Geomorphic mapping in endorheic catchments in the Spanish Pyrenees: An integrated GIS analysis of karstic features

Abstract

A B S T R A C TDigital elevation models (DEMs) can be a useful tool to assess morphologically and hydrologically active processes. This paper presents a method to obtain accurate DEMs, an analysis of DEM errors and the benefits of GIS techniques for mapping geomorphological features and active processes in the karstic endorheic catchment with three permanent lakes (Estaña lakes) in the External Ranges of the Spanish Pyrenees. Field work revealed the lack of accuracy in the original DEM. A method was then proposed to obtain a hydrologically correct DEM using a Total Topographic Station (TTS) and a Global Positioning System (GPS). On a regular grid, 246 topographic points were recorded with a GPS and 237 points were measured with a TTS on areas of gentle slope. The mean and standard deviation of the error of the corrected DEM were -1.5 and 3.2 m, respectively. By using a combined flow algorithm, a flow accumulation map was derived from the corrected DEM and the study area was Hence, the proposed methodology including DEM correction is useful for an accurate assessment of topographical and geomorphological features in karstic environments.2

Routing runoff and soil particles in a distributed model with GIS: implications for soil protection in mountain agricultural landscapes

“…with a mean slope of 17 per cent and steep slopes (> 22Á5 per cent) occupy 26 per cent of the total surface. The geomorphic units of the study area were identified by López-Vicente et al (2009) and include two collapse dolines that are associated to the lake, one uvala, nine gullies with a maxima length of 323 m and a main stream that measures 1421 m, together with the presence of colluvial, alluvial and doline deposits (Figure 1).…”

Caracterización edáfica y distribución de 137Cs en perfiles de suelos representativos de agrosistemas mediterráneos de montaña

“…La zona se caracteriza por un predominio de suelos agrícolas (cereal de invierno y cultivos de secano), mientras que los pastos destinados al uso ganadero (porcino y ovino) están cubiertos por matorrales mixtos muy degradados compuestos por boj (Buxux sempervirens), enebro (Juniperus oxycedrus) y romero (Rosmarinus officinalis). Los suelos forestales están cubiertos por bosques mediterráneos en los que predominan encinas, coscojas, enebros (Juniperus oxycedrus) y quejigales (López-Vicente et al, 2009). …”

Geomorphological research in Spain

“…Evaporite karst features mainly correspond to lake basins developed in collapse structures related to dissolution of subjacent Triassic and Eocene formations (Estaña, Montcortés, Bañolas; e.g. Canals et al, 2006;López-Vicente et al, 2009). Moreover, numerous dam projects have been severely affected by karst-related water leakage problems (Belsué, Canelles, Camarasa;Milanovic, 2000).…”