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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 15 (2007), Paper 30 Posted December 19, 2007 USING SATELLITE IMAGES TO STUDY DRAINAGE PATTERN ANOMALIES IN SAUDI ARABIA
Mashael M. Al Saud ABSTRACT Drainage systems follow patterns of water flow and network connection that are influenced mainly by geologic structures, surficial processes, terrain properties and rainfall behavior. These patterns often reflect a normal stable condition of the terrain surface on which they developed. However, in many instances, drainage patterns exhibit anomalies in their orientation as a result of subsequent events and processes. Drainage pattern anomalies are seen in many regions of the world, including the Arabian Peninsula. The development of remote sensing techniques, notably satellite images with a variety of optical properties and image resolutions, can now show terrain features that were not seen before. The analysis of three types of satellite images (Landsat 7 ETM+, IKONOS and STRM) in this study revealed unique features of drainage patterns and anomaly types in the Saudi Arabia region and its surroundings. Patterns were analyzed at different scales using different image processing approaches for 136 drainage systems in the Arabian Peninsula. They represent 10 drainage patterns, of which 12 anomaly types exist. Out of the 12 anomalous drainages, there are 6 newly recognized types according to known classifications. These anomalies are found to reflect many structural and geomorphological processes, which were difficult to identify directly from geomorphologic and geologic maps, and in field surveys. A new classification for drainage patterns and their anomalies is presented in this study. The mechanism for each anomalous pattern is also interpreted. The methods used in this study can help improve analysis of drainage systems for application in hydrological and engineering practice. Reference: Al Saud, M.M.. 2007. Using satellite images to study drainage pattern anomalies in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 15, Paper 30. CONTACT: Mashael M. Al Saud Space Research Institute King Abdel Aziz City for Science and Technology Kingdom of Saudi Arabia E-mail: geomm5@yahoo.com |
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