Smith, Adam GG;
Fox, Matthew;
Schwanghart, Wolfgang;
Carter, Andrew;
(2022)
Comparing methods for calculating channel steepness index.
Earth-Science Reviews
, 227
, Article 103970. 10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.103970.
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Abstract
Channel steepness index, ks, is a metric derived from the stream power model that, under certain conditions, scales with relative rock uplift rate. Channel steepness index is a property of rivers, which can be relatively easily extracted from digital elevation models (DEMs). As DEM data sets are widely available for Earth and are becoming more readily available for other planetary bodies, channel steepness index represents a powerful tool for interpreting tectonic processes. However, multiple approaches to calculate channel steepness index exist. From this several important questions arise; does choice of approach change the values of channel steepness index, can values be so different that choice of approach can influence the findings of a study, and are certain approaches better than others? With the aid of a synthetic river profile and a case study from the Sierra Nevada, California, we show that values of channel steepness index vary over orders of magnitude according to the methodology used in the calculation. We explore the limitations, advantages and disadvantages of the key approaches to calculating channel steepness index, and find that choosing an appropriate approach relies on the context of a study. Given these observations, it is important that authors acknowledge the methodology used to calculate channel steepness index, to ensure that results can be contextualised and reproduced.
Type: | Article |
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Title: | Comparing methods for calculating channel steepness index |
Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.103970 |
Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.103970 |
Language: | English |
Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
Keywords: | Channel steepness index, Fluvial geomorphology, RiversTectonics, Geomorphology, Digital elevation models, Sierra nevada |
UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Earth Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL |
URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10143923 |
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