful. This in ArcToolbox under Spatial Analyst Tools ‐> Surface.
2. Topographic contours are obviously useful as well, particularly for producing maps if you don’t want
to use a DEM background. This is also in ArcToolbox under Spatial Analyst Tools ‐> Surface.
3. Other shapefiles. For example, you might want to create sample locations (point), faults (polyline) or
terrace surface (polygon). For any shapefile, follow the steps outline in 1.5 above for creating the
clipping polygon.
4. The accumulation array. You’ll create this when you do the watershed extraction in the next section.
5. Other rasters – satellite imagery or jpegs of maps or air photos. The former will usually have
projection information included, so it should be easy to add. Jpegs can be added but will need to be
rectified, which is a process unto itself and not something I’ll go into here.
12
2. WATERSHED DELINIATION
In order to perform morphometric analysis you will now need to clip out the individual drainage basins
you’re interested in analyzing. Typically these will be drainage basins in a fault‐bounded mountain range
with their outlets chosen to be on the fault or at the range front. You’ll have to decide on how many
basins you want to clip. You could choose only the basins that extend to the range divide, or only basins
over a certain size. It will depend on the problem you’re trying to address.
The basic workflow is to first create direction and accumulation rasters that tell you about how water
should be routed around on the surface of the DEM, based on its topography. From this, you will
manually choose the outlet points for the catchments you’re interested in. You will then use those
outlet points to clip out the upstream watersheds, forming polygons. You then use these polygons to
clip out little pieces of the DEM. The steps are as follows:
2.1 Create a depressionless DEM
All DEMs derived from satellite data will have “sinks.” These are essentially the result of the cellsize of
the DEM being larger than the scale of the river bottom, particularly in mountainous terrain. These lead
to artificially high pixels along drainages (because that particular pixel catches a lot of steep terrain on
either side of the river, for example). These act sort of like dams to the theoretical flow of water in your
dem (sinks) and need to be filled. Filling them will create artificial flat spots behind the dams, which can
make your river channel step‐like if the sinks are severe, but there really isn’t another good way to deal
with this problem. In most DEMs you won’t significantly notice this filling. It becomes more apparent in
regions will internal drainage.
To fill the sinks, in ArcToolbox, navigate to:
Spatial Analyst Tools ‐> Hydrology ‐> Fill
This will open a new window. The Input Surface Raster is your clipped DEM. Give a location and name to
the Output Surface Raster (for example, Range_fill). Leave the z‐limit blank. You can tune this if you
want – it can limit depth of the sinks you want to fill. It’s useful, for example, in regions of internal
drainage where some of your “sinks” are real. This will automatically add a new raster to your project.
There should be a difference between the lowest elevation of this raster and your original DEM.
2.2 Create the direction array
In this step you will assign a flow direction to each cell. Flow direction is determined by looking for the
lowest adjacent pixel for each pixel and then assigning an appropriate direction based on the arbitrary
numbering scheme below.
To create
Spatia
This will o
the Outpu
Environm
DEM. Clic
number is
2.3 Create
Now you’
in the DEM
the accum
Spatia
This will o
name to t
Environm
DEM. Acc
Your raste
right‐click
the data a
Toward th
window in
this. The l
will have
to 5,000,
them and
to start w
the direction
l Analyst Too
open a new w
ut Surface Ras
ents button a
k OK to run. T
s assigned a c
e the accumu
ll sort of integ
M. This is tells
mulation array
l Analyst Too
open a new w
the Output Su
ents button a
ept all other
er will be mos
k on the layer
as classified in
he top of the
n the lower ri
ower you set
low values an
for example,
a different c
with. This wind
n array, in Arc
ls ‐> Hydrolog
window. The In
ster (for exam
and confirm t
This will auto
color but it wo
ulation array
grate the flow
s you about t
y, in ArcToolb
ls ‐> Hydrolog
window. The In
urface Raster
and confirm t
defaults. Clic
stly black, but
in the list on
n the panel o
next window
ght corner, c
t it, the more
nd trunk chan
you’ll assign
olor for all ce
dow should lo
cToolbox, nav
gy ‐> Flow Dir
nput Surface
mple, Range_d
hat the Raste
matically add
on’t make mu
w information
he theoretica
box, navigate
gy ‐> Flow acc
nput flow dire
(for example
hat the Raste
k OK to run. T
t you might s
the left and
n the left. Do
w that pops up
lick on the fir
of the draina
nnels will have
one color to
ells with a hig
ook like this w
13
vigate to:
rection
Raster is you
dir). Open En
er Analysis ‐>
d a new raste
uch sense.
n – adding up
al drainage ne
to:
cumulation
ection raster
e, Range_acc)
er Analysis ‐>
This will auto
ee a hint of t
go to Propert
ouble click on
p, set the num
rst number an
age network y
e high accum
all cells with
her number f
when you’re d
r filled DEM.
nvironment Se
Cell Size is se
r to your proj
p how many o
etwork of you
is your direct
. Open Enviro
Cell Size is se
matically add
he drainage p
ties. In the Sy
the classify b
mber of classe
nd set it lowe
you’ll see. Pix
mulation value
less than 5,00
flowing into t
done:
Give a locatio
ettings, click o
et to the same
ject. It will loo
other cells flo
ur DEM. Very
tion array. Giv
onment Settin
et to the same
d a new raste
pattern. To m
ymbology tab,
button on the
es to 2. In the
er… you can p
xels at your d
es. If you set y
00 other cells
them. 5,000 is
on and name
on the
e as your fille
ok funny… ea
w into each p
y useful. To cr
ve a location
ngs, click on t
e as your fille
r to your proj
make it pretty,
, choose to sh
e right side.
e Break Value
play around w
rainage divid
your break po
s flowing in to
s a good num
e to
ed
ach
pixel
reate
and
the
ed
ject.
,
how
es
with
es
oint
o
mber
Click OK t
You want
assign som
the color,
your wind
o go back to t
the bulk of t
me shade of b
double‐click
dow should lo
the main pro
he cells, the o
blue to the hi
on the colore
ook like this:
perties windo
ones with sm
gher value pi
ed box in the
14
ow. You’ll see
aller accumu
xels, which re
legend. Set t
e just two clas
lations, to be
epresent the
to the desired
sses now in b
e transparent
main drainag
d color. When
black and whit
and you can
ge network. T
n you’re done
te.
To set
e,
Hit Apply
2.4 Create
Pour poin
often wor
Start by c
same as t
Point in th
Zoom way
array is tu
any weird
Continue
Watershe
the shape
to Open A
Field. In th
UNIQUEID
your edits
to see how it
e pour points
nts will be the
rks well to ch
reating a new
he map. Start
he constructio
y in to the loc
urned on. Plac
d looking area
placing point
eds are deline
efile attribute
Attribute Tabl
he new windo
D. Start anoth
s and stop ed
t looks. Play a
s
e lowermost p
oose them at
w point shape
t editing and
on tools field
cation where
ce a pour poi
as or tributary
ts until you’re
eated based o
table. To do
le. Click on th
ow that open
her editing se
iting.
around with it
pixel in your f
t the range fro
efile with a na
open the cre
:
you want to
nt by clicking
y junctions as
e done. Save y
on unique ide
this, right clic
e Table Optio
ns, create a fie
ssion and ent
15
t until you’re
future clipped
ont or directl
ame like Rang
ate features w
place the pou
in the middle
s flow routing
your edits an
ntification nu
ck on the pou
ons icon ( )
eld of type Sh
ter an ID num
happy and th
d watersheds
y on the trac
ge_pp. Set the
window. Clic
ur point. Mak
e of a high ac
g can get com
d click Stop E
umbers, so no
ur points laye
)and in the dr
hort Interger,
mber for each
hen hit OK.
, so choose th
e of the rang
e coordinate
k on the new
ke sure your a
ccumulation c
mplicated arou
Editing.
ow you need
er in the list o
rop down me
precision “0”
pour point (i
hem carefully
e‐bounding f
system to be
w shapefile, cli
accumulation
cell. Try to av
und these poi
to define the
n the left and
enu, select Ad
” and name it
i.e. 1, 2, 3…).
y. It
fault.
e the
ick on
n
oid
ints.
ese in
d go
dd
t
Save
Now you
a high acc
Start by se
window. S
accumula
Spatia
This will o
The Pour
accumula
(for exam
try increa
2.5 Deline
This is exc
Spatia
This will o
Input rast
Field. Give
run. This w
in differen
2.6 Conve
You’ll wan
DEM. To m
need to snap
cumulation pi
electing Geop
Set the Proce
tion grid. Nex
l Analyst Too
open a new w
point field sh
ation raster is
ple, Range_p
sing this num
eate Watersh
citing! You’re
l Analyst Too
open a new w
ter or feature
e a location a
will automati
nt colors!
ert watershed
nt your water
make this con
p your pour po
ixel and (2) co
processing fro
ssing Extent
xt, in ArcTool
ls ‐> Hydrolog
window. The In
ould be UNIQ
your accumu
ppr). It should
mber. Click OK
heds
finally going
ls ‐> Hydrolog
window. The In
pour point da
nd name to t
cally add a ne
d rasters to p
rsheds as poly
nversion, in A
oints. This wi
onvert your s
om the option
and Raster A
box, navigate
gy ‐> Snap Po
nput raster or
QUEID, define
ulation raster
d be fine to le
K to run. This w
to see if all o
gy ‐> Hydrolo
nput flow dire
ata is your p
the Output Su
ew raster to y
polygons
ygons for a bu
ArcToolbox, na
16
ll (1) ensure t
hapefile into
ns at the top
Analysis ‐> Cel
e to:
our Point
r feature pou
ed in the prev
. Give a locat
ave snap dist
will automati
of this stuff wo
ogy
ection raster
our point ras
urface Raster
your project.
unch of reaso
avigate to:
that your pou
a raster that
of the arc pro
ll Size propert
ur point data i
vious step. To
ion and name
tance as “0,”
ically add a n
orked. In ArcT
is, you guesse
ster. Choose U
(for example
Ideally you’ll
ons, including
ur points are d
you’ll use in
oject. Open th
ties to the sa
is your pour p
o state the ob
e to the Outp
but if you run
ew raster to y
Toolbox, nav
ed it, your dir
UNIQUEID in t
e, Range_shed
see a bunch
g using them t
directly locate
the next step
he Environme
me as your fl
point shapefil
vious, the Inp
put Surface Ra
n into problem
your project.
igate to:
rection array.
the Pour Poin
ds). Click OK t
of watershed
to clip out th
ed on
p.
ents
ow
le.
put
aster
ms,
. The
nt
to
ds, all
e
17
Coversion Tools ‐> Raster to Polygon
This will open a new window. The Input raster is the pour point raster created in the last step. Give a
location and name to the Output polygon (for example, Range_sheds). Leave all other defaults. Click OK
to run. This will automatically add a new shapefile to your project. Each watershed polygon will have its
own pastel color. I prefer to make them hollow using the Properties window/Symbology tab.
2.7 Create individual shapefiles for each watershed
This is, unfortunately, as far as I can tell, a necessary step. You need to clip out your DEM in the next
step. If you try to do it with all of the polygons in a single shapefile you’ll end up with a combined
clipped area rather than individual basins. There may be a better way to do this though! Forging ahead…
Open arc catalog. Copy and paste the watershed shapefile. Give the copies appropriate names (i.e.
1_shed, 2_shed). Then add each to the project, one by one, start the editor, delete the polygons you
don’t want, and stop editing. You may find it useful to group these into a folder in the list on the left.
2.8 Clip out watershed DEMs
Now, use each polygon to clip out the DEM. You’ll probably want to use the filled DEM, particularly if
you’re going to do stream profile work later. In ArcToolbox, navigate to:
‐> Data Management Tools ‐> Raster ‐> Raster Processing ‐> Clip
Your Input Raster is the filled DEM. The Output Extent is the watershed polygon. Give the Output Raster
Dataset a location and appropriate name (i.e. 1_dem_shed, 2_dem_shed…). You might want to create a
separate folder for these in the lift on the left.
You’re done!
For most
drainages
range. It’s
watershed
3.1 Choos
This is sim
consider i
range. It s
topograph
Once you
want you
3.2 Measu
You’ll also
the outlet
You could
At this po
segments
the basins
up looking
Next, you
practice, t
intersecti
between t
cases when lo
s, you’ll want
s useful, there
d along that a
se your plotti
mple. Just crea
its placement
should be mo
hic expressio
’re happy, sav
r plotting axis
ure the dista
o need to con
t point of the
d also figure o
int, I usually c
s that are perp
s to the plotti
g like this:
need to mea
the easiest w
on of the plot
the intersecti
ooking at a m
to look at ho
efore, to plot
axis.
ing axis
ate a new line
t carefully, ho
ore or less in t
n of the range
ve your edits
s to the a hea
nce of each c
nsider carefull
basins (or th
out a way to d
create a temp
pendicular to
ing axis. Crea
asure the dist
ay to do this
tting axis and
ions of the pl
3. PLO
more‐or‐less li
w the various
your data ag
e shapefile an
owever. It sho
the middle of
e or it could s
and stop edi
avy black line.
catchment alo
ly how you w
e pour points
define the cen
porary line sh
o the plotting
te shapefile,
tance of each
is to measure
d the perpend
otting axis an
18
OTTING AX
near mounta
s morphomet
gainst a “plott
nd draw a stra
ould be close
f the range. It
start at the be
ting. Play aro
.
ong the plott
want to plot yo
s you created
nter of the ba
hape file. I’ll p
axis and that
add it, start e
line segment
e each segme
dicular line fro
nd the perpen
XIS
ain range with
tric indices ch
ting axis,” and
aight line alo
to parallel to
t could start a
eginning of fa
ound with the
ting axis
our drainages
d during the w
asin and use t
populate this
t connect the
editing and dr
t from the en
ent (from the
om the first w
ndicular lines
h a bunch of p
hange along t
d define the d
ng your range
o the average
at the beginni
aults with sur
e properties –
s. A common
watershed de
that point.
with a bunch
outlet points
raw these lin
nd of the plott
end of the pl
watershed, th
from the firs
perpendicula
the length of
distance of ea
e. You’ll want
orientation o
ing of the
rface expressi
– you probabl
practice is to
lineation pro
h of short line
s (or whateve
es. It might e
ting axis. In
lotting axis to
hen the distan
st and second
r
the
ach
t to
of the
ion…
y
o use
cess).
e
er) of
nd
o the
nce
d
watershed
cumulativ
To make t
In the win
endpoints
is usually
That’s it!
ds and so on)
ve distance by
the measurem
ndow that ope
s. The distanc
meters. You
), recording e
y adding the s
ments, click o
ens, click on t
ce will appear
can copy and
ach in a sprea
segment mea
on the measur
the measure
r in the Meas
d paste this nu
19
adsheet. Whe
asurements.
re tool icon (
line icon (
ure tool wind
umber directl
en you’re don
) in the
). You can t
dow. Be sure
ly into your s
ne you can ca
bar at the to
then simply c
to note the u
preadsheet.
alculate the
op of your pro
lick on two
units. The def
oject.
ault
20
4. SWATH PROFILES
“Swath profiles condense elevation data to a single profile. The profile is similar to the ridgeline your eye
would trace if you were standing in the valley looking up at a mountain range“
‐ GIS4Geomorphology.com
Creating a Swatch Profile allows for visual representations of the topographic features of a profile. The
advantage of a swath profile is that is that is condenses data from rectangular area with a custom width,
rather than a single line profile.
4.1 Rotating your DEM
In order to measure a SWATH profile in ArcMap, we first need to rotate the targeted topography to a N‐
S orientation. First, measure the angle of the plotting axis relative to north by using a plotting axis. This
is the angle which we will use to rotate the DEM to the proper orientation. Create a polyline shapefile,
and draw a line along the topographic feature of interest. This line needs to be parallel to the Length of
the swatch profile area, splitting the swatch box in 2. Note the angle of the line as you draw it, this is
displayed at the bottom of the screen. This is the angle we will use to rotate the DEM to the proper
orientation.
Rotate the DEM using the rotate tool:
Data Management Tools>Projects and Transformations>Raster>Rotate.
Input the DEM into the Input Raster space. Input the angle of clockwise rotation (measured
already) in the angle box. Press ok.
Using the Editor toolbar, highlight the swatch profile axis, select the rotate tool, and press a to
input the same angle. Shift the plotting axis to the original position relative to the rotated DEM.
Save your edits and stop editing.
4.2 Clipping the Dem to the Swath Box
Next you’ll need to choose the final boundaries of your swatch profile to encompass the range or
topographic feature. Do this by creating a polygon. Create a shapefile in Arc Catalog. Draw a polygon to
the preferred dimensions. Save your edits and stop editing. Change the colours of the polygon to ‘no
colour’, with a black outline. This polygon will be used to create a new DEM with the custom dimensions
of our swatch profile. Clip the DEM using the Clip Raster tool.
Data Management > Raster > Raster Processing > Clip
21
The input raster will be your rotated DEM, the output extent will be your newly created polygon. Make
sure to check the box that reads: use input features for clipping geometry. Press OK.
This should produce a new DEM, clipped to our SWATH box outline.
4.3 Extracting SWATCH Profiles
Measure Length of plotting axis using the measure tool, and convert it to cells. To do this you will need
to check cell dimensions under properties > source > cell size. Divide the total length by the size of each
cell. The answer is the length of your swath profile, in cell. Write it down, this number will be used for
the next step.
Next we will run a Focal Statistics function on our clipped DEM.
Spatial Analyst > Neighbourhood > Focal Statistics
Use the following inputs:
Height = 1 cell
Width = 2 x Long Dimension
Units = Cells
Statistics Type = Mean
Press OK
The output of the Focal Statistics function should be a polygon with a barcode pattern.
Enable 3‐D Analyst. Click customize > extensions, and then click the box next to 3D‐Analyst. Once
enabled, click customize > toolbars > 3‐D Analyst to access it.
In the toolbar, set the target layer to your Focal Statistics output file, then click ‘interpolate line’. You
then need to draw a straight line across the barcode Focal Statistics polygon. This should be drawn
perpendicular to the barcode pattern. Then click on profile graph to produce the mean elevation profile.
Once the profile is created, the data can be exported as a text file, including distance along the line, and
elevation.
Step X.3 must be repeated, creating a new Focal Statistics layer for both the Max and Min elevation. Just
change the Statistics type input to Max or Min.
4.4 Importing the Data to Excel and combining plots
Export values to excel by right clicking on the graph and selecting the excel tab. Do this for each graph,
and then combine the data in to one excel file. Plot the three series of data, with distance on the X axis
and elevation on the Y axis. Start the Y axis values close to the minimum elevation data to highlight the
relief (difference between max and min elevations.)
5. CA
An under
factors (i.
1964). Ev
sensitivity
textbooks
drainage
geomorph
assist to
(http://ww
catchmen
software.
5.1 Catc
Catchmen
or by mea
clipped o
Contents
ATCHMEN
rstanding of t
e. tectonism
valuation of
y to tectonis
s (Anderson
basin morp
hological real
o the imp
ww.gis4geom
nt area, outlet
chment Ar
nt area can be
asuring it dire
ut catchmen
and then sele
NT AREA, O
the relations
and climate
a variety of
sm, has bee
& Anderson
phometry ca
m (e.g. Altın
plementation
morphology.co
t spacing, reli
rea
e calculated e
ectly by using
nts, the proce
ect Open Attr
OUTLET SPA
REL
hip of draina
change) was
f morphologi
n standard
, 2010; Burb
an be read
& Altın, 2011
n of drain
om). Below
ief, elongatio
either from t
g the measur
edure is as f
ribute Table.
22
ACING, RE
LIEF RATIO
age basin mo
s established
ical features
practice that
bank & Ande
dily sought
1; Özkaymak &
nage basin
follows a s
n and basin r
he attribute t
ing tool of Ar
follows: Right
LIEF, ELON
O
orphology to
fairly early o
of drainage
t is now inc
erson, 2012).
in a multit
& Sözbilir, 20
morphome
step by step
relief ratio fro
table of the a
rcGIS. Utilizin
t click on ea
NGATION A
the effects o
on (Leopold, W
e basins, wit
corporated i
. Examples o
tude of pu
012) and inter
etry are
p guide to t
om DEM data
already clippe
ng the shapef
ach catchmen
AND BASIN
of external fo
Wolman, & M
h regard to
n geomorph
of investigati
blications in
rnet resource
easily acce
the calculatio
a introduced t
ed out catchm
files of the al
nt at the Tab
N
orcing
Miller,
their
hology
on of
n the
es that
essible
on of
to GIS
ments
ready
ble of
Right click
Select Are
The numb
k on the id co
ea and press O
ber on the id
lumn of the a
OK.
column corre
attribute tabl
esponds to th
23
e and select C
e area of that
Calculate Geo
t particular ca
ometry.
atchment in s
square meterrs.
5.2 Out
Outlet sp
previous o
For the fir
Click on th
Click on L
And then
and the n
tlet Spacing
pacing corres
outlet along t
rst and last ca
he Measure i
ine Measurem
progressively
ext (northern
g
ponds to the
the mountain
atchment of t
con.
ment.
y measure the
n, in this case
e average dis
n front strike,
the mountain
e distance of
) outlet, so as
24
stance of a c
, and can be
n range, of cou
an outlet bot
s to average t
catchment's
measured us
urse, only on
th from the p
the distance.
outlet from
sing the ArcG
e measureme
previous (sou
the next an
GIS measuring
ent can be m
thern, in this
d the
g tool.
ade.
case)
5.3 Reli
Relief, me
from the
raster.
By clicking
and lowes
5.4 Elon
Basin Elon
correspon
from spec
tables of
correspon
Minimum
Search fo
ef
eaning the dif
extreme valu
g on each cat
st elevation in
ngation an
ngation is the
nds to the rel
cific catchme
f these poly
nding catchm
m Bounding Ge
r Minimum B
fference of th
ues of elevati
tchment on th
n meters.
nd Basin Re
e ratio of the
ief of a catch
ents can be a
ygons will in
ments. Fitting
eometry tool
ounding Geo
he highest to
ion that are v
he Table of C
elief Ratio
length/width
hment divided
accomplished
nclude values
a polygon to
of the ArcGIS
metry on the
25
lowest elevat
visually prese
ontents, the
of a particula
d by its length
d by fitting a
s of maximu
o a particula
S toolbox. The
e Search tab.
tion, in a catc
ented in the p
colour key fo
ar catchment
h. The extract
polygon to
um length a
ar catchment
e process goe
chment can b
properties of
or elevation e
t whereas the
tion of length
each catchm
and maximu
involves the
es as follows.
be easily calcu
f each catchm
exhibits the hi
e Basin Relief
h and width v
ent. The attr
m width fo
e utilization o
ulated
ment's
ighest
f Ratio
values
ribute
r the
of the
Or in the AArc Toolbox, select Data MManagement
26
Tools>Featur
res>Minimum
m Bounding G
Geometry.
In the dia
Select CO
logue box tha
NVEX HULL a
at pops up, dr
t the Geomet
rag and drop
try Type optio
27
a catchment
on.
raster in the Input Featurres slot.
And check
Right clic
Attribute
k the "Add ge
k on the new
Table.
eometry chara
w feature th
acteristics as
at has been
28
attributes to
introduced
output" box
in the Table
.
of Contents
s and select Open
The attrib
meters) th
Referen
Altın, T. BCht
AndersonC
Burbank, H
Cooley, S.Leopold,
FrÖzkaymak
Aht
bute table of
hat can be ut
nces
., & Altın, B. Nentral Attp://dx.doi.o, R. S., & Andambridge: CaD. W., & Andoboken, N.J.:. W. (2013). GL. B., Wolmanreeman. k, Ç., & Sözbnatolia. ttp://dx.doi.o
the fitted po
ilized to calcu
N. (2011). DeAnatolia, org/10.1016/jderson, S. P. (ambridge Univderson, R. S. : J. Wiley & SoGIS4Geomorpn, M. G., & M
bilir, H. (201Geomo
org/10.1016/j
olygon holds
ulate both the
velopment anTurkey.
j.geomorph.2(2010). Geomversity Press.(2012). Tectoons. phology: http:Miller, J. P. (19
2). Tectonic orphology, j.geomorph.2
29
the values o
e Basin Elong
nd morphomGeomorpho
2010.09.023morphology : t onic geomorp
://www.gis4g964). Fluvial p
geomorphol173–
2012.06.003
of maximum l
gation and the
etry of drainaology, 1
the mechanic
phology (2nd
geomorpholoprocesses in
ogy of the S–174(0),
length and m
e Basin Relief
age network 125(4), 4
cs and chemis
ed.). Chiches
ogy.com. geomorpholo
Spildağı High128‐1
maximum wid
f Ratio.
in volcanic te485‐503.
stry of landsc
ster, West Su
ogy. San Fran
h Ranges, we40.
dth (in
errain, doi:
capes.
ussex ;
ncisco:
estern doi:
30
6. HYPSOMETRY
Hypsometry is the measurement of land elevation relative to sea level. In our case specifically, it
represents the relationship between elevation and basin area, watershed, or catchment (Langbein,
1947; Strahler, 1952). Through hypsometric analysis, one can produce a Hypsometric Index (sometimes
referred to as Hypsometric Integral) and Hypsometric Curve, which provide insight into the erosional
maturity and flood response of a basin (GIS 4 Geomorphology). Hypsometric Curves may be generated
for Basin Area (Hb), Channel Length (Hn), or R1 index (GIS 4 Geomorphology). In this case, we will focus
on using Hypsometric Curves for basin area and elevation to calculate the Hypsometric Integral. All
these indices, used on their own or in conjunction with one another, can be effective in delineating local
effects of denudation and tectonic uplift (GIS 4 Geomorphology).
The Hypsometric Curve describes distribution of elevations across drainage basins or watersheds. The
curve is constructed by plotting the proportion of the total basin height (h/H = relative height) versus
the total basin area (a/A = relative area) (Keller and Pinter, 2002). Total basin height H represents the
relief within the basin (i.e. the difference between the maximum and minimum elevations in the basin)
(Keller and Pinter, 2002). Total surface area of the basin (A) is the sum of the areas between each pair
of adjacent contour lines (Keller and Pinter, 2002). Total basin area (a) represents the surface area
within the basin above a given line of elevation h (Keller and Pinter, 2002). The hypsometric curve is
independent of differences in basin size and relief, and area and elevation are plotted as a function of
total area and total elevation, therefore drainage basins of varying sizes can be compared to one
another (Keller and Pinter, 2002).
Hypsometric curves can be characterized by calculating the hypsometric integral using the following
equation:
HI values of <0.30 are generally considered to be tectonically stable, denuded, or mature (e.g.,
Ozkaymak and Sozbilir, 2012). HI values >0.60 indicated unstable, actively uplifting, or young basins
(e.g., Ozkaymak and Sozbilir, 2012). However, Wilgoose and Hancock (1998) argue that HI values >0.50
represent basins that are dominated by diffusive processes, and HI values <0.50 are dominated by fluvial
erosion. Flattened S‐shaped or more ‘linear’ hypsometric curves are generally represented a relatively
stable and mature, but still developing landscape (Willgoose and Hancock, 1998). However, some
authors have noted that some mature but still developing landscape (HI = 50), may continue to and
old/highly mature stage without decreasing the HI value, and in such as case more sophisticated
numerical and statistical methods must be used to delineate the complex evolution of the basin (Harlin,
1978; Keller and Pinter, 2002). Furthermore, one must use caution when interpreting HI values as
similar looking curves may be produced by complex interactions between climate, tectonics,
sedimentation, and lithology (Bishop et al., 2002).
The shap
processes
relatively
diffusive
Geomorp
elevations
higher ele
indicated
Landscape
6.1 Follow
Open MA
navigation
your catch
create a b
e of a hypso
s acting in a w
higher eleva
hillslope pro
hology). A co
s (GIS 4 Geom
evations and
dominance o
e age exhibite
w the followi
TLAB. Near t
n bar. Click o
hment_X.txt f
blank excel fil
ometric curv
watershed. A
ations, and
ocesses such
oncave‐up cu
morphology).
transported
of channelized
ed by 3 hypso
ng procedure
the top of you
on the
files. This fol
e into which t
ve provides u
A convex‐dow
one could p
as landslidi
rve may impl
. Here, one c
to lower are
d, fluvial, or a
ometric curve
e to perform
ur window (b
icon (brow
der should al
the data will
31
useful inform
wn curve indic
otentially att
ing and inte
ly that the ma
can assume t
eas or advect
alluvial proces
es (GIS 4 Geom
hypsometry
elow the MAT
wse to folder)
lso contain th
be saved call
mation, such
cates that mo
tribute this
erill erosion
ajority of the
that more ma
ed out of the
sses (GIS 4 Ge
morphology)
TLAB tool but
) to navigate t
he matlab file
ed something
as the dom
ore of the wa
to a young
play a signif
basin area lie
aterial has be
e basin, and
eomorpholog
.
ttons), there
to wherever y
e hypsometry
g like filenam
minant geomo
tershed’s are
landscape, w
ficant role (
es at relative
een removed
may subsequ
gy).
will be a
you have stor
.m and you sh
me_hyps.xls.
orphic
ea has
where
GIS 4
ly low
from
uently
red
hould
Double cl
hypsomet
code. For
“filename
ick on the hyp
tric curve. W
r the sake of t
e.txt” and size
psometry.m f
When you dou
this project, t
e of the bin, a
file, this is the
ble click on h
the two main
at which the d
32
e MATLAB co
ypsometry.m
things you sh
deafault is set
de that will b
m, a new wind
hould be conc
t to 50m.
be used to cal
dow will appe
cerned about
culate the
ear showing th
t in this code
he
are
At the top
magnifyin
Find what
Replace w
Now, hit t
replaced w
Now we w
size can b
with suffic
informatio
sizes! Aga
Find what
p of your wind
ng glass). Now
t: filename
with: catchme
the “Replace
with “catchm
want to repea
be adjusted at
cient values.
on). In this ca
ain, in the “Fi
t: 50
dow, you will
w, enter the f
ent_1
All’ button. E
ment_1”.
at the same p
t your own di
Generally, 10
ase, we will u
nd and Repla
see your edi
following:
Everywhere t
procedure wit
scretion, with
0‐20 elevatio
use a 10 m bin
ace” window,
33
tor tools and
he word “file
th the bin size
h the goal of
n/pixel outpu
n size, but fee
enter the fol
buttons, clic
ename” appea
e, which is cu
producing a s
uts are suffici
el free to expe
llowing:
ck on the “Fin
ared in the co
rrently set to
smooth eleva
ent (see next
eriment and t
d” icon (a litt
ode has now
o 50m. The bi
ation distribut
t step for mor
try different
tle
been
in
tion
re
bin
Replace w
Hit the “R
Close the
word “run
appear, e
distributio
Copy you
organizat
example.x
The eleva
be copied
in the exa
to the num
dividing th
Now, calc
in the exa
C
Np
N
The end r
with: 10
Replace All” b
“Find” windo
n” underneat
levation on th
on will appea
r elevation an
ion purposes,
xls excel file.
tion values sh
d into the “#p
ample, extend
mber of pixel
he #pixels by
culate the “cu
ample to calcu
umulative = c
orm cumm =ixel #’s.
orm elev = noo (elevat
esult should
utton.
ow, and just t
h it. Click thi
he left, and n
r as in the fig
nd pixel value
, I would reco
hould be ente
ixels” column
d your data so
s. Follow the
the maximum
ummulative”,
ulate these va
cumulative pi
normalized c
ormalized eletion at each p
be a plot of “
to the right on
s button. In y
umber of cor
gure below:
es in MATLAB
ommend that
ered under th
n. Organize t
orting to the #
e example tem
m elevation u
“norm cumm
alues for catc
xel number, f
cumulative va
evation pixel – min_e
norm cumm”
34
n the find but
your main MA
rresponding p
into the exam
t you create a
he “elevation”
he elevation
#pixels colum
mplate to find
under the “ele
m”, and “norm
chment_1.
from bottom
alue; divide e
levation)/(ma
” versus “norm
tton, you will
ATLAB windo
pixels on the
mple.xls spre
a new sheet fo
” column on t
values from
mn so that the
d the “norma
evation” colu
m elev” colum
to top.
ach cumulati
ax_elev – min
m elev.”
see a “play”
ow, 2 columns
right. In addi
eadsheet for c
or every catc
the left, and t
smallest to l
e correct elev
alized” column
mn.
mns, follow th
ve value by t
n_elev)
button with t
s of numbers
ition, an elev
catchment_1.
hment in the
the pixels sho
argest as sho
vation corresp
n values by
he equations u
he sum of all
the
will
ation
. For
e
ould
own
ponds
used
the
Repeat th
6.2 Calcul
Navigate t
left (they
should be
Now, righ
should ap
correspon
his process for
lating HI
to the and op
are under “ca
e denoted “ca
ht‐click on cat
ppear: Rowid,
nding elevatio
r all catchme
pen your arc p
atchment_de
atchment_X”)
chment_1, an
VALUE, and
on, and COUN
nts.
project. Find y
ems”), you ca
).
nd click “Ope
COUNT. Row
NT is the num
35
your clipped
n check them
n Attributes T
wid represent
mber of occurr
watershed D
m so that they
Table,” a sma
s the pixel nu
rences.
EM’s in layer
y appear on y
all table with
umber, VALUE
rs window on
our map (the
three column
E is the
the
ey
ns
Right‐click
frequency
You want
spreadshe
the aforem
k on the word
y distribution
to record the
eet (you shou
mentioned H
d “VALUE”, an
and various v
e maximum, m
uld save this a
I equation (se
nd go to “Stat
values.
mean, minim
as a new xls fi
ee page 1).
36
tistics.” A ne
um values fo
ile), and the s
w window wi
or catchment_
subsequent H
ill appear tha
_1 in your exa
HI value will b
at displays the
ample.xls
e calculated u
e
using
Close the
Take a bre
Courtesy of t
Reference Bishop, M.Himalayan GIS 4 Geomhttp://gis4 Harlin, J. M59‐72, 197
Keller, E.A.Langbein, W968c, p. 99
Ozkaymak,Geomorph
Strahler, ABulletin 63
Willgoose,limited cat
statistics and
eak and go on
hegaurdian.com
es
. P., Shroder Jr perspective. G
morphology. H4geomorpholog
M., Statistical m78.
., Pinter, N., 20W. B., et al., 19‐114
, Ç., Sozbilir, Hhology 173, 128
A.N., 1952. Hyp3, 1117–1141
G., Hancock, Gtchment. Earth
d attribute tab
n Facebook fo
., J. F., Bonk, RGlobal and Plan
Hypsometric Cugy.com/hypsom
moments of the
002. Second Ed947, Topograp
., 2012. Tecton8–140.
sometric Žarea
G., 1998. Revish Surface Proce
ble for catchm
or 20 minutes
., & Olsenhollenetary Change
urves, HI, and Rmetric‐index‐in
e hypsometric
dition. Active Tphic characteri
nic geomorpho
a–altitude. ana
siting the hypsoesses and Land
37
ment_1. Rep
s.
er, J. (2002). Ge, 32(4), 311 –3
R1 Index. Accentegral/
curve and its d
ectonics. Prenstics of drainag
ology of the Sp
alysis of erosio
ometric curve forms 23, 611–
eat the previ
eomorphic cha329.
essed October
density functio
tice‐Hall, Uppge basins: U. S
pildağı High Ran
onal topograph
as an indicator– 623
ous steps for
ange in high m
31st, 2013.
on, J. lnt. Assoc
per Saddle RiveS. Geol. Survey
nges, western
hy. Geological S
r of form and p
r all catchmen
ountains: A we
c. Math. Geol.,
er, 338 pp. Water Supply
Anatolia.
Society of Ame
process in tran
nts.
estern
10,
Paper
erica
sport‐
The volum
basin. Im
resulting i
significant
basin mat
system is
the interf
significant
2006).
7.1 Gettin
Assuming
first step
Raster > R
shape file
me/area ratio
mature drain
in a low volum
tly increasing
tures, it may e
approximate
luves would b
tly, leading to
ng Started
g you are start
is to clip the D
Raster Proces
e), and check t
7. CAT
of a basin is
nage basins w
me/area ratio
g in volume, a
eventually re
ely equal, as a
become more
o a lower volu
ting with a pr
DEM to the w
sing > Clip to
the “Use Inpu
TCHMENT
an important
will have a sma
o (RVA). As the
although not a
ach a steady
re the uplift a
e eroded, alth
ume, but a co
roject, filled D
watershed bo
ol). Select an
ut Features” b
38
VOLUME/
t metric in cla
all area, but a
e basin matu
as significantl
state, where
and erosiona
hough the riv
onstant area,
DEM and a po
undary. Do t
input raster,
box. Select a
/AREA RAT
assifying the p
a very low sed
res and uplift
ly in area, lea
the flux of m
l rates. If, ho
er in the basi
and thus a lo
olygon shapef
this using the
and output e
n appropriate
TIO
phase of deve
diment flux o
t occurs, the b
ading to a hig
material in and
owever, uplift
in will no long
ower RVA (Fran
file to outline
Clip tool (Dat
extent (make
e output nam
elopment of a
out of the syst
basin will inci
her RVA. As th
d out of the
t were to ceas
ger be incisin
nkel & Pazzag
e your basin, t
ta Manageme
e sure that thi
me and locatio
a
tem
ise,
he
se,
g as
glia,
the
ent >
is is a
on.
The next s
Vertices t
Point Typ
Next, the
Values to
ORIGINAL
step is to con
o Points). Yo
e as ALL.
rim point ele
Points). The
L raster, not t
nvert the raste
our input feat
evation values
input point f
he clip. Chec
er vertices to
ure is the sha
s must be ext
features are t
ck the second
39
points (Data
ape file used f
tracted (Spati
he rim points
box.
Managemen
for clipping.
al Analyst To
s you just cre
nt tools > Feat
Name your fi
ools > Extracti
ated, and the
tures > Featu
ile, and leave
on > Extract
e raster is the
ure
e
You shoul
7.2 TIN/R
The next s
> Create T
TIN somet
columns t
already be
This TIN m
The input
Data Type
defaults.
ld now have t
Raster Creatio
step is to crea
TIN), represen
thing approp
to change wh
e masspoints
must now be c
is the TIN ca
e to Integer, a
to sets of poin
on
ate a TIN surf
nting a cap fo
riate, and cho
at is there. C
and <none>
converted to
p you just ma
and Sampling
nts. Remove
face (3D Anal
or the watersh
oose your inp
Change height
respectively.
a raster (3D A
ade, and the o
Distance to C
40
the originals
yst Tools > Da
hed, as define
put feature cla
t_field to RAS
Analyst Tools
output is a ra
Cellsize. Met
.
ata Managem
ed by your ex
ass as your ex
STERVALU. S
s > Conversio
aster cap that
thod = Linear
ment > TIN M
xtracted rimp
xtracted rimp
F_type and ta
n > From TIN
t you must na
and Z Factor
anagement >
points. Name
points. Click c
ag_field shou
> TIN to Rast
ame. Set Out
= 1 should be
> TIN
your
cell
uld
ter).
put
e
You can n
You may n
address th
Processin
original sh
Name you
7.3 Calcul
The first s
the unero
Input the
appropria
now turn off t
notice the ras
his, you must
g > Clip). The
hape file used
ur raster clip a
late RVA
step of calcula
oded surface,
function you
ate location fo
he TIN.
ster goes outs
t clip the raste
input raster
d to do the fir
and proceed.
ating the RVA
and the DEM
want calcula
or the output
side of the bo
er to the basi
is the raster y
rst clip. Don’t
is to calculate
M topography
ated (Your clip
t.
41
oundaries of t
n boundary (
you just made
t forget to cli
e the differen
(Spatial Anal
pped cap rast
the basin, as
Data Manage
e from the TI
ck the “Use In
nce between
lyst > Map Alg
ter – the origi
defined by yo
ement Tools >
N, and the ou
nput Feature
the clipped c
gebra > Raste
inal DEM file)
our rim point
> Raster > Ra
utput extent
s” box again.
ap, represent
er calculator)
), and choose
ts. To
ster
is the
ting
.
e an
Before do
file. Right
> Classifie
Hit “OK” a
oing any furth
t click on the
ed, and click c
and go to the
her calculation
raster output
classify. Recor
e “Source” ta
n, you must f
t by your diffe
rd the “Sum”
b of the Prop
42
ind the pixel
erence calcul
and the “Cou
perties menu
count and th
lation, select
unt”.
. Find the Ce
e area of the
Properties >
ellsize and rec
pixels for yo
Symbology
cord it.
ur
Your erod
you a volu
can be ca
then calcu
Works Cit
Minimum
ht
Frankel, K
fr
Ev
ded volume c
ume in m3 (in
lculated by m
ulated by div
ted
m Eroded Volu
ttp://gis4geo
K., & Pazzaglia
rom the south
volution(398)
can then be ca
n the case of
multiply Coun
viding volume
me. (2013). R
omorphology.
a, F. (2006). M
hern Rock Mo
), 419‐434.
alculated, by
the example,
nt and the Ce
e by area (2,4
Retrieved Oct
com/calculat
Mountain fron
ountains. (S. W
43
y multiplying
, 3,355,751*2
llsize2 (381*2
424,705,156m
ober 31, 201
te‐basin‐volum
nts, base‐leve
Willet, Ed.) Te
the Sum and
26.88033048
26.880330482
m3/275,292.3
3, from GIS 4
me/
el fall, and lan
ectonics, Clim
d the Cell (pix2 = 2,424,7052 = 275,292.3
8m2 = 8807.7
4 Geomorpho
ndscape evolu
mate, and Lan
xel) size2, givin
5,156m3). The
38m2). The RV
7).
logy:
ution: Insights
dscape
ng
e area
VA is
s
The shape
uplift and
shapes: U
valleys wh
steep cha
may indic
tectonica
The shape
mathema
Where Vf
ridgeline,
ratio is es
Deriving V
considera
location o
upstream
profiles ap
e of a catchm
erosion. Diff
U‐shaped valle
here fluvial in
nnel gradient
cate changing
lly active area
e of a cross‐va
tically as follo
fw is the valle
and Esc is th
sentially a rat
Figur
Vf ratios is rel
ations as to ho
of the cross‐va
from catchm
pproximately
ent in cross‐s
fering rates an
eys where sur
ncision rates a
t. Therefore,
rates of tect
as.
alley profile is
ows (http://g
ey floor width
e elevation o
tio relating th
re 1: Defining th
latively simpl
ow one applie
alley profiles.
ment outlets,
y halfway betw
8.
section prima
nd styles of s
rface process
are high due t
the systemat
onism, as one
s determined
is4geomorph
, Eld is the ele
f the channel
he width of th
e Vf ratio. From
e using ArcGI
es this metho
. Multiple me
or at a fixed r
ween catchm
44
Vf RATIO
arily reflects t
urface proces
es dominate
to high uplift
tic analysis of
e would expe
d quantitative
hology.com/v
2
evation of lef
l. The schema
he valley floo
http://gis4geom
S software (s
od in a meani
ethods exists,
river discharg
ment headwat
the local [stea
sses and tecto
and rates of
rates and du
f cross valley
ect V‐shapes t
ely as the Vf r
vf‐ratio‐soon/
ft ridgeline, E
atic below (fig
r to the basin
morphology.com
see below). H
ngful way. Th
such as placi
ge. For this pr
ters and catch
ady‐state] bal
onism create
tectonism are
e to the need
profiles along
to dominate i
atio, and is d
/):
Erd is the elev
gure 1) shows
n relief.
m/vf‐ratio‐soon/
owever, ther
he most critic
ing profiles at
roject, we pla
hment outlets
lance betwee
e two endmem
e low or V‐sh
d to maintain
g an active fa
in the most
efined
ation of the r
s us that the
/
re are importa
al factor is th
t a fixed lengt
ce cross‐valle
s, and
en
mber
aped
a
ult
right
Vf
ant
he
th
ey
45
approximately perpendicular to the channel axis. In some cases, catchments are heavily dissected by
multiple tributaries. In these cases, we place profiles below the confluence of these tributary streams, in
order to measure a valley profile with only one channel.
Other important factors can influence Vf ratios and should be considered. For example, changes along
the length of a range in lithology, climate, and joint/fracture spacing could significantly influence erosion
rates in discrete catchments (Pedrera et al., 2009). Catchments of vastly different size may not
accurately indicate varied tectonic influence through different Vf ratios, depending on the method
selected for locating cross‐valley profiles. Therefore, Vf ratios are most reliable when employed in
catchments of similar size, climate and lithology. For more context on Vf ratios see:
‐ http://gis4geomorphology.com/vf‐ratio‐soon/
‐ Pedrera, A., Pérez‐Peña, J.V., Galindo Zaldívar, J., Azañón, J.M., Azor, A., 2009. Testing
the sensitivity of geomorphic indices in areas of low‐rate active folding (eastern Betic
Cordillera, Spain). Geomorphology: 105.
‐ Hamdouni, R.E., Irigaray, C., Fernández, T., Chacón, J., Keller, E.A., 2007. Assessment of
relative active tectonics, southwest border of the Sierra Nevada (southern Spain).
Geomorphology: 96
8.1 Setup
After opening your project (e.g. Lemhi.mxd) in ArcMap, complete with delineated catchments and
catchment DEMS, the first step is to enable the 3D analyst extension. To do so, click
Customize>Extensions... and then check the box beside 3D Analyst. Now you are ready to open the 3D
Analyst Toolbar by clicking Customize>Toolbars>3D Analyst. Once you do that the 3D analyst toolbar
will appear on your screen as seen below:
Note that
the dropd
from the
8.2 Interp
In order t
notice tha
where yo
you have
headwate
created, a
t in order to u
down list. For
left.
polate a Line
o interpolate
at the cursor
u want to dra
oriented the
ers and catchm
as below:
use the toolba
this task we
a line to crea
changes to a
aw your profi
profile in a w
ment outlet.
ar for a given
are intereste
ate our cross‐
set of crossh
le, and then d
way you see fi
Upon double
46
catchment, y
d in the Inter
‐valley profile
airs. Start by
drag your cur
t. Again, we p
e clicking, a bo
you must sele
rpolate Line t
e, select the I
clicking once
rsor across th
placed our pr
ox will come u
ect that catch
tool, which is
nterpolate Li
e just outside
e valley, and
rofiles halfwa
up and highli
hment’s DEM
the fifth icon
ine tool. You
the catchme
double click
ay between th
ght the line y
from
n
will
ent
when
he
you
If you do
satisfied w
8.3 Gener
Next, click
that you s
Your prof
not like the li
with your pro
rate a Profile
k the Profile G
specified in st
ile will look so
ne you have
ofile line.
Graph
Graph button
tep 2:
omething like
drawn, simpl
n in the 3D An
e this:
47
y press delet
nalyst toolbar
e, and repeat
r to get a cros
t the process
ss‐valley prof
until you are
file along the
e
line
With this
Feel free t
line outsid
highest po
example,
slopes cha
valley floo
meander
graph and
of the 3D
remaining
graph you ca
to resize the
de of the catc
oints in the ca
there are cle
ange more gr
or. A helpful h
across that w
d move on to
analyst toolb
g catchments
n now extrac
graph to incr
chment of int
atchment. De
ar inflection p
radually, and
hint is to choo
width. Once yo
the next catc
bar before try
.
ct the necessa
ease the prec
terest, the hig
etermining th
points which
you must use
ose areas of l
ou have reco
chment. Be su
ying to interpo
48
ary informatio
cision of the a
ghest points o
e width of th
help define t
e your own ju
ow enough s
rded all the n
ure to change
olate a line o
on described
axes. Note th
on your graph
e valley floor
the floor of th
udgment in de
lope so that a
necessary info
e the catchme
n the next ca
in the introd
at, because y
h do indeed r
r is often diffi
he valley. In o
etermining th
a river presum
ormation, you
ent DEM in th
tchment. Sim
uction in Figu
you started yo
epresent the
cult. In this
other cases th
he bounds on
mably could
u can close th
he dropdown
mply repeat fo
ure 1.
our
he
the
he
list
or all
49
Be sure to record all data in excel, and its easiest if the Vf ratio is calculated automatically. Our data
table is shown below:
Catchment ELD ERD VfW ESC Vf 1 1714 1698 50 1658 1.04 2 1774 1760 50 1670 0.52 3 1670 1754 240 1625 2.76 4 1935 1920 95 1670 0.37 5 2015 1957 30 1871 0.26 6 1992 2036 45 1856 0.28 7 2070 2030 55 1802 0.22 8 2670 2475 60 2100 0.13 9 2557 2570 50 2195 0.14 10 2463 2410 100 2110 0.31 11 2545 2550 65 2240 0.21 12 2865 2720 65 2332 0.14 13 3025 3070 80 2745 0.26 14 2750 3110 100 2255 0.15 15 3035 2930 50 2642 0.15 16 2795 2640 60 2170 0.11 17 2930 2890 60 2565 0.17 18 2830 3100 60 2455 0.12 19 3035 2865 100 2498 0.22 20 2745 2755 50 2490 0.19 21 3070 3080 90 2370 0.13 22 2620 2635 60 2355 0.22 23 2855 2805 75 2565 0.28 24 2534 2595 125 2315 0.50 25 2800 2795 60 2390 0.15
8.4 Consid
As previo
when you
profile, as
In this exa
just adjac
significant
separate v
below the
derations
usly explaine
u draw a profi
s below:
ample we see
ent to the ma
t topographic
values for val
e confluence o
d, some catch
ile across the
e that there a
ain channel, a
c expression.
lley‐floor wid
of these majo
hments are h
midpoint of
re at least 3 s
and a much la
Determining
th. So in thes
or tributaries
50
eavily dissect
the catchmen
separate chan
arger tributar
a Vf ratio he
se cases, we p
and the main
ted and conta
nt, you may y
nnels: the ma
ry that is sepa
re is meaning
placed our pro
n channel.
ain multiple t
yield a bifurca
ain channel, a
arated by a rid
gless, as there
ofiles lower i
tributaries, so
ated cross‐va
a small tributa
dge with
e are three
n the catchm
o that
lley
ary
ent,
We utilize
sinuosity/
asymmetr
From this
Sm
Lm
b
fa
Ls
From this
question.
ed the web‐lin
/) seen below
ry.
web page we
mf is the sin
mf is the sin
reak in slope
an slope (sha
s is the lengt
formula, we
9. M
nk provided in
w, to obtain pe
e obtained th
uosity of a g
uous length
e observed b
allow).
th of the fau
can now focu
MOUNTAIN
n the handou
ertinent back
he formula fo
Smf =
given range f
of a line me
between the
ult feature as
us on determ
51
N FRONT S
ut (http://gis4
ground inform
r range front
Lmf / Ls
front.
easured alon
e mountain f
ssociated wi
ining the ran
SINUOSITY
4geomorphol
mation on ho
asymmetry,
ng an undula
front hill‐slo
ith the moun
ge front sinu
Y
ogy.com/mo
ow to calculat
which is as fo
ating path de
ope (steep) a
ntain front.
osity for the s
untain‐front‐
te range front
ollows:
efined by th
and the alluv
system in
‐
t
(1)
e
vial
Using Ar
1
o
th
2
th
cMap to De
.) Open the Le
pened the Le
hat consists o
.) Locate the
he below ima
termine Sin
emhi.mxd file
mhi.mxd file,
of each of the
‘measure’ too
ge), and activ
uosity.
e located with
, you should s
active and no
ol in the ArcM
vate it by click
52
hin the releva
see in the tab
on‐active laye
Map tool inte
king the icon.
ant assignme
ble of content
er files.
rface in the u
.
nt 3 folder. O
ts on the left,
upper left of t
Once ArcMap
, a dropdown
the screen (se
has
list
een in
3
le
th
ta
lik
Fi
sh
4
fr
se
ab
p
(s
In
w
5
o
se
.) In order to
eft within the
hat it displays
an) areas with
ke the sample
irst, we will ca
hapefile in or
.) Use the me
rom equation
egments whic
bove in white
resent in the
sinuosity.xls)
n order to det
will edit so tha
.) On the righ
pen your inte
elect Home‐P
best measure
table of cont
s (in purple) a
h a slope less
e pictured be
alculate Lmf a
der to constr
easure tool to
(1). To meas
ch trace eithe
e. Once you re
measure too
as read from
termine the t
at it traces the
t hand side o
erface should
Project 3 > sel
e the Lmf valu
tents) that is t
areas of the m
than 10⁰. On
low.
and Ls for eac
ain the total
o measure the
sure the total
er the fault, sh
each the end
ol interface. E
the measure
otal range fro
e entire range
of the ArcMap
look similar t
ect new > sel
53
ue, we must f
titled “Lemhi
map which hav
nce activated,
ch fault segm
range front s
e Lmf (A) and
length of eac
hown above i
of the arc do
nter the value
tool interfac
ont sinuosity
e front.
p interface, th
to that featur
lect shapefile
first activate
_slp”. This lay
ve slope valu
, this layerfile
ment (Red) sep
inuosity.
Ls (B) length
ch fault segm
in red (B) or t
ouble click an
es for Lmf an
ce for each fa
we must crea
here is a ‘cata
red in the figu
e as shown be
the layerfile (
yerfile has be
es exceeding
e will make th
parately, then
s required to
ment, single cl
the slope‐bre
d read the ‘m
d Ls into an e
ult segment (
ate a new sha
alogue’ optio
ure below. W
elow.
(located on th
een construct
g 10⁰ and (in g
he map area lo
n we will mak
o calculate Sm
ick in discrete
eak (A) shown
measured’ val
excel spreads
(labeled 1‐4).
apefile which
n, click this. O
With this open
he
ted so
grey‐
ook
ke a
mf
e
n
ue
heet
we
Once
5
ap
fe
d
. Continued.)
ppear. Chang
eature type fi
ialogue box. S
Once you ha
ge the name o
ield. This don
Select project
ve selected ‘c
of the shapefi
ne, click the Ed
ted coodinate
54
create new sh
ile to Sinuosit
dit button to
es system > U
hapefile’ the
ty, and select
bring up the
UTM > WGS 1
following dia
t Polyline fro
spatial refer
1984 > Northe
alogue box wi
m the dropdo
ence propert
ern Hemisphe
ll
own
ties
ere >
W
d
7
ap
co
8
th
an
fr
WGS 1984 UTM
ata set in use
.) Now that y
pparent on th
ontents on th
.) In order to
he tool bar he
nd check it of
riendliness th
M zone 12N. T
e.
ou have creat
he right hand
he far left in o
edit it we mu
eader. A drop
ff. There will
at you pin thi
This will prov
ted a shapefi
of the ArcMa
order to edit.
ust first activa
pdown list wil
now be an ed
is toolbar to t
55
vide ArcMap w
le, it should n
ap interface.
ate the editor
l appear, it is
ditor bar visib
the header as
with the corre
now be visible
Drag the sha
r tool bar. To
alphabetical
ble for you to
s shown in th
ect datum of
e within the c
pefile into th
do this right‐
, so just scrol
use. I recom
e below figur
reference fo
catalogue
e table of
‐click anywhe
ll down to ed
mend for use
re.
r the
ere in
itor
er
9
Ed
se
d
Fe
th
10
.) Right‐click t
diting from th
egment. Now
own field. Bro
eatures. Next
he right side o
0.) Below the
the shapefile
he list within
w navigate bac
owse down th
t select the si
of your ArcMa
e create featu
“sinuosity’ a
the editor fie
ck to the Edit
he list to the
nuosity shap
ap interface.
ure menu will
56
nd browse to
eld. We can n
or toolbar (d
bottom wher
efile from the
be a constru
o Edit in the d
ow edit the s
isplayed abov
re it says Edit
e dialogue bo
uction tools m
dropdown fiel
shapefile, i.e.,
ve) and select
ting Windows
ox below that
menu, select L
ld. Select Star
, create a line
t the Editor d
s. Select Crea
will appear o
Line.
rt
e
drop
ate
on
10
to
fa
d
1
an
ex
12
(S
0. Continued
otal fault trac
ault segment,
ouble clicking
1.) Once you
nd Ls for the
xcel file sinuo
2.) By applyin
Smf) for each
.) Once you h
e and total sl
, but this time
g.
have drawn t
entire range
osity.xls.
ng equation (1
individual fa
have selected
ope‐break tra
e unbroken fr
the feature, r
front feature
1) in the exce
ult segment i
57
the line optio
ace as we did
rom one end
repeat steps 2
e you have jus
el table you sh
n addition to
on shown ab
d using the m
of the range
2, 3, and 4 to
st drawn. Aga
hould now be
o the complet
ove, you can
easure tool fo
to the other.
obtain meas
ain, put these
e able to calcu
e range front
begin drawin
or each indiv
End the line
urements of
e values into t
ulate the sinu
t.
ng the
idual
by
Lmf
the
uosity
To me
faulted
measu
perpen
1
2
3
ti
in
to
4
so
fa
5
Si
re
sp
6
(t
re
e
W
ex
asure the ran
d side. The m
uring the rang
ndicular to th
.) Open the Le
.) Select the m
.) Measure to
p of the axis a
n the measure
otal length int
.) Now, we w
outhern tip w
aulted width (
.) In order to
ingle click on
ed) and doub
preadsheet (a
.) To measure
the same poin
ed) and exten
nter them as
We will repeat
xcel spreadsh
nge asymmetr
easure tool w
ge asymmetry
he plotting axi
emhi.mxd file
measuring too
otal length of
and then dou
e tool interfac
to an excel sp
ill measure th
we will measu
(B) and the ra
measure the
the plotting a
le‐click. Read
asymmetry.xl
e the range w
nt as in 5) and
nding it to the
the total leng
t these two st
heet (asymme
10. RANG
ry we first ha
will be used to
y we will take
is.
e located in th
ol.
the plotting a
uble‐clicking o
ce. You shoul
preadsheet (a
he range widt
re out 5km. A
ange widths (
range width
axis at the 5k
d the values a
s).
width we will s
d draw a perp
e end of the r
gth into an ex
teps every 5k
etry.xls).
58
GE ASYMM
ve to measur
o do this. To o
e a series of m
he assignmen
axis (back line
on the northe
d get a meas
asymmetry.xls
th and range
At the end of
A).
on the faulte
km interval an
nd enter them
select the me
pendicular lin
ange (purple)
xcel spreadsh
km until we re
METRY
re the range w
obtain the req
measurements
nt 3 folder.
e) by single‐c
ern most poin
surement of ~
s).
width on the
each 5km int
ed side we wi
nd draw a per
m as the tota
easuring tool
e to the plott
) and double‐
heet (asymme
each 70km an
width and ran
quired values
s every 5km a
licking on the
nt. Read the ‘m
~70km. Enter
e faulted side
terval we will
ll select the m
rpendicular li
al length into
again. Single
ting axis start
‐click. Read th
etry.xls).
nd report thes
nge width on
s needed for
along slices
e southern m
measured’ va
the values fo
. Starting at t
measure the
measuring too
ne to the fau
an excel
click on the f
ting at the fau
he values and
se values in
the
ost
alue
or the
he
e
ol.
lt (in
fault
ult (in
d
an
